Podcasts to Inspire Hope for National Optimism Month

Blue Sky

Perseverance Personified: YouthBuild USA President and CEO John Valverde

One of EarBuds curator Bill Burke’s most powerful Blue Sky episodes is this one, with YouthBuild USA President and CEO John Valverde. In it, he describes the impactful work of his organization and also shares his own inspiring story of persevering through 16 years in prison to found two non-profits and now lead a third. John explains how he brings his own lived experience to his leadership role at an organization that helps young people at their own crossroads change the trajectory of their lives.

This Is My Silver Lining

Patience and Presence:  Sabrina Mallick Peterson on Entrepreneurship and Life’s Priorities

In 2008, Sabrina Mallick had a front row seat to the downward spiral that was the financial crisis as an analyst on Wall Street. If she ever needed a sign to define a new career path, this was it.  She traded it all in to become an entrepreneur, and through her moments of of doubt, regret, and feelings of failure, she found a different kind of happiness.

TED Talks Daily

Life’s an Obstacle Course -  Here’s How to Navigate It

This episode offers a glimpse into the life experiences of community builder Maryam Banikarim and the inspiring story about her emigration from Iran.  Her story serves as a testament to the power of community support and resilience. Banikarim learned to embrace the hard parts: “Instead of seeing life's challenges as obstacles, I see them as an obstacle course — a fascinating array of tests that I'm curious to see if I can pass.”

A Bit of Optimism

Imperfections, Nuance, and Humanity with comedian Alex Edelman

Comedians have the ability to unravel life’s madness, absurdities, and subtleties… all while making us laugh. This episode does just that. Host Simon Sinek sits down with comedian Alex Edelman, who shares how his comedy enabled him to see the beauty of imperfections, the importance of recognizing humanity in others as a pathway to peace, and a few other funny moments that will help you unwind without even noticing.

The One You Feed

How to Be Enough as You Are with Scott Stabile

If you’ve lost your everyday zest for life, The One You Feed may give you a much-needed dose of wisdom and verve. Scott Stabile’s journey towards self-acceptance and self-love began with a simple, but powerful realization - recognizing and appreciating the mundane acts of self-care. Whether you're on a quest for personal growth or looking for ways to tackle life's hurdles with grace, this show offers a mix of practical tips and deep reflections to fuel your journey towards emotional wellbeing.

The health and wellness of Latinas is crucial to the health and wellbeing of the U.S. economy. In 100 Latina Birthdays, reporters in Chicago investigate the health and lifetime outcomes of Latinas in the United States from birth to age 100. In season 1, the stories that unfold center Latinas during their perinatal journeys, childhood, adolescence, and up until age 20. Listen here.

Left Over, an investigative podcast from LWC Studios, reveals the toxic politics in the American public school lunch system. Award-winning journalist Jessica Terrell dives into the experiences of lunch workers, students, families, caretakers, and community organizers while examining the problematic views surrounding poverty and unchecked racial inequality. Listen here.

The hit podcast Chameleon: The Michigan Plot takes listeners inside one of the most important FBI domestic terrorist investigations in decades: the notorious plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Hosted by journalists Ken Bensinger and Jessica Garrison, Chameleon: The Michigan Plot is based on more than three years of reporting, plus hundreds of hours of never-before-heard audio that takes listeners along with an FBI informant as he infiltrates the Wolverine Watchmen, a militia that prosecutors charge was determined to kidnap — and maybe even kill — a sitting governor.