From oysters to ice baths: what boosts your health and helps the planet
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, discover why discomfort Read More...
Uncontacted tribes, wildfire-resilient homes, and hope in tough times
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 NPS. Transcript link: Read More...
How crafting and friendships foster healing, joy, and upward mobility
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 matter. Then, they turn to Read More...
Bloodless Bulls & Biodegradable Beads
This week, Karissa and Arielle explore creative sustainability in action—from biodegradable, seed-filled Mardi Gras beads developed by LSU students to Mexico City’s bold move toward bloodless bullfighting. Join in for a hopeful conversation about how traditions can evolve, and discover more Read More...
Why Calling Your Friends Matters + A Win for Accessibility in France
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 Read More...
Coping with Travel Anxiety and Thriving in Uncertainty: Science-Backed Solutions
In this episode of The Optimist Daily Weekly Roundup, Arielle and Karissa dive into some of the most anxiety-inducing headlines of the past week—from plane crashes to media overload—and explore how to manage travel anxiety when the news is anything but comforting. They share science-backed tips Read More...
Mastering Eye Contact for Better Communication + Norway Bans Fur Farming
In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Karissa and Arielle explore Norway’s groundbreaking decision to ban fur farming, diving into how activism, consumer choices, and political action shape a more compassionate world. They also break down essential eye contact tips—what Read More...
Naps & Net Worth: How Sleep Boosts Problem-Solving + Discussing Female Invest
In this episode of The Optimist Daily Weekly Roundup, Karissa and Arielle explore the surprising link between naps and enhanced problem-solving skills—because sometimes, sleeping on it really is the best strategy. Then, they dive into the story of Female Invest, a platform making financial Read More...
Love, Climate Justice, and a Snuggly Sleep Hack
Happy Valentine’s Day! This week, Arielle and Karissa are diving into a love-infused lineup of solutions, starting with a fascinating study on how your partner’s scent might actually help you sleep better. Then, they explore San Francisco State University’s groundbreaking new climate justice Read More...
The Rise of Ethical Social Media & Granting Nature Legal Rights
In this week’s episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Karissa and Arielle dive into the world of ethical social media and environmental justice. First, Karissa explores decentralized platforms like Pixelfed, Loops, and Sup, which challenge big tech by prioritizing privacy, Read More...