Podcasts about optimists

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3888: Angel Chernoff shares nine powerful strategies for cultivating a more optimistic mindset, emphasizing that optimism is a choice, not a fixed trait. From shifting your focus to what you can control, to surrounding yourself with positivity and living in the present, each practice is designed to help you build emotional resilience, reduce stress, and live more fully with hope and purpose. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/05/30/9-ways-to-become-an-optimist/ Quotes to ponder: "Optimism does not mean ignoring the problem entirely, it means understanding that setbacks are inevitable, often temporary, and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face." "LOVE: It's the greatest force in the universe. It's a treasure that people would give anything for, yet it costs nothing to give and receive." "Every minute spent worrying guarantees nothing but less time to enjoy what life has to offer." Episode references: Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality: https://www.amazon.com/Awareness-Perils-Opportunities-Reality-Anthony/dp/0385249373 The Happiness Project: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-Aristotle-Generally-Reminded/dp/006158326X Full Catastrophe Living: https://www.amazon.com/Full-Catastrophe-Living-Revised-Illness/dp/0345536932 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3888: Angel Chernoff shares nine powerful strategies for cultivating a more optimistic mindset, emphasizing that optimism is a choice, not a fixed trait. From shifting your focus to what you can control, to surrounding yourself with positivity and living in the present, each practice is designed to help you build emotional resilience, reduce stress, and live more fully with hope and purpose. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/05/30/9-ways-to-become-an-optimist/ Quotes to ponder: "Optimism does not mean ignoring the problem entirely, it means understanding that setbacks are inevitable, often temporary, and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face." "LOVE: It's the greatest force in the universe. It's a treasure that people would give anything for, yet it costs nothing to give and receive." "Every minute spent worrying guarantees nothing but less time to enjoy what life has to offer." Episode references: Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality: https://www.amazon.com/Awareness-Perils-Opportunities-Reality-Anthony/dp/0385249373 The Happiness Project: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-Aristotle-Generally-Reminded/dp/006158326X Full Catastrophe Living: https://www.amazon.com/Full-Catastrophe-Living-Revised-Illness/dp/0345536932 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3888: Angel Chernoff shares nine powerful strategies for cultivating a more optimistic mindset, emphasizing that optimism is a choice, not a fixed trait. From shifting your focus to what you can control, to surrounding yourself with positivity and living in the present, each practice is designed to help you build emotional resilience, reduce stress, and live more fully with hope and purpose. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/05/30/9-ways-to-become-an-optimist/ Quotes to ponder: "Optimism does not mean ignoring the problem entirely, it means understanding that setbacks are inevitable, often temporary, and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face." "LOVE: It's the greatest force in the universe. It's a treasure that people would give anything for, yet it costs nothing to give and receive." "Every minute spent worrying guarantees nothing but less time to enjoy what life has to offer." Episode references: Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality: https://www.amazon.com/Awareness-Perils-Opportunities-Reality-Anthony/dp/0385249373 The Happiness Project: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-Aristotle-Generally-Reminded/dp/006158326X Full Catastrophe Living: https://www.amazon.com/Full-Catastrophe-Living-Revised-Illness/dp/0345536932 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are yoy a 'delusional' optimist? Joe found this study that has some very interesting finds about people and their 'optimistic' mindset. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friendship is vital for our health and happiness, but we don't always prioritize it. The Optimist's Maggie Penman goes on a journey to make new friends and learn why so many of us are craving connection.Today's show was produced by Maggie Penman, with help from Ted Muldoon, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein. For more stories from The Optimist, subscribe to our newsletter. If you want to hear more stories like this on “Post Reports,” send Maggie an email at maggie.penman@washpost.com. If you want to check out Billy Baker's book, it's called “We Need to Hang Out: A Memoir of Making Friends.”Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

You can read today's edition of The 7 newsletter here. While The 7 podcast takes a break today, we wanted to share this episode from Post Reports about New Year's resolutions. Go to sleep earlier. Read more books. Eat better. Exercise. Changing our behavior is hard, but what if some simple – and dare we say fun – tricks could help us keep our resolutions for the new year?From temptation bundling to buddying up, Optimist reporter Maggie Penman shares the science on how to make your New Year's resolutions, whatever they are, stick in 2026. Plus, on the eve of national “Quitters Day,” we explore why making resolutions can actually be beneficial – even if you don't stick to them perfectly. Today's show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was edited by Dennis Funk and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Allison Klein and Theresa Tamkins.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems. My book Midlife now exists. Buy it here, or leave it a rating here or hereFor more SLEERICKETS, subscribe to SECRET SHOW, join the group chat, and send me a poem for Listener Crit!Leave the show a rating here (actually, just do it on your phone, it's easier). Thanks!Wear SLEERICKETS t-shirts and hoodies. They look good!SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube!For a frank, anonymous critique on SLEERICKETS, subscribe to the SECRET SHOW and send a poem of no more 25 lines to sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:– Pre-order Brian's book The Optimists! It's so good!– Let me know if you'd like a review copy of my forthcoming chapbook The Soft Black Stars: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com– The Christian Poetry Comeback by Paul J. Pastor– Can Poetry Matter? by Dana Gioia– Poetry as Enchantment by Dana Gioia– The Colosseum Book of Contemporary Narrative Verse by Sunil Iyengar– Bill Hicks– Air Force Academy cancels lecture after discovering speaker disparaged Trump by Mary Shinn– CC hosts speaker whose appearance at USAFA was canceled by Ashley Eberhardt– Intimacy by Paisley Rekdal– To Crawl Under the Earth: The Persistence of Expansive Poetry by Brian BrodeurFrequently mentioned names:– Joshua Mehigan– Shane McCrae– A. E. Stallings– Ryan Wilson– Morri Creech– Austin Allen– Jonathan Farmer– Zara Raab– Amit Majmudar– Ethan McGuire– Coleman Glenn– Chris Childers– Alexis Sears– JP Gritton– Alex Pepple– Ernie Hilbert– Joanna Pearson– Matt Wall– Steve Knepper – Helena Feder– David YezziOther Ratbag Poetry Pods:Poetry Says by Alice AllanI Hate Matt Wall by Matt WallVersecraft by Elijah Perseus BlumovRatbag Poetics By David Jalal MotamedAlice: In Future PostsBrian: @BPlatzerCameron: Minor TiresiasMatthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comMusic by ETRNLArt by Daniel Alexander Smith

At a time of year when many of us are reflecting on our lives and setting goals, we look at the research into what makes for a good life – and share some advice on how to get there.Here's what science considers a path to a good life. Plus, some tips and advice on how to get there.Are you living a good life? Take this quiz to find out.7 simple ways to be a bit happier each dayDoing good is good for you, research showsBoredom is a warning sign. Here's what it's telling you.If you want to hear more stories like this on “Post Reports,” please let us know. You can reach the whole team at podcasts@washpost.com or email Maggie at maggie.penman@washpost.com.The Optimist has a newsletter! Subscribe here.Today's show was produced by Maggie Penman with help from Rennie Svirnovskiy, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and Allison Klein. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

What if optimism is the essential secret to true leadership resilience and success? This week, we sit down with Mike Baker — CEO of Heritage Health, author of The Optimist Way, and a leader fueled by hope and purpose — for a deeply inspiring conversation about navigating challenges with optimism.Mike shares why optimism, grounded firmly in realism, is a leader's superpower. It enables you to uplift teams, push through tough times, and set a hopeful stage for breakthrough growth. He explains how authentic connection and fostering psychological safety within teams creates the foundation for powerful, sustainable leadership impact.Hiring is about more than skills — Mike emphasizes the importance of prioritizing heart, attitude, and resilient mindset when building teams. He also shares how balancing leadership with family, creativity, and mindful self-care keeps leaders energized and effective over the long haul.Drawing from personal stories and the sports arena, Mike illustrates the power of perseverance, showing up, and the mindset that “figure it out” drives real success. He also highlights his work beyond leadership — including music, art, and philanthropy — as sources of inspiration and connection.Whether you're leading a nonprofit, business, or family, this episode offers heartening perspectives and practical strategies to help you lead with clarity, courage, and enduring influence.

SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems. My book Midlife now exists. Buy it here, or leave it a rating here or hereFor more SLEERICKETS, subscribe to SECRET SHOW, join the group chat, and send me a poem for Listener Crit!Leave the show a rating here (actually, just do it on your phone, it's easier). Thanks!Wear SLEERICKETS t-shirts and hoodies. They look good!SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube!For a frank, anonymous critique on SLEERICKETS, subscribe to the SECRET SHOW and send a poem of no more 25 lines to sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:– Pre-order Brian's book The Optimists! It's so good!– Let me know if you'd like a review copy of my forthcoming chapbook The Soft Black Stars: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comSarah Jessica ParkerLiterary MattersNew Verse ReviewYouth (2015)The Great Beauty (2014)Maud Martha by Gwendolyn BrooksPhilip RothThe Denial of Death by Ernest BeckerFrequently mentioned names:– Joshua Mehigan– Shane McCrae– A. E. Stallings– Ryan Wilson– Morri Creech– Austin Allen– Jonathan Farmer– Zara Raab– Amit Majmudar– Ethan McGuire– Coleman Glenn– Chris Childers– Alexis Sears– JP Gritton– Alex Pepple– Ernie Hilbert– Joanna Pearson– Matt Wall– Steve Knepper – Helena Feder– David YezziOther Ratbag Poetry Pods:Poetry Says by Alice AllanI Hate Matt Wall by Matt WallVersecraft by Elijah Perseus BlumovRatbag Poetics By David Jalal MotamedAlice: In Future PostsBrian: @BPlatzerCameron: Minor TiresiasMatthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comMusic by ETRNLArt by Daniel Alexander Smith

La característica más llamativa de Pokémon Stadium es la posibilidad de importar tus equipos Pokémon desde los cartuchos de Pokémon Rojo y Azul y Pokémon Amarillo de Game Boy (utilizando el Transfer Pak) para usarlos en Pokémon Stadium como Pokémon de batalla. Slap City picks: "Year of the Optimist" by Beach Bunny, "Ojitos Lindos" by Bad Bunny & Bomba Estereo .Listen to our playlist here Join us in 2 weeks when we'll discuss our next pick, Frank Sinatra's Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely!

To kick off the new year, David Bryfman sits down with TAMID Group's CEO, Yoni Heilman. In a conversation that humanizes one of our own heroes, Yoni shares stories as a soldier in reserve duty after October 7th, giving an honest account about his experiences in the war, about what Zionism means to him, on what Israelis need to know about Jews living outside of Israel, and why he remains an optimist.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Go to sleep earlier. Read more books. Eat better. Exercise. Changing our behavior is hard, but what if some simple – and dare we say fun – tricks could help us keep our resolutions for the new year?From temptation bundling to buddying up, Optimist reporter Maggie Penman shares the science on how to make your New Year's resolutions, whatever they are, stick in 2026. Plus, on the eve of national “Quitters Day,” we explore why making resolutions can actually be beneficial – even if you don't stick to them perfectly. Today's show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was edited by Dennis Funk and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Allison Klein and Theresa Tamkins.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Matt Ridley's seminal book, The Rational Optimist, has inspired many since its publication in 2010 and greatly influenced the creation of The Optimism Institute.  In this far-ranging discussion, Matt will describe an early education that he said was steeped in pessimism but how later in life he found that much of what he'd been taught was simply not true.  This led him to set on a nearly evangelical quest to spread the word that interaction and trade between people and nations, including the free exchange of ideas, will continue to set us on an inexorable path towards increasing prosperity.    Chapters:  00:00 Introducing Matt Ridley Bill Burke introduces Matt Ridley, acclaimed author of "The Rational Optimist" and other influential books. He highlights Ridley's extensive background, including his service in the House of Lords and his work on various scientific committees.  02:39 From Pessimism to Rational Optimism  Matt Ridley shares his personal journey from a pessimistic upbringing in the 1970s to becoming a 'rational optimist' based on evidence. He recounts how his research for 'The Rational Optimist' revealed that many assumed negative trends, like decreasing happiness with wealth, were actually false.  06:01 The Genesis of "The Rational Optimist"  Ridley explains his evangelical motivation for writing 'The Rational Optimist,' aiming to counter pervasive doom and gloom, especially among young people. He also sought to explore the evolutionary roots of human prosperity and growth, driven by an innate curiosity about why the world was improving.  07:28 Ideas Have Sex: Cooperation and Trade  Matt Ridley delves into his concept of "ideas having sex," explaining how human cooperation, trade, and the exchange of specialized skills drive prosperity. He posits that this fundamental human tendency to swap goods and ideas is as crucial to cultural evolution as sex is to natural evolution.  13:50 Social Media's Impact: Polarization and Progress  Ridley reflects on social media's impact on his 'ideas having sex' theory, acknowledging its initial promise for communication but also its role in political polarization.   19:29 Panglossian vs. Rational Optimism  Ridley distinguishes his rational optimism from Panglossian optimism, emphasizing that he believes the world can and should be improved, not that it's already perfect. He counters common pessimistic arguments by pointing to long-term improvements in living standards and the gradual nature of good news compared to sudden bad news.  23:56 Trust and the Pencil's Lesson Matt Ridley discusses the importance of interpersonal trust for societal prosperity, contrasting it with institutional trust. He also elaborates on the 'I, Pencil' essay, illustrating how millions of specialized individuals unknowingly collaborate to produce even a simple item like a pencil.  33:15 Gratitude, Specialization, and Daily Miracles  Ridley encourages gratitude for the vast network of people who contribute to our daily lives, using the example of a simple meal.   36:50 Climate Change: A Problem to Be Solved Matt Ridley shares his nuanced perspective on climate change, acknowledging it as a real threat but cautioning against panic and exaggeration. He suggests viewing it as a problem solvable through human ingenuity, while also highlighting the overlooked environmental benefits of CO2 and the harm caused by some climate prevention measures.  42:51 The Future of Innovation: Worries and Hopes  Ridley discusses the limitless nature of knowledge and innovation, emphasizing communication over population size for progress.  

SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems. My book Midlife now exists. Buy it here, or leave it a rating here or hereFor more SLEERICKETS, subscribe to SECRET SHOW, join the group chat, and send me a poem for Listener Crit!Leave the show a rating here (actually, just do it on your phone, it's easier). Thanks!Wear SLEERICKETS t-shirts and hoodies. They look good!SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube!For a frank, anonymous critique on SLEERICKETS, subscribe to the SECRET SHOW and send a poem of no more 25 lines to sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:– Pre-order Brian's book The Optimists! It's so good!– Let me know if you'd like a review copy of my forthcoming chapbook The Soft Black Stars: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com– Silliman's Blog: Friday, September 20, 2002– Precise Instability: Introducing Joseph Massey by Rae Armantrout– The Poet Joseph Massey Is an Abuser– Poet Massey Withdraws Book from Wesleyan UP After Allegations Surface by Emmet Teran, Hannah Reale, and Molly Schiff– The Poet Joseph Massey's Disturbing History of Abuse by Rebekah Kirkman– A MeToo Mob Tried to Destroy My Life as a Poet. This Is How I Survived by Joseph Massey– Joseph Massey, the Unofficial Poet Laureate of Trump's America by Peter Savodnik– Jina Huh's Kate Schapira Thread– Praise Song for the Day by Elizabeth Alexander– One Today by Richard Blanco– America Is the Poem by Joseph Massey– There's so much else. So much more stuff. Good Lord.Frequently mentioned names:– Joshua Mehigan– Shane McCrae– A. E. Stallings– Ryan Wilson– Morri Creech– Austin Allen– Jonathan Farmer– Zara Raab– Amit Majmudar– Ethan McGuire– Coleman Glenn– Chris Childers– Alexis Sears– JP Gritton– Alex Pepple– Ernie Hilbert– Joanna Pearson– Matt Wall– Steve Knepper – Helena Feder– David YezziOther Ratbag Poetry Pods:Poetry Says by Alice AllanI Hate Matt Wall by Matt WallVersecraft by Elijah Perseus BlumovRatbag Poetics By David Jalal MotamedAlice: In Future PostsBrian: @BPlatzerCameron: Minor TiresiasMatthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comMusic by ETRNLArt by Daniel Alexander Smith

Today we share one of our favorite episodes, from Optimist reporter Maggie Penman about the new science of aging, and a hopeful research finding that getting stronger and healthier in old age is possible for many of us – even after a health setback. If you want to hear more stories like this, please let us know. You can reach the whole team at podcasts@washpost.com or email Maggie at maggie.penman@washpost.com.Today's episode was reported and produced by Maggie Penman. It was edited by Allison Klein and Ted Muldoon who also mixed the show.The Optimist has a newsletter! Subscribe here.And, subscribe to The Washington Post here.

FOUNDING OPENAI Colleague Keach Hagey, The Optimist. In 2016, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, and Ilya Sutskever founded OpenAI as a nonprofit research lab to develop safe artificial general intelligence (AGI). Backed by investors like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, the organization aimed to be a counterweight to Google's DeepMind, which was driven by profit. The team relied on massive computing power provided by GPUs—originally designed for video games—to train neural networks, recruiting top talent like Sutskever to lead their scientific efforts. NUMBER 13 1955

THE ROOTS OF AMBITION Colleague Keach Hagey, The Optimist. Sam Altman grew up in St. Louis, the son of an idealistic developer and a driven dermatologist mother who instilled ambition and resilience in her children. Altmanattended the progressive John Burroughs School, where his intellect and charisma flourished, allowing him to connect with people on any topic. Though he was a tech enthusiast, his ability to charm others defined him early on, foreshadowing his future as a master persuader in Silicon Valley. NUMBER 14 JANUARY 1931

SILICON VALLEY KINGMAKER Colleague Keach Hagey, The Optimist. At Stanford, Altman co-founded Loopt, a location-sharing app that won him a meeting with Steve Jobs and a spot in the App Store launch. While Loopt was not a commercial success, the experience taught Altman that his true talent lay in investing and spotting future trends rather than coding. He eventually succeeded Paul Graham as president of Y Combinator, becoming a powerful figure in Silicon Valley who could convince skeptics like Peter Thiel to back his visions. NUMBER 15 SEPTEMBER 1952

THE BLIP AND THE FUTURE Colleague Keach Hagey, The Optimist. The viral success of ChatGPT shifted OpenAI's focus from safety to commercialization, despite early internal warnings about the existential risks of AGI. Tensions over safety and Altman's management style led to a "blip" where the nonprofit board fired him, only for him to be quickly reinstated due to employee loyalty. Elon Musk, having lost a power struggle for control of the organization, severed ties, leaving Altman to lead the race toward AGI. NUMBER 16 FEBRUARY 1955

