Podcast Transcript August 14th, 2026— Taking our own advice on slowing down this summer

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Episode Description:

Arielle checks in solo to explain why the Kristy guest episode is getting a little more time. Both she and Karissa have been doing what they always say matters most: showing up, fully present, for the people they love. Babies, weddings, miles between people who love each other.

Sometimes slowing down really is the solution.

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Theme and all original music by Marvin Lanes

Transcript:

 Hey, Optimists. It’s Arielle here. Just hopping on here for a short one today because I wanted to be real with you all.

So I know Karissa and I promised a Catch Up With Kristy episode to air today, but the reality is that we’ve both been traveling, trying to carve out some meaningful time with loved ones and family, and be really present for some big milestones, like people in our lives having babies and celebrating weddings and, you know, all these beautiful moments that make up being human.

Maybe it’s a bit ironic for a show that covers solutions to not be able to figure out a solution to get this guest episode out on time this week. But at the same time, we’re taking a page out of our own book and leaning into slowing down and prioritizing what matters in our personal lives, too.

We’ve talked a lot about research that says that connection with the people we love is one of the most powerful things we can invest in. So that’s what we’re doing this week. And for those of you who have ever been in a long-distance situation, whether that’s family in another city, country, or even continent like me, a best friend you only see a few times a year, or a partner who lives far away, then you understand deep in your bones why sometimes you just have to put everything else down and show up for the people you love.

We promise you that this conversation with Kristy is worth the wait, and that taking this time also allows us to bring our best selves to producing it the way it deserves. In the meantime, if you want your weekly dose of good news while you wait for new episodes, we publish solution stories every single weekday over at The Optimist Daily, so you never miss what’s happening in the world of progress and possibility. You can sign up for our free daily or weekly newsletter at optimistdaily.com, which is linked in the show notes. You can also find us @optimistdaily on all social platforms except for X, where we are @OdeToOptimism.

And while I have you all here, I want to give a massive thank you to our Emissaries, our financial supporters who make this show possible. If you’re an Emissary and you haven’t claimed your shout-out yet, please do so. That’s a perk just for you, and Karissa and I both love recognizing you and whatever neighbor, friend, local charity, or kickass business in your life is spreading positivity. Emissary support is what keeps the lights on over here, and we are so, so grateful.

And to every Optimist who supports us in all other ways, sharing our articles, liking and rating and reviewing the podcast, following us on socials, leaving a comment, just being here, it means more than you know. Growing this community is the best part of what we do.

If you ever want to reach Karissa or me directly, you can always send us a note at podcast@optimistdaily.com. All right. That’s all for me today.

Thanks again for everything and for being patient with us this week. Take this as your reminder and permission to put the screens away and be present with your loved ones this weekend. We’ll be back soon. Bye!

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