PODCAST · health
The Optimist
by Jake Hurwitz
Men's mental health sucks, and we're here to fix that. In an era of unprecedented success and isolation, The Optimist tackles the silent crisis facing ambitious men. Each week, we explore raw, honest truths about identity, connection, and what it truly means to thrive. Whether you're a founder, veteran, or someone seeking deeper meaning beyond achievement, join us in forging a new path that embraces both strength and vulnerability. Welcome to the future of modern masculinity.
Episodes
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Why Doing Life Alone Is Killing You
Steve White was 57 when he moved home to be with his parents because he thought he was done. Years of unexplained blackouts had turned into weekly seizures. He'd been hospitalized with pulmonary embolisms, weighed 290 pounds, and his cognitive scores had dropped so far he could barely speak. Then...
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Why You Need To STOP Saying “I’m Good” And Ask For Help
Steve White was 57 when he moved home to be with his parents because he thought he was done. Years of unexplained blackouts had turned into weekly seizures. He'd been hospitalized with pulmonary embolisms, weighed 290 pounds, and his cognitive scores had dropped so far he could barely speak. Then...
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“The Mold In My House Made My 7 Kids Sick”
Dan Huber lost the company, the house, the cars and the savings between 2008 and 2011. Then the rental they moved into started making the whole family sick, and it took five years and a flooded crawlspace to figure out why. He gained fifty pounds in six months. His kids had constant sinus...
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Dating Coach REVEALS Why Men & Women Struggle
For a stretch of time, men were told they were the problem. Worthless, unworthy, weak, dangerous. Stefanos Sifandos says a man who absorbs that does one of two things. He disappears into video games and isolation, or he turns aggressive, because a man who doesn't feel powerful will reach for…
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How NOT to Have a Midlife Crisis, with Greg Scheinman @ Midlife Male
Greg Scheinman asks men for their business plan and they hand it right over. Financial advisor, CFO, marketing guy, KPIs on everything. Then he asks for the plan for their life and the room goes quiet. Greg hosts the Midlife Male podcast and writes the Midlife Male newsletter. He has sat across...
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I Asked My Ironman Coach What I Needed to Hear | Adam Holz
In 4 days, I'm racing my first Ironman 70.3. I've been training for 9 months and feeling a whole lot of things. But in the meantime, I'm most excited to share a conversation I had with my coach Adam Holz on this week's episode. Adam spent seven years at JPMorgan. At 18 he watched the guys running...
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Is Your Home Secretly Making You Sick? With Ben Parens, CEO at Nestwell
You spend 90% of your life indoors, and the air in there is 2 to 5 times more toxic than the air outside. Not the air in a factory. The air in your bedroom. Ben Parens is the founder and CEO of Nestwell, a home health platform backed by Stanford medical advisors and built to diagnose what's…
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“I Got Sober, Married A Supermodel, And Built Everything From Nothing” with Michael Chernow
Michael Chernow spent most of his life searching for a father's love, and it nearly killed him. From childhood abuse and molestation to an 11-year battle with addiction that ended with a heroin overdose and a flatline at 24, Michael's story is one of the most raw and redemptive conversations…
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Your Brain Is Literally Wired To Be Pessimistic. Here's How To Fight Back, with Dr. Deepika Chopra
Your brain isn't broken. It's just doing exactly what it was designed to do: keep you alive, not make you happy. Dr. Deepika Chopra is a behavioural scientist, optimism researcher, and author of The Power of Real Optimism. In this episode, she breaks down the actual science of why most of us...
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The Most Wild Conversation You'll Hear All Week | A Part 2 With Adam Greenfeld
Nothing was off limits in this one. Adam Greenfeld, the entrepreneur behind nootropics brand Thesis and one of the most vocal voices on modern masculinity, sat down with us for the second time on one of the most wide-ranging conversations we've ever had on The Optimist. We went from Kabbalah to...
