The Optimist Daily Weekly Roundup
With Arielle Tiangco and Karissa Garcia
Do you like the stories from around the world that recognize and celebrate the people and events making a positive change? Tune in to The Optimist Daily Weekly Roundup, where our solutions-focused stories continue, and hear behind-the-scenes discussions from the people bringing you the news.
Episodes
February 23, 2024
Taylor Swift's Lifesaving Songs and Diversity Training for AI
This week's solutions news:
Karissa gets to talk about one of her favorite artists: Taylor Swift! Turns out that over 50 of Swift's songs are the perfect BPM for administering CPR. This means millions of Swifties out there have an edge in terms of saving people from cardiac arrest. Then, Arielle takes on an emerging tech solution that aims to create an inclusive future by bridging cultural gaps in AI: diversity training for Large Language Models (LLM).
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 22:45 min
February 16, 2024
Whale Cultural Exchange and England's Biodiversity Net Gain Program
This week's positive news:
Arielle dives into a fascinating story about a number of Baird's Beaked Whales that appear to practice and share cultural traditions. Then, Karissa goes into an exciting article about England's new Biodiversity Net Gain program, an ambitious initiative for sustainable construction.
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 18:59 min
February 09, 2024
Mindfulness for Students and The Smileyscope
This week is all about kids!
Karissa shares how schools in the US are championing students' emotional well being with school-wide mindfulness practice. Then, Arielle explains the Smileyscope, a VR tool for young patients that transforms scary medical procedures (like getting a needle) into an immersive adventure.
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 20:43 min
February 02, 2024
Decode Chicken Language and Sleep Your Way to a Longer Life
This week's positive news:
Arielle talks about how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to decode chicken language and how these developments can lead to improved animal welfare. Then, Karissa shares expert tips on how to prioritize sleep for longevity.
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 15:10 min
January 26, 2024
California's Sea Otters and Twilight Zone Fungi
This week's solutions news:
Karissa shares a story about one of her favorite animals—sea otters—and their role in protecting California coastlines. Then, Arielle takes us into the ocean's "Twilight Zone" to discuss the potential antibiotic properties of all the fungi growing there.
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 17:26 min
January 19, 2024
Spain's First Parliamentarian with Down Syndrome and a Neuroscientist's Guide to Strengthening Your Brain
This week's positive news:
Arielle shares exciting inclusivity and diversity news from Valencia: Mar Galcerán becomes Spain's first parliamentarian with Down Syndrome. Then, Karissa shares some expert tips on how to exercise key brain regions for a stronger brain in 2024.
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 16:32 min
January 12, 2024
Dry January and The Golden Gate Bridge's Life Saving Makeover
Happy New Year!
Arielle and Karissa catch up and talk about how they rang in 2024, then Arielle leads a conversation about the science behind Dry January. After, Karissa talks about a life-saving change on San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Trigger Warning
This episode involves discussions about suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate support from a mental health professional or contact a crisis helpline.
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 15:52 min
December 22, 2023
Connecting at Family Gatherings and Design Solutions to Urban Loneliness
Welcome to our last episode of the year!
Karissa shares tips on how to truly cultivating connection at family gatherings. Then Arielle talks about social infrastructure and how certain design choices can help alleviate urban loneliness.
On behalf of the team behind The Optimist Daily, we thank you for supporting us and our mission to spread optimism. See you in 2024!
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 26:55 min
December 12, 2023
Sesame Workshop Helps Kids Tackle Tough Issues and Unveiling Oxford's Word of the Year.
This week's positive news:
Arielle highlights Sesame Workshop's efforts to help children navigate families with addiction problems with kid-friendly and accessible resources. Then, Karissa explains what Oxford University's Word of the Year, "Rizz," really means!
We want to hear from you. Send your nominations for top Optimist Daily stories of 2023 to solutions@optimistdaily.com
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 18:41 min
December 08, 2023
Nature Guardians in UK Companies and Detroit's EV-Charging Roads
This week's uplifting news:
Karissa talks about how yet another UK Company invites "nature guardians" into their boardrooms to speak for and vote on behalf of nature. Then, Arielle shares electrifying news from Detroit: the rolling out of stretches of road that wirelessly charge EVs on the go.
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 24:57 min