Best Ty Sweet Podcasts (2025)

1
A Bit of Optimism Will Return in the New Year 2:37

4d ago2:37

2:37

Team Simon here! As the year comes to a close, A Bit of Optimism is pressing pause for a short winter break. The show will return on January 27, 2026 and we can’t wait to be back with you. But before we go, we want to say thank you. Truly. This show exists because of you—the listeners who show up every week, share episodes and clips, leave thoughtf…

1
Revisited: Your Unhappy Brain Needs Some Assistance with Happiness Expert Mo Gawdat 1:30:38

4d ago1:30:38

1:30:38

Team Simon here! Thank you for being part of such an incredible year—and for helping us grow the podcast through your support, sharing it with others, and showing up week after week. We love seeing your comments and hearing what resonates with you. A Bit of Optimism returns on January 27, 2026, with brand-new episodes we think you’re really going t…

1
Prepare for the Life You’re Meant to Live With Chaplain John Fox 1:07:31

11d ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Often the biggest transformations we undergo don’t arrive as lightning bolts, but as quiet shifts we’ve been preparing for all along. For John Fox, the transformation from a 25-year career in high finance to becoming a chaplain wasn’t sudden at all. It was a slow burn—shaped by loss, reflection, community, and a deep desire to live a more meaningfu…

1
Ep. 07 - Headless vs. Composable: The Lego Analogy, SI Lock-in, and The MACH Alliance's Evolution with Sonja Keerl 45:09

17d ago45:09

45:09

Sonja Keerl, one of the original founders of the MACH Alliance, joins the show to share her unconventional opinions on technology, ethics, and the future of commerce. By day, Sonja helps B2B SaaS companies with strategy, messaging, and positioning. By night, she is busy creating "Unomundi", a network for children to explore different cultures. The …

1
How Losing Everything Taught Her to Help Everyone: Joan Howard’s Story 51:08

18d ago51:08

51:08

Life can change in an instant. One day you’re shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, and the next you’re sitting in your car with everything you own, and everyone you love, wondering what happens now. Joan Howard grew up in Beverly Hills with every advantage until a series of crises left her homeless and living in her car with her mother and three dogs. Wh…

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A Rebel With a Cause (and a Cone) with Jeni’s Ice Cream Founder Jeni Britton 53:19

25d ago53:19

53:19

What if a great business was built like a handmade mixtape? A lovingly crafted experience that is as much a love letter from its founder as it is custom-tailored to its audience. Before Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams became a household name, Jeni Britton was a 22-year-old art school dropout scooping her ice cream creations at a farmers market in Ohio. …

1
The Culture That Converts Even the Biggest Cynics with former WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge 56:55

1M ago56:55

56:55

Who would’ve guessed that one of the world’s best company cultures was hiding behind a can of WD-40? Of all the places to find a leadership masterclass, the blue-and-yellow can in your garage probably wasn’t on your list - but it’s time to put it there. Garry Ridge - an Australian who brought his charm and curiosity across the Pacific - joined WD-4…

1
Choose Your Seven Humans Wisely with author Fredrik Backman 58:07

1M ago58:07

58:07

What if great friendships aren’t found by luck but built through effort? Bestselling novelist Fredrik Backman, the mind behind A Man Called Ove (adapted into the Tom Hanks film A Man Called Otto), Anxious People, and the beloved Beartown series, has spent his career writing about the quiet power of ordinary people. But in his real life, he learned …

1
The Smartest Way To Be Stupid with comedian Matthew Broussard 1:04:53

2M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

If you feel stupid while learning something new, you’re doing it right. But if you keep doing the same thing over and over hoping it’ll suddenly make sense - that’s on you. The trick isn’t to push harder; it’s to find a new teacher, a new explanation, a new way in. That’s exactly how Matthew Broussard approaches comedy - and everything else. A stan…

1
Timbaland's New A.I. Artist TATA 1:22:57

2M ago1:22:57

1:22:57

SEND US A MESAGE We return after loss and health scares to unpack a storm in music tech: AI tools that help creators versus AI “artists” that replace them. From layered kicks to lawsuits, we draw a line between inspiration and extraction and make a case for human craft and fair credit. • grief, resilience and why art matters • overview of Suno, Tat…

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Ep.06 - The Power of the Promise: Why Estimated Delivery Dates are Table Stakes with Madhulika Saxena 18:53

2M ago18:53

18:53

Madhulika Saxena, Product Director at KIBO, discusses the recently launched Estimated Delivery Date (EDD) feature for KIBO's order management system. This feature allows retailers to provide shoppers with a promised date for when they will receive their items, a capability Madhulika considers "table stakes" in today's retail landscape. She emphasiz…