SHOW 12-2-2026 THE SHOW BEGIJS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT AI --  a useful invetion that can match the excitement of the first decades of Photography. November 1955 NADAR'S BALLOON AND THE BIRTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY Colleague Anika Burgess, Flashes of Brilliance. In 1863, the photographer Nadar undertook a perilous ascent in a giant balloon to fund experiments for heavier-than-air flight, illustrating the adventurous spirit required of early photographers. This era began with Daguerre's 1839 introduction of the daguerreotype, a process involving highly dangerous chemicals like mercury and iodine to create unique, mirror-like images on copper plates. Pioneers risked their lives using explosive materials to capture reality with unprecedented clarity and permanence. NUMBER 1 PHOTOGRAPHING THE MOON AND SEA Colleague Anika Burgess, Flashes of Brilliance. Early photography expanded scientific understanding, allowing humanity to visualize the inaccessible. James Nasmyth produced realistic images of the moon by photographing plaster models based on telescope observations, aiming to prove its volcanic nature. Simultaneously, Louis Boutan spent a decade perfecting underwater photography, capturing divers in hard-hat helmets. These efforts demonstrated that photography could be a tool for scientific analysis and discovery, revealing details of the natural world previously hidden from the human eye. NUMBER 2 SOCIAL JUSTICE AND NATURE CONSERVATION Colleague Anika Burgess, Flashes of Brilliance. Photography became a powerful agent for social and environmental change. Jacob Riis utilized dangerous flash powder to document the squalid conditions of Manhattan tenements, exposing poverty to the public in How the Other Half Lives. While his methods raised consent issues, they illuminated grim realities. Conversely, Carleton Watkins hauled massive equipment into the wilderness to photograph Yosemite; his majestic images influenced legislation signed by Lincoln to protect the land, proving photography's political impact. NUMBER 3 X-RAYS, SURVEILLANCE, AND MOTION Colleague Anika Burgess, Flashes of Brilliance. The discovery of X-rays in 1895 sparked a "new photography" craze, though the radiation caused severe injuries to early practitioners and subjects. Photography also entered the realm of surveillance; British authorities used hidden cameras to photograph suffragettes, while doctors documented asylum patients without consent. Finally, Eadweard Muybridge's experiments captured horses in motion, settling debates about locomotion and laying the technical groundwork for the future development of motion pictures. NUMBER 4 THE AWAKENING OF CHINA'S ECONOMY Colleague Anne Stevenson-Yang, Wild Ride. Returning to China in 1994, the author witnessed a transformation from the destitute, Maoist uniformity of 1985 to a budding export economy. In the earlier era, workers slept on desks and lacked basic goods, but Deng Xiaoping's realization that the state needed hard currency prompted reforms. Deng established Special Economic Zones like Shenzhen to generate foreign capital while attempting to isolate the population from foreign influence, marking the start of China's export boom. NUMBER 5 RED CAPITALISTS AND SMUGGLERS Colleague Anne Stevenson-Yang, Wild Ride. Following the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, China reopened to investment in 1992, giving rise to "red capitalists"—often the children of party officials who traded political access for equity. As the central government lost control over local corruption and smuggling rings, it launched "Golden Projects" to digitize and centralize authority over customs and taxes. To avert a banking collapse in 1998, the state created asset management companies to absorb bad loans, effectively rolling over massive debt. NUMBER 6 GHOST CITIES AND THE STIMULUS TRAP Colleague Anne Stevenson-Yang, Wild Ride. China's growth model shifted toward massive infrastructure spending, resulting in "ghost cities" and replica Western towns built to inflate GDP rather than house people. This "Potemkin culture" peaked during the 2008 Olympics, where facades were painted to impress foreigners. To counter the global financial crisis, Beijing flooded the economy with loans, fueling a real estate bubble that consumed more cement in three years than the US did in a century, creating unsustainable debt. NUMBER 7 STAGNATION UNDER SURVEILLANCE Colleague Anne Stevenson-Yang, Wild Ride. The severe lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic shattered consumer confidence, leaving citizens insecure and unwilling to spend, which stalled economic recovery. Local governments, cut off from credit and burdened by debt, struggle to provide basic services. Faced with economic stagnation, Xi Jinping has rejected market liberalization in favor of increased surveillance and control, prioritizing regime security over resolving the structural debt crisis or restoring the dynamism of previous decades. NUMBER 8 FAMINE AND FLIGHT TO FREEDOM Colleague Mark Clifford, The Troublemaker. Jimmy Lai was born into a wealthy family that lost everything to the Communist revolution, forcing his father to flee to Hong Kong while his mother endured labor camps. Left behind, Lai survived as a child laborer during a devastating famine where he was perpetually hungry. A chance encounter with a traveler who gave him a chocolate bar inspired him to escape to Hong Kong, the "land of chocolate," stowing away on a boat at age twelve. NUMBER 9 THE FACTORY GUY Colleague Mark Clifford, The Troublemaker. By 1975, Jimmy Lai had risen from a child laborer to a factory owner, purchasing a bankrupt garment facility using stock market profits. Despite being a primary school dropout who learned English from a dictionary, Lai succeeded through relentless work and charm. He capitalized on the boom in American retail sourcing, winning orders from Kmart by producing samples overnight and eventually building Comitex into a leading sweater manufacturer, embodying the Hong Kong dream. NUMBER 10 CONSCIENCE AND CONVERSION Colleague Mark Clifford, The Troublemaker. The 1989 Tiananmen Squaremassacre radicalized Lai, who transitioned from textiles to media, founding Next magazine and Apple Daily to champion democracy. Realizing the brutality of the Chinese Communist Party, he used his wealth to support the student movement and expose regime corruption. As the 1997 handover approached, Lai converted to Catholicism, influenced by his wife and pro-democracy peers, seeking spiritual protection and a moral anchor against the coming political storm. NUMBER 11 PRISON AND LAWFARE Colleague Mark Clifford, The Troublemaker. Following the 2020 National Security Law, authorities raided Apple Daily, froze its assets, and arrested Lai, forcing the newspaper to close. Despite having the means to flee, Lai chose to stay and face imprisonment as a testament to his principles. Now held in solitary confinement, he is subjected to "lawfare"—sham legal proceedings designed to silence him—while he spends his time sketching religious images, remaining a symbol of resistance against Beijing's tyranny. NUMBER 12 FOUNDING OPENAI Colleague Keach Hagey, The Optimist. In 2016, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, and Ilya Sutskever founded OpenAI as a nonprofit research lab to develop safe artificial general intelligence (AGI). Backed by investors like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, the organization aimed to be a counterweight to Google's DeepMind, which was driven by profit. The team relied on massive computing power provided by GPUs—originally designed for video games—to train neural networks, recruiting top talent like Sutskever to lead their scientific efforts. NUMBER 13 THE ROOTS OF AMBITION Colleague Keach Hagey, The Optimist. Sam Altman grew up in St. Louis, the son of an idealistic developer and a driven dermatologist mother who instilled ambition and resilience in her children. Altmanattended the progressive John Burroughs School, where his intellect and charisma flourished, allowing him to connect with people on any topic. Though he was a tech enthusiast, his ability to charm others defined him early on, foreshadowing his future as a master persuader in Silicon Valley. NUMBER 14 SILICON VALLEY KINGMAKER Colleague Keach Hagey, The Optimist. At Stanford, Altman co-founded Loopt, a location-sharing app that won him a meeting with Steve Jobs and a spot in the App Store launch. While Loopt was not a commercial success, the experience taught Altman that his true talent lay in investing and spotting future trends rather than coding. He eventually succeeded Paul Graham as president of Y Combinator, becoming a powerful figure in Silicon Valley who could convince skeptics like Peter Thiel to back his visions. NUMBER 15 THE BLIP AND THE FUTURE Colleague Keach Hagey, The Optimist. The viral success of ChatGPT shifted OpenAI's focus from safety to commercialization, despite early internal warnings about the existential risks of AGI. Tensions over safety and Altman's management style led to a "blip" where the nonprofit board fired him, only for him to be quickly reinstated due to employee loyalty. Elon Musk, having lost a power struggle for control of the organization, severed ties, leaving Altman to lead the race toward AGI. NUMBER 16

Today, we revisit one of our favorite episodes from this past year, about super agers: people who continue to thrive into their 80s and 90s. One of them lives just down my block.Ednajane Truax, who is known to friends and neighbors as “E.J.,” can often be found on her hands and knees in the dirt, working in the garden at the Sherwood Recreation Center in Northeast Washington. She also has an impressive garden of her own and helps out with other neighbors' gardens. She works out several times a week, sometimes while wearing a shirt that says, “You don't stop lifting when you get old — you get old when you stop lifting.” She can bench press 55 pounds and leg press 250.Truax has never married — “just lucky, I guess,” she jokes when I ask her about that — but she has remained social her entire life. She volunteers, goes to the gym, throws parties, knows her neighbors and their children by name. Truax says her secret to thriving as she ages is simple: Be active.It turns out that research backs her up.If you're looking for more surprising, delightful stories about the best of humanity, check out The Optimist from The Washington Post. We also have a newsletter: Subscribe to get stories from The Optimist in your inbox every Sunday morning.Today's show was produced by Maggie Penman with help from Ted Muldoon, who also mixed the show. The Optimist's editor is Allison Klein. If you liked hearing this story on “Post Reports,” send us an email at podcasts@washpost.com. You can email Maggie directly at maggie.penman@washpost.com.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

