Awkwardness gets a bad rap, but the trait is often an indicator that someone is extraordinary.
Psychologist and author Ty Tashiro has spent a great deal of time studying (and living!) social awkwardness. He's fascinated by how the same traits that cause us social embarrassment can also drive exceptional accomplishment.
As a fellow awkward person myself, I ... Show More
Oct 20
Revisited: The Power of Doing One Thing Exceptionally Well with Gymshark Founder and CEO Ben Francis
Hello from Team Simon! Brand-new episodes of A Bit of Optimism are back next Tuesday, October 27. Before then, we're revisiting one last favorite: the company Simon names whenever someone asks which business actually lives the ideas he writes about. It's Gymshark, and its founder ... Show More
1 h
Oct 13
Revisited: Why Relationships Are the Secret to a Long, Happy Life with Psychotherapist Esther Perel
Hello from Team Simon! We’re taking a few weeks off and will be back with brand-new episodes of A Bit of Optimism on Tuesday, October 27. Until then, we’re revisiting some of our favorite conversations, including this one with a longtime friend of Simon’s: Esther Perel. For most ... Show More
1h 2m
Apr 2024
The Advantages of a Socially Awkward Brain with Ty Tashiro
Can the traits that make you feel socially awkward actually be the key to unlocking extraordinary success? We’ve all experienced a time when we felt like an outsider looking in. But for some, this isn’t a rare occurrence, but a constant struggle. In fact, research shows 10 – 15% ... Show More
20m 49s
Apr 2024
So Awkward: How to embrace the embarrassing
Forgetting a name, a poorly executed hug, the 7th grade — awkwardness is part of our lives whether we like it or not. But what if we put the embarrassment aside and embraced our awkward selves? Guests include social scientist Ty Tashiro, cartoonist Liana Finck, journalist Melissa ... Show More
50m 21s
Apr 2025
Life can be so awkward. Here's how to embrace the embarrassing
Forgetting a name, a poorly executed hug, the 7th grade — awkwardness is part of our lives whether we like it or not. But what if we put the embarrassment aside and embraced our awkward selves? Guests include social scientist Ty Tashiro, cartoonist Liana Finck, journalist Melissa ... Show More
49m 35s
Nov 2024
Life can be so awkward. Here's how to embrace the embarrassing
Forgetting a name, a poorly executed hug, the 7th grade — awkwardness is part of our lives whether we like it or not. But what if we put the embarrassment aside and embraced our awkward selves? Guests include social scientist Ty Tashiro, cartoonist Liana Finck, journalist Melissa ... Show More
49m 35s
Mar 2024
How to be Unforgettable: Be more awkward
This week, we’re closing out our two part series on How to be Unforgettable. Often, we consider our awkward moments as unforgettable in an embarrassing way, but today’s guest challenges us to look at those social blunders as opportunities for growth. Henna Pryor is the author of ... Show More
34m 3s
Feb 2018
#203: How to Not Be Shy
This week, I want to talk to you about shyness. If you consider yourself shy, you’re surely familiar with being overwhelmed being around others, feeling uncomfortable, timid, and insecure. For those of you who view shyness as a character trait that cannot be changed, I bring you ... Show More
46m 17s