Episode Description:
In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup, Karissa and Arielle dive into two compelling stories: why picking up the phone to call your friends can strengthen relationships and improve mental well-being, and how France finally scrapped a discriminatory voting rule in its National Assembly. They discuss the growing loneliness epidemic, how small habits like making a call list can make a big difference, and why accessibility reforms—like the one championed by Sébastien Peytavie—are essential for creating a more inclusive society. Plus, they share even more uplifting solutions from around the world.
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Transcript:
Theme music
Karissa: Hello and welcome to The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup. I’m Karissa.
Arielle: And I’m Arielle, and we’re working hard to put solutions in view and optimism in movement.
Karissa: Hello again! We’re back with another episode of the pod, and it’s good to be back after our little hiatus last week.
Arielle: How was your birthday celebration, Karissa?
Karissa: Oh, it was kind of low-key. I did a little bit of wine tasting locally for a day and just had a nice birthday dinner with my family.
Arielle: Sounds like a classy celebration.
Karissa: Well, I guess it was kind of classy! And Arielle, you were out and about traveling. How was that?
Arielle: Yeah, it was good! I was up in the High Tatras in Slovakia with some friends, but of course, we all had to work. So it was a combination of hiking in our free time and all of us being together on our laptops (laughs) when we had to do that.
Karissa: That’s awesome. And I guess that kind of brings us to our new segment that we’ve been featuring lately.
Arielle: Yes, I’m an Optimist, But… segment. Okay, so last night, I was doing some doomscrolling and I kept coming across some really discouraging articles. And I read one about how more than 50 universities across 41 states are under federal investigation for so-called racial preferences in their programs, and that kind of… like, depressed me a little bit.
One of the bigger targets I read about was The PhD Project, which is a nonprofit that helps Black, Latino, and Native American students pursue doctoral degrees in business. And yeah, I don’t know—it just seems like now, helping students from historically excluded backgrounds is being framed as discrimination, and I just feel… sad about that.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg on that issue, because meanwhile, STEM programs are facing massive cuts as well. We shared an article about the protests that academics were engaged in a week or a couple of weeks ago for funding cuts to research in general, but especially programs that promote equity and diversity in science—which is just frustrating because it feels like this is a time when we need more diverse perspectives in these industries, not fewer.
So, I’m an optimist, but this feels like such an attack on education itself. And we’ve shared many articles in the past about progress in terms of diversity and representation, but now we risk losing decades of that very same progress. So yeah. I don’t really have a solution to this problem, but I know that I’m definitely going through our stress management and mindfulness articles a lot lately to kind of… calm myself down.
Karissa: Yeah, absolutely. It’s hard to ignore. Like, every time I pick up my phone, it does get a little bit sad… but as always, we’re here to balance out the negative news with a little bit of optimism. We do have something that does have to do with diversity that you’ll share with us later. But I guess I’ll go into my I’m an Optimist, But of the week, if you don’t mind.
Arielle: Yeah, of course.
Karissa: So, we talked about how it was my birthday last week, and so this kind of makes me feel like I’m an optimist, but it’s really sad being away from a lot of my close friends. It’s super nice to hear from a lot of people on my birthday, but I was really sad that, you know, like, everyone is just in so many different places in the world and in life. And back in the day, I could incorporate so many more people into my birthday celebrations. And I was lucky to celebrate with a couple of friends and my sister and my family and such, but it does get a little bit lonely in a sense when you can’t be with everyone you love and appreciate at the same time.
Arielle: Yeah, I totally feel you on that, considering that I’ve moved so much, so yeah, relatable!
Karissa: Right. Yeah. You leave your heart in so many places. And you know, it’s great that you can have all of these connections, but you know, you can kind of lose contact very easily with people just because people are busy living life. And that kind of brings me to my solution of the day, if you don’t mind me jumping in.
Arielle: Mm-hmm, yeah. I’m super curious.
Karissa: The solution, I feel like, was perfect timing because it’s called Why You Should Call Your Friends More (and How to Make It Happen).
Karissa: Yeah. So, Arielle, I guess, how do you contact your friends that are all over? Do you text them? Do you call them a lot?
Arielle: Umm, since deleting Instagram, it’s been a lot harder to stay in touch with people. I’m also a really bad texter, and I… I get intimidated by group chats, so I don’t really participate in group chats either, unless absolutely necessary. I’m more of a “text someone to set up a call” person.
Karissa: Mm. Yeah.
Arielle: Or, if possible, meet in person.
Karissa: OK. Yeah. I feel like I’d love to say that I prefer calling, but I definitely text more. Sometimes I can be really bad at it (laughs). I have a couple of group chats with a max of four people. But yeah, nothing beats a good call because, you know, even though texting is convenient and efficient, when it comes to fostering real connection, a good old-fashioned phone call wins every time. And these days, we even have FaceTime!
Arielle: Mm-hmm.
Karissa: Outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has been raising alarm bells about the loneliness epidemicand its impact on mental and physical health—from depression to heart disease. And a big factor? Not calling our friends or spending time with them. His advice is to strengthen our personal connections, and calling a friend instead of texting is actually an easy way to start.
