The Optimist Daily's Weekly Roundup

This week's good news: Karissa and Arielle both talk about the power of sound in their chosen solutions this week. Karissa explains the wonderful effects of sound baths, an ancient practice experiencing a modern reprisal. Then, Arielle goes into the science behind "Dad Dancing," and why we shouldn't let embarrassment get in the way of our inner dad dancers. The Optimist Daily is a project of The W...

This week's positive news: It's lighting season in the United States! Arielle shares some safety tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones protected this summer. Then Karissa discusses an uplifting solution to food insecurity in the San Franciscan neighborhood of Bayview: The District 10 Community Market is a free grocery store for vulnerable community members.  The Optimist Daily is a proj...

This week's good news: Today Karissa dives into a wellness trend that's gaining popularity in the United States: Beer Spas! Then, Arielle sheds light on new research that may explain why orcas have been targeting (and sometime's even sinking) boats for the past four years. Episode transcript: https://www.optimistdaily.com/2024/06/podcast-transcript-jun-20-2024-beer-spas-and-yacht-smashing-orcas/ T...

This week's solution news: Arielle and Karissa are excited to be sharing solutions again after a three-week break. Today, they focus on health-care-facing solutions! Arielle starts off by discussing the North East Ambulance Service's new British Sign Language initiative that makes emergency care more inclusive and equitable. Then Karissa dives into a new federal effort in Canada that hopes to redu...

This week's positive news: Did you know that developing your personal style can help you be a more sustainable shopper? Karissa shares expert tips on how to zone in on your distinctive style. Then, Arielle dives into the world of adult friendships; why they're important and how to keep them fulfilling and meaningful. This is the last episode before Karissa and Arielle take a three week break! The...

This week's solutions news: Arielle dives into the complexities of digital dating and shares expert tips on how to cope with ghosting, breadcrumbing, and orbiting. Then Karissa discusses how you can offer support right meow to your local animal shelters or animal welfare organizations during kitten season. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link:  https://www.opt...

This week's uplifting news: Karissa gets excited about Sounds Right, a ground-breaking initiative from the Museum for the United Nations - UN Live, that seeks to recognize nature as a featured artist on streaming services such as Spotify, not only giving credit where credit is due, but also funneling royalties and donations to conservation projects in fragile ecosystems all across the world. Then,...

This week's positive news:  Arielle talks about not one but two "Citizen Science" solutions: one involving video gamers and biomedical research and another focusing on birders helping conservation causes in Australia. Then, Karissa highlights recent research about boosting butterfly populations that further supports the practice of letting your lawns grow wild! Just in time for #NoMowMay. The Opti...

This week's news is for book lovers! Karissa and Arielle talk about a couple international initiatives that champion children's literacy around the world. First up is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library which the state of Virginia is gearing up to join. Then, they switch gears to Pakistan's Kahaani Sawaari program, an effort powered by volunteers on bicycle ice-cream carts, riding through underserv...

This week's positive news: Karissa starts the show off with exciting news from Thailand: The nation is set to become the first ever Southeast Asian country to officially recognize non-heterosexual marriages. Then, Arielle shares the best strategy to reduce anger... and no, it's not venting! The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link:  https://www.optimistdaily.com/d...

This week's good news: Arielle discusses the link between greener streets and better sleep quality, a revelation that may persuade policy makers to integrate more urban green space as a public health solution. Then, Karissa talks about the importance of shutting down our inner critics with positive self talk. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link:  https://www....

This week's solutions news: Karissa shares a story about "Reef Stars," newly developed tech that supports the restoration of coral reefs destroyed by blast fishing. Then, Arielle highlights the amazing women in Botswana who are changing the safari industry and challenging gender stereotypes. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link:  https://www.optimistdaily.com/...

This week's solutions news: Karissa speaks about the revolutionary Opill, the first over-the-counter contraceptive pill in the US. Then, Arielle shifts gears and discusses how male influencers are countering toxic masculinity on social media. 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%20htt...

This week's positive news: Arielle talks about a new report that explores the long-lasting positive impact team sports has on young girls. Then, Karissa shares a heartwarming story about one Massachusetts library's feline forgiveness campaign for overdue fees: March Meowness. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link:  https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-suppor...

Happy International Women's Day! Today Arielle and Karissa focus on the theme for International Women's Day 2024, 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.' They discuss the history of this remarkable day as well as five strategies for combatting economic disempowerment among women globally.  Then, they turn their attention to what's happening in France; The country has set a remarkable global preced...

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...

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...

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.o...

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://...

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-da...

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-...

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-th...

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...

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 projec...

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...