1
The Man Who Proved Me Right with CEO Bob Chapman and the Barry-Wehmiller Team 1:12:07

2M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

I’ve long imagined a world where people wake each morning inspired, feel safe wherever they work, and return home fulfilled by what they’ve created. That vision once felt like a dream - until I met Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, who quietly built it into reality. Over five decades, Bob has grown a humble Midwestern manufacturing company into …

1
From Candy To Kung Fu: When Halloween Turns Into A Jackie Chan Appreciation Party 58:32

2M ago58:32

58:32

SEND US A MESAGE A Halloween episode that trades jump scares for jaw‑dropping stunts—we swap costume nostalgia for a watch‑along deep dive into Jackie Chan’s legendary craft. From knives and fans to breakaway chairs and wire work, we peel back how choreography, timing, and smart camera choices turn low‑budget tricks into big‑screen magic. Hit play,…

1
Ep. 05 - From Manual to Modern: Driving Efficiency with Smart Rules with Rutvee Shah 16:01

3M ago16:01

16:01

Rutvee Shah, Director of Product at KIBO, discusses the exciting new rules management feature recently launched for KIBO's order management platform. She emphasizes that this feature provides clients with enhanced control and agility, allowing them to define, configure, and enforce business logic without needing engineering changes. This means busi…

1
Rob Lowe Names Names: The Power of ‘Screw It’ 1:02:21

3M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

We don’t usually look to Hollywood for lessons in career longevity. But it might be the perfect place to study it. Few industries move faster or cast people aside more quickly, and yet Rob Lowe has spent more than four decades defying those odds. His story isn’t just about surviving fame—it’s about overcoming adversity, finding joy in the work, and…

1
The Future You Avoid Is Riskier Than the One You Face with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman 1:06:32

3M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

The future is something we create, not just something that happens. To guide progress toward real good, we need bold, optimistic visions of what society can become. Reid Hoffman makes the case for better science fiction - stories that don’t just entertain, but illuminate the futures we can strive for. As a serial entrepreneur and cofounder of Linke…

1
What Your Love Life Can Teach You About Work Relationships with psychotherapist Esther Perel 1:02:24

4M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

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 …

1
Ep. 04 - AI, Experimentation, and the Mindset Shift for Modern Commerce with Lauren Livak 31:32

4M ago31:32

31:32

Lauren Livak Gilbert, a leader at the Digital Shelf Institute, discusses the need for a fundamental shift in how businesses operate to align with modern consumer shopping habits. She challenges the traditional question of where e-commerce should sit within an organization, advocating instead for a complete re-evaluation of organizational structures…

1
Your Instincts Know What You Want with Author Arthur Brooks 55:54

4M ago55:54

55:54

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…

1
Ep. 03 - Beyond EDI: Modernizing Dropship and Marketplaces for Growth with Sachin Sharma 53:31

4M ago53:31

53:31

Sachin Sharma, KIBO's Chief Product Officer, discusses the strategic importance and practical applications of KIBO's new dropshipping and marketplace services. He emphasizes how these offerings are not merely new features but fundamental extensions of business models, designed to help retailers expand their product assortments and drive revenue. Th…

1
The Power of Doing One Thing Exceptionally Well with Gymshark Founder and CEO Ben Francis 1:01:14

4M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

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 gy…

1
Ep. 02 - The Disappearing Website: Retail's Next Frontier with Liesel Walsh 38:32

4M ago38:32

38:32

Liesl Walsh, a digital retail transformation pioneer, explores the dynamic shifts in the shopping landscape, from fast fashion to immersive retail experiences. Drawing from her extensive experience with retail giants like Gap Inc. and Restoration Hardware, Liesl offers valuable perspectives into how e-commerce is redefining consumer habits, particu…

1
Simon Goes Nuclear with nuclear energy influencer Isabelle Boemeke 1:06:20

4M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

“Nuclear” might make you wince—but the real problem isn’t the energy, it’s the branding. Safe, low-carbon, and scalable, nuclear could be a climate hero—if only we told the story right. Isabelle Boemeke is on a mission to change how we think about nuclear energy. A Brazilian model turned the world’s first nuclear influencer, she created her alter e…

1
The Brilliance of Boredom with creative polymath Elle Cordova 1:05:22

5M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

We’re wired to chase the next spark - scrolling, swiping, refreshing - but some of our brightest ideas sneak in when we stop chasing, let boredom settle in and give our minds room to wander. Elle Cordova knows the power of that pause. When the pandemic hit pause on her life as a touring musician, she stumbled into new creative territory - making of…

