Lenny Ravich: Drag It or Dance It Like an Optimist

Lenny Ravich: Drag It or Dance It Like an Optimist

In this joyful episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton speaks with Lenny Ravich in Israel, author of Everlasting Optimism: 9 Principles for Success, Happiness and Powerful Relationships. Lenny is an optimism teacher, humourist, keynote speaker, educator and director of the Gestalt Institute of Tel Aviv. His work brings together Gestalt awareness, humour, creativity and laughter. At 90, Lenny is a living example of his message: greet people warmly, laugh before you feel like laughing, choose love over fear, and learn to dance with life rather than drag it. Victor and Lenny explore what it means to be optimistic in serious times, how laughter changes how we feel and relate, why positive self-talk matters, and how small acts of warmth can lift both giver and receiver. For more reflections, research, practical habits and podcast updates, visit centreforoptimism.com.

Optimism and Dementia Prevention

Can optimism help protect the ageing brain? In this episode, Victor Perton shares findings from a Harvard-led study on optimism and dementia risk and reflects on why the habits of an optimist matter for healthy ageing, brain health, and the people who care for and love those living with dementia. Read more at https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/dementiaharvard

The Question That Changes Almost Every Conversation

What is one question that can change almost every conversation? In this episode, Victor Perton shares a simple practice that helps lift energy and foster optimism. Replace “How are you?” with “What’s been the best thing in your day so far?” and notice what happens. The conversation often becomes warmer, more real, and more hopeful. With stories from everyday life, leadership, and meetings, Victor shows how a better question can help people feel seen, strengthen connection, and create a more optimistic tone. Read more in Optimism: The How and Why, available in hardcopy, paperback, and Kindle on Amazon. You can also find Victor through The Centre for Optimism website, his Substack, and social media.

Trust, Leadership and Optimism: Robert Masters AM and Victor Perton in Conversation

In this episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton is joined by Robert Masters AM, one of the world’s leading experts on leadership, trust, and crisis communication, and co-author of The Optimism Principle. Set against a global backdrop of declining trust and optimism, highlighted by the Edelman Trust Barometer, this conversation explores what leadership demands in uncertain times. Victor and Robert examine how trust is built and rebuilt, and why optimism is not naïve hope, but a realistic, disciplined, and strategic leadership capability. As Robert explains: “Trust is built on three things: consistency, respect, and vulnerability.” Drawing on decades of experience advising prime ministers, CEOs, and organisations through crises, Robert shares practical insights into truthful communication, visible leadership, and restoring confidence under pressure. He makes clear that optimism is not optional in hard moments: “In times of crisis, optimism becomes an essential part of the planning process.” Throughout the conversation, optimism is framed as realism and responsibility, not denial: “Optimism is a responsible way of facing reality and working toward a positive outcome.” The discussion also highlights the human side of leadership, from families to workplaces, and why credibility today requires leaders to show up fully: “Vulnerability is one of the key qualities people look for in leaders today.” At its heart, the episode reflects a shared belief that leadership begins from within: “Optimism is an inner foundation that shapes how we live, lead, and enjoy life.” It culminates in the guiding idea behind the entire discussion, The Optimism Principle: The answer to life’s most pressing questions is optimism. This episode is for leaders, public servants, board members, and anyone who believes leadership begins with belief in people.

Optimism at the Speed of News: A Conversation with Agostino Giramondo

In this powerful episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton sits down with Agostino Giramondo, Managing Director of News Corp Victoria and Tasmania, cycling advocate, and leader whose optimism is deeply grounded in heritage, humility, and a clear-eyed belief in people. Agostino shares the influence of his Sicilian ancestry, where faith, hard work, and community shaped a worldview anchored in resilience and quiet strength. He speaks about his family's legacy, built on the values of service and grit, and how those early lessons continue to guide his leadership in one of the most fast-paced and disruptive industries in the world. We dive into his “Working Together” philosophy, his passion for cycling as a daily reset, and the joy he finds in small wins, community pride, and family life. Throughout the conversation, Agostino reminds us that optimism is not just a mindset. It is a responsibility. A choice to see the good in people and to act with integrity and collaboration. "I am optimistic because I see the good in people rather than the bad. You just see the human spirit rise." – Agostino This is a rich exploration of what it means to lead through change, to honour your roots, and to build a future where optimism is more than hope. It is action. It is legacy. It is leadership.