You can read today's edition of The 7 newsletter here. While The 7 podcast takes a break today, we wanted to share this episode from The Optimist. It's all about if it's possible to choose happiness.Are you happy? How would you answer that question if a stranger with a camera asked?Five years ago, filmmaker Atdhe Trepca quit his job and drove across the country with a camera, asking hundreds of people that question.His videos reach millions on TikTok and Instagram, and now he's made a documentary.Today, Optimist reporter Maggie Penman shares what Trepca has learned – and the research that backs up his observations.If you want to hear more stories like this, please let us know. You can reach the whole team at podcasts@washpost.com or email Maggie at maggie.penman@washpost.com.Today's episode was reported and produced by Maggie Penman, with help from Ted Muldoon, Emma Talkoff, Reena Flores, and Sean Carter, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein. The Optimist has a newsletter! Subscribe here.And, subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Originally aired in October 2023, this episode centers on Marc Andreessen's essay The Techno-Optimist Manifesto, which lays out his vision for the future of technology. The piece sparked widespread discussion across traditional and social media by challenging the prevailing pessimistic narrative around technology and arguing instead that it can be a force for growth, progress, and abundance.In this one-on-one conversation, based on listener questions from X (formerly Twitter), a16z cofounder Ben Horowitz and Marc discuss how technological advances can improve quality of life, support marginalized communities, and shape how we think about humanity's long-term future.Read the full manifesto: https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/ Resources:Follow Marc Andreessen on X: https://x.com/pmarcaFollow Ben Horowitz on X: https://x.com/bhorowitz Stay Updated:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.     Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More To The Story: Bill McKibben isn't known for his rosy outlook on climate change. Back in 1989, the environmentalist wrote The End of Nature, which is considered the first mainstream book warning of global warming's potential effects on the planet. His writing on climate change has been described as “dark realism.” But McKibben has recently let a little light shine through thanks to the dramatic growth of renewable energy, particularly solar power. In his latest book, Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization, McKibben argues that the planet is experiencing the fastest energy transition in history from fossil fuels to solar and wind—and that transition could be the start of something big. On this week's More To The Story, McKibben sits down with host Al Letson to examine the rise of solar power, how China is leapfrogging the United States in renewable energy use, and the real reason the Trump administration is trying to kill solar and wind projects around the country.Producer: Josh Sanburn | Editor: Kara McGuirk-Allison | Theme music: Fernando Arruda and Jim Briggs | Copy editor: Nikki Frick with help from Digital producer: Artis Curiskis | Deputy executive producer: Taki Telonidis | Executive producer: Brett Myers | Executive editor: James West | Host: Al LetsonListen: Will the National Parks Survive Trump? (Reveal)Read: Rooftop Solar Is a Miracle. Why Are We Killing It With Red Tape? (Mother Jones)Read: Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization (W.W. Norton & Company) Donate today at Revealnews.org/more Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at Revealnews.org/weekly Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Once a month for 15 years, David Weiner has hosted a jazz party, inviting everyone he knows and many people he's never met over to his D.C. rowhouse. Today, we revisit one of our favorite episodes of the year and go inside the wildly welcoming ritual to understand how he's built this community — and kept it going.You can read more about Wiener's jazz party here.If you're looking for more surprising, delightful stories about the best of humanity, check out The Optimist from The Washington Post. We also have a newsletter: Subscribe to get stories from The Optimist in your inbox every Sunday morning.Today's show was reported and produced by Maggie Penman and Ted Muldoon, who also mixed the show. The Optimist's editor is Allison Klein. If you liked hearing this story on “Post Reports,” send us an email at podcasts@washpost.com. You can email Maggie directly at maggie.penman@washpost.com.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

In one of our favorite episodes of the year, a group of self-proclaimed “old ladies” dive for garbage — and unexpectedly find joy. This is a story from The Optimist, The Washington Post's section about the best of humanity. If you want more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter. If you love hearing these stories on “Post Reports,” please send us an email at podcasts@washpost.com. You can reach Maggie Penman directly at maggie.penman@washpost.com.Today's show was produced by Maggie Penman. It was edited and mixed by Ted Muldoon. Thank you to Allison Klein. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3240: Sabrina shares creative, low-effort ways to sneak exercise into your daily routine, no gym required. From stair hacks to lunge walks and even stretching in the shower, these practical tips help boost strength, flexibility, and cardio fitness without disrupting your busy schedule. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://buddingoptimist.com/ways-to-exercise/ Quotes to ponder: "Take the stairs whenever you can." "You can do a few bicep curls with your detergent bottle every time you do the laundry." "Even just a few minutes of exercise here and there throughout your day will add up to make a big difference in your health." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems. My book Midlife now exists. Buy it here, or leave it a rating here or hereFor more SLEERICKETS, subscribe to SECRET SHOW, join the group chat, and send me a poem for Listener Crit!Leave the show a rating here (actually, just do it on your phone, it's easier). Thanks!Wear SLEERICKETS t-shirts and hoodies. They look good!SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube!For a frank, anonymous critique on SLEERICKETS, subscribe to the SECRET SHOW and send a poem of no more 25 lines to sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:– Pre-order Brian's book The Optimists! It's so good!– Let me know if you'd like a review copy of my forthcoming chapbook The Soft Black Stars: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com– The Island in the Sound by Niall Campbell– What if it's not writer's block? by Niall Campbell– Is poetry a career? by the North Sea Poets– Poetry London– North Sea Poets– The long game by Don Paterson– Don Paterson– Douglas Dunn– Roddy Lumsden– Michael Longley– John Burnside– The Lighthouse (2019)– Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig– Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)– Poetry Should Be a Great Deal of Trouble: Don Paterson interviewed by Caitlin DoyleFrequently mentioned names:– Joshua Mehigan– Shane McCrae– A. E. Stallings– Ryan Wilson– Morri Creech– Austin Allen– Jonathan Farmer– Zara Raab– Amit Majmudar– Ethan McGuire– Coleman Glenn– Chris Childers– Alexis Sears– JP Gritton– Alex Pepple– Ernie Hilbert– Joanna Pearson– Matt Wall– Steve Knepper – Helena Feder– David YezziOther Ratbag Poetry Pods:Poetry Says by Alice AllanI Hate Matt Wall by Matt WallVersecraft by Elijah Perseus BlumovRatbag Poetics By David Jalal MotamedAlice: In Future PostsBrian: @BPlatzerCameron: Minor TiresiasMatthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comMusic by ETRNLArt by Daniel Alexander Smith

