A Bit of Optimism Will Return in the New Year

Team Simon here! As the year comes to a close, A Bit of Optimism is pressing pause for a short winter break. The show will return on January 27, 2026 and we can’t wait to be back with you. But before we go, we want to say thank you. Truly. This show exists because of you—the listeners who show up every week, share episodes and clips, leave thoughtful comments, start conversations, and carry these ideas into your own lives and workplaces. Your support, curiosity, and generosity are what give this podcast its momentum. It wouldn’t be what it is without this community. While we’re away, we’ll be revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the past year—conversations you helped turn into something special. We also invite you to explore the archive and revisit the episodes you loved most, the ones you shared, commented on, and helped make a success. We’re taking all of that energy with us into the break as we prepare for the year ahead. More meaningful conversations, more inspiring guests, and more moments we hope will leave you feeling just a little more optimistic. Thank you for being part of this journey. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you in the new year!

Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

• 0:06Simon Sinek?

  This year has been a wonderful year for A Bit of Optimism. It's been a sheer joy for me to sit down and record this podcast. And I know full well that it wouldn't be as great as it is if it wasn't for you, the listener. So I want to give you a big heartfelt thank you for making A Bit of Optimism what it is. Whether you listened to one episode or every episode, that you have been out there sharing the ideas, embracing the ideas. If you've sent a YouTube link to a friend or shared a clip on social, you've played a part in helping spread the message of optimism. Thank you. And like so many of you, we at A Bit of Optimism are also going to take a break for the holidays.

• 0:50Simon Sinek?

  We will be back in the new year with new episodes, starting January 27th, with new and wonderful guests that you won't want to miss. Until then, if you'd like something to listen to, whether you're staying at home or traveling, there's a few of my favorite episodes that I encourage you to go back and listen to if you missed them the first time, or maybe even listen to them again if you did hear them. One of my absolute favorite ones is with my dear friend and CEO of Barry Waymiller, Bob Chapman. We traveled to one of the factories in Phillips, Wisconsin, where I got to talk to Bob and meet some of his people. Visiting his factory is a lesson to all of us about what work could be like, in fact, what work should be like. If you are looking for a little creative inspiration,

• 1:35Simon Sinek?

  check out my conversation with Grammy Award winner Jacob Collier. He has lots of fun ideas and to see his mind buzz is nothing short of creatively inspiring. And then, of course, one of my favorite people to talk to, Trevor Noah. He and I sit down and have a hilarious and very cerebral conversation that will stretch your mind, challenge your assumptions, and make your head hurt in a good way, I promise you.

• 2:03Speaker 01

  They think we're just like walking around from room to room like, "Argh!" Badi badi badi badi badi badi badi.

• 2:07Simon Sinek?

  But in reality, it's depression.

• 2:10Speaker 01

  That's what they think.

• 2:11Simon Sinek?

  Again, thank you to all of you who have helped support A Bit of Optimism, and I look forward to hitting the ground running in 2026 with new ideas, new opportunities to learn, and more conversations that I know you're going to love. Until then, wishing you all very happy holidays, a happy new year. Take care of yourself, take care of each other.