Yara And Keri Shahidi Set New Podcast, ‘The Optimist Project’

Yara Shahidi is starting her own podcast series in collaboration with her mother, Keri Shahidi. The Optimist Project will explore how change makers in their industry have fought the odds and maintained hope in their careers. Each weekly episode will be centered around the question, “What gives you hope?”

“The Optimist Project blossomed from our own pursuit of fulfillment and the wonderful journey it takes us on,” the Shahidis said in a press release. “We are thrilled to give voice to and share conversations that we hope inspire us all to keep following our purpose and passions.”

The podcast positions itself as a means for inspiration and positivity in a “world seemingly defined by overwhelming news.”

Shahidi will host the podcast series and interview guests about their past wins and challenges, and how they kept fighting the odds.

The project is being co-produced by 7th Sun Productions, the Shahidis’ production company. The goal is to promote diverse audio talent and inclusivity in podcasting, as part of SiriusXM’s Listen Next initiative. 

“We couldn’t be happier to be collaborating on such a fun, creative and compelling project,” SiriusXM’s Stitcher Studios Program Director Kameel Stanley said. “Working with partners who love audio as much as we do is what the Listen Next program is all about. With Yara and Keri’s genuine interest in learning and exploring as the guiding force, we know that listeners are going to get so much out of The Optimist Project.”

The Optimist Project is set to launch later this year.