Episode Description:

This week’s good news:

Arielle begins by bringing us to the Solomon Islands, where The National Geographic Pristine Seas team accidentally discovered the world’s biggest coral. Then, Karissa shares how programs like Dorot and Eldera are helping youth and elders create intergenerational friendships, and why these relationships are so important, especially in this day and age.

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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. Hello! We are back with another episode of our pod to share some of the solutions from the Optimist Daily this week. Karissa, how are you doing? 

Karissa: 

I’m doing well this week. I’m feeling very grateful because Thanksgiving is coming up here in the United States next week, so definitely already in the gratitude mindset, even though we should be, of course, all year long. How about you? 

Arielle: 

Yeah, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in Europe, but maybe I will just go ahead and whip up some Thanksgiving dishes. We’ll see.  

Both: 

(Laugh) 

Arielle: 

But on that note, I guess we should mention that we will be taking a break from the pod for Thanksgiving, so that we can really focus on—well, for you, Karissa—celebrating with everyone, and for me, maybe trying out some Thanksgiving dishes. 

Karissa: 

Yeah! Might as well! 

Arielle: 

And that also brings us to our Changemaker series, which we have been doing for Thanksgiving. This week we are covering GRuB, which stands for Garden-Raised Bounty, and that’s based in Olympia, WA. It’s an organization that transforms agriculture into a tool for empowerment and healing, cultivating healthy food, resilient communities, and equity through programs that build gardeners, support veterans, and nurture youth leadership. 

Karissa: 

We also covered this week SparkNJ, which builds bridges of trust and equity in northern New Jersey by offering unrestricted funding to Black-led organizations, empowering them to create transformative change and fostering unity through visibility and collaboration. So, super cool organizations that were nominated by our fellow optimists this week. Sadly, next week is our last edition of the Changemaker series already. 

Arielle: 

Mm-hmm.  

Karissa: 

I’m a little bit sad to wrap it up. 

Arielle: 

I know, it was really fun.  

Karissa: 

Yeah! 

Arielle:  

I hope listeners and readers also enjoyed it as much as we did. Based on the feedback, I think they did (laughs). 

Karissa: 

Yes, yeah, definitely. We’ll be talking a little bit more about the highlights for us of the Changemaker series in our next podcast episode, so I’m looking forward to that and revisiting some of the stories that we didn’t really go into here on the podcast. But Arielle, I guess we do have some solutions that we want to share today. 

Arielle: 

Yes. Do you mind if I go first this time? 

Karissa: 

Yeah, let’s hear it. 

Arielle: 

OK, so today I’m diving—literally and figuratively—into some huge news from the ocean. The article that I’m talking about is titled The giant beneath the waves: world’s largest coral found in the Pacific. 

Karissa: 

How giant of a coral are we talking about here? 

Arielle: 

Yeah, so this coral is 34 meters wide, and for a visual, that’s about the length of a basketball court. It’s over 5 meters tall. It’s so massive that it’s apparently visible from space. 

Karissa: 

Oh, OK, that’s just wild. How does something that gigantic just go unnoticed? 

Arielle: 

Yeah, it was a bit of a lucky find. The National Geographic Pristine Seas team was exploring the waters around the Solomon Islands when they spotted what they thought was a shipwreck. They sent a diver down to investigate, and the diver was surprised to see that it was not a shipwreck—it was not a big rock—it was actually the world’s largest coral. 

Karissa: 

That’s so crazy—to expect to find an old ship in this dive and instead find a living, breathing ocean giant. 

Arielle: 

Exactly. And it’s not just any coral. This species is called Pavona clavus, and it’s estimated to be about 300 years old. So, it’s not just big—it’s also packed with history. Enric Sala, the expedition leader, described it as a “mass of coral made of nearly 1 billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color,” which is such a poetic way to put it. 

Karissa: 

OK, so Arielle, why is this coral such a big deal beyond its ginormous size? 

Arielle: 

Yeah, that’s a great question. The coral isn’t just a giant ocean marvel—it’s also basically a time capsule. It holds an invaluable historical record of ocean conditions over the last three centuries. One of the team members, Manu San Félix, called its genetic code “an enormous encyclopedia of survival strategies.” 

Karissa: 

Yeah, survival indeed—because 300 years is a long time for anything to survive. 

Arielle: 

To be alive, yeah (laughs). 

Karissa: 

So, it’s kind of sounding like this is, you know, the ocean’s survival guide in a sense. 

Arielle: 

Exactly. And it’s not just about its data either. Corals like this are vital to marine ecosystems. I was kind of poking around the interwebs for more on this topic, and I found another article from ABC News. It quoted Ronnie Posala from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries, who pointed out that corals act as the first line of defense for coastal communities, buffering against waves and storms. 

Karissa: 

That’s super cool. Did you find out why the Solomon Islands? Is it kind of, you know, like a coral hotspot? 

Arielle: 

Yes, totally. The Solomon Islands, where this coral was found, are a global hotspot for coral biodiversity. They’re home to more than 490 species of hard and soft coral, which support an abundance of marine life. 

