logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
44m 34s

The Power of Practical Optimism

DR. MONA AMIN
About this episode

Do you consider yourself an optimist? Although some people may be more optimistic than others, you can learn to foster an optimistic mindset – a key tool for parents to build resiliency and navigate the unexpected. I welcome Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and author of the new book, Practical Optimism: The Art, Science and Practice of Exceptional Wellbeing.


We discuss: 

  • What is practical optimism, and how it differs from toxic positivity and pessimism  
  • If there is a genetic component of optimism or if it can be learned 
  • How some people survive, even thrive, despite profound challenges
  • The 8 Pillars of optimism and the 3Ps of pessimism
  • How optimism can help with dealing with the unexpected, especially as parents


Connect with Dr. Varma on Instagram @drsuevarma. Remember to check out her book and visit her website for more resources.


We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsors page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Yesterday
How Sensory Processing Shapes Kids’ Behavior
Sensory processing isn’t always easy to spot, but it affects how kids experience the world in a big way. From clothing struggles to party meltdowns, what looks like “behavior” can often be a child’s nervous system asking for help. That’s why I sat down with occupational therapist ... Show More
48m 49s
Oct 6
The Follow-Up: Managing Health Anxiety
When my son had a stroke and seizures as a newborn, every moment felt uncertain. Once things stabilized, that deep anxiety finally eased until the first time he got sick again. I remember walking into his room and feeling that old fear rush back. If you’ve ever felt your heart ra ... Show More
14m 10s
Oct 1
Public Health, Politics, and Gen Z Leadership with the Youngest Congressman Maxwell Frost
Politics and public health haven’t always been so divided, but in today’s world, even science and vaccines have become political battlegrounds. That’s why I sat down with Congressman Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress and a voice for Gen Z leadership, to talk about wh ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2024
How to Be a Practical Optimist (with psychiatrist Sue Varma)
Sue Varma, author of Practical Optimism, served as the first medical director and attending psychiatrist at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program, treating civilian and first-responder survivors in the aftermath of 9/11. She shares how her work there led her to develop a f ... Show More
1h 4m
Jun 2024
2214: [Part 2] Look On The Bright Side: 7 Secrets To Raising Optimistic Kids by Jen of This Time of Mine on Motherhood
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2214:Jen of This Time of Mine shares valuable insights on raising optimistic kids, emphasizing the importance of looking for ... Show More
10m 31s
Mar 2023
Live Longer Being an Optimistic Realist
Live Longer Being an Optimistic RealistAre you an "Optimist" or a "Realist" who is optimistic?It makes a difference.  Studies have shown that Optimists don't live as long and Optimistic Realists.Why?Being blindly optimistic today can lead to massive disappointment and stress. The ... Show More
11m 5s
Jul 2021
388: Optimism vs. Pessimism vs. Realism: Which is Best?
Do you consider yourself to be an optimist, a pessimist, or a realist? Optimism, pessimism, and realism are three different paradigms that impact how we approach life and interpret life’s events. For some, they’re even identities. When we face difficult times, our dominant paradi ... Show More
1h 4m
Sep 2021
296 // How to Be More Optimistic During Difficult Situations
Hello and welcome to episode 296 of The Mindful Kind podcast.  In this episode, you'll learn about some practical strategies to help you be more optimistic during difficult times.  To understand optimism a little more, be sure to check out episode 114 of The Mindful Kind, "Outloo ... Show More
10m 8s
May 2023
256 - Developing Optimism
Are you a pessimist? Do you see the glass as half empty? Do you often get depressed when you think about the state of the world? Today I want to talk about how stoicism can help make you an optimist.Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your wa ... Show More
12m 32s
Jul 2018
Optimism and hope—with Martin Seligman
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Optimism may protect you from depression. But pessimism could be roughly equivalent to smoking more than 2 packs of cigarettes a day. Known as The Father of Positive Psychology, Professor Martin Seligman continues his talk to an Australian audi ... Show More
28m 57s
Feb 2024
158: Practical Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma
Can we boost our sense of happiness and overall well-being? Why do some individuals not only survive - but thrive - in the face of life's challenges? Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist joins us on the publication day of her new book, Practical Optimi ... Show More
36m 43s
Nov 2014
Episode #042 ... Optimism
On this episode, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of optimism. First, we examine the various motivations for pessimism, and hear what Winston Churchill, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Marcus Aurelius have to say about optimism. Next, we think about the vastly different implication ... Show More
28m 23s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami