The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi

4.6 (171)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED WEEKLY

Host Yara Shahidi sits down with incredible changemakers to unlock their secrets to conquering life, love, career, and everything in between with unwavering confidence and hope. We often discuss joy and happiness, but this podcast goes deeper. Optimism is where the magic happens! Join us as we find ways to cultivate the practice of optimism in our own lives.

MAR 19 · BONUS

On Break : More Optimism to Come!

💆‍♀️💆‍♂️Taking a break but we’ll be back! What an amazing journey it’s been, diving into the power of optimism and creating space for the big ideas that keep us inspired! With that same spirit, we’re taking a little time to recharge. That’s right—The Optimist Project is hitting pause for a short hiatus… but don’t worry, we’ll be back before you know it, refreshed and ready to bring you even more uplifting conversations! In the meantime, catch up on past episodes, revisit your favorites, and spread optimism by sharing them with friends. And we want to hear from YOU! Drop us a message, share your inspirations, and let’s keep the conversation going! 💬 DM us, leave a voicemail, or send an email — we’re listening! 📲 @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast ✨ Executive Producer: @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi ✨ Executive Producer: @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi 📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837 🎧 Tune in NOW and join the conversation on @instagram!

16 min
MAR 12

KidSuper on Taking Optimistic Risks

🎨 Creative Souls and Dreamers, This One’s for You! This week on The Optimist Project, I sat down with the wildly inventive fashion designer Colm Dillane — aka KidSuper. Known for his unforgettable Paris Fashion Week shows and his vibrant live-work studio space, Colm is a fearless, creative force. We explore the magic of blending optimism with fearlessness, the power of pursuing your passions unapologetically, and what it really means to embrace life with an open heart and curious mind. Plus, Colm drops gems for aspiring creators — hint: JUST START! We’d love to hear from you! What’s fueling your creative spark? Share your thoughts, ideas, and moments of inspiration: 💬 DM us, leave a voicemail, or send an email — we’re listening! 📲 @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast ✨ Executive Producer: @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi ✨ Executive Producer: @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi 📚 Guest: @kidsuper // KidSuper 📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837 🎧 Tune in NOW and join the conversation on @instagram!

58 min
MAR 5

Dr. Becky Yang Hsu Breaks Down How Culture Defines Happiness

✨What is happiness, really? And are we looking for it in all the wrong places? This week on The Optimist Project, Yara Shahidi sits down with sociologist Dr. Becky Yang Hsu to explore how different cultures define happiness—and why the solo pursuit of it might be too limiting. Dr. Hsu unpacks the surprising ways deep connections, community, and relationships shape fulfillment. (spoiler: it’s not just about personal wins). Maybe happiness isn’t something we chase—but everything we create together. 💡 Get ready to rethink what it means to live a good life. 🎧 Listen in NOW and join the conversation! 💬 send us your thoughts via DM, voicemail, or email at: 📲 @optimistprojectpod //The Optimist Project Podcast  ✨Executive Producer @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi ✨Executive Producer @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi  📚 @bexhsu // Dr. Becky Yang Hsu  📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

44 min
FEB 26

Bisa Butler's Threads of Optimism using Art, Teaching, and Legacy

🎙 The Optimist Project Podcast: Bisa Butler – Giving Our Past a New Life Through Art Today, I’m in conversation with the extraordinary Bisa Butler—artist, educator, visual historian, and creative futurist. Through her breathtaking quilted portraits, Bisa weaves history, identity, and resilience into fabric, redefining how we see the past and imagine the future. Join us as we explore the inspiration and drive behind her powerful body of work, which honors the rich and vibrant histories of Black life and culture. From her roots in academia to the world’s most prestigious galleries and museums, Bisa shares how her journey as both a student and teacher continues to shape her vision—proving that art is more than just an expression; it’s a revolution. This conversation is a masterclass in creativity, perseverance, and storytelling. If you’ve ever wondered how art can heal, inspire, and empower—this episode is for you. We want to hear from YOU! How are you investing in yourself while chasing your purpose? Drop us a voicemail, DM, or email and share your thoughts! 🔗 Listen NOW and be inspired! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @bisabutler // Bisa Butler @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi 📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