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How Your Attachment Style Is Quietly Running Your Life And What To Do About It, With Thais Gibson
Have you ever wondered why you keep repeating the same patterns in relationships at work, in friendships, or with a romantic partner? The answer might have been decided before you were even 3 years old. In this episode, Jake sits down with Thais Gibson, attachment style expert and founder of the...
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Brooks Bash Ran 100 Marathons in 100 Days. Here’s What Actually Mattered.
Brooks Bash ran 100 marathons in 100 days. On paper, that sounds like discipline. Grit. Insanity. But what happens after the finish line? To kickoff Season 2, Brooks and I go way deeper than the miles. We talk about self-doubt. The quiet pressure men carry. The post-achievement crash no one warns...
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Why Comfort Is the Most Dangerous Thing in Your Life, with Tanner Waite
Why are so many men stuck…anxious, restless, and disconnected…even though their lives look “fine” on paper? In this episode of The Optimist, Jake sits down with Tanner Waite; big-wave surfer, endurance athlete, and creator, for a raw conversation about fear, comfort, anger, and the moments that...
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Be Hard to Kill But Soft Enough to Speak - Christian De La Torre on PTSD, Brotherhood & Being a Man
Veteran & former infantry officer Christian De La Torre gets real about delayed PTSD, rockets over Bagram, and the blueprint men need now: the “King’s Council.” We break down how to ask for help without feeling weak, why every man should learn self‑defense (and change a tire), building real...
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Test, Don’t Guess: Superpower’s Max Marchione on Labs, Testosterone & HRV
If your energy crashes after meals, your HRV is low, or you suspect low T, this episode is your blueprint. Max Marchione—Founder/CEO of Superpower—breaks down the health “foundations” that actually move the needle: lab testing, gut & metabolic health, endocrine disruptors, HRV, and micro‑habits…
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Being Gay Doesn’t Make You Less of a Man, with Michael C Bryan
Michael C Bryan grew up in the 70s and 80s, queer, flamboyant, and full of light, in a world that told him he was too much, too different, and not a “real man.” In this raw, emotional, and often hilarious conversation, Michael shares the truth about growing up gay in a violently homophobic time,...
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Why Your Lighting May Be Destroying Your Mental Health, and A Quick Fix with Alex Elsaadi
Your home might be making you anxious, and you don’t even know it. In this first-ever documentary-style episode of The Optimist, filmed in partnership with Ozarke, Jake explores how something as simple as your lighting and décor can drastically affect your mental health, focus, and recovery. From...
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Why Your Lighting May Be Destroying Your Mental Health, and A Quick Fix with Alex Elsaadi, Founder and CEO of Ozarke
Your home might be making you anxious, and you don’t even know it. In this first-ever documentary-style episode of The Optimist, filmed in partnership with Ozarke, Jake explores how something as simple as your lighting and décor can drastically affect your mental health, focus, and recovery. From...
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Missionless Men Are the Real Epidemic, With Chris Griffin
Most men aren’t depressed. They’re bored, comfortable, and missionless. Chris Griffin built one of the biggest podcasts in Australia and was nearly canceled for speaking his mind. Instead of backing down, he doubled down. In this brutally honest conversation, we talk about pain, purpose,...
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Psychedelics Might Be the Cure for Modern Masculinity, with Ben Forest, Psychedelic Speaker, Author and Coach
Ben Forest spent 25 years in the Air Force, rose to Lieutenant Colonel, and hit rock bottom. On Veterans Day, he walked into a hospital and told the nurse, “I want to die.” That moment changed everything. He quit his job. He left the military. And in one heroic dose of psilocybin, he found...
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Are You Too Soft? Why Doing Hard Things Might Save Your Life, With Alvaro Nuñez
Alvaro Nuñez has done what most people would call impossible:- 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. - A 6-day ultra in the Sahara Desert with a 35-pound vest. - A 3,000-mile bike race across America. - Ironman and Ultraman World Championships. But beneath the superhuman résumé is a much deeper...
