We’ve never had more freedom in our relationships—yet many of us feel more disconnected than ever. Marriage, family, and even the workplace have all been reshaped by shifting norms, new technologies, and rising expectations. Happiness, once a nice-to-have, is now the very glue that keeps both couples and teams together.

Few people understand these changes better than Esther Perel. For decades, she’s helped us rethink intimacy, navigate conflict, and reimagine what a healthy connection looks like—at home and now at work with her new conversation inducing game of questions, Where Should We Begin? At Work.

Esther and I explore how our ideas of love and partnership have evolved, why friendships can be just as life-giving as romance, and why learning to “talk to strangers” may be the most important skill for the next generation. We also dive into the role of play, trust, and risk-taking in building lasting bonds.

If you care about creating relationships that are strong enough to withstand the pressures of modern life, this episode might just be for you.

This is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Esther’s work, visit:

www.estherperel.com

And to check out Where Should We Begin? At Work here:

https://game.estherperel.com/products/where-should-we-begin-at-work?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21749016432&gbraid=0AAAAA93e13laOUsIrrGSZUodaliBNmZVP&gclid=CjwKCAjw_fnFBhB0EiwAH_MfZtrMmVTRj7QgBn4ER-_HF10aCifdOOpY1DLy9R4dt4K0Sbh2WKJDeRoC2XUQAvD_BwE

Your instincts aren’t just whispers. They’re a compass pointing you toward the life you’re meant to live. But in a world obsessed with speed, metrics, and outcomes, most of us forget how to listen.

Arthur Brooks, bestselling author and Harvard Business School professor, teaches one of the most popular classes on happiness. But his insights come not just from research, but from a life of reinvention: from French horn player to scholar, from think-tank leader to teacher, and even pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago.

In this conversation, we explore why so many of us feel unhappy today, the real equation for joy, and why following your gut is essential. Along the way, Arthur shares how to treat life like a pilgrimage, why AI may strip away the struggle that makes us wise, and why the process - not the outcome - is where happiness lives.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “falling behind,” or if you’re searching for the courage to trust your instincts, this episode will remind you that happiness isn’t something you chase - it’s something you practice, every step of the way.

This is…A Bit of Optimism.

Check out more of Arthur’s work here: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/

We’re often told to do more, move faster, and chase the next big trend—but some of the most remarkable successes come from narrowing your focus, obsessing over one thing, and truly understanding the people you’re serving.

Ben Francis knows this better than most.

He started Gymshark with nothing more than a sewing machine and a passion for making gym clothes that actually worked for him. From those humble beginnings, he built a billion-dollar brand—carefully, sustainably, and with a vision for a company that lasts 100 years, not just a flash in the pan. And yes, he’s still young, proving that you can dream big while thinking long term.

Recorded at the very impressive Gymshark HQ in Birmingham, UK, this episode takes us inside the energy and culture that fuel the brand. We dive into Ben’s journey of obsession, experimentation, and relentless focus, exploring how to build something meaningful without having all the answers, learning from failures, and why understanding your customer is everything. If you’ve ever wanted to create something that lasts, this conversation is for you.

This is A Bit of Optimism.

Check out Gymshark here:

https://www.gymshark.com/