The Life Changing Science of Optimism (And How You Can Harness It)

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness

Sony Music

Science, Self-improvement, Comedy, Education, Society & Culture

4.9 • 21.5K Ratings

🗓️ 19 March 2025

⏱️ 48 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Getting Curious just got a Queer Eye makeover all its own! Today we’re entering a new era of the podcast - Getting Better! We’re so excited you’re joining us on this next chapter. This podcast will help guide you through life’s shared challenges—and leave you feeling a little bit better. This week JVN and Gretchen explore the art (and science) of feeling optimistic in an era of stress, burnout, and uncertainty. Together, they unpack the difference between real optimism and toxic positivity, why small daily habits have an outsized impact on our well-being, and how understanding ourselves can lead to a more joyful life. From finding delight in the ordinary to overcoming the “optimism drought” so many of us are feeling, Gretchen shares actionable insights that will leave you inspired to cultivate happiness—on your own terms. Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential voices on happiness, habits, and human nature. She’s the author of multiple bestsellers, including The Happiness Project and The Four Tendencies, and the host of the Happier podcast. In her newest book, Secrets of Adulthood (out April 1st), she distills decades of research and personal insight into practical wisdom for living a fuller, more meaningful life. Full Video Episodes now available on YouTube. You can follow Gretchen on Instagram @gretchenrubin. You can find more information about Gretchen, here and you can listen to Happier wherever you get your podcasts, and check out Gretchen’s YouTube for more video content! Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producer is Chris McClure. Our editor, engineer, & videographer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is composed by Chris McClure & Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Go to nordvpn.com/jvn with our link, you’ll get an extra 4 months free on the 2-year plan and it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Are you a bravo-holic who spends hours talking about the real housewives with your friends?
0:05.3	Do you plan on stopping by something about her the next time you're in L.A.?
0:08.8	Or want to nominate Kyle Richards as your MVP of the year?
0:12.3	If so, tune into the podcast Behind the Velvet Rope where host David Yontiff interviews all of
0:17.5	your favorite real housewives and Bravo Leverties.
0:20.1	Plus, he dishes the dirt.
0:21.9	Seven days a week.
0:23.1	That's behind the velvet rope on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
0:28.5	Hey, it's Jesse Tyler Ferguson, host of dinners on me, and I've got something very cool coming
0:34.4	your way.
0:34.9	I cannot wait for this.
0:36.3	I sat down with none other than Ty Borel,
0:39.0	also known as my brother-in-law on Modern Family for 11 seasons, and let me tell you, when we get
0:44.5	together, it's impossible to stop laughing. You're going to love this episode, and of course,
0:49.6	you're going to love Ty, because honestly, he's the best, and who doesn't love him.
0:54.3	And thanks to Airbnb, we got to record in the coziest little Opry ski cabin in Utah,
0:59.4	complete with takeout from one of Ty's own restaurants, Beer Bar.
1:03.0	So picture this.
1:03.8	Two old friends, a crackling fire, some seriously good food, and a whole lot of tea spilling.
1:10.6	Yes, I mean, meaning that we gossiped, but also we split our tea.
1:15.4	Anyway, I can't wait for you to listen.
1:17.1	Hi, everyone.
	...

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