Episode Description

This week’s positive news:

Arielle starts us off by talking about the ongoing Paralympics, and how this event presents the perfect opportunity for parents to address their kids’ questions and curiosities about limb differences. Then Karissa brings to our attention the historic $100 million donation given to the US’s National Park Foundation by Lilly Endowment Inc. She then walks us through just how it will help improve the country’s many national parks.

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Transcript 

Theme music 

Arielle 

Hello and welcome to the Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup. I’m Arielle. 

Karissa 

And I’m Karissa and we’re working hard to put solutions in view and optimism in movement. 

Arielle 

All right, so we’re back with another episode of our podcast to share the solutions from the Optimist Daily this week. How’s it going, Karissa, how are you doing? 

Karissa 

Going pretty well, it was a short week since Monday was Labor Day, so that’s also the benefit of a three-day weekend is getting a four-day work week after.  

Arielle 

Mm-hm. Yeah. 

Karissa 

It was nice. I’m just preparing to do a little traveling next week. A ‘work-cation’ I guess, just to Idaho to see my family and friends. 

Arielle 

Oh, nice. You’ve been doing quite a lot of traveling lately to visit people. 

Karissa 

Yeah, I know!  

Both 

(Laugh) 

Karissa 

I have a lot of long-distance friends. Long distance family, boyfriends… So there’s a lot of traveling that I do to go see them all. And it’s nice of course, with our job being super flexible and remote, so we can work anywhere in the world. And I mean we’re a global team anyway. 

Arielle 

Yeah. Maybe we should visit each other sometime? (Laughs) 

Karissa 

Very true, I know, and we can work-cation together! (Laughs) 

Arielle 

I have some friends visiting this weekend as well.  

Karissa 

Nice.  

Arielle 

Actually, the ones that I’ve been crocheting the cat pod for so… 

Karissa 

Yeah, you’ve been working on that for a few weeks now, so that’ll be very satisfying to complete. 

Arielle 

Yeah, I’m uh, I’m excited. But yeah, it’s been a… it’s been a good week for me as well. The Paralympics are happening! 

Karissa 

Yeah, I know, they are happening right now. I… I haven’t really caught too much of it, but I’ve been seeing a couple of headlines about what’s going on. 

Arielle 

Honestly, I haven’t really seen any of it either, but yeah, as I said, I’m not really, um, a TV watcher.  

Karissa 

Yeah, me neither. 

Arielle  

But there was an article this week from the Optimist Daily that caught my attention, and I thought it was just a really interesting topic. So, do you mind if I jump into it? 

Karissa 

Yeah, go ahead. 

Arielle 

Okay. So, this topic I think is going to spark some great conversations, especially if you’ve got little ones around. So, the article that I’m referencing here is titled: Using the Paralympics to encourage conversations about limb differences with kids.  

So, as we just discussed, the Paralympics are going on right now, and besides being fascinating to watch in itself, it can actually help us have important discussions and conversations with kids about limb differences. And yeah, this article is, you know, all about curiosity, empathy, and understanding. Things that we really love at the Optimist Daily and that we could all use a little more of. 

Karissa 

Yeah, I’ve always thought or observed that kids are naturally curious about everything, and sometimes they ask the most unexpected questions. Especially in public.  

Arielle 

(Laughs) 

Karissa 

You know the moments where you’re just like, where did that come from?  

Arielle 

(Laughs)  

Karissa 

So, I have a lot of little cousins and so sometimes those random questions do come out (laughs). 

Arielle 

They probably take you by surprise sometimes… ‘cause kids just say, like, the darndest things.  

Karissa 

Mm-hm. 

Arielle  

I think that’s the expression? 

Karissa 

Yes. 

Arielle 

But yeah, these moments of curiosity can be golden opportunities for teaching, because, as you said, kids are curious. And when they see someone who looks different from them, like someone with a limb difference, for instance, they’re bound to ask questions. And instead of shushing them or brushing it off, it’s a great chance for parents and/or guardians to step in and have a real conversation.  

Shree Thaker, who’s with the Amputee Coalition, puts it perfectly. She says that discussing disability openly actually helps to normalize it, and that’s important because normalizing leads to understanding, which then leads to a more inclusive society on the whole. 