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Why Detox Became “Feminine” And Why Men Can’t Afford to Ignore It, With Meghan Swidler
We live in a toxic world. Processed food, industrial chemicals, polluted air and water, stress, blue light, pharmaceuticals…the list goes on. Our bodies were never designed to handle this constant chemical assault. And yet, when we hear the word detox, most men dismiss it as a “feminine” wellness...
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Think You’re a Man? Here’s Why You Might Still Be a Little Boy, with Ryan Moresby-white
We have a crisis on our hands. Most men walking around today look like men. They have jobs, relationships, and responsibilities… But emotionally they’re still operating as little boys. And it’s killing their ability to lead, to love, and to hold a safe frame in relationships. In this raw and...
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What Are You So Afraid Of? Ben Sharf on Fear, Failure, and Feeling Like You’re Never Enough
Ben Sharf is a Division 1 athlete turned founder, creator, and podcast host. But behind his calm confidence is a story of deep insecurity, fear of failure, and the relentless pressure to always do more. In this raw conversation, we dive into: The injury that derailed his hockey career and changed...
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How to Confidently Approach Anyone in Public, with Beggie Olafs; Psychologist and Charisma Expert
If you’ve ever seen someone intriguing at a coffee shop, networking event, or gym, but felt paralyzed about approaching them, this episode is for you. Jake sits down with psychologist and charisma expert Beggie Olafs to crack open the hidden playbook on confidently connecting with anyone…
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Part 2, Q+A: Why You Need a List of 300 Things to Do Before You Die
Tens of thousands of you made a list. Now it’s time to go deeper. This episode is part two of the bucket list phenomenon, and it answers the questions you’ve been sending me in droves. What if I feel overwhelmed by a list this big? What if I don’t want to cross every item off? How do I know if…
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Introduction: Welcome To The Optimist, hosted by Jake Hurwitz
Men are struggling. And most of us are doing it silently. Welcome to The Optimist; a podcast for people who want to live bolder, deeper, and more emotionally connected lives. Hosted by Jake Hurwitz, this series is part confession, part conversation, and part rebellion against the two extremes of...
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The Blueprint for Becoming a Dangerously Healed Man After Rock Bottom, with Cam King
Breakup coach. Philosopher in the woods. Cam King is not your average dude. And this is not your average conversation about masculinity. In this episode, we go deep into: Why so many men are quietly breaking down after heartbreak How to actually move on (hint: it’s not another rebound) Cam’s rule...
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Your Life is More Interesting Than You Think; Here’s How to Make Content About It, with JT Barnett, Founder at CreatorX
Think your life isn’t interesting enough for the internet? Think again. In this raw, eye-opening conversation with creator economy expert JT Barnett, we dive headfirst into the biggest lie holding people back: the belief that their lives aren’t worth sharing. JT unpacks how every seemingly...
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How to Embrace Rejection, Optimize Your Mindset, and Build a Life of Style, Leadership, and Purpose, with Caleb Ulffers
In this episode, Caleb Ulffers joins Jake Hurwitz to explore a powerful mindset shift: Everything is Easy. From embracing rejection and stepping fearlessly into new experiences, to optimizing your life with mindfulness, style, and authentic leadership, Caleb delivers practical insights you can...
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Can You Build an Empire Without Losing Your Family? Real Talk on Success, Fatherhood, and Partnership with Danny Cortenraede, Founder & Managing Partner of InStudio Ventures
Danny Cortenraede is a successful investor, former media exec, and founder of InStudio Ventures — but this episode isn’t about business deals or exit valuations. It’s about balance. About fatherhood. About building a wildly ambitious life without sacrificing your health, your kids, or your peace…
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What If Your Worldview Is What’s Holding You Back? With James Beshara, Founder & Executive Chairman at Magic Mind
In this episode of The Optimist, I sit down with James Beshara; serial entrepreneur, investor, founder of Magic Mind, and host of Daily Vedanta, for a powerful conversation about what really drives us. We explore: - The hidden worldviews that shape every decision we make - Why ambition without...
