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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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: Read More...
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: Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...