The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi

Christine Platt. author of The Afro-minimalist's Guide to Living With Less, explains how we can all rethink our living spaces, which helps to declutter our minds. She lets us in on the inspiring twists and turns with her career, and how a spur-of-the-moment decision to write a book changed her life.Also, our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating wildfires impacting Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Please know that our thoughts are with you, your loved ones, and your communities.Here are some vital resources:211 LA: 211la.orgThe American Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.htmlCalifornia Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.orgMutual Aid LA Network : https://www.mutualaidhub.org Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom!   @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi@iamchristineplatt // Christine Platt@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

I'm in conversation this week with actor Courtney B. Vance, who shares how life's ups and downs have conditioned him to lean into optimism. He opens up about how grief and a mother's prodding nudged him into therapy, and why he advocates for others to do the work of dealing with themselves. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at [email protected]. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi@courtneybvance // Courtney B Vance

Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks, who comes from a long line of physicians, still had to find her own way in the health arena. These days, she mixes her medical and media backgrounds into her own business. She shares the way she counsels people about how to practice optimism as part of mental health. And she encourages us to try a new way to meditate -- with love and kindness at its center.We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at [email protected]. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi@allycinhicks // Dr Ally

Ego Nwodim, Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian, and actress, joins me for an inspiring conversation on the power of optimism. Ego opens up about how embracing a positive mindset has transformed her well-being and why it’s a gift to both mind and body. We talk about the pressures of work, how Ego stays grounded in the chaos, and her journey toward setting boundaries while nurturing her desire to help others. Tune in for a candid and uplifting discussion on staying true to yourself in a demanding world—and why optimism is the ultimate tool for self-care.                                                                         We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at [email protected]. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom!      @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi  @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Shahidi@eggyboom // Ego Nwodim