Welcome to the Optimism Always podcast. Hosted by advertising leader and partner at Optimism BH, Matt Hofherr. Learn firsthand from founders and marketing professionals about what it takes to create business momentum, and all the driving forces behind their brands. And of course, as our name suggests, you’ll learn all of this with a big sprinkle of optimism. Come on people! Hit play.
If you love great design, beautiful spaces, and the stories behind them, you’re going to love this one. In this episode of Optimism Always, Matt Hofherr sits down with award-winning designer Mark D. Sikes to talk about design, creativity, inspiration and the power of having a point of view all your own.
2 Sept 2026
Xanthe Wells, VP of Global Creative, Pinterest
In this episode of Optimism Always, Matt sits down with Xanthe Wells, VP of Global Creative at Pinterest, to talk about creativity, leadership, curiosity, and the power of helping other people shine. It’s a conversation about staying hungry, staying human, and never losing the joy of making things.
1 May 2026
Udi Ledergor, Chief Evangelist, Gong
In this episode, we sit down with Udi Ledergor, Chief Evangelist at Gong, to explore creativity, risk-taking, and what it really takes to build a standout brand.
1 May 2026
Russell Barnett, CPG Growth Operator & Advisor
What does it take to build a brand that truly connects and drives growth? We sit down with CPG brand builder, Russell Barnett, for a conversation on leadership, brand building, and driving meaningful growth.
1 May 2026
Stacy Fritz, Founder, FIT2Order
Don't miss this episode of Optimism Always, where Stacy Fritz, Founder of FIT2Order talks about wellness, resilience, and building a life and business with purpose.
How did Emily Silver rise through 16 years at PepsiCo to now lead marketing and athlete experience at Dick’s Sporting Goods? Listen as she shares the lessons she has learned about leadership, mentorship, and finding balance and why she believes sports can inspire optimism and bring communities together?
5 Sept 2025
Radhika Duggal, Chief Marketing Officer, Major League Soccer
Listen as Radhika Duggal, CMO of Major League Soccer, shares lessons from her career in marketing, how she’s shaping the future of the league, and why she believes sports can unite communities and inspire optimism.
4 Sept 2025
Nathan Harding, CTO and Co-Founder, LUUM Precision Lash
What does it take to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact? Listen as Nathan Harding, CTO and Co-Founder of LUUM Precision Lash, shares his journey from pioneering robotics to reinventing beauty technology and why he stays optimistic about innovation and human potential.
3 Sept 2025
Sara Varni, Chief Marketing Officer, Datadog
From Salesforce to Twilio to Datadog, Sara Varni has built a career leading marketing at some of the most influential tech companies. Now as CMO of Datadog, she opens up about what it takes to scale brand and growth in the fast-moving world of software and why optimism is her edge in leadership and life.
2 Sept 2025
Phyllis Rothschild, CMO of Pete & Gerry’s Organics
What can eggs teach us about purpose, play, and optimism? Phyllis Rothschild, CMO of Pete & Gerry’s Organics, cracks open her journey from consulting to leading a mission-driven food brand. From hen jokes and Spotify playlists to big ideas about animal welfare and brand purpose, she shares how Pete & Gerry’s is keeping things fun while making a real impact.
1 May 2025
Rachel Heit, CMO - San Francisco Giants
What does it take to build a brand that fans love? We sit down with Rachel Heit, CMO of the San Francisco Giants, to explore the strategies behind fan engagement, storytelling, and the innovative strategies that keep fans engaged season after season. So grab your favorite ballpark snack and hit play—it's time for some big league optimism!
4 Feb 2025
Vineet Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer - Chime
What happens when a brand decides to revolutionize financial services by challenging every traditional banking norm? Hear how Chime's CMO, Vineet Mehra is empowering millions of Americans to take control of their financial journey.
10 Oct 2024
Episode Seven - Talia Arnold
Optimism in a world of constant change? Talia Arnold’s got it. Learn how she keeps Exverus Media winning, with award after award for their groundbreaking media strategies.
10 Oct 2024
Episode Six - Eric Perko
What’s behind Apollo Partners’ skyrocketing success? Founder Eric Perko reveals the mindset and strategy that’s made them one of the fastest-growing agencies out there.
10 Oct 2024
Episode Five - Mike Quigley
From Pokémon Go to Monster Hunter Now, Niantic redefined mobile gaming. CMO Mike Quigley reveals what it takes to create global AR hits—and keep the momentum soaring.
10 Oct 2024
Episode Four - Harvey Kanter
Ready to take your business to the next level? Harvey Kanter shares how getting “comfortable with being uncomfortable” became the game-changer for his company’s success.
10 Oct 2024
Episode Three - Aaron Magness
From fresh, plant-based meals to a total brand makeover—discover how Thistle’s bold new image boosted sales and turned heads. Hear Aaron Magness break it all down.
9 Oct 2024
Episode Two - Michael Londgren
The CMO of a global powerhouse in strategic response management spills the secrets to turbocharging growth marketing. A must-listen for any ambitious marketer.
24 Jan 2024
Episode One - Drew Glover
In this episode, Matt Hofherr is talking with Drew Glover, Co-Founder of premier growth consultancy Fiat Growth and General Partner of emerging VC, Fiat Ventures, focused on supporting early-stage companies in the Fintech space
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 11 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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