The Optimist Daily 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 Weekly Roundup, where our solutions-focused stories continue, and hear behind-the-scenes discussions from the people bringing you the news.
Episodes
May 09, 2025
The quiet power of being average + life-sized animal puppets for climate action
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 the beauty of embracing ordinary moments, with insights from psychologist Sam Goldstein on why a meaningful life doesn’t need to be extraordinary. Plus, they share other uplifting stories—from butter made from air to Kenya’s clean energy transformation.
Watch The Herds behind-the-scenes magic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_herds
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420079
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
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PLAY 21:09 min
May 02, 2025
What Iceland and Switzerland can teach us about happiness, health, and healing
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, this conversation dives into how culture, community, and creativity are reshaping wellness worldwide. Plus, we round up this week’s most inspiring solutions from the Optimist Daily, from AI space discoveries to rave-ready nightclubs.
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420043
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://
PLAY 18:22 min
April 18, 2025
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 might just be good for you—and the Earth. Plus, a rapid roundup of other top solutions this week, including citizen science, coffee hacks, and maternal health progress in Alabama.
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419977
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://
PLAY 16:42 min
April 11, 2025
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:
https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419923
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
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PLAY 19:22 min
April 04, 2025
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 the healing magic of crafting, revealing how simple creative acts can reduce stress, build resilience, and deepen relationships.
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419882
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://
PLAY 16:27 min
March 28, 2025
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 solutions that are reshaping our world for the better.
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419837
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://
PLAY 14:24 min
March 21, 2025
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 Assembly. They discuss the growing loneliness epidemic, how small habits like making a call list can make a big difference, and why accessibility reforms—like the one championed by Sébastien Peytavie—are essential for creating a more inclusive society. Plus, they share even more uplifting solutions from around the world.
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419802
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://
PLAY 17:05 min
March 07, 2025
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 from experts like Dr. Rebecca Skolnick, Dr. Michael Halassa, and Dr. Aoife O’Donovan on how to build resilience in uncertain times. Plus, the hosts discuss the power of mindfulness, the surprising benefits of exercise for stress management, and why maintaining hope is more than just a feel-good mantra. Tune in for practical strategies to stay calm, optimistic, and ready to face the unknown.
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419741
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://
PLAY 15:21 min
February 28, 2025
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 mistakes to avoid, how to improve your skills, and why eye contact is key to confidence and connection.
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419689
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://
PLAY 19:45 min
February 21, 2025
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 literacy accessible to women worldwide. With $23 million in funding, this initiative is breaking barriers, but not without controversy. Should financial education be gendered, or should investing just be investing?
Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1419653
The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.
Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http://
PLAY 18:57 min