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3240: Sabrina shares creative, low-effort ways to sneak exercise into your daily routine, no gym required. From stair hacks to lunge walks and even stretching in the shower, these practical tips help boost strength, flexibility, and cardio fitness without disrupting your busy schedule. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://buddingoptimist.com/ways-to-exercise/ Quotes to ponder: "Take the stairs whenever you can." "You can do a few bicep curls with your detergent bottle every time you do the laundry." "Even just a few minutes of exercise here and there throughout your day will add up to make a big difference in your health." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3239: Sabrina shares simple, clever strategies to seamlessly fit exercise into even the busiest schedule, no gym, no excuses. From squats while brushing your teeth to ab crunches at your desk, her practical tips help build strength and boost energy without carving out extra time in your day. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://buddingoptimist.com/ways-to-exercise/ Quotes to ponder: "Traffic is such a time-waster, isn't it? But hey, look at it this way, the time you spend in traffic is time you can use to exercise." "Instead of scrolling your Instagram on your break, why not do something that will make you feel good inside and out?" "10 minutes is more than enough time to reap the benefits of exercise." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3239: Sabrina shares simple, clever strategies to seamlessly fit exercise into even the busiest schedule, no gym, no excuses. From squats while brushing your teeth to ab crunches at your desk, her practical tips help build strength and boost energy without carving out extra time in your day. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://buddingoptimist.com/ways-to-exercise/ Quotes to ponder: "Traffic is such a time-waster, isn't it? But hey, look at it this way, the time you spend in traffic is time you can use to exercise." "Instead of scrolling your Instagram on your break, why not do something that will make you feel good inside and out?" "10 minutes is more than enough time to reap the benefits of exercise." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cafeteria at Ballard High School during lunch is a loud place. Students are talking and laughing, playing card games and going out to the courtyard for an informal recess. On Fridays, students have started playing bingo.It's a big change from the past couple of years — and it's not the only one. In the first month of school this year, students took out 67 percent more books from the school library than the same month last year.Today on the show, we interview psychologist Jean Twenge, author of the new book “10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.” Listen to our episode about the young people giving up their smartphones.Today's show was produced by Maggie Penman and Rennie Svirnovskiy, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein.Subscribe to The Optimist here. And if you want more optimistic stories in your podcast feed, write to us at podcasts@washpost.com. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Mit dem Höhepunkt des Jahres verabschieden wir uns in eine kurze Winterpause: Die drei90 Jahres-Awards 2025! Wir beginnen mit den großen, grundlegenden Fragen, wie: Welche Shops kennen wir? Boniface oder Badesalz? Überraschenderweise räumt ein Gestein gleich mehrere Preise ab. Enzo ist wütend. Es bilden sich wechselnde Gruppen, die am Ende nicht mehr wissen, für was sie stehen. Außerdem fürchten wir uns vor bösen Omen aus Krefeld. Mitten in der Sendung registrieren wir eine neue Webseite für den scharlachroten Nebelpieper. Wir küren die Diskussion des Jahres, die Spezialfrechheit des Jahres und auch tatsächlich wieder den Nebel des Jahres. Neu in der Award-Liste sind unter anderem die Teilschuld des Jahres, der Abbruch des Jahres und der Optimist des Jahres. Am Ende geht es sogar nochmal richtig um Fußball und wir reden ein wenig über den Afrika-Cup. Zum letzten drei90live-Ticket geht's hier lang. Viel Spaß! Die komplette Folge gibt es wie immer in der Länderspielpause exklusiv für Funfriends auf Patreon. Werde auch DU Funfriend! Den drei90Shop. kennt Ihr ja. Mittlerweile gibt es auch einen drei90 Instagram-Account. Folgt uns auch gerne dort. drei90 via itunes abonnieren drei90 via Feedburner abonnieren

NB: Man, I so wanted to call this episode All Hail the Nuptial Fuck Chamber but out of respect for Elijah and his family, I gave it a nice title instead. Also, Chris followed up with an additional note: “Looking at (rather than just vaguely recalling) the bit from Catullus 62, the poem is amoebaean (the girls sing in answer to the boys). It opens with the boys claiming that the evening star, Venus, is shining over Olympus, understood as simply meaning that it's in the sky—that is, it is night, time for marriage (and consummation). The girls echo this claim, but they swap out Mount Oeta for Olympus, Oeta being close to Olympus and interchangeable with it. When Housman says that ‘the star from Oeta's steep / calls to bed but not to sleep,' I think he's just echoing this evocative, poeticizing way of saying ‘the ceremony's done, now it's time for fun.' Of course, if it is about MJ [Moses Jackson], the real emotion of the poem is in the speaker's self-abnegation, his giving the groom to the girl who loves him less than he does, his blessing on and defense of (hand on sword) the conjugal jollifications, and his own exclusion from bliss. But I wouldn't take any of the geography too literally! the main point is just that it's night time, and night time is the right time.” SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems. My book Midlife now exists. Buy it here, or leave it a rating here or hereFor more SLEERICKETS, subscribe to SECRET SHOW, join the group chat, and send me a poem for Listener Crit!Leave the show a rating here (actually, just do it on your phone, it's easier). Thanks!Wear SLEERICKETS t-shirts and hoodies. They look good!SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube!For a frank, anonymous critique on SLEERICKETS, subscribe to the SECRET SHOW and send a poem of no more 25 lines to sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:– Pre-order Brian's book The Optimists! It's so good!– Let me know if you'd like a review copy of my forthcoming chapbook The Soft Black Stars: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com– Secret Show Ep 29. Eyes! Nose! Throat!– Musical Order and New Babel: on Apocalypse Dance by Ethan McGuire by D. W. Baker– Six of my poems at The New Stylus– Epithalamium by A. E. Housman– To my Comrade, Moses J. Jackson, Scoffer at my Scholarship by A. E. Housman, trans. A. E. Stallings– The Penguin Book of Greek and Latin Lyric Verse, trans. & ed. Christopher ChildersFrequently mentioned names:– Joshua Mehigan– Shane McCrae– A. E. Stallings– Ryan Wilson– Morri Creech– Austin Allen– Jonathan Farmer– Zara Raab– Amit Majmudar– Ethan McGuire– Coleman Glenn– Chris Childers– Alexis Sears– JP Gritton– Alex Pepple– Ernie Hilbert– Joanna Pearson– Matt Wall– Steve Knepper – Helena Feder– David YezziOther Ratbag Poetry Pods:Poetry Says by Alice AllanI Hate Matt Wall by Matt WallVersecraft by Elijah Perseus BlumovRatbag Poetics By David Jalal MotamedAlice: In Future PostsBrian: @BPlatzerCameron: Minor TiresiasMatthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comMusic by ETRNLArt by Daniel Alexander Smith

Everybody’s always bagging on pessimists and telling everybody they should be more optimistic. Well, nuts to that! There are plenty of benefits from being a pessimist. Although being an optimist still wins in basically every category ☹See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diagnosed in 2024, Portland resident Christy Scattarella has been using her own journey with Alzheimer’s to uplift others and erase stigma surrounding the disease. She began speaking out about Alzheimer's a year after her diagnosis, and champions her “Optimist’s Guide to Alzheimer's" as a way to combat the fear and shame those with Alzheimer’s often face.

Fish for Breakfast | Thanks, Eagles! A Cowboys Optimist's Guide to a 4-Game Sweep and the NFC East Title

