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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
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 Read More...
Patagonia Transforms Waste into Fashion and Smartphone Codes for Children's Well-being
This week's positive news: Patagonia leads the way (again) in sustainable and circular fashion. Karissa highlights Patagonia's Stormshadow parker which is made of ocean waste. Then, Arielle talks about how a small Irish town's "smartphone code" is improving children's mental health and digital Read More...