Ready for a dose of inspiration? This week on The Optimist Project, Yara Shahidi sits in conversation with Gen Z global phenom, educator, author, and activist, Dr. Vee Kativhu, about chasing dreams, facing challenges, and lifting others as you rise.

Dr. Vee gets real about how self-care can be the perfect shield against criticism, the importance and the power of community in grounding optimism, and how important her work in higher education is in breaking barriers for girls and young women in Zimbabwe and around the world.

Resilience, empowerment, and a hopeful heart CAN turn dreams into reality!

We want to hear from YOU! Head over to Instagram, leave us a voicemail, or shoot us an email about how you're investing in your mental health and chasing your purpose. Let’s share our seeds of optimism and uplift each other along the way.

🔗 Listen NOW and be inspired!

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

@veekativhu // Dr. Vee Kativhu/ @empoweredbyVee

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

📞 Voicemail: (323) 761-0837

This week’s episode of The Optimist Project is for my Gen Z peers and all those who love and support us. 💫

So many of us are battling self-doubt and navigating the complexities of mental health—a double whammy that can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing: we're not alone.

In this empowering conversation, we’re joined by the incredible Demetrius Harmon—writer, actor, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Demetrius, the founder of the global clothing brand @youmatter, opens up about his personal journey of entrepreneurship, while also grappling with his own mental health struggles. He shares how he’s learned to chase his dreams and build community, all while learning the importance of mental well-being. 🧠✨

In this episode, Demetrius and Yara dive deep into the delicate balance between pursuing your passion and prioritizing your mental health. If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or just need a reminder that you’re capable of greatness, this episode is for YOU. Tune in for wisdom, motivation, and the comforting message: YOU MATTER. 💙

We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. 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

@demetriusharmon // Demetrius Harmon

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Grammy award-winning rapper Rapsody shares how optimism allows her to "stay in the light," the power of learning when to say 'no' and how to create purpose driven art. Also, she shares how her community is pivotal in shaping her pride in black culture, creative flow and living in alignment with her calling.

We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. 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

@rapsody // Rapsody

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Jaylen Brown – 2024 NBA Finals MVP, philanthropist and entrepreneur – shares how he maintains his spiritual hygiene through mediation, sound frequencies and stoicism. Plus, he reveals the defining moment that made him choose UC Berkeley before being drafted into the Boston Celtics.

We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. 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

@fchwpo // Jaylen Brown

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

Prentice Penny joins the Optimist Project sharing the important lessons he’s learned from the many “L’s” he’s experienced throughout his life and his writing, directing and producing career. Plus, I invite you to plan a social activity to help build community around you. Bolstering human connection is key to our well-being.

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.org

The American Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org

Mutual Aid LA Network : https://www.mutualaidhub.org

Follow us on Instagram at:

@optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

@yarashahidi // Yara Shaidi

@the_a_prentice // Prentice Penny

@chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-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.org

The American Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org

Mutual 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 askoptimistproject@gmail.com. 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 askoptimistproject@gmail.com. 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