The Optimistic American

In this episode of The Optimistic American , Paul Johnson sits down with Dr. Emily Bashah to discuss cognitive biases and blindspots and how they relate to you being able to find your sense of agency. They break down common biases that affect our everyday lives and how you can use love and connection to counter people who get high from being right. Paul and Emly start the conversation by defining...

In this episode of The Optimistic American , Paul Johnson sits down with Marc Bonilla to discuss the art of negotiation and why it's such an important skill to master. They break down practical ways to improve your negotiation skills, the value of trust in negotiations, and how to protect your reputation during a negotiation. Marc and Paul start the conversation by describing the key features of a...

In this episode of The Optimistic American , Dr. Emily Bashah and Paul Johnson discuss ways employees can improve the quality of life at work and get their needs met.  They break down topics like ways to ask for a raise or a promotion, the rise of the victimhood mentality, and the 5 keys to becoming a superstar employee. Emily and Paul start the conversation by describing the difference between a...

In this episode of The Optimistic American , Paul Johnson sits down with Former NATO commander General Wesley Clark to discuss what we can do as Americans to have better conversations with one another.   They break down what the Civility Leadership Institute is all about, the role of the US in keeping world peace, and how strengthening public accountability makes democracy work. Paul and Wesley st...

In this episode of The Optimistic American , Paul Johnson welcomes back Dr. Emily Bashah to discuss psychopathy, decision-making, and agency in the context of hierarchy. The two also discuss their book Addictive Ideologies , Stanley Milgram’s 1960s experiment and tyranny. Paul Johnson and Dr. Emily Bashah discuss psychopathy, the mistakes that are often made when trying to define it, and the tools...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson welcomes former Phoenix Mayor and past Attorney General of Arizona Terry Goddard to talk about dark money and the key role it plays in political campaigns. They discuss what dark money is all about, how it’s influencing political campaigns and the ongoing efforts to get rid of it. Paul Johnson shares his thoughts about being optimistic. It d...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson welcomes former Maricopa County County Attorney and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Rick Romley to discuss his incredible story of overcoming adversity and finding meaning in life. The two also discuss Romley’s career and the key challenges he faced, as well as running for office and giving back to the community.  Rick Romley joined the Marine Cor...

In this episode of The Optimistic American , Paul Johnson and Dr. Emily Bashah address several questions they received from people in regards to the concern about the arising recession and how to navigate your way through it, as well as the hierarchy of agency, how to navigate difficult conversations and finding meaning in life. The conversation between Paul Johnson and Dr. Emily Bashah kicks off...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson is joined by Professor Michael Beckley.   They discuss his new book Danger Zone, the role of China and the threat that exists, as well as how it could affect places like Taiwan and how the U.S. should be responding to it. According to Professor Michael Beckley, there is such a different narrative about China than the one we see going on in m...

In this episode of The Optimistic American , Paul Johnson is joined by his co-author of the upcoming book Addictive Ideologies: Dr. Emily Bashah. They talk about the key principles and differences between the Alt-Right and Politically Correct Authoritarians, as well as studies that have covered human psychology in such areas.  Paul Johnson sets the stage for the episode by discussing the fact that...

Host Paul Johnson welcomes Harvard University Professor and author Steven Pinker.  They discuss the new wave of enlightenment, what stands in the way of us being more rational, the difference between being an optimist and an optimistic, free speech, cancel culture, and more. Paul Johnson and Prof. Steven Pinker discuss the ongoing issue of American people losing faith, which often leads to losing...

In today’s episode of The Optimistic American , Paul Johnson and Dr. Emily Bashah address those questions, as well as points around agency and authoritarianism related to leadership, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the concept of locus of control.  In today’s episode of The Optimistic American , Paul Johnson and Dr. Emily Bashah address questions around how agency and authoritarianism relate to...

In this episode of The Optimistic American , host Paul Johnson sits down with Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch to discuss what led to the conflict, the current situation, and what potential future scenarios could mean for the U.S. and the rest of the world. This episode of The Optimistic American focuses on the Ukraine war and addresses the question, what does the Ukraine war mean for the U.S.? Today’...

