The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi

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Latest Episodes:

Dr. Becky Yang Hsu Breaks Down How Culture Defines Happiness Mar 05, 2025

✨What is happiness, really? And are we looking for it in all the wrong places?

This week on The Optimist Project, Yara Shahidi sits down with sociologist Dr. Becky Yang Hsu to explore how different cultures define happiness—and why the solo pursuit of it might be too limiting.

Dr. Hsu unpacks the surprising ways deep connections, community, and relationships shape fulfillment. (spoiler: it’s not just about personal wins).

Maybe happiness isn’t something we chase—but everything we create together.

💡 Get ready to rethink what it means to live a good life.

🎧 Listen in NOW and join the conversation!

💬 send us your thoughts via DM, voicemail, or email at:

📲 @optimistprojectpod //The Optimist Project Podcast 

✨Executive Producer @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

✨Executive Producer @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi 

📚 @bexhsu // Dr. Becky Yang Hsu 

📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

Bisa Butler's Threads of Optimism using Art, Teaching, and Legacy Feb 26, 2025

🎙 The Optimist Project Podcast: Bisa Butler – Giving Our Past a New Life Through Art

Today, I’m in conversation with the extraordinary Bisa Butler—artist, educator, visual historian, and creative futurist. Through her breathtaking quilted portraits, Bisa weaves history, identity, and resilience into fabric, redefining how we see the past and imagine the future.

Join us as we explore the inspiration and drive behind her powerful body of work, which honors the rich and vibrant histories of Black life and culture. From her roots in academia to the world’s most prestigious galleries and museums, Bisa shares how her journey as both a student and teacher continues to shape her vision—proving that art is more than just an expression; it’s a revolution.

This conversation is a masterclass in creativity, perseverance, and storytelling. If you’ve ever wondered how art can heal, inspire, and empower—this episode is for you.

We want to hear from YOU! How are you investing in yourself while chasing your purpose? Drop us a voicemail, DM, or email and share your thoughts!

🔗 Listen NOW and be inspired!

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@bisabutler // Bisa Butler

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

Dr. Vee Kativhu: Igniting Optimism by Chasing her Dreams & Changing Lives Feb 19, 2025

Ready for a dose of inspiration? This week on The Optimist Project, Yara Shahidi sits in conversation with Gen Z global phenom, educator, author, and activist, Dr. Vee Kativhu, about chasing dreams, facing challenges, and lifting others as you rise.

Dr. Vee gets real about how self-care can be the perfect shield against criticism, the importance and the power of community in grounding optimism, and how important her work in higher education is in breaking barriers for girls and young women in Zimbabwe and around the world.

Resilience, empowerment, and a hopeful heart CAN turn dreams into reality!

We want to hear from YOU! Head over to Instagram, leave us a voicemail, or shoot us an email about how you're investing in your mental health and chasing your purpose. Let’s share our seeds of optimism and uplift each other along the way.

🔗 Listen NOW and be inspired!

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@veekativhu // Dr. Vee Kativhu/ @empoweredbyVee

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

Demetrius Harmon: Embracing your Unique Journey: The Strength to Lean into Vulnerability, Discover more about yourself & Honor your Purpose Feb 12, 2025

This week’s episode of The Optimist Project is for my Gen Z peers and all those who love and support us. 💫

So many of us are battling self-doubt and navigating the complexities of mental health—a double whammy that can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing: we're not alone.

In this empowering conversation, we’re joined by the incredible Demetrius Harmon—writer, actor, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Demetrius, the founder of the global clothing brand @youmatter, opens up about his personal journey of entrepreneurship, while also grappling with his own mental health struggles. He shares how he’s learned to chase his dreams and build community, all while learning the importance of mental well-being. 🧠✨

In this episode, Demetrius and Yara dive deep into the delicate balance between pursuing your passion and prioritizing your mental health. If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or just need a reminder that you’re capable of greatness, this episode is for YOU. Tune in for wisdom, motivation, and the comforting message: YOU MATTER. 💙

We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom!

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@demetriusharmon // Demetrius Harmon

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Rapsody reminds us to 'stay in the light' Feb 05, 2025

Grammy award-winning rapper Rapsody shares how optimism allows her to "stay in the light," the power of learning when to say 'no' and how to create purpose driven art. Also, she shares how her community is pivotal in shaping her pride in black culture, creative flow and living in alignment with her calling.

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@rapsody // Rapsody

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Jaylen Brown on Finding Optimism in Meditation and Discipline Jan 29, 2025

Jaylen Brown – 2024 NBA Finals MVP, philanthropist and entrepreneur – shares how he maintains his spiritual hygiene through mediation, sound frequencies and stoicism. Plus, he reveals the defining moment that made him choose UC Berkeley before being drafted into the Boston Celtics.

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@fchwpo // Jaylen Brown

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Prentice Penny on the Optimism in Taking An "L" Jan 22, 2025

Prentice Penny joins the Optimist Project sharing the important lessons he’s learned from the many “L’s” he’s experienced throughout his life and his writing, directing and producing career. Plus, I invite you to plan a social activity to help build community around you. Bolstering human connection is key to our well-being.

Also, our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating wildfires impacting Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Please know that our thoughts are with you, your loved ones, and your communities.

Here are some vital resources:

211 LA: 211la.org

The American Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org

Mutual Aid LA Network : https://www.mutualaidhub.org

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shaidi

@the_a_prentice // Prentice Penny

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Christine Platt on Healing, Giving, and Finding Balance with Afro-minimalism Jan 15, 2025

Christine Platt. author of The Afro-minimalist's Guide to Living With Less, explains how we can all rethink our living spaces, which helps to declutter our minds. She lets us in on the inspiring twists and turns with her career, and how a spur-of-the-moment decision to write a book changed her life.