Karissa: 

So, it’s not just the biggest coral—it’s also in the perfect place to really shine. 

Arielle: 

Yeah, the conditions are perfect. Eric Brown, a coral scientist with the expedition, pointed out that this particular coral acts as a safe haven for marine life, including reef fish, crabs, and shrimp. And even though warmer seas have damaged nearby reefs, this coral thrives in slightly deeper waters, where conditions are more stable. 

Karissa: 

But what are scientists doing with this discovery? Because it’s awesome, of course, but I’m sure there’s more they can learn from it. 

Arielle:

Yes. So, the Pristine Seas team is studying it to understand how corals like this can adapt to changing climates. Their hope is to use this knowledge to help other reefs survive global warming. And here’s the thing—this coral isn’t just a huge scientific discovery; it’s also a living monument. Manu San Félix described it as a natural monument that’s witnessed centuries of human history. He said, “Illustrious figures of humanity have coexisted with this colony: Newton, Darwin, Curie, Gandhi, Einstein… and it has survived them.” It now stores information on how to survive throughout the centuries. 

But, as you might guess, not everything is sunshine and rainbows—well, in this case—healthy coral polyps. Coral reefs worldwide are under serious threat from climate change. 

Karissa:

Yeah. 

Arielle:

Rising ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching, which can devastate entire ecosystems. UNESCO even warned that all 29 reef-containing World Heritage sites could disappear by the end of the century if we don’t curb greenhouse gas emissions right now. 

Karissa:

And even though this mega coral has survived for so long, I can imagine it’s not completely safe. 

Arielle:

Yeah, unfortunately, it’s not. Enric Sala said that despite its remote location, this coral isn’t immune to global warming or human activity. But there is a silver lining. Eric Brown, a coral scientist on the expedition that I mentioned before, called it a “beacon of hope.” Discoveries like this remind us of what’s possible. The Pristine Seas team is now studying this coral to understand how it’s survived so long and what it can teach us about protecting other reefs. 

Karissa:

Yeah, absolutely. And it’s not just about this one coral—it’s about giving reefs worldwide a fighting chance. 

Arielle:

Exactly. This discovery also highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. Currently, only 8.4% of the world’s oceans are protected, but findings like this show us why conservation matters—not just for biodiversity, but for the resilience of our entire planet.  

Karissa:

Definitely such a good point, and it’s a great reminder that nature is full of surprises, even in places we think we know. 

Arielle:

This coral has been quietly growing for 300 years, surviving waves of human history. It’s basically a symbol of resilience—but also a call to action. 

Karissa:

So, what can we do to help? 

Arielle:

I guess the first step would be to learn more about organizations like the National Geographic Pristine Seas team, because they’re doing incredible work to protect our oceans. And second, just be mindful of your own impact—whether it’s reducing your carbon footprint or supporting marine conservation efforts, or any conservation efforts that resonate with you. 

Karissa:

This coral is definitely a reminder of how amazing and fragile our planet is. 

Arielle:

Yeah, it really is. But that’s basically all I have for today. So, thanks for joining me on my deep dive (laughs). 

Karissa:

Yeah, I enjoyed this deep dive into exploring this giant coral. Thank you for sharing, Arielle! I guess on that note, we should really try to be friends with the planet, of course. And friendship kind of brings me—ungracefully—to the solution I wanted to cover today. 

Arielle:

Yes, of course. 

Karissa:

So, this week, I chose the solution: Cross-generational friendships: How teens and elders are transforming their lives. This one is just a very heartwarming solution at its core, because loneliness is more than just an unpleasant feeling—it’s a public health issue.  

According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s 2023 advisory report, loneliness raises the risk of death to the same degree as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The pandemic really exacerbated the situation, leaving many elders even more alone.

Arielle:

Wow. Fifteen cigarettes a day? I had no clue the effects of loneliness were so severe. 

Karissa:

Yeah, me neither. This severe issue definitely needs a solution. Programs like Dorot, which is the Hebrew word for “generations,” address this issue straight-on. For decades, Dorot has brought together young people and older folks, fostering partnerships that benefit both parties. 

For instance, we shared a story about Andrea Levitt, who’s 82. This organization filled a void created by her family relocating. She was feeling super lonely until she met Angelo Williams, who was 16 at the time, at a cookies-and-tea gathering in New York hosted by Dorot. Her son and his family had moved away, leaving her days quieter than she wanted. But Angelo’s sense of humor instantly lifted her spirits and even brought her out of depression—which is just so cool. 

Arielle:

That’s really cute. 

Karissa:

The best part is that they discovered a shared passion for basketball, which rapidly bridged the decades between them. Angelo was also impressed. He said, “We really just hit it off.” Their conversations covered everything—from Andrea’s stories about meeting celebrities in her youth (which is so cool to hear about) to Angelo’s anecdotes about his family. 

Arielle:

This is so lovely. I really enjoy this unexpected friendship, and I can imagine the benefits of this connection go far beyond just having someone new to chat about basketball with. 

