The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi

Latest Episodes:

KidSuper on Taking Optimistic Risks Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

🎨 Creative Souls and Dreamers, This One’s for You!

This week on The Optimist Project, I sat down with the wildly inventive fashion designer Colm Dillane — aka KidSuper.

Known for his unforgettable Paris Fashion Week shows and his vibrant live-work studio space, Colm is a fearless, creative force.

We explore the magic of blending optimism with fearlessness, the power of pursuing your passions unapologetically, and what it really means to embrace life with an open heart and curious mind. Plus, Colm drops gems for aspiring creators — hint: JUST START!

We’d love to hear from you! What’s fueling your creative spark? Share your thoughts, ideas, and moments of inspiration:

💬 DM us, leave a voicemail, or send an email — we’re listening!

📲 @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

✨ Executive Producer: @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

✨ Executive Producer: @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

📚 Guest: @kidsuper // KidSuper

📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

🎧 Tune in NOW and join the conversation on @instagram!

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

Show notes

✨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

Show notes

🎙 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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

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