Karissa 

Yeah, totally. That makes so much sense. And you know, it’s like when you tell kids not to touch something. It just makes them want to touch it even more, but if you engage with them, they could actually learn so much. And I bet this approach helps kids develop empathy too, right? 

Arielle 

Yeah, you’re spot on. It’s all about fostering that natural curiosity that they have in a way that builds empathy. Cameron Lutges from the No Limits Foundation mentions that letting kids ask questions helps them wrap their brains around what limb differences are and how prosthetics work.  

Speaking of prosthetics, these devices can be super fascinating for kids and adults, especially when they see the Paralympic athletes using them in ways that might seem like something out of the newest Marvel movie. Or like a superhero thing. 

Karissa 

Yeah, exactly, because I can totally imagine a kid thinking or being like, whoa, is that person part robot?  

Both 

(Laugh) 

Karissa 

But it sounds like there’s a really cool way to explain this to them. 

Arielle 

Definitely. Lutges suggests comparing prosthetics to something kids are already familiar with, such as shoes. So, he says, you know, think of prosthetics as tools that help people much like shoes protect our feet and help us get around. So, this comparison can help kids see that prosthetics are just aids that help people do everyday tasks rather than something that defines who they are completely. 

Karissa 

I really love that analogy. It makes the whole concept a lot more relatable for kids and adults too. But what about when we talk about these amazing athletes? How do we keep the focus on their achievements without getting too caught up in their disabilities? 

Arielle 

Yeah, that’s a great question. Thaker suggests we should talk about Paralympic athletes just like we would any other elite athlete. So instead of saying ‘Wow, look how fast she’s running on that blade’, you’d simply say, ‘Look how fast she’s running’.  

Karissa 

Mm-hm.  

Arielle 

And this way, kids learn to appreciate the athletes’ abilities first and foremost while understanding that using a prosthetic is just one part of their success, not the whole story 

Karissa 

Yeah, totally. That’s such a powerful approach. And it keeps the focus on their achievements, which is exactly where it should be because it’s a lot of hard work to get to the Paralympics.  

Arielle 

Mm-hmm. 

Karissa 

But beyond sports, how do we help kids understand that people with disabilities are whole individuals with their own stories and experiences? 

Arielle 

Yeah, it’s important to go beyond just the prosthetics and athletic feats. Thaker also mentions that disability is just one part of a person’s identity, not the entirety of it, so parents can help kids see the bigger picture by sharing more about these athletes’ lives like their training routines… You can mention how dedicated they are.  

Karissa 

Yeah. 

Arielle 

And if you know anything about their personal journeys, you can throw in a couple of facts about that as well. And this helps kids build empathy and see people with disabilities as complete individuals with diverse and rich experiences that go beyond just having a prosthetic. 

Karissa 

Yeah, totally. And that’s such a valuable lesson. And speaking of seeing the whole picture, it’s a fact that, unfortunately, the Paralympics don’t get nearly as much media attention as the Olympics. How do we explain that to kids? 

Arielle 

Yeah, you’re right. There’s just a huge difference in coverage, but that difference is a great starting point for discussions about things like representation and equity.  

Karissa 

Yeah. 

Arielle 

Thaker notes that while progress has been made, there’s still work to be done for true equality in how we view and value different body types and abilities. 

So, talking about this with kids can help them appreciate the importance of fairness and representation, not just in sports but in all aspects of life. 

Karissa 

Yeah, it’s such an important conversation to have. But what about kids who might worry about losing a limb themselves? How do parents address those fears without causing more anxiety? 

Arielle 

Yeah, that’s a great point. Um… if a child expresses that kind of worry, it’s important for parents to reassure them as much as they can. But of course, accidents and illnesses happen, so they can’t really do too much to prevent that. But they can say that they’ll always do their best to keep their kids safe.  

And if a child has even more questions that a parent can’t answer, it’s actually fine to say ‘I don’t know. Let’s find out together.’ So, this not only eases anxiety but also models a positive attitude toward learning and exploring new topics. 

Karissa 

This is a really comforting approach, and in the end, using the Paralympics as a conversation starter can open up a whole world of understanding for kids. So, I think that’s great. 