1
Ep. 01 - Beyond the Purchase: Driving Culture Through Commerce with Elizabeth Schmidt 40:08

5M ago40:08

40:08

Elizabeth Schmidt, Head of Marketing at Future Commerce, unpacks the evolving landscape of digital marketing and retail. She highlights the increasing trend of "accessorizing accessories," from designer handbags adorned with plush charms to Stanley mugs sporting fatigue wraps. Elizabeth connects these trends to a broader cultural shift where consum…

1
Welcome to The Commerce Order! Powered by KIBO. 1:55

5M ago1:55

1:55

Deep dive into the evolving world of commerce. This show brings you closer to the future by exploring the latest trends, technologies, and strategies with industry leaders, innovators, and commerce experts. It covers everything from AI's impact on brand narratives and customer loyalty to the tactical challenges of digital transformation and operati…

1
The Privilege of Bad Experiences with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim 26:10

5M ago26:10

26:10

This was the most epic Zoom call we’ve ever been a part of — an incredible conversation with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, live from the International Space Station, with sunrise on Earth as a stunningly causal site behind him as they barreled at 17,000 mph in orbit. Thanks to the amazing team at Johnson Space Center, Jonny was able to join us to share…

1
The Business Case for Good Manners with etiquette coach William Hanson 54:44

5M ago54:44

54:44

Good manners aren’t just about being polite — they’re about making other people feel seen. William Hanson is one of the world’s leading etiquette coaches. He’s advised royalty, CEOs, and television personalities on how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and grace. But his mission goes far beyond fine dining or proper handshakes. In today’s fa…

1
Live Like You Have 2 Years Left with dancer and cancer survivor Angela Trimbur 53:41

6M ago53:41

53:41

You have two years left to live. What would you do? That's a real question Angela Trimbur had to answer. In 2018, a breast cancer diagnosis forced her to get honest with herself. If Angela had only 2 years to live, what kind of life did she truly wish to live? Angela chose to start over. She sold everything she owned, moved to New York City, and be…

1
The Quiet Power of the Empathetic Leader with Navy SEAL turned rowing coach Gordon Schmidt 1:10:02

6M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

When morale problems affect a team, some leaders choose to make a big, rousing speech. But quite often, it’s the quiet leader who leads with empathy that sees a better emotional solution. Gordon Schmidt is a retired Navy SEAL with enough combat experience to understand that empathy is an operational advantage, not a weakness. After 20 years of mili…

1
Your Unhappy Brain Needs Some Assistance with happiness expert Mo Gawdat 1:32:39

6M ago1:32:39

1:32:39

Happiness is a choice. But it’s not always an easy choice to make. Mo Gawdat had to face an impossible choice. Before he was a bestselling author and podcast host, Mo worked a lucrative career as Chief Business Officer at Google X. He reached the heights of business influence and amassed a fortune by 29. And yet, he was miserable. It was only after…

1
We All Get Cancelled One Day with Somebody Feed Phil’s Phil Rosenthal 1:08:17

6M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

🚨 Chomp Alert! 🚨 We saw your comments — loud and crunchy. Turns out not everyone wants front-row seats to mouth sounds. Who knew? Skip to 29:29 to dodge most of the chewing. We promise, after that it’s just a few graceful nibbles of Basque cheesecake. 🧀🍰😅 _____________________________________ We turned the studio into a restaurant for the day—becau…

1
The Extraordinary Magic of Ordinary People with author Brad Meltzer 52:40

7M ago52:40

52:40

Magic moments do happen in real life. If you ask Brad Meltzer, magic happens when ordinary people choose to do the extraordinary. Brad is a prolific writer and bestselling author. He’s published over 70 books in nearly every genre you can think of—thriller novels, biographies, children’s books, film and television. He’s written comic books for icon…

1
This Is... A Bit of Optimism 1:14

7M ago1:14

1:14

My career is an accident. It started when I set out to rediscover my passion and reignite a spark I’d lost — and that journey led me to the work I do now.If you know me from my books or my speaking, you know I’m fascinated by why people do what they do. What makes someone find joy and meaning in their life, or pursue something far greater than them…

1
Ask Yourself "What If?" with Milk Bar Founder Christina Tosi 47:44

7M ago47:44

47:44

What if this podcast turned into a baking show? For Christina Tosi’s third visit to A Bit of Optimism, we decided to find out. So we headed to Milk Bar to make compost cookies from things in my own pantry and my favorite beer bread from scratch! Christina’s not just my best friend—she’s the founder of Milk Bar, host of Bake Squad on Netflix, a cook…

