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Simon SinekSimon Sinek

A Bit of Optimism Will Return In The New Year | A Bit of Optimism #Podcast

Team Simon here! As the year comes to a close, A Bit of Optimism is pressing pause for a short winter break. The show will return on January 27, 2026 and we can’t wait to be back with you. But before we go, we want to say thank you. Truly. This show exists because of you—the listeners who show up every week, share episodes and clips, leave thoughtful comments, start conversations, and carry these ideas into your own lives and workplaces. Your support, curiosity, and generosity are what give this podcast its momentum. It wouldn’t be what it is without this community. While we’re away, we’ll be revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the past year—conversations you helped turn into something special. We also invite you to explore the archive and revisit the episodes you loved most, the ones you shared, commented on, and helped make a success. We’re taking all of that energy with us into the break as we prepare for the year ahead. More meaningful conversations, more inspiring guests, and more moments we hope will leave you feeling just a little more optimistic. Thank you for being part of this journey. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you in the new year! + + + Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together. Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do. Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and The Infinite Game. + + + Website: http://simonsinek.com/ Live Online Classes: https://simonsinek.com/classes/ Podcast: http://apple.co/simonsinek Instagram: https://instagram.com/simonsinek/ Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/simonsinek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonsinek Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonsinek Simon’s books: The Infinite Game: https://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/ Start With Why: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/ Find Your Why: https://simonsinek.com/books/find-your-why/ Leaders Eat Last: https://simonsinek.com/books/leaders-eat-last/ Together is Better: https://simonsinek.com/books/together-is-better/ + + + #SimonSinek

Simon Sinekhost
Dec 23, 20252mWatch on YouTube ↗

CHAPTERS

  1. 0:06 – 0:36

    Year-end gratitude to listeners and community

    Simon reflects on how rewarding the year has been for the show and offers heartfelt thanks to listeners. He emphasizes that the podcast’s impact comes from the community engaging with and sharing the ideas.

    • •The past year of the podcast has been a joy to create
    • •Listeners are credited with making the show what it is
    • •Gratitude for engaging with, embracing, and spreading optimistic ideas
  2. 0:36 – 1:06

    Holiday break announcement and return date

    The show pauses for the holidays, with a clear promise of returning in the new year. Simon shares when new episodes will resume and teases upcoming guests.

    • •The team is taking a holiday break
    • •New episodes return January 27
    • •Upcoming guests and episodes are teased as “new and wonderful”
  3. 1:06 – 1:37

    Recommendation: Bob Chapman episode—what work can/should feel like

    Simon highlights a favorite episode featuring Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller. He describes visiting a factory in Phillips, Wisconsin, as a powerful example of humane, purpose-driven workplace culture.

    • •Episode pick: Bob Chapman (Barry-Wehmiller)
    • •On-location visit to a factory in Phillips, Wisconsin
    • •A lesson in what work could—and should—be like
  4. 1:37 – 1:50

    Recommendation: Jacob Collier episode—creative inspiration and playful thinking

    For listeners seeking creativity, Simon points to his conversation with Grammy winner Jacob Collier. He frames the episode as energizing and illuminating, showcasing Collier’s fast-moving, inventive mind.

    • •Episode pick: Jacob Collier (Grammy Award winner)
    • •Focus on creativity and inspiration
    • •A glimpse into Collier’s energetic, idea-rich thinking
  5. 1:50 – 2:03

    Recommendation: Trevor Noah episode—funny, cerebral, and assumption-challenging

    Simon recommends his conversation with Trevor Noah as both hilarious and deeply thought-provoking. He promises it will challenge assumptions and stretch the listener’s thinking.

    • •Episode pick: Trevor Noah
    • •Blend of humor and intellectual depth
    • •Designed to challenge assumptions and expand perspective
  6. 2:03 – 2:11

    Comedic callback clip: cartoonish expectations vs. real depression

    A short, humorous excerpt contrasts how people imagine certain mental states—like a cartoon sound-effects routine—with the reality of depression. The moment lands as a quick comedic beat while underscoring a serious truth.

    • •Playful sound-effect banter (“Arooga,” “boing”)
    • •Contrast between stereotype and reality
    • •Punchline: the reality is depression
  7. 2:11 – 2:37

    Closing thanks and holiday well-wishes

    Simon closes by thanking supporters again and expressing excitement for the year ahead. He ends with a warm reminder to take care of yourself and others over the holidays.

    • •Renewed appreciation for the audience’s support
    • •Looking ahead to 2026 with new ideas and conversations
    • •Holiday and New Year wishes; encouragement to care for self and community

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