Arielle 

Absolutely! By talking about the Paralympics, parents can introduce the concept of limb differences in a way that’s both informative and compassionate. And these discussions help normalize disability and inspire kids to think just more inclusively in general. So, it’s all about shaping the next generation to be more understanding and empathetic. 

Karissa 

I love it so much. It’s about raising kids who see differences as just another part of the human experience, not something to be afraid of or shy away from. And you know, not just kids. I think we can all learn that as well. 

Arielle 

Yeah, yeah, it’s uh, definitely applicable to adults as well. Just like when you were saying earlier, like, uh, when you tell kids not to touch something, it makes them want to touch it more and I’m like.  

Karissa 

Yeah.  

Arielle 

I also fall under that category. 

Both 

(Laugh) 

Karissa 

For sure. Well, nice. Congratulations to all the Paralympic athletes who are out there and doing amazing things because all these Olympic Athletes, Paralympics or Olympics are superhuman. And do amazing things! 

Arielle 

Well, that was pretty much it for me. What did you have on deck for us, Karissa? 

Karissa 

Yeah. So, my solution is unrelated to the Paralympics, but something that was a really nice headline to read this past week, so I’ll just dive into it. It’s called: U.S. National parks get a historic $100 million boost.  

Arielle 

Wow. 

Karissa 

So, the US National Park system recently received a dramatic boost with the announcement of a $100 million commitment from Lilly Endowment Inc., the largest single donation in the National Park Foundation’s history. The National Park Foundation, the National Park Services official fundraising arm, will use this historic contribution to support essential initiatives focused on maintaining and improving the park system’s more than 400 sites. 

I guess, before I go in. Arielle, have you been to any of the national parks in the US in your time visiting? 

Arielle 

Um, I have been to the redwoods like a certain part of the Redwoods, but I can’t remember the actual name of it. 

Karissa 

Okay. Uh-huh. 

Arielle 

I just remember the feeling of being in awe of how gigantic these trees are, and I’m sure because I visited cousins in Seattle and there’s a lot of really nice hiking areas there. So, I’m sure that I have been to national parks.  

Karissa 

Yeah 

Arielle 

But. I just can’t remember… But I definitely would love to go back to the Americas in general because I know that they have such a wide variety in landscapes, nature, and national parks, so this is great to be hearing about now because it’ll probably be a while until I get to visit the national parks of the United States. And by that point, this money will have already been improving things. 

Karissa 

Exactly. I was so excited to hear this because I am a huge fan of the National Park System and I hope to visit every single one. I mean, it’s great not just for us in the United States. We’re so lucky to have all these amazing spots, like, in our backyard. But it’s great for the world too because there’s so many global visitors that come every year to visit these amazing sites.  

I live very close to Yosemite National Park, which is a huge one. And I was up like in… not in Yosemite. But in the same mountain chain, the Sierra Nevada’s uh, these past couple weekends actually doing some camping and hiking around. And it’s just so gorgeous. And I’m glad that, you know, this will help. Not only, you know, improve these parks, but share the beauty of these parks to so many more people. 

Arielle 

Mm-hmm. Do you have a favorite park?  

Karissa 

I mean, maybe Yosemite because like, I mean it’s so close to me and it just reminds me of home, but I’ve been to a lot of ones in California, which I’m happy about. Joshua Tree National Park is really cool. Over the summer I was at the Hawaii Volcano National Park, which was super cool too. Didn’t get to see lava, but saw some volcanoes, which is so interesting.  

Arielle 

Yeah, very cool.  

Karissa 

I think like on my bucket list is… Yellowstone is for sure on my bucket list. I’m trying to go next summer. Yeah, but enough yapping of how great the national parks are.  

Arielle 

(Laughs) 

Karissa 

I’ll talk a little bit more about, like, what this donation will do.  

Will Shafroth, who is the National Park Foundation’s president and CEO, said for over 50 years, private philanthropy has played a vital role in bridging the gap between park needs and available funding. This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come. And this donation is not just a remarkable milestone for the National Park Foundation, but it is also the largest grant ever made to help U.S. National parks. So that’s super exciting to hear. 

Arielle 

Yeah, $100 million is a lot. It’s a huge amount. But do you know, like, what exactly this money is going to be used for? Because it could be used for a lot of different things. 