This episode of The Optimistic American kicks off season two – listen to learn about what’s to come, addictive technologies, the history of prosecutions in Iraq’s and their impact on Dr. Emily Bashah, and what to consider and do to avoid falling prey to “amygdala hijacking”.   This episode discusses what’s to come in season 2, as well as the prosecution of Jews in Iraq and how that impacted – and...

Join Dr. Bashah and Paul Johnson as they unearth the origins of idealism. The discussion begins with ancient philosophers describing the power of idealism. Idealism is a common trait of CEOs who create new and innovative products, our founders who used idealism to form a more perfect Union, and the secrets on how you can use idealism to create a better you.   Imagine this: a life full of possibili...

In an age when Americans seem to be divided, Paul Johnson and Dr. Basha, focus on the important idea that, “It’s we, not me.” Service and belonging are connected! They help answer the question, “with all the things I have going on, with everyone else seemingly looking out for themselves, why should I focus on giving anything back? What is it for me?”    They examine what makes being an American sp...

This episode explains why gut-wrenching poverty exists, which leaves 1.29 billion people in the developing world struggling to live on less than $1.25 a day.  And in what could be a depressing subject, Professor James Robinson, gives a very hopeful, ambitious prognosis on how the US is leading the world moving forward the human condition.    The interview is based on the two internationally acclai...

Join Dr. Bashah and Paul Johnson, in this 5th of 7 episodes regarding addictive ideologies and how love and loneliness affect your sense of agency. How finding optimism can help you see the world clearly, and give you the ability to benefit from its opportunities.    This episode begins with a discussion of how even very successful people can find themselves alone and driven by the real need to be...

Robert Robb & Paul Johnson discuss Communism, Socialism and benefits of American Capitalism. The discussion covers how American Capitalism has done more to improve the quality of life and improve the human condition than any other system in the history of the world.   If you hate capitalism, you might want to skip this one, but if you are open to the idea that free markets have actually made the w...

Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you working so hard you are missing out on life and opportunities? Are you experiencing financial struggle? Do you feel isolated? Are you frustrated that you can't fix your business? Have you fallen short of the expectations you set for yourself? It's hard to grow a business when the economy is working against you. Mike Michalowicz is one of the most prolific writers f...

In this discussion with Paul Johnson and Peter Zeihan you will gain an understanding of the changing global order, and why you can be optimistic about the future of America. Many Americans have surrendered their agency to the negative nightly news, candidates, political parties and social media, who prosper from “if it bleeds it leads.” This has created a view of the world and America's position t...

Join Dr. Bashah and I in this series regarding the 7 steps to regain your agency.  Addictive ideologies promoted by the nightly news, political parties, candidates and social media can rob you of your ability to see the world clearly, and benefit from its opportunities.    This episode begins with Viktor Frankl’s experience in Nazi Concentration Camps and the development of his Logotherapy that is...

In this special episode of the Optimistic American, Joe Polish shares insights and transformative lessons from his upcoming book ‘What’s in it for them.’ You will learn about his journey to massive success, and how he overcame overwhelming personal and professional challenges to become one of the most successful entrepreneur, coach and networker in the world. If you’re a small business owner (or k...

Dr. Emily Bashah, a psychologist focused on trauma and related challenges, and Paul Johnson, host and founder of The Optimistic American podcast, discuss the “7 Codes” designed to help listeners/readers successfully navigate this divisive world.    Their 7 Codes: Make Space for Optimism Begin Anew and Start with Love We Not Me – We Belong to Something Bigger Strength Over Safety Real Power is With...

This is a new series focusing on helping you reclaim your sense of "agency". Agency refers to the human capability to influence one's functioning and the course of events by one's actions. You may not be able to control your destiny but you can control your fate. There are three forms of Agency one can influence others: Individual - You bring your influence on what you can control Proxy - You brin...