Optimist Daily Weekly Roundup
596 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsDo you like the stories from around the world that recognize and celebrate the people and events making a positive change? Tune in to The Optimist Daily Weekly Roundup, where our solutions-focused stories continue, and hear behind-the-scenes discussions from the people bringing you the news.
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Episodes
Positive Labor Trends in the Trucking and Architect Industries
May 20, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 14.5 MBToday we're chatting about some positive labor news! US trucking shortages might be at an end, and architects are redesigning their industry labor model. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers and Kristy -- Making Solutions the News!
US Job Market Bounces Back and Drown Out Toxic Diet Culture
May 19, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBToday's good news: Here's a positive reality check about how the job market is actually doing much better than we think it is! Then, Arielle and Summers talk about the MET gala and what we can do to drown out toxic messaging about diet culture. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Tips for Supporting Someone with Bipolar Disorder and What to Do at a Professional or Personal Fork in the Road
May 18, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBToday's mental health news: Today Karissa gives helpful tips for supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder, and Summers shares advice on what to do when faced with a personal or a professional fork in the road. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Rescuing Lithium and Algae-Powered Computing
May 17, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 14.2 MBToday's good news: Summers and Arielle dive into alternative energy stories with a new method that rescues lithium from wastewater and a basic computer that's been powered by algae for over half a year! If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
The Orbex Rocket and A Record Smashing Jumping Robot
May 16, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 13.5 MBHappy Monday! Summers and Kristy start the week off with spacey solutions: Summers talks about the Orbex rocket prototype and how it could make space travel greener. Kristy then highlights a robot that's smashed records to become the highest jumper to date, engineered or biological. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Medicinal Tattoos and Portugal's Floating Solar Park
May 13, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 10.2 MBWoohoo! It's Friday! We've got some great forward-thinking stories on The Optimist Daily today. Karissa is talking about how medicinal tattoos are tracking a patient's oxygen levels and more, and Summers is telling us how Europe's largest solar park will open this summer in Portugal (and how she gets to see her puppy today!). Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers and Kristy -- Making Solutions the News!
Stanford Opens New Climate Focused School and The Benefits of Backgammon
May 12, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MBToday's good news: Prestigious Stanford University opens the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, a school dedicated solely to studying the climate crisis. Plus, backgammon offers surprising health benefits. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Faster, More Climate Resilient Internet and New 2D Material
May 11, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 9.86 MBToday's tech-savvy solutions: Summers and Kristy talk about a new ultra-thin material that might be a gamechanger for batteries, storage, and other electronics. They also dive into the potential of a microwave network that could make the internet not just more climate-resilient, but faster and cheaper. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions t...
Tasmania Becomes Carbon Negative and Germany Drops Renewable Energy Surcharge
May 10, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBToday's good news: Tasmania joins Suriname and Bhutan as one of the world's only carbon-negative places. Plus, Germany makes renewable energy cheaper for households and businesses. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
104 Marathons and 4 Pandemic Lessons
May 09, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 10.8 MBHappy Monday! In today's episode, Summers and Karissa discuss uplifting stories in person for the first time ever. Together, they talk about pandemic lessons and a particularly inspiring woman who completed 104 marathons in 104 days. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Wands for Wildlife with Jen Knight
May 06, 2022 11:00 - 38 minutes - 31.8 MBToday we're welcoming Jen Knight from the Wands for Wildlife onto the podcast! Jen joins us to chat about the great work over at Wands for Wildlife, which is a non-profit inspiring people to help wildlife and the planet through repurposing used mascara wands for use in wildlife care, art, and education. Learn more about Wands for Wildlife and how you can support at wandsforwildlife.org.
Working Together to Ban Toxic Chemicals and Protect Coral Reefs
May 05, 2022 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBFeliz Cinco de Mayo! Today Kristy talks about how the EU is proposing the largest ban on toxic chemicals to date, and Summers discusses why nations should work together to establish ocean reservations to protect our precious coral reefs. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
An Ancient Enzyme and Connecticut Expands Abortion Rights
May 04, 2022 11:00 - 17 minutes - 15 MBMay the fourth be with you! Today, Summers and Kristy get personal while talking about reproductive rights and access to women's healthcare. They then commend Connecticut lawmakers, who are reacting to the surge of anti-abortion legislation with a bill that expands the kinds of medical practitioners who can offer abortion services within the state. They also talk about an ancient enzyme that can help address food production concerns around the world. If you'd like to lend your voice to ...
All-Electric Heating and Captain Fanplastic
May 03, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBToday's good news: Washington State becomes the first state to mandate all-electric heating for new buildings and Captain Fanplastic teaches young pirates in South Africa and the Netherlands about plastic pollution and the five "ARRRs": refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Cycling and Archery: Great for your Health!
May 02, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 11.4 MBIt's May! Summers and Kristy talk about two warm-weather activities that will help you step into May in a positive way: cycling and archery! Learn about the physical and mental health benefits of hopping on a bike or picking up a bow and arrow. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Elders Climate Action with Nadine Young
April 29, 2022 21:58 - 34 minutes - 29.2 MBToday we're welcoming Nadine Young to the show, who is the communications lead at Elders Climate Action (ECA). ECA is an organization working to unite all generations, especially elders, in the fight against climate change. We're chatting about climate action, climate activism, and more in this wonderful multigenerational discussion. To learn more about ECA and get involved, visit eldersclimateaction.org.
