The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi

4.6 (147)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED WEEKLY

Host Yara Shahidi sits down with incredible changemakers to unlock their secrets to conquering life, love, career, and everything in between with unwavering confidence and hope. We often discuss joy and happiness, but this podcast goes deeper. Optimism is where the magic happens! Join us as we find ways to cultivate the practice of optimism in our own lives.

3 DAYS AGO

Dr. Vee Kativhu: Igniting Optimism by Chasing her Dreams & Changing Lives

Ready for a dose of inspiration? This week on The Optimist Project, Yara Shahidi sits in conversation with Gen Z global phenom, educator, author, and activist, Dr. Vee Kativhu, about chasing dreams, facing challenges, and lifting others as you rise. Dr. Vee gets real about how self-care can be the perfect shield against criticism, the importance and the power of community in grounding optimism, and how important her work in higher education is in breaking barriers for girls and young women in Zimbabwe and around the world. Resilience, empowerment, and a hopeful heart CAN turn dreams into reality! We want to hear from YOU! Head over to Instagram, leave us a voicemail, or shoot us an email about how you're investing in your mental health and chasing your purpose. Let’s share our seeds of optimism and uplift each other along the way. 🔗 Listen NOW and be inspired! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @veekativhu // Dr. Vee Kativhu/ @empoweredbyVee @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi 📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

1h 1m
FEB 12

Demetrius Harmon: Embracing your Unique Journey: The Strength to Lean into Vulnerability, Discover more about yourself & Honor your Purpose

This week’s episode of The Optimist Project is for my Gen Z peers and all those who love and support us. 💫 So many of us are battling self-doubt and navigating the complexities of mental health—a double whammy that can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing: we're not alone. In this empowering conversation, we’re joined by the incredible Demetrius Harmon—writer, actor, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Demetrius, the founder of the global clothing brand @youmatter, opens up about his personal journey of entrepreneurship, while also grappling with his own mental health struggles. He shares how he’s learned to chase his dreams and build community, all while learning the importance of mental well-being. 🧠✨ In this episode, Demetrius and Yara dive deep into the delicate balance between pursuing your passion and prioritizing your mental health. If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or just need a reminder that you’re capable of greatness, this episode is for YOU. Tune in for wisdom, motivation, and the comforting message: YOU MATTER. 💙 We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @demetriusharmon // Demetrius Harmon @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

49 min
FEB 5

Rapsody reminds us to 'stay in the light'

Grammy award-winning rapper Rapsody shares how optimism allows her to "stay in the light," the power of learning when to say 'no' and how to create purpose driven art. Also, she shares how her community is pivotal in shaping her pride in black culture, creative flow and living in alignment with her calling. We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @rapsody // Rapsody @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

56 min
JAN 29

Jaylen Brown on Finding Optimism in Meditation and Discipline

Jaylen Brown – 2024 NBA Finals MVP, philanthropist and entrepreneur – shares how he maintains his spiritual hygiene through mediation, sound frequencies and stoicism. Plus, he reveals the defining moment that made him choose UC Berkeley before being drafted into the Boston Celtics. We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @fchwpo // Jaylen Brown @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

54 min
JAN 22

Prentice Penny on the Optimism in Taking An "L"

Prentice Penny joins the Optimist Project sharing the important lessons he’s learned from the many “L’s” he’s experienced throughout his life and his writing, directing and producing career. Plus, I invite you to plan a social activity to help build community around you. Bolstering human connection is key to our well-being. Also, our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating wildfires impacting Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Please know that our thoughts are with you, your loved ones, and your communities. Here are some vital resources: 211 LA: 211la.org The American Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org Mutual Aid LA Network : https://www.mutualaidhub.org Follow us on Instagram at: @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shaidi @the_a_prentice // Prentice Penny @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

47 min
JAN 15

Christine Platt on Healing, Giving, and Finding Balance with Afro-minimalism

Christine Platt. author of The Afro-minimalist's Guide to Living With Less, explains how we can all rethink our living spaces, which helps to declutter our minds. She lets us in on the inspiring twists and turns with her career, and how a spur-of-the-moment decision to write a book changed her life. Also, our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating wildfires impacting Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Please know that our thoughts are with you, your loved ones, and your communities. Here are some vital resources: 211 LA: 211la.org The American Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org Mutual Aid LA Network : https://www.mutualaidhub.org Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @iamchristineplatt // Christine Platt @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

52 min
JAN 8

Preparing for Life's Lemons with Courtney B. Vance

I'm in conversation this week with actor Courtney B. Vance, who shares how life's ups and downs have conditioned him to lean into optimism. He opens up about how grief and a mother's prodding nudged him into therapy, and why he advocates for others to do the work of dealing with themselves. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @courtneybvance // Courtney B Vance

54 min
JAN 1

Dr. Allycin Powell - Hicks on Preserving our Peace

Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks, who comes from a long line of physicians, still had to find her own way in the health arena. These days, she mixes her medical and media backgrounds into her own business. She shares the way she counsels people about how to practice optimism as part of mental health. And she encourages us to try a new way to meditate -- with love and kindness at its center. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @allycinhicks // Dr Ally

49 min

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4.6

out of 5

147 Ratings

much needed podcast 🙌🏿

Feb 14

Cam from Central Park

for our well being. Wonderful guests too 🥳 🧠
So inspiring

Feb 13

MoriahHamiltoon

Yara, you and Jaylen are such a great collaboration. This episode was filled with so much gems and just plain inspirational as another outlier, this one was special, thank you!
insightful

Feb 7

osnapitzmiah

i LOVE these podcasts!!! yara has really good questions that elicit inspiring answers from the guest and i leave with a message every time, no matter if im familiar with the guest or not!!
Excellent

Jan 30

rmpcinti

I am a new listener, and I love this podcast. The recent interview with Jaylen Brown was outstanding and gives me both hope and useful guidance. Keep up your good work Yara!

Host Yara Shahidi sits down with incredible changemakers to unlock their secrets to conquering life, love, career, and everything in between with unwavering confidence and hope. We often discuss joy and happiness, but this podcast goes deeper. Optimism is where the magic happens! Join us as we find ways to cultivate the practice of optimism in our own lives.