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

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

Author: Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness March 19, 2025 Duration: 48:23
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 podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. 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

You know that feeling when you’re just trying to figure it all out, and you need a guide who’s equal parts insightful and hilarious? That’s the space where Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness lives. Hosted by the beloved Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye, this podcast turns genuine curiosity into a powerful engine for personal growth. Each episode feels like a vibrant conversation with a deeply empathetic friend who isn’t afraid to ask the big, awkward, or wonderfully silly questions. Jonathan sits down with a diverse array of experts, authors, and thinkers, weaving together discussions that are as enlightening as they are unexpectedly funny. The result is a unique blend of education, comedy, and culture that tackles everything from societal issues to the intimate details of self-improvement. You’ll find yourself laughing one moment and having a profound revelation the next, all while feeling less alone in the challenges of modern life. This isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about the ongoing, messy, and beautiful process of understanding ourselves and the world. Produced in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, the podcast delivers consistently engaging audio experiences that are both a lifeline and a joy. Tune in for a weekly dose of warmth, wit, and the kind of conversations that leave you feeling genuinely better equipped to navigate your own path.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness
Podcast Episodes
Can’t Wait For “Love That Story”? Here’s A Preview! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:18
We love a reason to be extra, and Jonathan’s new book Love That Story: Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life goes on sale next week, so we’re dropping an extra episode to celebrate! Listen in to hear Jonathan read a…
How Ranging Is The Eastern Himalaya? with Dr. Mona Chettri [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:37
What comes to mind when you think of the Himalaya? For Jonathan, it’s a whole lot of questions! This week’s guest Dr. Mona Chettri gives us a glimpse at life in the eastern Himalaya, including how political borders have…
What’re The Adventures of Frogs and Toads? with Professor Kelly Zamudio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:27
“Blah,” said Toad. “I feel down in the dumps.” “Why?” asked Frog. “I’m thinking about how there’s never been an episode of Getting Curious about us.” Frog opened up his podcast feed. Toad peered over his shoulder. “Toad,…
Does Old MacDonald Need A Makeover? with Professor Gabe Rosenberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:27
Old MacDonald had a farm—and on that farm he had rich terrain for an episode of Getting Curious. Join Professor Gabe Rosenberg and Jonathan as they explore what agricultural history has to do with our modern understandin…
Why Is Olive Oil So Extra? with Professor Selina Wang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
This episode’s dedicated to our main squeeze: olive oil. Professor Selina Wang joins Jonathan to discuss olive oil varieties, processing, and fraud—yes, fraud! Plus, Jonathan gets clarity on why they can’t bear to eat an…
Hair Variation, What’s Her Story? with Dr. Tina Lasisi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:31
What do you get when a biological anthropologist studying hair and a hairstylist compare notes? A stunning new episode of Getting Curious. Join Dr. Tina Lasisi and Jonathan as they explore the evolutionary history of hum…
What’s It Like To Get Curious? with Jonathan Van Ness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:45
This week on Getting Curious, Jonathan’s in the guest seat! You submitted your questions for Jonathan on social media—and we have answers. We’re talking Getting Curious the podcast and Netflix series, self-care, gymnasti…
Why Do We Fall For Fake News? with Dr. Nadia Brashier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:30
Have you ever read a headline that seems just plausible enough—when you realize it’s fake? This week, Dr. Nadia Brashier joins Jonathan to discuss how our brains process misinformation, why even one exposure to a falseho…
How Do You Get Your Bake Off? with Prue Leith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:03
It’s Prue Week on Getting Curious! On the Great British Baking Show (aka the Great British Bake Off), it’s clear that Prue Leith has excellent taste. But what’s Prue up to when she’s not judging crème pat, frangipane, an…