Revisited: The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger
We're taking some time off to bring you even more episodes of A Bit of Optimism that you're going to love! In the meantime, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes, like this one with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger.We all want to live a happy life. But what does the research say about how to achieve it?For more than 86 years, researchers at Harvard University have been trying to figure out how humans can live happier lives. In one of the longest-running and most comprehensive studies of human happiness, Harvard tracked 724 teenagers through every stage of their adult lives since 1938. Some of them are still alive today and the findings are clear: lasting happiness isn’t about wealth or fame—it’s about something much deeper.Robert Waldinger, a professor and psychiatrist, has directed the study for over 20 years. His TED Talk about it went viral with nearly 50 million views, and in 2023, he wrote a book about it - The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.I asked Robert to share what the study has revealed about happiness over the decades, how its insights have shaped his own life, and the one essential ingredient for a joyful, meaningful existence.This…is A Bit of Optimism.To learn more about Robert and his work, check out:The Harvard Study of Adult Developmentrobertwaldinger.com
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45:30
Where Is Simon Going? with journalist Cal Fussman
Sometimes in life, we must stop and ask ourselves, “Where am I you going next?” Other times, it’s more fun to do a podcast takeover.No one has ever interviewed me quite like Cal Fussman. Cal has a gift – he pulls things out of you that you didn’t even know were there. A prolific Writer At Large for Esquire, Cal has interviewed legends like Muhammad Ali and Mikhail Gorbachev, and he’s the host of the podcast Big Questions. So, to mark 15 years since writing Start With Why, I invited Cal to take over my podcast and ask me the questions I don’t usually get asked.Cal did get me to open up in this conversation, but not in the way you might expect. We talk about where I’ve been, where I’m going, the infinite game, creativity in AI…and why I’ve become so obsessed with friendship lately.This…is A Bit of OptimismFor more on Cal and his work, check out:Big Questions with Cal Fussman
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50:18
The Cure for Nihilism with professor Suzy Welch
Sometimes in life, we choose the wrong path. When we feel like we're living a lie, it's hard to know what to do next.That’s where Suzy Welch comes in. She’s obsessed with helping people create lives worth living. A professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, Suzy teaches a popular class called “Becoming You,” where she takes students down a brutal, but liberating, journey to live as their authentic selves. According to Suzy’s research, purpose is the key to unlocking the real you, but finding that purpose is often trickier than we imagine.I had a blast talking, and debating, with Suzy about what it means to craft a purpose-driven life. In this conversation, she shares with me the difference between passion and aptitude, the reason luck is overrated, and why so many people struggle to know their own values.To learn more about Suzy and her work, check out:her book, Becoming Youand The Becoming You Podcast with Suzy Welch
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34:37
(PART 2) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards
*Please note: At 9:01, Simon and Cory have a discussion about suicide.What happens after we attain success and glory? Where do you go when there's nowhere left to run from yourself?In Part 2 of my conversation with Cory Richards, Cory explains why reaching the summit of Everest marked the beginning of a long, painful fall from grace. After his tumultuous decision to retire from climbing, Cory found himself lost and confused about his true identity. At the same time, he was forced to grapple with multiple life-shattering events at once -- some of his own making.In this episode, we discuss the difference between identity and purpose, the skills Cory learned to cope with multiple tragedies, and why the more we ignore life’s harshest lessons, the louder they become.Listen to Part 1 here or watch it on YouTube.This…is A Bit of Optimism.For more on Cory Richards and his work, check out:coryrichards.com
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(PART 1) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards
What happens when we reach the top? There’s only one place to go.Cory Richards has scaled the world’s highest peaks and fallen to life’s lowest lows. An acclaimed mountain climber, photographer, and filmmaker, Cory has literally reached the top of the world. He climbed Mount Everest with no supplemental oxygen, became the first American to summit an 8,000-meter mountain, and narrowly survived an avalanche, after which he skyrocketed to fame when his photos graced the cover of National Geographic.And yet, after all that success, Cory felt like an emotional wreck. As his mental health deteriorated, his volatile behavior damaged his career and his relationships. Without the identity of “climber” to give him validation, Cory was forced to confront who he really is.In Part 1 of this conversation, Cory shares with me head-spinning stories from climbing the Himalayas, his struggles with mental health as a teen, and the difference between survival and resilience.This…is A Bit of Optimism.For more on Cory Richards and his work, check out:coryrichards.com
Hi listeners! We're taking some time off to bring you even more episodes of A Bit of Optimism that you're going to love! We'll be back from hiatus on June 3.
The future is always bright…if you know where to look. Join me each week for A Bit of Optimism! I talk to inspiring people who teach me more about life, leadership and general interesting things.
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