Today’s Solutions: December 19, 2025
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The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup

With Arielle Tiangco and Karissa Garcia

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.

Episodes

Algae Oil & Freshwater Fish

March 31, 2022

Algae Oil & Freshwater Fish

Today's good news: Algae oil may just be the palm oil alternative we need, and researchers are thrilled to announce the discovery of more than 200 freshwater fish species!

If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com.

Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   15:45 min

Coral Gardeners & Marvel's Climate Change Superhero

March 30, 2022

Coral Gardeners & Marvel's Climate Change Superhero

Today's good news: Marvel introduces Marisol Rios de la Luz, a Nuyorican superhero ready to tackle climate change and all the intertwining issues. Then, Summers and Kristy discuss real-life environmental superheroes, the Coral Gardeners.

If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com.

Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   12:25 min

Ethical Bouquets & Sustainable Bikinis

March 29, 2022

Ethical Bouquets & Sustainable Bikinis

Today's sunny news: Not all flowers are sustainable or ethical! Here's how to make sure you're buying the best blooms for the planet. Plus, a list of sustainable swimwear fabrics to freshen up your vacation wardrobe.

If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com.

Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   15:12 min

The Carbon Crusher & Crushing Kidney Stones

March 28, 2022

The Carbon Crusher & Crushing Kidney Stones

Today's good news: A Norwegian start-up uses a plant-derived material to make roads carbon-negative and there's a novel treatment that can blast kidney stones non-invasively.

If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com.

Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   12:56 min

Sarah Cameron Sunde and 36.5 / A Durational Performance with the Sea

March 25, 2022

Sarah Cameron Sunde and 36.5 / A Durational Performance with the Sea

Today we are thrilled to welcome a fantastic interdisciplinary artist and director, and lead artist on 36.5/A Durational Performance with the Sea, Sarah Cameron Sunde! This series of nine-site specific performances and video artworks has been created in collaboration with communities around the world since 2013 in different bodies of water to express a metaphor for our changing environment. Join us as we chat about her journey and inspiration behind this project, and how we can connect with art to create solutions, whether we be creators or viewers. You can participate in the final installation of 36.5 taking place in New York City on September 14th, 2022 from anywhere in the world. For more details on the project, visit https://www.36pt5.org/.  Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News! 

 PLAY   34:17 min

Women in STEM & Simple Steps Toward Climate Activism

March 24, 2022

Women in STEM & Simple Steps Toward Climate Activism

Today's inspiring news: For Women's History Month, the Smithsonian showcases a collection of 120 3D-printed statues of women leaders within the STEM fields called “#IfThenSheCan—The Exhibit.” Plus, Kristy shares 5 simple steps to becoming a climate activist.

If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com.

Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   11:43 min

Springtime Rituals & Biochar, an Ancient Solution

March 23, 2022

Springtime Rituals & Biochar, an Ancient Solution

Today's good news: Summers and Kristy dive into fun Spring Equinox rituals you can do to welcome rebirth and new beginnings and discuss the ancient practice of biochar that could serve as an effective carbon mitigation strategy.

If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com.

Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   13:42 min

Help the Ocean from Anywhere &  Booming E-bike Sales

March 22, 2022

Help the Ocean from Anywhere & Booming E-bike Sales

Today's good news: How everyone can help the ocean, even if they live far from the coastline, and e-bike sales are soaring, bringing us one step closer to emissions-free cities.

If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com.

Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   12:15 min

Diébédo Francis Kéré & Can Video Games Treat Health Conditions?

March 21, 2022

Diébédo Francis Kéré & Can Video Games Treat Health Conditions?

Happy first day of spring! Today Summers and Kristy discuss how video games can help treat health conditions and celebrate Diébédo Francis Kéré, the first Black recipient of the most prestigious award in architecture, the Pritzker Architecture Prize.

If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: editorial@optimistdaily.com.

Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   15:28 min

WFH Without Hurting Your Back and Low Dementia Rates in a Remote Bolivian Tribe

March 18, 2022

WFH Without Hurting Your Back and Low Dementia Rates in a Remote Bolivian Tribe

Happy Friday! Today we're on the health beat as we discuss a massage therapist's advice on working from home without hurting your back, and the fascinating low rates of dementia and other health problems amongst seniors in one remote Bolivian tribe. 

As mentioned in the pod, Summers & Kristy's fave yoga instructor to follow as they WFH: Yoga with Kassandra

Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!

 PLAY   19:50 min