March 07, 2025

Coping with Travel Anxiety and Thriving in Uncertainty: Science-Backed Solutions

In this episode of The Optimist Daily Weekly Roundup, Arielle and Karissa dive into some of the most anxiety-inducing headlines of the past week—from plane crashes to media overload—and explore how to manage travel anxiety when the news is anything but comforting. They share science-backed tips from experts like Dr. Rebecca Skolnick, Dr. Michael Halassa, and Dr. Aoife O’Donovan on how to build resilience in uncertain times. Plus, the hosts discuss the power of mindfulness, the surprising benefits of exercise for stress management, and why maintaining hope is more than just a feel-good mantra. Tune in for practical strategies to stay calm, optimistic, and ready to face the unknown.

Transcript link:  https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419741

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   15:21 min

February 28, 2025

Mastering Eye Contact for Better Communication + Norway Bans Fur Farming

In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Karissa and Arielle explore Norway’s groundbreaking decision to ban fur farming, diving into how activism, consumer choices, and political action shape a more compassionate world. They also break down essential eye contact tips—what mistakes to avoid, how to improve your skills, and why eye contact is key to confidence and connection.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419689

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   19:45 min

February 21, 2025

Naps & Net Worth: How Sleep Boosts Problem-Solving + Discussing Female Invest

In this episode of The Optimist Daily Weekly Roundup, Karissa and Arielle explore the surprising link between naps and enhanced problem-solving skills—because sometimes, sleeping on it really is the best strategy. Then, they dive into the story of Female Invest, a platform making financial literacy accessible to women worldwide. With $23 million in funding, this initiative is breaking barriers, but not without controversy. Should financial education be gendered, or should investing just be investing?

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419653

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   18:57 min

February 14, 2025

Love, Climate Justice, and a Snuggly Sleep Hack

Happy Valentine’s Day! This week, Arielle and Karissa are diving into a love-infused lineup of solutions, starting with a fascinating study on how your partner’s scent might actually help you sleep better. Then, they explore San Francisco State University’s groundbreaking new climate justice requirement, plus more inspiring stories on sustainability, wellness, and innovation. Whether you’re celebrating romance or just enjoying some good news, we’ve got the perfect dose of optimism for you!

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419620

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   13:34 min

February 07, 2025

The Rise of Ethical Social Media & Granting Nature Legal Rights

In this week’s episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Karissa and Arielle dive into the world of ethical social media and environmental justice. First, Karissa explores decentralized platforms like Pixelfed, Loops, and Sup, which challenge big tech by prioritizing privacy, transparency, and community governance. Then, Arielle shifts our focus to New Zealand, where Taranaki Mounga has been granted legal personhood, marking a monumental step for Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419590

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   18:42 min

January 31, 2025

From Climate Action to Better Sleep: Solutions for a Brighter Future

In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Arielle and Karissa dive into the latest solutions-focused stories making a positive impact worldwide. They discuss Michael Bloomberg’s bold move to fund the UNFCCC after U.S. withdrawal, highlighting how private initiatives can drive climate action.

Shifting gears to better sleep, they explore five key nutrition tips that can help you fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed—from prioritizing protein and fiber to timing your water intake wisely.

Transcript link: 

https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419557

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   14:06 min

January 24, 2025

Breakthroughs in Women’s Health and Quiet Construction

In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Karissa and Arielle dive into groundbreaking advancements in women’s health with a revolutionary blood test for endometriosis and explore Oslo’s quiet construction revolution, leading the way in sustainable and emission-free building practices. Tune in to discover how optimism is shaping the future!

Transcript link:

https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419527

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   12:37 min

January 17, 2025

California Wildfires: Solutions for Recovery, Resilience, and Support

In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup, Karissa and Arielle shine a light on the devastating California wildfires and explore actionable solutions for recovery and resilience. From supporting first responders and evacuees to mitigating the health risks of wildfire smoke, they share practical tips and inspiring stories of community efforts. Plus, they highlight other uplifting solutions from around the world.

Transcript link:

https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419496

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

Donate link:

https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   16:46 min

January 10, 2025

New Year, New Intentions: Strategies for a Fulfilled 2025

Welcome back to The Optimist Daily Weekly Round-Up! Arielle and Karissa kick off a brand new season with a conversation about setting intentions to make 2025 a year of personal growth and fulfillment. Forget those rigid New Year’s resolutions—learn how intentions can guide your heart and mind toward meaningful change. The hosts also explore how psychological richness, mindfulness, curiosity, and creativity can transform everyday routines into opportunities for engagement and joy.

Start your year with optimism and actionable solutions—hit play and get inspired!

Transcript link:

https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419460

The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy.

Donate link:

https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   15:38 min

December 20, 2024

Season's Greetings from the Optimist Daily!

In this special mini-episode of The Optimist Daily Weekly Round-Up, join us for a heartfelt message of gratitude from our team. With Karissa out sick, we’re keeping it short and sweet—reflecting on the importance of optimism in today’s world and celebrating you, our incredible community. From all of us at The Optimist Daily and The World Business Academy, we wish you a joyful and hopeful holiday season!

Transcript link:

https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419428

The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy.

Donate link:

https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://

 PLAY   01:44 min