Choose Optimism: Recent Episodes
Optimist International
Learn how the live an Optimistic life with Optimist International. Optimist International is an International Service club with the Mission of Bringing out the Best in Youth, Ourselves and our Communities
Join us as we welcome Lanhao Pang from Fairfax, Virginia played at the Junior Optimist Championship boys 10-11 division.
Join us as we welcome Tristan Buenteo from Dallas-Forth Worth, TX who competed in the 2025 Optimist Junior Golf Championship, Tristin played in the 10-11 division and finished in 1st Place. He tells us about his experiences and lasting impressions.
Join us as we welcome John Yusko and Amanda Klopfenstein from the Menomonee Falls Optimist Club in Wisconsin as they share their community events, fundraising and contributions to scholarships.
Join us as we welcome Griffin Long from Cincinnati, Ohio who competed in the 2025 Optimist Junior Golf Championship. He tells us about his experiences and lasting impressions.
Join us as we welcome Suzanne Brown from the Fusion Optimist Optimist Club of New Kingston, Jamaica. She will be telling us about all the great projects her club is participating in and what it's like being an online club.
Join us as we welcome Rowan Banning from Kansas City, Kansas who competed in the past two years and came in 5th at the Optimist Junior Golf Championship 2025.
Join us as our guest John Laurents from the Charlotte Optimist Club share his insights in one of the oldest optimist clubs in North Carolina. He also shares his experiences with the Oratorical Contest, this is one of the largest and is in all the public schools districts in the area.
Join us for our guest this week, Maurie Sheppard, from Waterloo, Ontario and the Westvale-Waterloo Optimist Club. She tells us about the rewards of helping these children recognize their full potential.
Join us today for our guest Tracy Kingston from the Moore Optimist Club of Corunna, Ontario. She tells us about the community events that her club holds and the planning ahead is a key factor in successful projects.
Learn more about the Moore Optimist Club - https://mooreoptimist.com
Join us as we welcome Nita Miller from the Junction City Breakfast Optimist Club of the Kansas District. She shares the community projects, club events and more.
Join us as we welcome Isahak Kelechian from Montreal, Canada. He was a player in the boys 14-15 division on the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships in 2025 at the Doral Golf Course in Miami, Florida. He and his dad Raffi share their experiences and insights from the event.
We welcome Emilia Mutis from Columbia who played in the 2025 Junior Golf Championships in the Girls 14-15 division at the Doral Golf Course in Miami, Florida. She shares her experiences and insights with us. Join us and listen in.
Join us today as we welcome Tom Majerek from the Niles-Riverfront Optimist Club in the Michigan District. He explains how he started a club in 2002 begun to support a community music festival and sustaining a club for the past 23 years. Have a listen.
Join us as we welcome March Osland from Phoenix, Arizona, he played in the 2025 Junior Golf Championships at the Doral Golf Course in Miami Florida. He competed in the boys 14-15 division. He'll tell us about his experiences.
Join us as we welcome Jim Boyd and Erin Reese from the Urbandale Optimist Club Iowa, they will be sharing their insights in creating social media ad's in canvas. They will also share how social media has affected membership.
Join us as we welcome our guest Ritchie Stewart, the Sunrise-St. Thomas Optimist Club and the Governor of the Southwest Ontario District. His district came in the top clubs in growth for the 2nd quarter.
Elise Lim from Sacramento, California joins us to tell her experiences at the 2024 Junior Golf Championships at the Doral Golf Course in Miami, Florida - she played in the 10-12 Girls division. Join us today.
Join us as we welcome Avery McGrath from Falls Church, Virginia a player in the 2024 Junior Golf Championship. She shares her experiences on and off the course. She finished in 4th place.
On today's podcast welcome Lev Abramson from Denver, Colorado a 2024 player in the 16-18 division of the Junior Golf Championship at Doral Golf Course in Miami, Florida. He shares his experiences and aspirations for the future.
Join us with Avery Hollingsworth from Houston, Texas and played in the 2025 Junior Golf Championships in Miami, Florida.
Join us today as we hear from Kaden Frierson on his experiences with the Junior Golf Championships. Kaden is from Austin, Texas he is the 2025 winner in the 16-18 division.
Our guest this week is Tom Neal, from the Farmington Hills & Farmington Optimist Club of the Michigan District. Tom is going to share his insights on building and maintaining Junior Optimist Clubs within the Public Schools.
https://f2hoptimists.org
Join us today as we have Olivia Blair, a Junior Optimist member reflects on her time being a Junior Optimist (JOI) as well as competing in the Oratorical and Essay contests.
