We’ve never had more freedom in our relationships—yet many of us feel more disconnected than ever. Marriage, family, and even the workplace have all been reshaped by shifting norms, new technologies, and rising expectations. Happiness, once a nice-to-have, is now the very glue that keeps both couples and teams together.
Few people understand these changes be ... Show More
Oct 6
Revisited: Your Instincts Know What You Want with Happiness Expert Arthur Brooks
Team Simon here! A Bit of Optimism is on a short break, and brand-new episodes return October 27. Until then, we're revisiting a few conversations we keep coming back to. This week it's Arthur Brooks, a longtime friend of Simon's and one of his favorite people to talk to. Have yo ... Show More
55m 55s
Sep 29
Revisited: The Power of Saying "Screw It" with Rob Lowe
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, starting with one of the most fun we've ever had: Rob Lowe. Maybe you know th ... Show More
1h 2m
Aug 2025
How Technology Is Changing Love and Work — with Esther Perel
Scott speaks with Esther Perel, psychotherapist and bestselling author, about the state of modern relationships – at home and at work. They discuss how remote work and technology are fueling a “social atrophy,” why friendship and intimacy are in decline, and how connection is bec ... Show More
1h 2m
Feb 2025
Notable Moment: Love Expert Reveals Why 80% Of Modern Relationships Fail
We give our best energy to work, but what about our relationships? In this moment, Esther Perel reveals how small moments of disconnection—like looking at your phone instead of your partner—can erode intimacy over time. Discover how to bring attention, creativity, and presence ba ... Show More
10m 16s
Nov 2024
Reignite Your Relationship: Esther Perel On Desire, Intimacy, Sex, & Long-Term Love
Esther Perel is a renowned psychotherapist, bestselling author, and host of the groundbreaking podcast “Where Should We Begin?” This conversation explores the vicissitudes of modern love and Esther’s non-judgmental approach to relationships, emphasizing the tension between our ne ... Show More
2h 2m
Dec 2021
How To Have Successful Relationships with Esther Perel
Modern love comes with an unprecedented list of expectations. Relationships can of course be a source of amazing connection and joy, but they can also be really hard. We want our partner to be our best friend, lover, confidant, coworker, therapist, and so much more. We want from ... Show More
1h 6m
Apr 2021
Eros, Self-Awareness, and Being a Good Partner — with Esther Perel
Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and one of the leading voices on modern relationships. She discusses the challenges the pandemic has posed on our relationships, the importance of serendipitous moments, and why self-awareness is so important. Esther also shares how co-founders c ... Show More
57m 56s
May 2025
Esther Perel: Build better relationships at work
Therapist Esther Perel wants us all to build stronger relationships at work. Her coveted advice is the centerpiece of her books, TED talks and podcast “Where Should We Begin?” During the pandemic, she launched a conversational card game. Now, she joins host Jeff Berman to talk ab ... Show More
33m 54s
Dec 2022
493: The Best Relationship Advice Ever | Esther Perel
Do you want better, deeper, more intimate relationships?If yes, you are going to LOVE this conversation. Esther Perel is a relationship guru, and while she views herself as a student of relationships, she is unquestionably at the top of the class. She's now sharing all of her kno ... Show More
1h 10m