Economist and techno-optimist Noah Smith, author of the Noahpinion Substack, joins Offline to debate the promise of artificial intelligence, the benefits of online fragmentation (could it be good for our society?) and whether liberal nationalism is feasible—and a good thing. Though Noah and Jon differ on a lot of “Offline” themes, they find common ground on the dangers of social media, leftist scolds, and a country with an identity crisis.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems. My book Midlife now exists. Buy it here, or leave it a rating here or hereFor more SLEERICKETS, subscribe to SECRET SHOW, join the group chat, and send me a poem for Listener Crit!Leave the show a rating here (actually, just do it on your phone, it's easier). Thanks!Wear SLEERICKETS t-shirts and hoodies. They look good!SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube!For a frank, anonymous critique on SLEERICKETS, subscribe to the SECRET SHOW and send a poem of no more 25 lines to sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:– Pre-order Brian's book The Optimists! It's so good!– In Future Posts– Minor Tiresias– & Juliet by Max Martin and David West Read– Chicago by John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse– Six by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss– Beetlejuice the Musical by Eddie Perfect– Little Bear Ridge Road by Samuel D. Hunter– Steppenwolf Theatre Company– Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee– Horace & PeteFrequently mentioned names:– Joshua Mehigan– Shane McCrae– A. E. Stallings– Ryan Wilson– Morri Creech– Austin Allen– Jonathan Farmer– Zara Raab– Amit Majmudar– Ethan McGuire– Coleman Glenn– Chris Childers– Alexis Sears– JP Gritton– Alex Pepple– Ernie Hilbert– Joanna Pearson– Matt Wall– Steve Knepper – Helena Feder– David YezziOther Ratbag Poetry Pods:Poetry Says by Alice AllanI Hate Matt Wall by Matt WallVersecraft by Elijah Perseus BlumovRatbag Poetics By David Jalal MotamedAlice: In Future PostsBrian: @BPlatzerCameron: Minor TiresiasMatthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comMusic by ETRNLArt by Daniel Alexander Smith

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Feeling a sense of awe can make us feel less stressed, less lonely and more connected to each other. It's good for our bodies and our minds. So how do we feel more of it? Today's show was produced by Joshua Carroll, Rennie Svirnovskiy and Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Allison Klein and Ariel Plotnick and mixed by Sean Carter.Subscribe to The Optimist's newsletter here and subscribe to The Washington Post here.

On this episode of Coaching Call, Sifu Rafael welcomes John Lawyer. From desert combat zones to the battle within, John's journey is one of profound transformation. After serving as a soldier, he shifted his path toward inner healing and spiritual discovery. Today, he serves as a guide within Kishar, a nonprofit online spiritual community dedicated to helping individuals explore their personal spiritual journey. John is an Optimist who believes in the wisdom found across cultures and throughout time. Through Kishar, he offers individual spiritual guidance and coaching, supporting others in uncovering clarity, purpose, and deeper connection.Sifu Rafael is a master instructor and the founder of Speaking Prowess, where he combines expertise in communication and leadership to help individuals unlock their full potential. As a professional speaker, solutions expert, and executive coach, Sifu Rafael leverages years of experience to guide clients toward their goals with clarity, purpose, and strategic insight. His mission is to make the art of effective communication accessible to all, empowering personal and professional growth. Sifu Rafael's unwavering dedication to improving communication skills has earned him a reputation as a trusted mentor and coach. His vision is clear: to enhance communication worldwide, one individual at a time. This episode is brought to you by Sifu's Mind Body Method, a 90-day lifestyle transformation blending movement, mindset, nutrition, hydration, fasting, journaling, and faith. Learn more at www.sifurafael.com/smbmWatch on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@sifurafaeltv?sub_confirmation=1

A group in D.C. ditched their smartphones for a month. Washington Post reporter Brittany Shammas joined them. Here's what she learned.If you want to learn more about Brittany's story, you can read it here. To subscribe to The Optimist's newsletter, click here.Today's show was produced by Maggie Penman and Ted Muldoon, who also mixed the show. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