Here are some vital resources:

211 LA: 211la.org

The American Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org

Mutual Aid LA Network : https://www.mutualaidhub.org

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@iamchristineplatt // Christine Platt

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Preparing for Life's Lemons with Courtney B. Vance Jan 08, 2025

I'm in conversation this week with actor Courtney B. Vance, who shares how life's ups and downs have conditioned him to lean into optimism. He opens up about how grief and a mother's prodding nudged him into therapy, and why he advocates for others to do the work of dealing with themselves.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom!

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@courtneybvance // Courtney B Vance

Dr. Allycin Powell - Hicks on Preserving our Peace Jan 01, 2025

Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks, who comes from a long line of physicians, still had to find her own way in the health arena. These days, she mixes her medical and media backgrounds into her own business. She shares the way she counsels people about how to practice optimism as part of mental health. And she encourages us to try a new way to meditate -- with love and kindness at its center.

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@allycinhicks // Dr Ally

Ego Nwodim on finding Purpose, Laughter, and Faith Dec 25, 2024

Ego Nwodim, Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian, and actress, joins me for an inspiring conversation on the power of optimism. Ego opens up about how embracing a positive mindset has transformed her well-being and why it’s a gift to both mind and body. We talk about the pressures of work, how Ego stays grounded in the chaos, and her journey toward setting boundaries while nurturing her desire to help others. Tune in for a candid and uplifting discussion on staying true to yourself in a demanding world—and why optimism is the ultimate tool for self-care.

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Shahidi

@eggyboom // Ego Nwodim

Dr. Laurie Santos Explains the Psychology of Optimism Dec 18, 2024

Dr. Laurie Santos—THE Yale psychology professor who’s revolutionized how we think about happiness helps us tap into the literal science of well-being.

As the creator of Yale’s most popular course EVER, The Science of Well-Being, and host of the hit podcast The Happiness Lab, Dr. Santos breaks down the psychology of optimism and introduces us to the “Beautiful Mess Effect.” We also explore why happiness can feel so tricky to achieve—and she shares practical tools to help us rewire our approach to well-being.

Want to share your experience or ask a question? Call us at (323) 761-0837 or email askoptimistproject@gmail.com.

Looking for more? Dr. Santos offers a free Coursera course, The Science of Well-Being.

Dr. Laurie Santos // @lauriesantosofficial

The Optimist Project Podcast // @theoptimistprojectpod

Yara Shahidi // @yarashahidi

Keri Shahidi // @chocolatemommyluv

Ari Shapiro on Finding Seeds of Optimism in Storytelling Dec 11, 2024

Ari Shapiro, host of NPR's All Things Considered, has actively rooted his life’s work and his experiences in the belief that optimism isn’t about avoiding struggle, but about our collective ability to navigate struggle with hope, creativity, and curiosity. Whether you listen to Ari’s nightly newscast, are new to his work, or simply believe in the transformative power of thoughtful journalism, this conversation will remind you that we can strive for a deeper appreciation for the human stories that connect us all.

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@arishapiro // Ari Shapiro

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Keke Palmer on Mastering Self-Esteem and Empowerment Dec 04, 2024

Keke Palmer has made her way into our hearts, beginning as a young actor with a resume as long as my arm - and continues to blossom into an entrepreneurially inspired actor, author, mother, host and so much more. Join the Optimist Project as Keke shares insights from her journey - how family and community shape her, and how in moments of doubt, her mindset keeps her stepping into her power.

If you’ve ever wondered what fuels Keke’s magic—or better yet, her optimism—you’re in the right place. She shares the power of taking control of and taking pride in our own narrative and knowing what you desire is worth it.

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@keke // Keke Palmer

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Faith, Fatherhood and Finding Optimism with Hasan Minhaj Nov 27, 2024

This week, comedian and social commentator Hasan Minhaj joins us for a moving conversation about how his faith has been foundational in shaping his sense of optimism. We explore how Hasan's ever-deepening belief system influences his approach to life as a father, brother, caregiver, and partner to his brilliant wife—each role guiding his broader personal journey. Hasan shares how he moves with purpose, actively seeks growth moments, and explains why he believes it's important to "keep receipts". As we continue adding new ideas—or seeds—to our optimism garden, Hasan reminds us that the answers we seek may already be within us. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @hasanminhaj // Hasan Minhaj

Janelle Monáe on Cultivating Optimism Through Art and Identity Nov 20, 2024

Janelle Monáe shares her personal take on optimism, the pure potentiality of believing in yourself and her must-have items that support her emotional health and boundless creativity while on tour and at home.

The Optimist Project always LOVES hearing from our OP community! Share your Journey with us- You can leave a message at (323) 761-0837 or - email askoptimistproject@gmail.com - Your thoughts may be featured in a future episode!

The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi | Coming November 20th! Nov 01, 2024

On this podcast, we’ll discover: what gives you hope? Join Yara Shahidi as she sits down with some of the best thought leaders of our time - artists, comedians, scientists, and more - to find out how optimism plays a role in their lives. Together, we’ll unpack how to access resilience and joy in our everyday lives.

Join us every Wednesday starting November 20th for your weekly optimism drop!

This Show Will Keep You Lifted Oct 05, 2024

Welcome to the Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi, a show that asks: what gives you hope? You’ll hear from some of the best thought leaders of our era — artists, comedians, scientists, musicians and more. Together, we’ll unpack how to access resilience and joy in our everyday lives.

Meet us back here November 20th for your weekly optimism drop!

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