Plogging and Adaptogens
April 28, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 12 MBToday's good news: Five cities around the world celebrated Earth Day by "plogging," the Swedish trend of combining picking up trash and physical exercise. Plus, Kristy explains what adaptogens are and why are they good for us. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Understanding Birth Choices and Encouraging Pollinators
April 27, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 12.6 MBHappy Wednesday! Today's good news is all about the birds and the bees as Summers and Kristy explore why understanding how pregnant individuals make decisions around birth settings, and follow this discussion up with some helpful tips on how to encourage pollinators through the spring and summer months. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions ...
Fukushima and Protecting African Children Against Malaria
April 26, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 12.1 MBToday's global solutions news: Fukushima transforms itself from a nuclear disaster site to a renewable energy hub, and a million African children have been inoculated against malaria. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Tips for Zero-Waste Air Travel and LA County Bans Disposable Dining Ware
April 25, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 14.3 MBToday's solutions news: Make air travel as green as you can with these 7 tips, and LA County trades in disposable dining ware for compostable and recyclable alternatives! If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Eco-Friendly Disposal of Old Clothes and Transforming Indian Slum Without Sacrificing Community
April 22, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 14.5 MBHappy Earth Day! Here are four eco-conscious ways you can get rid of your old and worn-out clothing, and there's a slum in India that is improving its conditions while still maintaining community. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Migrating Birds and Saving Ancestral Lands
April 21, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 12.1 MBToday's good news: Find out why birds migrate and how to help them on their journeys. Also, a local community in Gabon successfully saves ancestral lands from logging. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
The PepToc Hotline and Electric Homes
April 20, 2022 11:00 - 17 minutes - 15.2 MBToday's good news: Feeling down? Call the PepToc Hotline for messages of encouragement from kids. Plus, how switching over to an all-electric home is an efficient and effective way to reduce carbon emissions. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Wireless Intubation and Kidney Stones in Space
April 19, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 12.9 MBToday's med-tech news: Wireless video could improve intubation procedures while also making them more accessible, and space mice help scientists figure out why so many astronauts develop kidney stones in space. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Self-Repairing Plastics and Sponge Cities
April 18, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 13.4 MBToday's sustainable news: Scientists at the University of Tokyo engineer a plastic that can repair itself at room temperature, and the Big Apple to become more resilient against climate change by becoming "spongier." If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Changing our Thinking with News Resiliency and Psilocybin Therapy
April 15, 2022 11:30 - 19 minutes - 16.1 MBToday on the pod we're chatting about influencing our brain through the practice of news resiliency in the wake of bad news, and psilocybin ("magic mushroom") therapy to treat mental health patients. These stories are a dose of great news! Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers and Kristy -- Making Solutions the News!
A Binational Ecological River Park & Fraudulent Whisky
April 14, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBToday's good news: Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico join forces to create a binational ecological river park that celebrates the Sister Cities' friendship, and sniff before you sip! The NOS.E electronic nose will make sure you're drinking the real deal. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Bonus Episode: Viv for your V
April 14, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 16.9 MBWelcome to The Optimist Daily Update's first bonus episode! Today we are highlighting one of our favorite interviews from our podcast archive, with new commentary by content producer, Arielle. Take a walk down memory lane with us as we dive back into a riveting conversation we had with Katie Diasti, CEO of eco-friendly period care brand Viv for your V, and COO Izzy Sarrafzadeh.
Bonding Vampire Bats & Wands for Wildlife
April 13, 2022 11:00 - 10 minutes - 10.4 MBToday's good news: Scientists study vampire bats to learn more about the complexities of social bonding, and attention all mascara users! Your old crusty wands can be repurposed as tiny brushes for the smallest of rescue animals. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Drunken Monkey Hypothesis & Bacterial Enzyme Machines
April 12, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBToday's good news: Research supports the drunken monkey hypothesis, which suggests that human fondness for alcohol may have evolutionary roots, and Kristy dives into medical advancements, specifically miniscule bacteria machines. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Estrellita the Woolly Monkey & How Spiders Use Webs to Hear
April 11, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 10.8 MBIn honor of National Pet's Day, Summers and Kristy discuss animal-focused good news. Ecuador is the first country to grant wild animals legal rights and scientists explore how spiders use their webs to "hear". If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Climate Anxiety and Body Neutrality
April 08, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 18.6 MBHappy Friday everyone! Today we're talking about tips to deal with climate anxiety and how to embrace the new movement of body neutrality. Digressions include Kristy going "commando" in Target this week, and how Summers is glowing from her new yoga class. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy -- Making Solutions the News!
A New Cancer Diagnostic Tool & No Kids? No Problem!
