• From pinecones to predators: wildfire tech and the misunderstood vulture
    Jul 18 2025

    This week on The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Karissa and Arielle explore two unexpected environmental heroes: a pinecone-inspired wildfire sensor called Pyri, and the misunderstood but essential role of vultures in ecosystem health. Discover how design students in London are helping prevent devastating fires with biodegradable tech and how Bulgaria’s ambitious rewilding project is reviving Europe’s rarest vulture species. From the power of biomimicry to the hidden brilliance of “ugly” animals, this episode is a love letter to nature’s resilience and innovation.

    Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420399

    The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

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    17 mins
  • Support for Texas flood relief and emotional recovery after disaster
    Jul 11 2025

    In this special episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup, Arielle and Karissa discuss the devastating Texas floods and how to respond with both compassion and care. They walk through trusted ways you can contribute to flood relief efforts and also share practical mental health strategies for navigating collective grief—a response many of us feel when tragedy strikes close to home.

    💡Featured articles:

    • How to cope with collective grief when tragedy strikes close to home

    • How to help Texas flood victims as the death toll rises

    📍Resources to support Texas flood relief:

    • American Red Cross – Emergency shelters and aid (or call 1-800-HELP-NOW)

    • The Salvation Army – Mobile kitchens, supplies, and volunteers

    • Kerrville Kroc Center – Local donation drop-off point

    • Kerr County Flood Relief Fund – Regional relief via Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country

    • Austin Pets Alive! – Animal rescue, fostering, and vet care

    • World Central Kitchen – Hot meals for survivors and first responders

    • TEXSAR – Texas Search and Rescue – Recovery operations and emergency response

    • Verified GoFundMe Campaigns – Support individuals and families directly

    Whether you’re donating, spreading the word, or just taking a mindful breath—every action counts. ❤️

    Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420363

    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://

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    10 mins
  • Effective allyship in action + Belgian seniors hit the club in joyful resistance
    Jun 27 2025

    In this week’s episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Arielle and Karissa revisit Part II of our popular 2020 series on allyship—this time diving into what effective allyship really looks like in practice. If you missed Part I on performative allyship, you can read it here!

    They explore actionable ways to show up for marginalized communities with intention and consistency whether that means unlearning internal biases, financially supporting underrepresented creators, or stepping back to let others lead.

    Then, the conversation shifts to a solution that proves joy knows no age limit: Belgium’s Papy Booom nonprofit is helping seniors fight loneliness with unforgettable nightclub outings.

    Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420308

    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://

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    18 mins
  • Burial reefs and dissolving plastics: hopeful headlines for our oceans
    Jun 20 2025

    This week on The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup, Arielle and Karissa dive into ocean-inspired solutions. From sea moss superfoods and memorial reefs that turn human ashes into coral habitats to breakthrough plastics that dissolve in seawater and soil without leaving a trace. Plus, they mention more of the week’s top headlines on climate, health, and connection, like community dementia cafés, a ‘Green Fee’ in Hawaii, and the subtle science of trust. Tune in for a grounded yet hopeful look at where sustainability and human dignity meet.

    Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420279

    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://

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    15 mins
  • Pride, periods, and little pleasures: spotlighting dignity, endometriosis, and daily joy
    Jun 13 2025

    This week, Arielle and Karissa dive into the science of little treats—those small, joyful moments that can regulate stress, boost dopamine, and support mental health. They also spotlight a record-breaking $50M donation launching a global endometriosis research hub and reflect on the urgent need for trans rights and dignity during Pride Month. From strawberry matcha lattes to structural change, it’s a hopeful, honest conversation about caring for ourselves and creating a better world.

    Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420246

    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://

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    19 mins
  • Fridge-Free Tortillas, Sunshine Guilt, and Science-Backed Self-Compassion
    Jun 6 2025

    This week, Arielle and Karissa explore the science behind sunshine guilt and share simple tips for reframing guilt with self-compassion. Then they chat about fridge-free tortillas helping vulnerable communities in Mexico. Plus, they highlight other forward-thinking solutions—from volcano-forecasting trees to coral-saving nanoparticle gels and National Park Cities.

    Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420209

    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://

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    15 mins
  • From Reproductive Rights to Small But Mighty Chia Seeds
    May 30 2025

    In this week’s round-up, Karissa and Arielle dive into the mighty chia seed’s digestive benefits and Cadence’s push to make emergency contraception as accessible as a pack of gum. Join them as they explore real-world solutions making a difference.

    Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420180

    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://

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    13 mins
  • The science of a sincere “sorry” and Boise’s geothermal energy solution
    May 23 2025

    What makes an apology feel sincere? Hint: It’s in your syllables. This week, Arielle and Karissa dig into the psychology of saying sorry, celebrate Boise’s bold geothermal energy system, and share other global solutions that are heating things up (in the best way).

    Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1420147

    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://

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    16 mins