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Why You Need a List of 300 Things to Do Before You Die
I used to think bucket lists were kind of cheesy… until I made one. Then I printed it on a four-foot poster and hung it in my house. That one exercise completely changed how I see my life. In this solo episode of The Optimist, I break down how a simple homework assignment from a coach turned into...
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Why You Can’t Get Over Your Ex, with Breakup & Relationship Coach Niki Van Houten
Why do breakups hit men and women so differently? And what does real healing actually look like? In this episode, Jake sits down with relationship coach Niki Van Houten for a raw, revealing conversation about heartbreak, emotional maturity, and the evolution of modern masculinity. They dive deep...
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1 in 2 Americans are “lonely”.
This has more of a negative impact on our health than obesity. But, nobody is talking about this. (or maybe we’re juuuust starting to talk about it). That’s why I brought Naz Perez on my podcast this week - to talk about it. She used to produce ABC's The Bachelor, The Bachelorette & Bachelor in...
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The Hidden Cost of Heartbreak & Loneliness: How It Affects Your Mind, Body, and Life, with Naz Perez
This week, Jake welcomed Naz Perez, the first woman on his podcast, for a candid conversation about heartbreak, loneliness, and meaningful connections. As founder of Heartbroken Anonymous, Naz shares insights on why so many Americans feel disconnected despite being more "connected" than ever.…
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Every man is a father.
If you don’t have kids, stay calm. This doesn’t mean you have a secret child running around. It means that, instead of a child, you’re a father to yourself. And that job— of reparenting yourself and breaking harmful patterns passed down to you— is an important one.
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Most people don’t know the difference between a need, a desire, and a request.
Which is why we end up saying things like: → “Can you do the dishes?” → “Can you fix the header on our website?” → “I need you to be there at 4” But what we’re really saying is: → “I need cleanliness.” → “I need help managing the website.” → “I need order to feel calm.” The problem? We skip the...
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How To Navigate Today’s Chaos And Find Peace, with Executive Coach, Kenny Borg
In this episode of The Optimist, Jake sits down with Kenny Borg, a coach and entrepreneur, to discuss the "meta crisis" - the overlapping series of crises affecting our modern world and mental health. They explore how men can navigate feeling overwhelmed, the importance of finding connection, and...
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How High Performers Can Use Breathwork, with Chris Keener, Founder of GoldenAir Breathwork
In this episode, Jake sits down with breathwork instructor Chris Keener to discuss how breathwork can transform your relationship with stress, increase clarity, and enhance performance. Jake opens up about his recent breathwork journey and together, both explore how this ancient practice can help...
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How many of you have gone for romantic partners this way?
You find someone attractive, start falling for them, and then— 6 months or so down the line— you realize they don’t quite have the qualities you’d hoped for. Then, once you realize this, you try to TEACH them to have these qualities. No judgment. We’ve all done it. But as Lee Povey pointed out,...
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Lee Povey on How To Step Into Mature Masculinity, Master Your Feelings, and Deepen Your Friendships
Join Jake Hurwitz on The Optimist for a profound conversation with Lee Povey about men's groups, emotional intelligence, and modern masculinity. From his early work in therapy to founding transformative men's communities, Lee shares insights on helping men develop emotional awareness and…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Men's mental health sucks, and we're here to fix that. In an era of unprecedented success and isolation, The Optimist tackles the silent crisis facing ambitious men. Each week, we explore raw, honest truths about identity, connection, and what it truly means to thrive. Whether you're a founder, veteran, or someone seeking deeper meaning beyond achievement, join us in forging a new path that embraces both strength and vulnerability. Welcome to the future of modern masculinity.
HOSTED BY
Jake Hurwitz
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Optimist have?
The Optimist currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Optimist about?
Men's mental health sucks, and we're here to fix that. In an era of unprecedented success and isolation, The Optimist tackles the silent crisis facing ambitious men. Each week, we explore raw, honest truths about identity, connection, and what it truly means to thrive. Whether you're a founder,...
How often does The Optimist release new episodes?
The Optimist has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Optimist?
You can listen to The Optimist on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Optimist?
The Optimist is created and hosted by Jake Hurwitz.
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