Arielle: So, why do calls create stronger bonds than a simple text? Isn’t it all communication?
Karissa: Well, according to Irina Firstein, a therapist based in New York City, calling is simply more personal and informative than texting. It’s a much richer way to understand another person’s internal experience. And you can kind of think about it like the difference between reading a book and watching a movie.
So when you read, your brain fills in the gaps, making inferences and interpretations—that’s kind of how texting works, too. It leaves plenty of room for differences in understanding. But a phone call? That’s like watching a movie, where tone, intonation, and emotion paint a fuller picture. Firstein explains that a voice provides an emotional picture, while a text is limited and one-dimensional. And I think that’s so true.
Arielle: Yes. That makes so much sense. The power of hearing another’s voice takes so much guesswork out of a conversation and is so much more meaningful.
Karissa: A meaningful call doesn’t have to be hours long either. And as psychologist Yasmine Saad says, it’s not so much about the length of a phone call, but the content of the phone call. So even just a short, heartfelt chat can make you feel instantly more connected.
Arielle: Right, OK. But I’m still not sold that texting is like the total enemy. Wouldn’t you say that even a quick text can also be meaningful and keep the connection alive?
Karissa: Yeah, definitely. Texting isn’t the total enemy here, and it has its place for sure—especially when making plans, sending a quick update, or sharing memes or something that doesn’t require a deeper conversation. And I would also say in today’s day and age, it’s important to reinforce your connections in whatever way possible, even if it’s just a small little text.
And for some people, texting even acts as a buffer. As Dr. Saad says, if you have a tendency to tune into the negative, texting may help you connect. And it also kind of allows for more control over the conversation and reduces that anxiety as well. But all that being said, if you are feeling lonely and disconnected, a phone call is often the better choice. The key is knowing when to step out of your comfort zone.
If the idea of calling makes you hesitate, you’re not alone. Many people worry about awkward silences or don’t really know how to start.
Arielle: Mm-hmm, yeah, I can relate to that. Even though I do tend to want to call more often, it still makes me feel a little bit nervous inside. So how can we make calls feel effortless and natural?
Karissa: Yeah. So we have some tips here in the solution that I’ll go into.
So #1 is embrace the imperfection. If you’re worried about a call being awkward… it might be awkward (laughs), especially depending on who you talk to. If you haven’t caught up with them in a while, or just depending on your relationship with them. But that is definitely OK. And Dr. Saad says anticipate that the conversation might not be perfect and let go of the pressure. A small stumble in conversation doesn’t mean the call is a failure. In fact, it’s part of what makes real human interaction so valuable.
Arielle: Yeah. And there are certainly times when conversations can get awkward, no matter who you are talking to—in person or on the phone.
Karissa: Yeah, exactly. Awkwardness is part of the human experience.
Arielle: I think that it makes people more relatable. Like, if someone’s too smooth of a talker then I’m like, hmm, I don’t know about you (laughs).
Karissa: Exactly. Definitely.
So the second tip we have is to make a call list. Firstein admits that even though she doesn’t always look forward to calling people, she knows it’s good for her. And her solution that she recommends is making a call list. She says that she forces herself to make a list of people she hasn’t spoken to and just sits down and does it—and it feels really good after. So the tip here is to try writing down five people you’d love to catch up with but haven’t in a while. You can maybe try to schedule one call a week. It’s a simple step that can really make a big difference.
Arielle: Yeah, this is a great idea. I’ll definitely try it out because I tend to call just the same people all the time.
Karissa: Right.
Arielle: And the great thing about making a phone call is that you can schedule it so that you can multitask and it can add some company to your daily walk or your work commute or something. I know I talk to a lot of people while I’m walking my dog.
Karissa: Yeah, exactly.
The next tip we have is to set a clear goal for the call. Before dialing, take a moment to think about why you’re calling. Identify what you want out of the conversation and orient the conversation towards that. So maybe you just want to hear something funny, get advice, or hear a familiar voice. But setting an intention will help you feel more confident going into the call and make the conversation more rewarding as well.
And the final tip we have is call the right person at the right time. Just as different friends serve different roles in our lives, they also make for different kinds of conversations. Before you call, consider what you need from the chat. And that kind of goes with the intention behind the call. If you’re looking for a pep talk, call the friend who always lifts your spirits. If you need to vent, choose someone who’s a listener. Being intentional about who you call ensures a more fulfilling experience overall.
Calling a friend is a small habit with a big impact. In a world where digital communication often replaces real conversation, making an effort to call more can be a simple but powerful step towards stronger relationships. The next time you reach for your phone to send a text, consider a good old-fashioned phone call instead—you might be surprised at how much even just a short call, even if it’s five minutes, can brighten your day.
Arielle: Mm-hmm, yeah, this is great. A nice lifestyle solution that we can all try. My solution is a little bit different.
Karissa: Let’s jump into it!
