July 11, 2025

Support for Texas flood relief and emotional recovery after disaster

In this special episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup, Arielle and Karissa discuss the devastating Texas floods and how to respond with both compassion and care. They walk through trusted ways you can contribute to flood relief efforts and also share practical mental health strategies for navigating collective grief—a response many of us feel when tragedy strikes close to home.

💡Featured articles:

• How to cope with collective grief when tragedy strikes close to home

• How to help Texas flood victims as the death toll rises

📍Resources to support Texas flood relief:

• American Red Cross – Emergency shelters and aid (or call 1-800-HELP-NOW)

• The Salvation Army – Mobile kitchens, supplies, and volunteers

• Kerrville Kroc Center – Local donation drop-off point

• Kerr County Flood Relief Fund – Regional relief via Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country

• Austin Pets Alive! – Animal rescue, fostering, and vet care

• World Central Kitchen – Hot meals for survivors and first responders

• TEXSAR – Texas Search and Rescue – Recovery operations and emergency response

• Verified GoFundMe Campaigns – Support individuals and families directly

Whether you’re donating, spreading the word, or just taking a mindful breath—every action counts. ❤️

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420363

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   10:08 min

June 27, 2025

Effective allyship in action + Belgian seniors hit the club in joyful resistance

In this week’s episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Arielle and Karissa revisit Part II of our popular 2020 series on allyship—this time diving into what effective allyship really looks like in practice. If you missed Part I on performative allyship, you can read it here!

They explore actionable ways to show up for marginalized communities with intention and consistency whether that means unlearning internal biases, financially supporting underrepresented creators, or stepping back to let others lead.

Then, the conversation shifts to a solution that proves joy knows no age limit: Belgium’s Papy Booom nonprofit is helping seniors fight loneliness with unforgettable nightclub outings.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420308

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   18:07 min

June 20, 2025

Burial reefs and dissolving plastics: hopeful headlines for our oceans

This week on The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup, Arielle and Karissa dive into ocean-inspired solutions. From sea moss superfoods and memorial reefs that turn human ashes into coral habitats to breakthrough plastics that dissolve in seawater and soil without leaving a trace. Plus, they mention more of the week’s top headlines on climate, health, and connection, like community dementia cafés, a ‘Green Fee’ in Hawaii, and the subtle science of trust. Tune in for a grounded yet hopeful look at where sustainability and human dignity meet.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420279

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   15:15 min

June 13, 2025

Pride, periods, and little pleasures: spotlighting dignity, endometriosis, and daily joy

This week, Arielle and Karissa dive into the science of little treats—those small, joyful moments that can regulate stress, boost dopamine, and support mental health. They also spotlight a record-breaking $50M donation launching a global endometriosis research hub and reflect on the urgent need for trans rights and dignity during Pride Month. From strawberry matcha lattes to structural change, it’s a hopeful, honest conversation about caring for ourselves and creating a better world.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420246

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   19:15 min

June 06, 2025

Fridge-Free Tortillas, Sunshine Guilt, and Science-Backed Self-Compassion

This week, Arielle and Karissa explore the science behind sunshine guilt and share simple tips for reframing guilt with self-compassion. Then they chat about fridge-free tortillas helping vulnerable communities in Mexico. Plus, they highlight other forward-thinking solutions—from volcano-forecasting trees to coral-saving nanoparticle gels and National Park Cities.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420209

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   15:22 min

May 30, 2025

From Reproductive Rights to Small But Mighty Chia Seeds

In this week’s round-up, Karissa and Arielle dive into the mighty chia seed’s digestive benefits and Cadence’s push to make emergency contraception as accessible as a pack of gum. Join them as they explore real-world solutions making a difference.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420180

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   12:43 min

May 23, 2025

The science of a sincere “sorry” and Boise’s geothermal energy solution

What makes an apology feel sincere? Hint: It’s in your syllables. This week, Arielle and Karissa dig into the psychology of saying sorry, celebrate Boise’s bold geothermal energy system, and share other global solutions that are heating things up (in the best way).

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420147

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   15:48 min

May 16, 2025

Snakebites, sunscreen, and solutions: ancient humans, modern science, and unexpected heroes

This week, Arielle and Karissa dive into the wild and wonderful world of solutions—from ancient humans using ochre as sunscreen during a magnetic pole shift, to Tim Friede, a man who willingly took 200 venomous snake bites to help researchers create a better antivenom. Plus: a roundup of science-backed health and policy stories you don’t want to miss. Listen in for survival strategies, surprising science, and a lot of human ingenuity.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420108

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   16:56 min

May 09, 2025

The quiet power of being average + life-sized animal puppets for climate action

Is an average life a failure—or a hidden strength? In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Arielle spotlights The Herds, a stunning climate art project featuring life-sized animal puppets parading through cities to raise awareness. Then, Karissa explores the beauty of embracing ordinary moments, with insights from psychologist Sam Goldstein on why a meaningful life doesn’t need to be extraordinary.  Plus, they share other uplifting stories—from butter made from air to Kenya’s clean energy transformation.

Watch The Herds behind-the-scenes magic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_herds

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420079

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   21:09 min

May 02, 2025

What Iceland and Switzerland can teach us about happiness, health, and healing

In this uplifting episode, Arielle and Karissa explore how Iceland’s connection to nature, social supports, and resilience boost national happiness—and how Swiss doctors are now prescribing museum visits to improve mental health. From cotton candy skies to Claude Monet, this conversation dives into how culture, community, and creativity are reshaping wellness worldwide. Plus, we round up this week’s most inspiring solutions from the Optimist Daily, from AI space discoveries to rave-ready nightclubs.

Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420043

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   18:22 min