The Optimist Daily's Weekly Roundup - podcast cover

The Optimist Daily's Weekly Roundup

The Optimist Dailywww.optimistdaily.com
Do you like the stories from around the world that recognize and celebrate the people and events making a positive change? Tune in to The Optimist Daily's Weekly Roundup, where our solutions-focused stories continue, and hear behind-the-scenes discussions from the people bringing you the news.
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Episodes

US Finally Returns Asante Kingdom Artifacts to Ghana and The Power of Joy Lists

This week's uplifting news: Arielle shares exciting news about how UCLA's Fowler Museum is returning seven royal Ghanaian treasures to the Asante Kingdom, and launches into a discussion about the importance of the repatriation of cultural artifacts. Then, Karissa talks about the powerful practice of keeping "joy lists" and how you can incorporate them into your day-to-day life. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-sup...

Mar 01, 202425 min

Taylor Swift's Lifesaving Songs and Diversity Training for AI

This week's solutions news: Karissa gets to talk about one of her favorite artists: Taylor Swift! Turns out that over 50 of Swift's songs are the perfect BPM for administering CPR. This means millions of Swifties out there have an edge in terms of saving people from cardiac arrest. Then, Arielle takes on an emerging tech solution that aims to create an inclusive future by bridging cultural gaps in AI: diversity training for Large Language Models (LLM). The Optimist Daily is a project of The Worl...

Feb 23, 202423 min

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 construction. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Feb 16, 202419 min

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 immersive adventure. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Feb 09, 202421 min

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 World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Feb 02, 202415 min

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 Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Jan 26, 202417 min

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 project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Jan 19, 202417 min

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 discussions about suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate support from a mental health professional or c...

Jan 12, 202416 min

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 for supporting us and our mission to spread optimism. See you in 2024! The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-op...

Dec 22, 202327 min

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 nominations for top Optimist Daily stories of 2023 to solutions@optimistdaily.com The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-sup...

Dec 15, 202319 min

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 Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Dec 08, 202325 min

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 well-being. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Dec 01, 202317 min

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! Arielle and Karissa talk about what they're grateful for this year and why we should practice gratitude all year round. They also extend their appreciation to you for being a part of The Optimist Daily community. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Nov 24, 202311 min

Tracy Chapman and Enough! Plays to Stop Gun Violence

This week's empowering solutions: Karissa talks about how the 35-year-old song Fast Car wins Song of the Year at this year's Country Music Awards, making Tracy Chapman the first Black woman to receive this award. Then Arielle highlights a story about "Enough! Plays to Stop Gun Violence," an initiative that invites teens to write plays about the effects of gun violence. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-...

Nov 17, 202337 min

Reinstating Film Intermissions and Art Preserves Endangered Flora

This week's artistic solutions: Arielle shares the case for why film intermissions should be reinstated for a better movie-going experience. Then Karissa dives into how artists in the Himalayas are capturing their culture's endangered flora and fauna in their art in an effort to preserve and teach about these endangered species. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Nov 10, 202323 min

Solo Dates and Combatting Disinformation

This week's solutions news: Karissa shares perfect solo date ideas that inspires us to set aside more intentional "me-time." Then, Arielle discusses how we can tackle misinformation and disinformation during times of war and conflict. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Nov 03, 202325 min

Building Bridges in the Midst of Conflict

This week's hopeful news: Arielle and Karissa highlight 12 well-established organizations that are working towards peace between Israel and Palestine. Click here to find the websites of each organization mentioned in this episode. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Oct 27, 202317 min

Goodbye Discriminatory Electoral Map and The Mental Health Benefits of Horror

This week's good news: Karissa is happy to share how a federal judge decided to overturn Galveston’s discriminatory electoral map in a voting rights victory. Then, Arielle reveals the surprising mental health benefits of watching horror films. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Oct 20, 202320 min

The Power of Hobbies and Disco Balls for Science

This week's positive news: Karissa highlights a lifestyle article about the power of hobbies in preventing depression as you age. Then, Arielle talks about why disco balls and science, specifically astronomy, go surprisingly well together. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Oct 06, 202317 min

The American Climate Corps and Indigenous Land Rights

This week's uplifting news: Karissa speaks about the American Climate Corps, a breakthrough program that will transform the climate action landscape in the US. Then, Arielle discusses the historic decision made by Brazil's Supreme Court to uphold Indigenous land rights and why this is cause for celebration, both nationally and globally. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://...