Arielle: Yeah. OK, so, as you insinuated earlier, my choice this week has definitely been guided by my anguish over the trend of dismantling DEI initiatives in the United States, which I talked about earlier in my I’m an Optimist, But…
Karissa: Right.
Arielle: In this hostile climate, symbolic gestures toward inclusivity carry profound significance. Symbols can be really powerful. They can become beacons of hope and progress, reminding us of the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued and represented. With that said, I’ll launch into my chosen article, which is about something that really shouldn’t have taken this long to fix. Until last week, France’s National Assembly had a rule that literally required lawmakers to stand up to vote. And if you couldn’t stand—well, tough luck, I guess.
Karissa: OK, I… I didn’t know this. So you’re telling me that if you were in a wheelchair, you just couldn’t vote?
Arielle: Exactly. And that’s what happened to Sébastien Peytavie, a lawmaker who uses a wheelchair. He called it out for what it was—discrimination—and pushed to change the rule. And did it work? Yeah, it did. Which brings me to the title of this article: French lawmaker’s win: ending a discriminatory voting rule. The vote to scrap the standing requirement passed unanimously, 183 to 0. Now, instead of forcing lawmakers to stand up, they’ll use electronic voting or a simple show of hands.
Karissa: I mean… it’s great that they fixed this problem, but also, why did it take until 2025 for someone to realize this was an issue?
Arielle: Right? And Peytavie made an important point. He said, “This text is admittedly symbolic, but it’s a reminder that it is the failure to adapt the environment that creates a disability, not a person’s physical situation.”
Karissa: Yeah. And that’s such a crucial perspective. It’s not about fixing the person—it’s about fixing the system.
Arielle: Mm-hmm. And honestly, France still has a long way to go when it comes to accessibility. The National Assembly itself—this huge, historic 18th-century building—is only partially accessible, even though it really should be. And I’ve also had a lot of friends complain about the Paris Metro. I haven’t been to Paris yet, but I’ve heard their metro system is a nightmare for anyone with mobility challenges. And honestly, for anyone in general.
Karissa: Yeah. And that’s just the public spaces. So I’m guessing private businesses aren’t much better?
Arielle: Peytavie pointed out that many public and private venues in France are still creating unnecessary barriers. And he’s not stopping with just voting access. He wants bigger changes that actually make everyday life more inclusive.
Karissa: Yeah. And honestly, that’s the bigger conversation, right? Everyone deserves equal access, not just in politics, but everywhere.
Arielle: Yes, agreed.
So while this vote was a huge move in the right direction, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. There’s still a lot of work to do, but at least now, France’s lawmakers aren’t literally excluding disabled politicians from voting on the laws that affect them. That’s progress. But I also want to mention that they didn’t use this sitting-standing vote all the time, so it wasn’t a constant thing. But still, it’s symbolic that they scrapped it altogether—even if it was only used on occasion.
Karissa: Yeah. So it sounds like it was about time this change was made, especially in today’s world where we have so many different ways to vote.
Arielle: Yeah. I definitely needed a story like this right now and figured other people might be encouraged by it as well. Symbolic gestures reinforce the importance of inclusivity while challenging us to examine our own systems and practices, urging us to create environments where everyone, regardless of ability, race, or background, can participate fully.
Karissa: Yeah, exactly. Thank you for sharing this one, Arielle.
Arielle: Thanks for sharing yours! I really enjoyed hearing it. And we hope that all of our readers and listeners will enjoy learning about other solutions we have on our website, including…
Karissa: Yeah! So we have How to strengthen your hips for better movement and less pain, Australian man survives 100 days with artificial heart in groundbreaking success, How science is bringing movement and sensation back to paralyzed hands—that one’s really cool, so I highly suggest checking that out—and New Zealand embarks on historic island rewilding effort. What else do we have?
Arielle: We also have Start small, grow smart: gardening tips experts wish they knew sooner, Why venting makes anger worse—and what actually helps, Can a video game detect Alzheimer’s early? Scientists think so… And Your heart’s secret signals: what HRV tells you about your health.
Karissa: And if you want to start your day off right next week, make sure to subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get solutions straight to your inbox.
Arielle: We also have more on our social channels! You can find us @OptimistDaily on all platforms, including Threads and Pinterest. The only difference? On X, we’re @ODEtoOptimism.
Karissa: And we’re a small team of optimists working hard to bring you positive news. If you want to support our mission of putting optimism into the world, click on the link in the show notes to find out how.
Arielle: And remember—support doesn’t always have to be financial! Even just recommending our podcast to a friend, leaving a positive review on Apple or Spotify, forwarding a link to a loved one, or sharing a solution on your socials—all of that helps us out a lot.
Karissa: Well, Arielle, it was great to be back on the pod this week and great to share these solutions with you.
Arielle: I agree! And I’m looking forward to next week where we’ll be sharing even more solutions. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a great weekend—and maybe call a friend or two!
Karissa: Yeah, exactly. Alrighty. Well, until next time—bye!
Arielle: Bye!