1
Revisited: Love Is Not Enough with couples therapist Shawn McBride 47:49

7M ago47:49

47:49

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 couples counselor Shawn McBride. Relationships are hard. No matter how much we like, respect, or love someone, conflict seems inevitable. But even as we fight …

1
Revisited: The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger 45:30

7M ago45:30

45:30

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, researche…

1
Where Is Simon Going? with journalist Cal Fussman 50:18

8M ago50:18

50:18

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 Muhamma…

1
The Cure for Nihilism with professor Suzy Welch 34:37

8M ago34:37

34:37

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 bruta…

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(PART 2) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards 39:47

8M ago39:47

39:47

*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 tu…

1
(PART 1) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards 47:27

8M ago47:27

47:27

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 …

1
Find Your Allies Fast with philanthropist Melinda French Gates 38:35

9M ago38:35

38:35

Change happens to all of us whether we choose it or not. What’s the best way to go through transition, especially when it’s something we didn’t want? Melinda French Gates has seen her fair share of big transitions. A philanthropist, author, and champion for female empowerment, she spent decades building the Gates Foundation into one of the mighties…

1
Who Are You, Really? with journalist Maria Shriver 41:41

9M ago41:41

41:41

We often define ourselves by what we do or who we are to other people. But at our core, who we are is often something much deeper, and sometimes wildly different, from the version that the world sees -- or projects onto you. Maria Shriver was born into the legendary Kennedy and Shriver families, arriving with a script already written for her—an ide…

1
The Search for Self-Love with podcaster Lewis Howes 51:15

9M ago51:15

51:15

Self-love is never as easy as we think. Is it possible to fall in love with ourselves the way we fall for other people? Lewis Howes knows that learning to like yourself, let alone love yourself, can take decades. After surviving a traumatic childhood, Lewis spent years working on himself to try and understand what it takes for human beings to achie…

1
Revisited: Why Awkward Is Awesome with psychologist Ty Tashiro 31:51

9M ago31:51

31:51

A Bit of Optimism is on hiatus this week, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations! In this episode, Simon talks with psychologist Ty Tashiro about social awkwardness and why being awkward can actually be a superpower. ***** Awkwardness gets a bad rap. But being awkward is often an indicator that someone has extraordinary. Psychologist…

1
Does Gender Change How We Lead? with Retired Colonel DeDe Halfhill 40:39

9M ago40:39

40:39

Is there such a thing as female leadership? Or is gender not a factor? DeDe Halfhill would say yes and no. A retired Air Force colonel, Dede spent 20 years in the military, where she advised some of the military’s most powerful leaders during the War in Iraq. She was often the only woman in the room for weeks on end. And while DeDe found the princi…

1
The Myth of the Perfect Meditator with podcaster Jay Shetty 50:25

10M ago50:25

50:25

We turn to ancient philosophies to help us cope with the stress of modern life. But what if ancient wisdom could use some help from the modern world? Jay Shetty has made it his life’s work to make wisdom, peace, and purpose available to everyone. After living as a monk for 3 years, he left his monastic lifestyle with the hope of spreading what he l…

1
When Your 'Flaw' Becomes Your Edge with Comedian Hasan Minhaj 44:43

10M ago44:43

44:43

To recognize your own talent takes time and self-awareness. But to find the courage to pursue it? That often requires a spark of inspiration from someone else. For Hasan Minhaj, that spark came from an unexpected trio—a teacher, a roommate, and Napster. A former correspondent on The Daily Show, Hasan’s natural gift of gab allowed him to build a wid…

1
Unlocking the Mind: A Journey through Remote Viewing and Consciousness W Mike Totaro 2:07:53

10M ago2:07:53

2:07:53

SEND US A MESAGE Dive into an enthralling exploration of consciousness, remote viewing, and the untapped potential of the mind in this episode of Getting Out. I sit down with an old friend Mike Totaro, who has dedicated the last decade-or 2 of his life trying to learn more about whats really going on around us and more importantly inside our brain.…

1
Humble Leaders Lead Better Teams with Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink 42:07

10M ago42:07

42:07

Most people believe the only way to lead is to become the best at something. But what if great leadership means admitting you’re not the best at anything? Jocko Willink believes the secret to his greatest achievements come down to one thing – humility. A retired Navy SEAL commander, Jocko served 20 years in the U.S. military, leading one of the mos…

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