"If Chickens Can Do It" | A case for optimism.

"If Chickens Can Do It" | A case for optimism.

From Something Shifted with Sean Loots by Sean Loots

January 6, 2026 · 21 min

About this episode

Sean Loots discusses the science and psychology of optimism with Sumit Paul-Choudhury.

What does optimism actually mean, and can it be learned? In this episode, astrophysicist-turned-author Sumit Paul-Choudhury explores the psychology and science of optimism, drawing on research, history, and lived experience. This conversation looks at hope, meaning-making, and the role optimism plays in navigating uncertainty and loss. A story about choosing perspective, even when life does not make it easy. www.somethingshifted.co.za Listen to Something Shifted: The Soundtrack on Spotify

People in this episode

Hosts: Sean Loots, Sean

Guest: Sumit Paul-Choudhury

Topics covered

  • optimism
  • science
  • psychology
  • expedition
  • loss

Keywords

  • Ernest Shackleton
  • Joy Jar
  • optimistic chickens

Mentioned in this episode

Products: The Bright Side

Books & works: If Chickens Can Do It, Something Shifted, The Bright Side, Joy Jar, Something Shifted: The Soundtrack

Places: Arctic

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