Karissa 

So, there’s four major priorities inside the National Parks that this $100 million funding will help address. So, I’ll get into it.  

First, the program will focus on increasing opportunities for young people to visit and experience parks, establishing a stronger connection to nature and outside places. This project seeks to ensure that future generations value and safeguard these natural assets. And then the second area is conservation, which of course is a very important area of concern. The funding will be used to conserve fragile ecosystems and species in the park, solving some of the country’s most serious environmental issues. And in addition to environmental conservation, the grant will help to portray a more inclusive and comprehensive story of American history.  

And I was really excited to see this point being brought up because the National Park Foundation intends to promote the tales of communities whose contributions and experiences have frequently gone unnoticed, resulting in a richer and more diverse narrative within parks. So, I mean, I’m sure that means that there will be a lot more focus on the Indigenous communities across the United States. 

Arielle 

Mm-hmm. Yeah, really important, because history should reflect all voices, especially in places as significant as the national parks. They’re kind of like pillars and symbols of what the country stands for.  

Karissa 

Exactly.  

Arielle 

Yeah, I’m really glad to see that.  

Karissa 

Yeah, super cool. And finally, the money will improve the overall visitor experience at all national parks. With over 320 million yearly visitors, the National Park Foundation is dedicated to offering a world-class experience, guaranteeing that everyone who enters the National Park may fully appreciate and interact with these natural beauties. I know that we wrote an article on the Optimist Daily, maybe last summer or the summer before, about accessible National Parks, uh, access in the United States.

Arielle 

Oh yeah.  

Karissa 

So, I hope that this will help improve that. Accessibility means so much too, so there’s a lot of different areas that this can improve on, so this donation is great. 

And it builds off the tradition that the Lilly Endowment stands for because the people behind it really appreciate nature. So. Committing to protecting the beauty and heritage of America’s national parks for future generations is super important to them and for many of us in the United States and around the world.  

As the National Park Foundation prepares to execute these projects, the impact of this gift will be felt across the country and ensuring that the natural and cultural riches of the park system are accessible and preserved for all, so, I think this is great to hear. 

Arielle 

Amazing, nice. And we found the link between our two stories, which seem so different. But uh, there is a little bit of an emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. So, that is the common thread this week.  

Karissa 

Yeah! Exactly. 

Arielle 

Yeah, well, that was a great roundup of solutions, I really enjoyed it this week. But we do have some other great solutions that you will not want to miss. You can find that on our website optimistdaily.com and they include: 

Karissa 

University students transform workouts into power with energy-generating gym equipment. How to shake off a stranger’s bad vibes. NHS 111 expands to provide 24-hour mental health crisis support. And Five top tips for getting your kids ready for the new school year. 

Arielle 

Oh yeah, it’s back to school already. 

Karissa 

Yeah, I know. 

Both 

(Laugh) 

Arielle 

Okay. So, we also have Saturn at its brightest, a stargazer’s guide to Saturn at opposition. France will test a nationwide mobile phone ban for students under the age of 15. The health benefits of coffee: why your daily cup of Joe is worth savoring. And Prepare your plants for moving day: a guide to bringing your plants indoors this fall. 

Karissa 

And if you want to start your day off right, make sure to subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get our solutions straight to your inbox. 

Arielle 

We also have a lot more on our social channels. You can find us @Optimist Daily on all of our platforms. That includes Threads and Pinterest. The only different one is on X. There we are @OdeToOptimism. 

Karissa 

And we’re a small team of optimists working hard to bring you positive news. If you want to support our mission of putting optimism into the world, click on the link in the show notes to find out how. 

Arielle 

And just a reminder that support doesn’t always have to be financial. You could just recommend our podcast to a friend, leave a positive review on Apple or Spotify, forward a link to a friend, or share a solution on your socials. Any of that would be a huge help for us. 

Karissa 

Alrighty then, we’ll be back next week with more solutions from the Optimist Daily. But until then, I hope everyone has a great weekend and Arielle, I hope your cat pod goes well. 

Arielle 

Oh yes, I know! I only have… yeah, a day or two. 

Both 

(Laugh) 

Arielle 

All right, well. I will see you next week and goodbye from us at the Optimist Daily!  

Karissa 

Bye!