Join us today for our guest Lucie Régimbald from the Carlsbad Springs Optimist Club of Ontario. She shares her insights on the challenges of small clubs, Lucie has been an optimist for 32 years and tells the importance of listening to young people.
https://www.facebook.com/optimistintl/videos/691483021360233/
YouTube video - https://youtu.be/9ZyNNWSdox0
Today's guest is Kristi "Cricket" Palmer from the Rushmore-Noon Optimist Club, on how to amp up your club meetings to a more exciting and dynamic events energizing members.
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Our guest today is Rick Gillespie who is on the Optimist International Growth Committee. He is also a member of the London-Fanshaw Optimist Club of Canada. He will be talking to us about plans for "Growth" in the 2025-2026 Optimist Year.
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Join us as we talk to President Ed Finn from the Kids Mental Health-Canada Optimist Club, he is ranked 7th in Growth / 6th in Retention, he will tell us about some special programs he uses to increase retention and growth.
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Join use as we talk to Connie Sohnleitner, District Governor of Atlantic Central District, her district is ranked 3rd in retention. she will share her insights on retention.
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An interview with 2 top 10 leaders in growth, President Michelle Meyers from the Brighter Days Optimist Club and Governor Larry Harper from the Central Ontario District.
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Join us today as we talk to Erin Reese, from the Optimist Club of Urbandale, Iowa, she'll be telling us about Risk Management & Safer Events for Clubs and Optimist International Insurance coverage.
Join us as our guest Dan Mills, from the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo shares his take on what the "Power of Wonder" can give you a feeling of surprise. He tells about the breakout he gave on this topic from the 2025 Optimist International Convention.
Dan's club is in the western side of the Michigan District. he has served as a club president, Lt. Governor, is a Past Governor and served on the Optimist International Leadership Committee as the chair.
Learn more about the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo.
Join us as our guest, Carroll Metzger, from the Twin Cities Optimist Club of Missouri, shares what the Period Project is through the Aunt Rose Project. They also provide young men hygiene products and education materials.
The Aunt Rose Project works with non profits in Jefferson County Mo to provide free period products to people in need. https://www.facebook.com/theauntroseproject/
Learn more about the Twin Cities Optimist Club https://twincityoptimist.org/
Join us as our guest, Cheryl Brenn, Executive Director of Optimist International shares her thoughts on civility and why we need it so much today. She will also share her thoughts on direction of our organization and where we are heading.
Learn more about Optimist International https://www.optimist.org/ .
Join us as our guest Donna Johnson, from the Temple Optimist Club of Georgia shares a joint community project Just A Minute in the Park. This is a joint project with the Temple Recreation Department, to target mental health for total wellness and issues that youth have. This event is FREE to provide information to families. It also gave youth fun activities. Along with other donations the club received a grant from Optimist International Foundation.
Learn more about JAM in the Park https://newsandviewsusa.com/event/j-a-m-in-the-park-healing-with-heroes-2/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/240-rome-st-temple-ga-30179-3932-united-states/jam-in-the-park/1743042776607385/
More information about the Temple Optimist Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/1162842953779467/
Club Grants from Optimist International Foundation https://www.oifoundation.org/downloads/2025-Club-Grant-Info.pdf
Join us as Corey Rieck, from the Gilmore Optimist Club of Georgia shares how starting a Golf Tournament Project and raising money for youth activities in the community helped him build relationships by growing membership.
Learn more about the Gilmore Optimist Club https://www.facebook.com/GilmerCountyOptimist/
Join us as we welcome Bonnie Sherbert, the Governor of the South Carolina District who shares her take on the Magic of Leadership and how it is for everyone. She shares the aspects of leadership.
Learn more about the South Carolina District https://www.scoptimist.org/
Join us as Valerie Gordon from the Optimist Club of Roseburg, Oregon shares her insights on a unique project to raise funds for the club. She also shares how other club projects help to grow relationships.
Learn more about the Ghost Tours and get tickets: https://www.hauntedroseburg.com/
Join us as we welcome Bonnie Sherbert from the Palmetto Optimist Club in the South Carolina District. Bonnie is the current Governor and shares with us the engaging community events that her club is doing to engage youth in her area. You'll find that partnering with the community is rewarding for everyone.
Join us today as Lorin Richter, Optimist International Marketing & Communication Chair shares her insights on marketing strategies and improving it on a budget. Learn how to use external marketing to improve your club brand and increase community awareness.
Lorin is a member of the Audubon-Lower Providence Optimist Club and a Past Governor of the Atlantic District.
Join us as we welcome Michael Shue, a member of the Waterville-Brother Town Optimist Club and current Optimist International Membership Engagement Chair share his insights on engaging new members as well as what the C.A.R.E's program entails.
Michael is a Past Governor of the New York/New England District and will serve as next years Membership Engagement.
Join us today as Karen Tolley from the Roseburg Optimist Club in the Pacific North West shares how the club does a great community event, Sidewalk Chalk Art. This is something for the kids and how they got this started, what it entails and how many kids and families.
