Miscellaneous
Podcast Transcript June 13, 2025: Pride, periods, and little pleasures: spotlighting dignity, endometriosis, and daily joy
Episode Description: This week, Arielle and Karissa dive into the science of little treats—those small, joyful moments that can regulate stress, boost dopamine, and support mental health. They also spotlight a record-breaking $50M donation launching a global endometriosis research hub and Read More...
Podcast Transcript June 6, 2025: Fridge-Free Tortillas, Sunshine Guilt, and Science-Backed Self-Compassion
Episode Description: This week, Arielle and Karissa explore the science behind sunshine guilt and share simple tips for reframing guilt with self-compassion. Then they chat about fridge-free tortillas helping vulnerable communities in Mexico. Plus, they highlight other forward-thinking Read More...
Podcast Transcript May 30, 2025: From Reproductive Rights to Small But Mighty Chia Seeds
Episode Description: In this week’s round-up, Karissa and Arielle dive into the mighty chia seed’s digestive benefits and Cadence’s push to make emergency contraception as accessible as a pack of gum. Join them as they explore real-world solutions making a difference. The Optimist Daily is Read More...
Podcast Transcript May 23, 2025: The science of a sincere “sorry” and Boise’s geothermal energy solution
Episode Description: What makes an apology feel sincere? Hint: it’s in your syllables. This week, Arielle and Karissa dig into the psychology of saying sorry, celebrate Boise’s bold geothermal energy system, and share other global solutions that are heating things up (in the best way). The Read More...
Podcast Transcript May 16, 2025: Snakebites, sunscreen, and solutions: ancient humans, modern science, and unexpected heroes
Episode Description: This week, Arielle and Karissa dive into the wild and wonderful world of solutions—from ancient humans using ochre as sunscreen during a magnetic pole shift, to Tim Friede, a man who willingly took 200 venomous snake bites to help researchers create a better antivenom. Plus: Read More...
Podcast Transcript May 9, 2025: The quiet power of being average + life-sized animal puppets for climate action
Episode Description: Is an average life a failure—or a hidden strength? In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Arielle spotlights The Herds, a stunning climate art project featuring life-sized animal puppets parading through cities to raise awareness. Then, Karissa explores Read More...
Podcast Transcript May 2, 2025: What Iceland and Switzerland can teach us about happiness, health, and healing
Episode Description: In this uplifting episode, Arielle and Karissa explore how Iceland’s connection to nature, social supports, and resilience boost national happiness—and how Swiss doctors are now prescribing museum visits to improve mental health. From cotton candy skies to Claude Monet, Read More...
Podcast Transcript April 18, 2025: From oysters to ice baths: what boosts your health and helps the planet
Episode Description: In this week’s episode, Arielle and Karissa dive into two feel-good stories they didn’t expect to love: the science-backed benefits of shellfish and the surprising cellular perks of cold water immersion. From bivalves that clean oceans to ice baths that boost autophagy, Read More...
Podcast Transcript April 11, 2025: Uncontacted tribes, wildfire-resilient homes, and hope in tough times
Episode Description: This week, Arielle and Karissa explore a groundbreaking move by Colombia to protect uncontacted Indigenous communities and biodiversity, a California builder’s creation of the first wildfire-resilient neighborhood, and the personal impact of budget cuts to the EPA and Read More...
Podcast Transcript April 4, 2025: How crafting and friendships foster healing, joy, and upward mobility
Episode Description: This week, Arielle and Karissa explore the powerful intersection of creativity, mental well-being, and community. They dive into a groundbreaking study on how friendships across income lines can increase social mobility—and why inclusive schools and recreational spaces Read More...