April 07, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBToday's good news: Summers and Kristy discuss why deciding not to have children can be empowering and expansive, and there's an exciting new kind of diagnostic tool that can rapidly predict blood cancer relapses! If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
The Resting Reef & The Cramm
April 06, 2022 16:23 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBToday's good news: This startup offers an eco-friendly burial option that turns ashes into regenerative oyster reefs. Plus, The Cramm by Olivia Seltzer contextualizes today's news for Gen Z readers. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Sequencing the Entire Human Genome & Carbon-Sequestering Indigenous Forests
April 05, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 11.9 MBToday's good news: Scientists sequence the entire human genome for the first time ever! Plus, forests on Indigenous lands sequester much more carbon than others. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Pluto's Ice Volcanoes and Moody Microbiomes
April 04, 2022 11:00 - 11 minutes - 9.8 MBToday's good news: Scientists have confirmed that there are ice volcanoes on Pluto, and a new study shows how your personality is directly linked to your gut's microbiome. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Sponge Cities and Climate Victory Gardens
April 01, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 13.5 MBHappy April 1st! No tricks here on this April Fool's Day, only good news about how cities around the world are taking initiative to soak up precipitation rather than dispose of it, and how more people are planting gardens to reduce their carbon footprint. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy -- Making Solutions the News!
Algae Oil & Freshwater Fish
March 31, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 13 MBToday's good news: Algae oil may just be the palm oil alternative we need, and researchers are thrilled to announce the discovery of more than 200 freshwater fish species! If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Coral Gardeners & Marvel's Climate Change Superhero
March 30, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 10.3 MBToday's good news: Marvel introduces Marisol Rios de la Luz, a Nuyorican superhero ready to tackle climate change and all the intertwining issues. Then, Summers and Kristy discuss real-life environmental superheroes, the Coral Gardeners. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Ethical Bouquets & Sustainable Bikinis
March 29, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 12.8 MBToday's sunny news: Not all flowers are sustainable or ethical! Here's how to make sure you're buying the best blooms for the planet. Plus, a list of sustainable swimwear fabrics to freshen up your vacation wardrobe. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
The Carbon Crusher & Crushing Kidney Stones
March 28, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 10.8 MBToday's good news: A Norwegian start-up uses a plant-derived material to make roads carbon-negative and there's a novel treatment that can blast kidney stones non-invasively. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Sarah Cameron Sunde and 36.5 / A Durational Performance with the Sea
March 25, 2022 11:00 - 34 minutes - 28.2 MBToday we are thrilled to welcome a fantastic interdisciplinary artist and director, and lead artist on 36.5/A Durational Performance with the Sea, Sarah Cameron Sunde! This series of nine-site specific performances and video artworks has been created in collaboration with communities around the world since 2013 in different bodies of water to express a metaphor for our changing environment. Join us as we chat about her journey and inspiration behind this project, and how we can connect with ...
Women in STEM & Simple Steps Toward Climate Activism
March 24, 2022 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBToday's inspiring news: For Women's History Month, the Smithsonian showcases a collection of 120 3D-printed statues of women leaders within the STEM fields called “#IfThenSheCan—The Exhibit.” Plus, Kristy shares 5 simple steps to becoming a climate activist. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Springtime Rituals & Biochar, an Ancient Solution
March 23, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 11.3 MBToday's good news: Summers and Kristy dive into fun Spring Equinox rituals you can do to welcome rebirth and new beginnings and discuss the ancient practice of biochar that could serve as an effective carbon mitigation strategy. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Help the Ocean from Anywhere & Booming E-bike Sales
March 22, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 10.5 MBToday's good news: How everyone can help the ocean, even if they live far from the coastline, and e-bike sales are soaring, bringing us one step closer to emissions-free cities. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Diébédo Francis Kéré & Can Video Games Treat Health Conditions?
March 21, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 12.5 MBHappy first day of spring! Today Summers and Kristy discuss how video games can help treat health conditions and celebrate Diébédo Francis Kéré, the first Black recipient of the most prestigious award in architecture, the Pritzker Architecture Prize. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
WFH Without Hurting Your Back and Low Dementia Rates in a Remote Bolivian Tribe
March 18, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 16.5 MBHappy Friday! Today we're on the health beat as we discuss a massage therapist's advice on working from home without hurting your back, and the fascinating low rates of dementia and other health problems amongst seniors in one remote Bolivian tribe. As mentioned in the pod, Summers & Kristy's fave yoga instructor to follow as they WFH: Yoga with Kassandra Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Italy Adds Wind Farms & Spot Misinformation About Russia-Ukraine Conflict
March 17, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MBToday's good news: Italy approves six more wind farms to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, and here are some helpful tips to spot fake news about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
Cancer Sniffing Ants & Honduras Stops Open-Pit Mining
March 16, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 10.5 MBToday's good news: Researchers at the Université Sorbonne Paris Nord have trained ants to sniff out cancer, and Honduras puts a stop to open-pit mining. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!
UK Tackles Greenwashing & Converting CO2 Into Food
March 15, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 12.8 MBToday's good news: The UK Competition and Markets Authority investigates companies that claim to be "eco-friendly," and Arkeon Biotechnologies identifies an ancient microbe that can convert CO2 into plant-based meat alternatives. If you'd like to lend your voice to the Optimist Daily Update, send an email to: [email protected]. Listen to the Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the News!