Sep 29, 202317 min

Star Safaris and Baby Beavers

This week's positive news: We’re back! Arielle and Karissa present the new iteration of The Optimist Daily's podcast and update you on what's been going on during our hiatus. Then they dive straight into their favorite stories of the week. Arielle speaks about astronomer Susan Murabana and her mission to bring the wonders of the Cosmos to disadvantaged youth in Kenya. Karissa follows with the exciting news of a baby beaver sighting in California, and what a rebound in beaver populations could me...

Sep 22, 202315 min

New Chapters for The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy

Today we are both happy and sad to share that this will be the season finale and the start of an indefinite hiatus of the show. It has been a privilege to bring you solutions news every day. We have a vast library of daily updates and special guest interviews to keep you inspired, so please keep coming back to your favorite episodes when you need a lift! Keep connected with The Optimist Daily. We'll continue to be a resource for solutions as we transition into the next chapter of our organizatio...

Jun 17, 20225 min

Paul Relis and His Time on The Environmental Frontier

Today we're welcoming guest Paul Relis to the show! Paul is a pioneer of environmental solutions after being called to action from the 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill - a transformative event in US history that launched many environmental protection programs, and Paul's career. With his leadership in forming the Community Environmental Council, starting recycling programs with the California Environmental Protection Agency, taking executive roles in the bioenergy sector, and engaging in many more i...

Jun 16, 202254 min

Fantastical Flying Ships and a Beautiful Eco-School Project

Today's innovative design news: Arielle and Kristy dive into the design world with two inspiring stories. They begin by talking about hydrofoils and how they can be used to electrify ferries and ships, one of the only modes of transport that is yet to be successfully decarbonized. Then, they discuss a beautifully designed eco-school located in the Thar desert in India. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

Jun 15, 202217 min

NASA Investigates UFOs and Understanding Extraterrestrial Life through Kombucha

Today's out-of-this-world news: Arielle and Kristy journey into space with today's solutions. First, Arielle talks about NASA's newly assembled team committed to investigating UFOs. Then, Kristy discusses how kombucha, the talented tea, is helping us better understand extraterrestrial life. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

Jun 14, 20229 min

Early Whale Watching and How Animal Research Advances Women's Health

Today's wildly positive news: Summers highlights how Australian whale watchers are being treated to an earlier-than-usual whale watching season thanks to successful conservation! Then, Kristy talks about a new study that details how animal adaptations could inform better women’s health. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

Jun 13, 202215 min

Smart Pillows and Uber's Aid in Ukraine

Today's optimistic news: A new smart pillow can track the sleep of a user and provide essential data, and Uber is aiding Ukrainians by partnering with the UN World Food Programme. That and more on The Optimist Daily today! Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

Jun 10, 202212 min

Insect Informants and How To Reduce the Environmental Cost of Meat

Today's solutions news: Italy's special police force, the Carabinieri, teams up with bees to fight climate change, and here are four policy changes we can make to reduce the environmental cost of the meat industry. If you'd like to nominate someone you know who's doing good in this world, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com . Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

Jun 09, 202215 min

Electric Food Trucks and Scaling Up Solar Production

Today's good news: Summers talks about how students at the University of Illinois, Chicago have built a fully functional solar charging station for an on-campus food truck and other EVs. Then, Kristy discusses how the Biden administration is trying to drastically scale up solar production. If you'd like to nominate someone you know who's doing good in this world, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com . Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the N...

Jun 08, 202214 min

Composting in California and The Attentional Failure during Driving Questionnaire (AFDQ)

Today's good news: California levels up its composting game by making composting a statewide practice. Plus, North Carolina State University has developed an Attentional Failure during Driving Questionnaire (AFDQ) to help determine which drivers are most at risk of having an accident. If you'd like to nominate someone you know who's doing good in this world, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com . Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!...

Jun 07, 202215 min
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