In this episode, Sissy and David turn their attention to Enneagram Sevens—the Enthusiasts, Optimists, and Adventurers who bring joy, imagination, and energy to the world. They explore the unique strengths Sevens offer their families, like creativity, flexibility, and a contagious zest for life, as well as the struggles they face with avoiding pain, overscheduling, and following through. You'll also hear practical encouragement for Seven parents learning to sit with hard emotions, and guidance for raising Seven kids who are curious, adventurous, and grounded. . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here! Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠raisingboysandgirls.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience⁠ ⁠Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage⁠⁠ . . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. A special thank you to our sponsors: QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ⁠ThriveMarket.com/rbg⁠ to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG. ​​EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You'll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to everydaydose.com/RGB or entering RGB at checkout. You'll also get FREE gifts throughout the year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friendship is vital for our health and happiness, but we don't always prioritize it. The Optimist's Maggie Penman goes on a journey to make new friends and learn why so many of us are craving connection.Today's show was produced by Maggie Penman, with help from Ted Muldoon, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein. For more stories from The Optimist, subscribe to our newsletter. If you want to hear more stories like this on the weekend, send Maggie an email at maggie.penman@washpost.com. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Jordie Poncy was about to start a job counseling cancer patients when he learned he had cancer himself. Three years later, his health is stable — and he's finding meaning by helping others fight.If you want to hear more from The Optimist, follow our newsletter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Brea and Mallory name their most anticipated books for November and December! Plus, they interview the filmmaker behind the new documentary The Librarians, Kim A. Snyder. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreThe Reading Glasses Book!Sponsors -IngramSparkwww.ingramspark.com/learnmoreGreenChefwww.greenchef.com/50GLASSESCODE: 50GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupWish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinThe Librarians Books Mentioned - Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. SchwabSomebody is Walking on Your Grave by Mariana Enriquez, translated by Megan McDowellNovemberBitter Honey by Lolá Ákínmádé ÅkerströmLiterary fiction, mother-daughter relationship, Swedish pop star whose mother is trying to protect her from the pastCursed Daughters by Oyinkan BraithwaiteLiterary fiction, family curse, a woman whose family believes she is another family member reincarnatedLucky Seed by Justinian HuangLiterary fiction, matriarch of a wealthy family is pushing her gay nephew to produce an heir for the familyNext Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q. SutantoLiterary fiction, woman learning the truth of her glamorous grandmother's star crossed queer love storyThat's Not How It Happened by Craig ThomasLiterary fiction, family whose lives get adapted into a movie and chaos ensues, creator of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHERThe White Hot by Quiara Alegría HudesLiterary fiction, bad-mom trope, generational trauma, Siddhartha reimaginingQueen Esther by John IrvingReturn to the world of The Cider House Rules The Amberglow Candy Store by Hiyoko Kurisu, translated by Matt TreyvaudMagical realism, a fox spirit who sells magic healing treats to humansDeeper than the Ocean by Mirta OjitoLiterary fiction, multigenerational, immigration, family tiesThe Eleventh Hour by Salman RushdieShort stories, magical realismPalaver by Bryan WashingtonLiterary fiction, family, healingThe Pelican Child by Joy WilliamsShort stories, the struggle of livingDays at the Torunka Cafe by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated by Eric OzawaLiterary fiction, set in Tokyo, three people find literal and emotional nourishmentThe Botanist's Assistant by Peggy TownsendMystery, cozy, research assistant to a botanist must solve a murderThe Mysterious Death of Junetta PlumHistorical mystery, Jazz Age Harlem, woman and her orphaned charge must solve a murderThe Perfect Hosts by Heather GudenkaufThriller, someone dies at a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party, secretsBest Offer Wins by Marisa KashinoThriller, satire, competitive real estate market, woman who has lost out on 11 houses will do anything to get her dream homeWith Friends Like These by Alissa LeeThriller, group of college friends who have been playing a killing game known as The Circus for 20 yearsThe Burning Library by Gilly MacmillanThriller, dark academia, Scotland, rivalling secret orders of women battling to find a medieval manuscript, murderTurns of Fate by Anne BishopFantasy, contemporary, paranormal detective, start of seriesThe Nameless Land by Kate ElliotFantasy, epic, sequel to The Witch RoadsThe Merge by Grace WalkerSci fi, dystopian, a world where the separate consciousnesses of two people can be put in one bodyBrigands and Breadknives by Travis BaldreeThird book of Legends and LattesI, Media by Ayana GrayHistorical fiction, retelling, Greek mythology, villain origin storyAphrodite by Phoenicia RogersonHistorical fiction, retelling, Greek mythologyBeasts of the Sea by Iida Turpeinen, translated by David HackstonHistorical fiction, Finland, triple timeline, 1700s naturalist, 1850s Alaskan governor finds mysterious skeleton, 1950s museum curatorLast Call at the Savoy by Brisa CarletonHistorical fiction, historian investigating story of first female celebrity bartenderThe Mad Wife by Meagan ChurchHistorical fiction, 1950s housewife, motherhood, identityThe Place Where They Buried Your Heart by Christina HenryHorror, child disappearance, scary house, woman returning home to confront childhood mysteryThe Villa, Once Beloved by Victor ManiboHorror, gothic, Philippines, diaspora, intergenerational trauma, demonsSecond Chance Romance by Olivia DadeContemporary romance, small town, plus size heroine, second chance, grumpy/grumpyBlackthorn by J.T. GeissingerDark romance, gothic, paranormal, forbidden, grumpy/grumpy, enemies to lover, dark magic, touch her and dieThe Marriage Narrative by Claire KannContemporary romance, reality TV, marriage of convenienceSon of the Morning by Akwaeke EmeziRomantasy, spicy, set in the Black South, queer, magicEmber Eternal by Chlore NeillRomantasy, thief with secret magic, court intrigue/imperial politicsViolet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily KremphotlzRomantasy, plant witch and grumpy alchemist must save their small town from a magical plagueThe Bookshop Below by Georgia SummersRomantasy, disgraced bookseller restores a magical bookshop and enters dark underworld of dark ink magic and shady collectorsBook of Lives by Margaret AtwoodMemoirCher: The Memoir, Part TwoThe First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation by Jim ClyburnMemoirQueen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore by Ashley D. FarmerBiography of woman who helped found modern Black nationalism and who led the fight for reparationsWe Did OK, Kid by Anthony HopkinsMemoirStar of the Show: My Life on Stage by Dolly PartonMemoirBread of Angels by Patti SmithMemoir100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life by Dick Van DykeAutobiographyBlack-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore by Char AdamsHistory, the role of Black-owned bookstores in Black political movements throughout U.S. historyThirst Trap by Gráinne O'HareLiterary fiction, queer, friendship, moving from late 20s to early 30sWhere There's Room for Us by Hayley KiyokoQueer YA romance in reimagined queernorm Victorian EnglandThe Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose by Robyn GreenQueer romance, Red White and Royal Blue but in the London theater sceneAs Many Souls as Stars by Natasha SiegelQueer romantasy, sapphic, witch and demon caught in game across multiple lifetimesPetty Lies by Sulmi Bak, translated by Sarah LyoHorror, epistolary, four characters locked in a cycle of vengeanceDecemberThe Snake-Eater by T KingfisherFantasy, contemporary, horror, woman leaves the city to live in her late aunt's house, an ancient god comes to collect on aunt's unfulfilled promiseThe Birdwater by Jacquelyn MitchardLiterary fiction, journalist investigates a former classmate who is accused of murderThe Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra PatrickMagical realism, magical coffee which grants you a wish, protagonist wishes to revisit her past so she can change the presentHouse of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-JonesReprint of early novel - series of interconnected short storiesThe Jaguar's Roar by Micheliny Verunschk, translated by Juliana BarbassaHistorical fiction, parallel timelines - one is an Indigenous girl in the 1800s who is kidnapped, and another that is a modern woman's search for herTailored Realities by Brandon SandersonFantasy, short storiesDawn of the Firebird by Sarah Mughal RanaFantasy, woman must secretly join enemy's magical school after her clan is killed, djinn, vengeanceWe Will Rise Again edited by Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, and Malka OlderSpec fic, short stories, essays, protest, resistance, hope, interviewsThe Mating Game by Lana FergusonParanormal romance, wolf shifter, Christmas, contemporaryTender Cruelty by Katee RobertDark romance, Hera/Zeus, Greek retelling, spicyThe Dark is Descending by Chloe C. PeñarandaThird in romantasy trilogyThe Sea Captain's Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love, and Adventure at the Bottom of the World by Tilar J. MazzeoHistory, Gold Rush–era, maritime adventure, Mary Ann Patten - first woman captain of a merchant shipGalapagos by Fátima Vélez, translated by Hannah KaudersWeird fiction, queer, group of artists who are dying of AIDS embark on a surreal final voyage through the Galapagos IslandsSong of Ancient Lovers by Laura Restrepo, translated by Caro de RobertisFantasy, retelling, mythical love story, Queen of Sheba and King SolomonCape Fever by Nadia DavidsHorror, gothic, psychological, historical, 1920s, maid finds herself entangled with the spirits of a decaying manor, secretsAn Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color edited by Deesha PhilyawShort storiesWinter Stories by Ingvild RishøiShort storiesSecrets of the First School by TL HuchuFinal Edinburgh Nights bookBetter in Black: Ten Stories of Shadowhunter Romance by Cassandra ClareShort storiesThe Happiness Collector by Crystal KingSpec fic, a historian's dream job in Italy takes a dark turn when she discovers her employers aren't humanThe Last Vampire by Romina GarberYA dark fantasy, boarding school, Pride and Prejudice meets CraveThe Library of Fates by Margot HarrisonRomantasy, two former classmates race to find a rare book that can foretell your future if you confess a secret from your pastA Grim Reaper's Guide to Cheating Death by Maxie DaraCozy fantasy mystery, when a killer targets her brother, a grim reaper risks everything to save himRomantasy Cocktails by Jassy DavisCookingA Steep and Savage Path by JJA HarwoodRomantasy, vampires, dark romance, enemies to lovers, journey to the underworldWe Who Will Die by Stacia StarkRomantasy, Ancient Rome, Rome-antasy, vampires, slow burn, magic creatures, godsAn Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah ColeFantasy, dark academia, magic university, secret societyMurder in Manhattan by Julie MulhernMystery, historical, female reporter solving crimes in the glamorous world of the rich and famous in 1920s ManhattanHer Time Traveling Duke by Bryn DonovanRomantasy, time travel, grumpy-sunshine, love spells brings a Regency duke to modern timesSeeing Other People by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-BrokaParanormal romance, two people literally haunted by their exesEveryone in the Group Chat Dies by L.M. ChiltonMystery, funny, 90s serial killer, TikTok true crime investigatorTwin Tides by Hien NguyenYA horror, long-lost twin sisters unravel the mystery behind their mother's disappearance

On this weekend's edition of The Optimist, reporter and self-proclaimed cynic Kyle Melnick goes on a journey with a dog. We'll talk about what he learns, and the science of how dogs make us calmer, happier – and maybe even more trusting.If you want more optimistic content on the weekends, let us know at podcasts@washpost.com and maggie.penman@washpost.com – and check out our newsletter.Today's show was produced and hosted by Maggie Penman and reported by Kyle Melnick. It was edited by Allison Klein and mixed by Ted Muldoon.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.