When we want wisdom, we turn to people older than us. But there is a lot to be learned from younger generations too.
Mar 3
Revisited: How to Turn Stress Into Creativity With Grammy-Winner Jacob Collier
Team Simon here! As we take a short hiatus, A Bit of Optimism will return with brand-new episodes on March 24, 2026. Until then, we’re revisiting some of the conversations you loved and we still think about long after the microphones turned off. This week, we’re rewinding to Simo ... Show More
58m 33s
Feb 16
28 Years on the Force: Chief Angela Averiett on What It Really Takes to Change Police Culture
It’s often true that the most challenging conversations are often the ones most worth having. Conversations that bring up strong feelings, different experiences, and questions without easy answers. Policing, and how we can make it better, is one of those conversations.San Leandro ... Show More
1h 5m
Jul 2023
Feeling unappreciated in your profession? How to take ownership and create lasting impact as an educator with Stephanie Haynes
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Are you feeling a bit disconnected from your love for teaching?Today is the day to reignite the lost spark! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Stephanie Haynes, an education consultant who specializes in helping educato ... Show More
40m 57s
Dec 2021
Elizabeth Lesser | Courage Over Comfort [Best Of]
<p>Even as a kid, my guest, Elizabeth lesser was the rebel, the activist, the feminist in the family. Growing up with three sisters, and one very traditional father, she could never understand why the women didn't make more decisions and have more power. Hers was not a voice that ... Show More
59m 2s
Aug 2023
S2, E8: Building Belonging with Superintendent Kristi Dominguez
A pioneer in Early Learning in Washington State, Ferndale School District Superintendent Kristi Dominguez believes passionately that all children have the capacity to thrive in education, they simply don't all have the same opportunities to do so, and that those years before kind ... Show More
34m 51s
Jun 2022
What to Teach the World of the Future
<p>While the world races ahead into the metaverse, education remains rooted in the era of neat orderly rows of desks and lesson plans. In this wide-ranging conversation, Leila Hoteit, the managing director and senior partner who leads BCG’s education, employment, and welfare work ... Show More
20m 38s
Dec 2023
Transforming Education: Authentic Leadership and Systemic Change with Sarah Johnson
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to be a great leader, especially in the challenging world of education? Join us in today’s episode as we explore simple, yet powerful insights into authentic leadership with our guest, Sarah Joh ... Show More
39m 12s