Karissa:

Totally. Spot on. The benefits really extend beyond just a simple friendship. Donna Butts, the executive director of Generations United, highlights the importance of developing intergenerational ties to bridge societal differences. She says, “When you think about the way we create communities—policies, services, infrastructure—they’re often segregated by age.” She calls this “artificial silos” that separate generations. Breaking those barriers is essential, especially as U.S. demographics shift. 

While in-person activities like Dorot’s cookies-and-tea parties foster connection, technology is also helping bridge generations. 

Arielle:

Technology… How exactly is technology helping? 

Karissa:

Well, for example, Dana Griffin founded Eldera in 2020, which is a platform where older people tutor children ages 6 to 17 via weekly Zoom sessions. The initiative originated as a response to COVID-19 isolation, but it has since evolved into a meaningful opportunity for the elderly and children to interact. Griffin explains how virtual meetups provide older people with a sense of purpose. She says that when they feel valuable to a kid, it often changes their whole day, which I think is just so heartwarming. 

And according to Eldera’s findings, these relationships can grow to be incredibly significant. Many teenagers maintain mentorship relationships throughout college, spending an average of two hours each week consulting their elder advisors about anything from roommates to dating. 

Arielle: 

Aww (laughs). 

Karissa: 

It’s super cute and such a meaningful connection. Griffin also points out that youth benefit greatly from having someone other than their family to confide in, saying, “They really need to talk about everything.” 

Arielle:

Mm-hmm. Oh yeah, that’s so cool. From in-person to virtual relationship building, these connections do so much more than just relieve loneliness or provide mentorship. They really offer opportunities to learn from each other. 

Karissa:

Absolutely. Angelo, for example, acknowledges that when he first joined Dorot’s summer internship program, he thought he’d be the one delivering assistance. Instead, he finds himself learning from Andrea and others. He says, “You get to learn a lot about somebody else and also keep their stories with you,” which is just so beautiful. 

Arielle:

Mm-hmm. 

Karissa:

And Andrea, the elder in this relationship, agrees. She says, “I find that I have things in common with them, and we can have some really good discussions.” Griffin believes these ties remind older people of their significance in a world that often underestimates them. 

Arielle:

Yeah, that’s such an important issue to tackle. I’m so glad there are people out there working to bridge these divides. 

Karissa:

Me too. Programs like Dorot and Eldera are really developing new kinds of communities, challenging old concepts of age segregation. And they show that uniting generations isn’t just heartwarming—although it absolutely is—it’s revolutionary. These partnerships alleviate loneliness, encourage empathy, and create spaces where wisdom and youth can coexist and thrive. 

Arielle:

Yes, I can definitely get behind that. 

Karissa:

We’ve shared a lot of articles on the Optimist Daily about the benefits of these relationships. Not too long ago, we highlighted how communities focused on bringing elders, youth, and all generations together are starting to pop up across the world. It’s really hopeful. And, as Griffin says, “These relationships remind older adults of their worth and teach younger generations lessons that they can carry forward.” 

Arielle:

Yes! I’m interested in getting to know… what’s her name? Andrea. She was meeting celebrities back in her day—that sounds so cool.  

Karissa: 

Yeah! 

Arielle: 

Well, that was such a great roundup of solutions, as usual. We have some other great solutions from this week that you can find on our website, optimistdaily.com, and they include: 

Karissa:  

We have, Rat Patrol: African rodents trained to sniff out smuggled wildlife products—that one was fascinating—Women in New Mexico make history with legislative majority, and Get more rest: wake up earlier and change your night owl habits in eight simple steps. And a new CAR T-cell therapy for lupus brings hope for a cure. 

Arielle:  

We also have Three essential exercise tips every woman should know, according to a sports journalist, Five pre-holiday decluttering tips for a stress-free season, Outlawing child marriage: Colombia’s landmark step towards protecting girls, and, of course, our Changemakers of the week. This week we are covering GRUB and SparkNJ. 

Karissa:

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 solutions on our social channels. You can find us @OptimistDaily on all platforms, including Threads and Pinterest. The only different one is on X—there we are @OdeToOptimism. 

Karissa:

And we are 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 the link in the show notes to find out how. 

Arielle:

And remember, support doesn’t always have to be financial. You can recommend our podcast to a friend, leave a positive review on Apple or Spotify, forward a link to a loved one, or share solutions on your socials. Anything like that would be a huge help. 

Karissa: Well, Arielle, as always, it was great to share these solutions with you today. And for all of our listeners in the United States—have a very nice Thanksgiving next week. But in general, I am very grateful for you, Arielle. I guess I’ll end on that note. 

Arielle:

Aww. 

Karissa: 

And sharing these solutions with our optimist readers and listeners and making this movement happen. 

Arielle: 

Aww, I really appreciate you as well, Karissa, and all of our listeners and readers and the Optimist Daily community as a whole. So, yeah, we will see you in two weeks with more solutions. 

Karissa:

Until then, have a good one, everyone.  

Both: 

Bye!