55 min
FEB 19

Dr. Vee Kativhu: Igniting Optimism by Chasing her Dreams & Changing Lives

Ready for a dose of inspiration? This week on The Optimist Project, Yara Shahidi sits in conversation with Gen Z global phenom, educator, author, and activist, Dr. Vee Kativhu, about chasing dreams, facing challenges, and lifting others as you rise. Dr. Vee gets real about how self-care can be the perfect shield against criticism, the importance and the power of community in grounding optimism, and how important her work in higher education is in breaking barriers for girls and young women in Zimbabwe and around the world. Resilience, empowerment, and a hopeful heart CAN turn dreams into reality! We want to hear from YOU! Head over to Instagram, leave us a voicemail, or shoot us an email about how you're investing in your mental health and chasing your purpose. Let’s share our seeds of optimism and uplift each other along the way. 🔗 Listen NOW and be inspired! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @veekativhu // Dr. Vee Kativhu/ @empoweredbyVee @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi 📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

1h 1m
FEB 12

Demetrius Harmon: Embracing your Unique Journey: The Strength to Lean into Vulnerability, Discover more about yourself & Honor your Purpose

This week’s episode of The Optimist Project is for my Gen Z peers and all those who love and support us. 💫 So many of us are battling self-doubt and navigating the complexities of mental health—a double whammy that can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing: we're not alone. In this empowering conversation, we’re joined by the incredible Demetrius Harmon—writer, actor, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Demetrius, the founder of the global clothing brand @youmatter, opens up about his personal journey of entrepreneurship, while also grappling with his own mental health struggles. He shares how he’s learned to chase his dreams and build community, all while learning the importance of mental well-being. 🧠✨ In this episode, Demetrius and Yara dive deep into the delicate balance between pursuing your passion and prioritizing your mental health. If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or just need a reminder that you’re capable of greatness, this episode is for YOU. Tune in for wisdom, motivation, and the comforting message: YOU MATTER. 💙 We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @demetriusharmon // Demetrius Harmon @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

49 min
FEB 5

Rapsody reminds us to 'stay in the light'

Grammy award-winning rapper Rapsody shares how optimism allows her to "stay in the light," the power of learning when to say 'no' and how to create purpose driven art. Also, she shares how her community is pivotal in shaping her pride in black culture, creative flow and living in alignment with her calling. We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @rapsody // Rapsody @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

56 min
JAN 29

Jaylen Brown on Finding Optimism in Meditation and Discipline

Jaylen Brown – 2024 NBA Finals MVP, philanthropist and entrepreneur – shares how he maintains his spiritual hygiene through mediation, sound frequencies and stoicism. Plus, he reveals the defining moment that made him choose UC Berkeley before being drafted into the Boston Celtics. We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @fchwpo // Jaylen Brown @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

54 min

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TRUE CRIME

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4.6

out of 5

171 Ratings

A needed podcast

Feb 25

erifun

This was my first time listening and I think this is podcast the world needs! So insightful and deep, but also light! It feels more like a conversation with friends rather than an interview! I love it!
Brilliant and Inspiring

Feb 22

Blue girrrrl

Currently training for a half marathon and have been saving this podcast to listen to on my weekend long runs! It feels very special to listen to these episodes. They give so much language to emotions and experiences i can otherwise have trouble articulating. I’m always sharing with whoever will listen to me talk about this series. To Yara and Kerri, you both are incredible!! 🫶🏾
much needed podcast 🙌🏿

Feb 14

Cam from Central Park

for our well being. Wonderful guests too 🥳 🧠
So inspiring

Feb 13

MoriahHamiltoon

Yara, you and Jaylen are such a great collaboration. This episode was filled with so much gems and just plain inspirational as another outlier, this one was special, thank you!

Host Yara Shahidi sits down with incredible changemakers to unlock their secrets to conquering life, love, career, and everything in between with unwavering confidence and hope. We often discuss joy and happiness, but this podcast goes deeper. Optimism is where the magic happens! Join us as we find ways to cultivate the practice of optimism in our own lives.