Learn more about the Roseburg Optimist Club and the Sidewalk Chalk Art
Join us as our guest, Cathy Hicks from the Capitol Optimist Club in the Pacific North West District. Cathy is located in Sacramento and tells us how to start a community project to help the kids can read by giving free books in the community. This project started in Southern California and was taken north. Learn how easy and inexpensive it is to get this going in your community.
Mark Feilmann, Optimist International Growth Chair for 2024-2025 talks about growing membership, new club building, and young adult optimist clubs. He talks about what is new for for governors and the growth teams in their district. Join us to learn more about how new ideas bring new life into the organization.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation! We have the incredible opportunity to speak with Jan Oord-Graves, the Optimist International President for 2024-2025! She'll be sharing her remarkable journey of transformation into an Optimist and unveiling her ambitious goals for the organization. We are thrilled to have her join us today—this is a session you won't want to miss!
This week our guest is Jim Pipe from the Midwest Ontario District and the Cambridge South Lath Optimist Club. We are excited to hear about building new clubs using social media. Join us in learning a new way to use the internet and build a new club in your community.
We are joined by Past International President Don Arnwine who shares his recollections of his 62 years of optimism. Don joined the South East Denver Optimist Club in 1962 and started his optimist career rising to International President in 1977-1978. He gives his insight into leadership through optimism and volunteerism - through speaking, facilitating, and more.
Don is from the Breakfast Optimist Club of East Fort Worth, Texas - learn more about the club and optimism.
Today we are joined by Len Tilney, known as “Mr. Optimist”, he joined the Sunrise Optimist Club of Lockport, Inc. in 1972, and served as its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He shares his wisdom, insights and stories over the years.
Learn more about the Sunrise Optimist Club of Lockport - click here
Today we are joined by Rhonda Scharf, renowned and award-winning speaker, author, consultant, and trainer, is the “go-to” expert for the Administrative Professional and Executive Assistant community.
With over 250,000+ trained across the globe, Rhonda is THE authority for fun and uplifting education for admins, because #ADMINSROCK!
Author, Professional Speaker and Trainer, Rhonda attended the Optimist International Convention in June we are excited to have her on the podcast.
Learn more . . .
Today, we have Patrick Prendergast, Optimist International Board of Directors and member of the Sunset Liguanea, Jamaica talks creative ways to engagement members.
Today we have Governor Chuck Erickson from the Wisconsin North - Upper Michigan District (WINUM). Chuck is an Independent Education Consultant and has been an optimist since 2018. He gives us some insight on his club and the district are doing and what his goals are.
Learn more about his district at www.facebook.com/WINUMOptimists
Today our guest is the 2023-2024 Illinois District Governor John Good talks about his club, district and the path to leadership. He spotlights successes and member retention - Top 10 District at the half way mark after convention.
Learn more about the Illinois District https://illinoisoptimist.org/
Today's guest is Sunjay Nath, a guest speaker at this years Optimist International Convention (June 21 - 26 2024). Sunjay captivated us at the convention with his insight on leadership and much more. Join us to learn a little more about him and how he can inspire you.
Learn more at www.sunjaynath.com
Books available 10-80-10 Principle & ABC's of Student Leadership by Sunjay Nath.
BUY eBOOK!
We look back to the optimist stories from the first year of the podcast with Shane and Theresa. Hear from Russ, Nick, Shane and Dave as they tell their optimist stories from the 1st broadcast and then we hear from Tina, Crystal and Melissa as they tell their story of friendship from the 4th broadcast.
Join us as we hear from Chuck Sawyer from the Atascadero Optimist Club about their Festival of Trees for Christmas Fundraiser.
It's patriotic, optimistic and lots of fun, join us as we learn about the Avenue of Flags from Mike Athmer of the Kettering Dorwood Optimist Club. Mike will tell us how to start and maintain this great fundraiser starting with any size club be they small, medium or large.
Today's topic is a super idea to get the whole community involved in raising funds for a community park, helping kids and making a difference! Larry Harper from the Spencerville and District Optimist Club is here to tell us how his club gets everyone involved to raise more that $30k, from having the youth who are involved in the culinary arts plan, execute and clean up on a fabulous dinner and having three mini-silent-auctions and one live auction.
Here is another interesting "Fundraising" idea from Marlene Phillips a member of the Riverside Optimist Club. Marlene tells us how to start a Euchre Tournament. What, you have no idea what Euchre is? Well, she will give you all the details and how fun this event can be not only a fun way to raise money in the community but also be a great social event for your club. Join us to learn more about it.
In this episode on the topic of "Fundraising" we hear from Chris Scott a member of the Helena Optimist Club about a fundraiser that began as a memorial for a former member. Learn how the club started a Pool Tournament that might be a something you might be able to do in your community.
Join us as we learn about the Striping Program with Bob Pancich from the Uptown Great Falls Optimist Club. He tells us how to start a parking lot striping program in your club.
