The Sweet Bitter with Susan Cain

In a world defined by constant change, reinvention isn’t optional - it’s essential. We often assume reinvention comes from bold leaps or lucky breaks, but actor and author Matthew McConaughey’s story suggests a quieter approach can be far more powerful.In this episode, Matthew jo ... Show More

Hello from Team Simon! We’ll be back next week—January 27, 2026—with brand-new episodes of A Bit of Optimism. We’re excited to bring you new guests, conversations, and opportunities to learn.Until then, we’re diving back into the archives to revisit one of our favorite episodes f ... Show More

Team Simon here! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from 2025. But we'll be back in just two weeks with brand-new episodes of A Bit of Optimism on January 27, 2026. We think you’re going to love them!Today, we’re going back to January of last year when Dr. Becky Kenne ... Show More

Have you ever wondered why you like sad music? Do you find comfort or inspiration in rainy days? In this profound, poetic talk, author Susan Cain invites you to embrace the feeling of longing -- or the place where joy and sorrow meet -- as a gateway to creativity, connection and ... Show More

In today's episode, Vishen interviews Susan Cain, author of the best-selling phenomenon 'Quiet The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking'. She'll explain the premise of her new book 'Bittersweet' and how sorrow and longing can actually make us whole. If you seek ... Show More

Are you elevated by sad songs? Have you ever been brought to tears by a TV commercial? Do you relish rainy days? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you know the power of the bittersweet. Yet chances are there have been times when you’ve struggled to square your m ... Show More

Are you one of those people that finds solace and comfort in rainy days or melancholy music? It’s not quite sadness. It's more like longing. A beautiful ache that makes you feel more connected to the human experience. What is that specifically? And why does it compel us so? Forme ... Show More

<p>What is the power of a having bittersweet outlook?</p> <p>If you’re like most people, you’ve probably felt the pressure to always look on the bright side and act happy no matter what. While there is a place for optimism and positivity, you may actually be doing yourself a terr ... Show More

The Next Big Idea presents an audio masterclass from bestselling author Susan Cain. Drawing on her latest book, "Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole," Susan shares practical insights that you can use to bolster your creativity, deepen your connections, and find joy. ... Show More

<p><em>New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.</em></p> <p>---</p> <p>Many of us may have a reflexive reaction when we notice we're feeling down: we want it to go away. Maybe we think something is wron ... Show More

Have you ever wondered why you like sad music? Do you find comfort or inspiration in rainy days? In this profound, poetic talk, author Susan Cain invites you to embrace the feeling of longing -- or the place where joy and sorrow meet – as a gateway to creativity, connection and l ... Show More

1. How to know if you are a “Bittersweet” type. 2. On “stabs of joy”—and why our joy is often accompanied by dread. 3. How to complete the cycle of sadness, in order to live with more joy. 4. Susan and Sister’s best relationship advice: That our longing for the perfect partner is ... Show More