April 11, 2025

Uncontacted tribes, wildfire-resilient homes, and hope in tough times

This week, Arielle and Karissa explore a groundbreaking move by Colombia to protect uncontacted Indigenous communities and biodiversity, a California builder’s creation of the first wildfire-resilient neighborhood, and the personal impact of budget cuts to the EPA and NPS.

Transcript link: 

https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419923

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

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 PLAY   19:22 min

April 04, 2025

How crafting and friendships foster healing, joy, and upward mobility

This week, Arielle and Karissa explore the powerful intersection of creativity, mental well-being, and community. They dive into a groundbreaking study on how friendships across income lines can increase social mobility—and why inclusive schools and recreational spaces matter. Then, they turn to the healing magic of crafting, revealing how simple creative acts can reduce stress, build resilience, and deepen relationships.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419882

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   16:27 min

March 28, 2025

Bloodless Bulls & Biodegradable Beads

This week, Karissa and Arielle explore creative sustainability in action—from biodegradable, seed-filled Mardi Gras beads developed by LSU students to Mexico City’s bold move toward bloodless bullfighting. Join in for a hopeful conversation about how traditions can evolve, and discover more solutions that are reshaping our world for the better.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419837

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   14:24 min

March 21, 2025

Why Calling Your Friends Matters + A Win for Accessibility in France

In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup, Karissa and Arielle dive into two compelling stories: why picking up the phone to call your friends can strengthen relationships and improve mental well-being, and how France finally scrapped a discriminatory voting rule in its National Assembly. They discuss the growing loneliness epidemic, how small habits like making a call list can make a big difference, and why accessibility reforms—like the one championed by Sébastien Peytavie—are essential for creating a more inclusive society. Plus, they share even more uplifting solutions from around the world.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419802

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   17:05 min

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