Passion Struck with John R. Miles How Real Optimism Helps You Thrive in Uncertainty | Deepika Chopra - EP 761
Apr 30, 2026
01:01:34
What if optimism isn’t about staying positive but about facing uncertainty with courage?
In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with clinical psychologist and optimism expert Deepika Chopra to explore what she calls real optimism—a science-backed approach to resilience that has far less to do with positive thinking and far more to do with how we relate to possibility. Drawing from her new book The Power of Real Optimism, Deepika challenges one of the biggest myths in modern self-help: that optimism means ignoring hardship or forcing good vibes.
We explore why positivity can sometimes undermine mental health, how the brain acts as an anticipation machine shaping what we expect from the future, and why expectations often influence outcomes more than wishful thinking.
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.
Full Show notes: https://passionstruck.com/the-power-of-real-optimism-deepika-chopra/
Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-science-of-real-optimism-7-10-rule
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.
Connect with John
Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.
Disclaimer
The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with clinical psychologist and optimism expert Deepika Chopra to explore what she calls real optimism—a science-backed approach to resilience that has far less to do with positive thinking and far more to do with how we relate to possibility. Drawing from her new book The Power of Real Optimism, Deepika challenges one of the biggest myths in modern self-help: that optimism means ignoring hardship or forcing good vibes.
We explore why positivity can sometimes undermine mental health, how the brain acts as an anticipation machine shaping what we expect from the future, and why expectations often influence outcomes more than wishful thinking.
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.
Full Show notes: https://passionstruck.com/the-power-of-real-optimism-deepika-chopra/
Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-science-of-real-optimism-7-10-rule
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.
Connect with John
- Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
- Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
- Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
- Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
- Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.
Disclaimer
The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.