We begin a new fundraising series to help clubs learn about different ideas across the Optimist International. Join us in learning about the Camel Races - Charles Snyder from the West Branch Optimist Club talks about how to start this fun event in your club variations and all.
Danny Rodgers, Past Optimist International President, tells us his optimist story and talks about the Optimist Creed Series: "To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Nick Prillaman, Past Optimist International President, tells his optimist story and talks about the Optimist Creed Series: "To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others."
Ron Huxley, Past Optimist International President, tells his optimist story and tells us about the Optimist Creed Series: "To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile."
Patsy Garner, Past Optimist International President, tells her story and tells us about the Optimist Creed Series: "To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future."
Dave Bruns, Past Optimist International President, tells his story and talks to us about the Optimist Creed Series: "To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own."
Ken Garner Past Optimist International President, tell their stories and talk about the Optimist Creed Series: "To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best."
Mark Weinsoff, Past Optimist International President, tells his optimist story and tells us about the Optimist Creed Series: "To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true."
Rebecca Butler-Mona, Past Optimist International President tells her story and talks about the Optimist Creed Series: "To make all your friends feel that there is something in them."
Bob McFadyen, Past Optimist International President, tells his story and talks with us about the Optimist Creed Series: "To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet."
Robert "Bob" Garner, Past Optimist International President tells his optimist story and then talks with us about the Optimist Creed Series: "To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind."
Join us as we talk to Tim Bell, the President of Canadian Childhood Optimist Foundation (CCOF). We learn about the difference between the Optimist International Foundation in the United States. Tim talks about the programs that CCOF has and scholarship programs.
Join us as Lou Moss, a member of the Clinton Township Area Optimist Club tells her optimist story and how it changed her life. A member for over 30 years serving the organization as a Club President, District Lt. Governor, District Governor, International Vice President and much more. She made lasting relationships and met and married her husband Danny Moss.
Join us as we talk about the Junior Optimist International (JOI) program with Fatima Plater, Optimist International Board Member and Liaison for the program. She has great insight and how your club can support them.
Today our guest, Nick Prillaman, the 2022-2023 Marketing chair tells why having a consistent voice can help grow the organization. Branding is the key, with documented branding guidelines, and public relations guide give clubs and districts the tools to build our brand.
Join as our guest Sharon Patton, Director of the Junior Golf Program tells us how the Junior Golf Program helps the youth across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and the World.
Our guest today is Tom Neal in a discussion about leadership through Junior Optimist International (JOI) a valuable opportunity for young people to develop and enhance their leadership skills while making a positive impact on their communities. Junior Optimist International is the youth branch of Optimist International, a service organization that focuses on community service, leadership development, and providing opportunities for young individuals to become responsible and engaged citizens.
Join us as we learn about a program to help disadvantaged youth in the community, our guest today is Elaine Lyon from the Central Macomb Optimist Club and "Shop with the Sheriff" community event. This kind of initiative plays a crucial role in supporting disadvantaged youth and ensuring they have the necessary school supplies and clothing to start the school year successfully. Such events promote community engagement, empathy, and cooperation.
The club raised over $23,000 to supporting 153 children with school clothes and items. This project is a great way to enhance community, as it positively impacts the lives of many young students in need.
Join us as Rose Medley from the Caribbean District tells her optimist story. She also tells us about the importance of volunteering and how getting the youth in the community volunteering early so that they become life-long volunteers. We will also learn us about the Childhood Health and Response Mission (CHARM), responding to the community needs.
Join us as hear from Past International President Mike Listenberger as he tells us about his journey through optimism.
Join us as our guest Marc Katz tells his optimist story of community service with the Royal Oak Optimist Club. He tells about his experience as the Optimist International Foundation President and gives us advice about governance within clubs. Marc has been a member since 2001 and served on various club, district and international committees.
Join us today as we discuss the 2023-2024 Essay Contest with Sherry Reginai, Michigan District Chairperson. Sherry has been an Optimist for more than 25 years and has been involved an Essay Contest Liaison with Optimist International for the past eight years. She gives us an update on how to run a successful Essay Contest.
Join us this week with 2023-2024 Optimist International President, Tracy Huxley as she shares her story and tells us about the upcoming year.
Join us with a returning guest Dave Bruns, Past International President as he discusses where the Oratorical began, how it became a World Oratorical and where we are today.
Join us as we have a conversation with Optimist International Executive Director Cheryl Brenn as she tells her optimist story along with her goals and expectations for the organization.
Join us for an overview of the scholarship programs from Amy Keller, Senior Director of International Programs at Optimist International. She walks us through the Oratorical Contest, Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Essay Contest. Also, information for the Kids Speak Out program.
Russ Thomas & Janice Norman tell us about the single largest Oratorical Contest in Optimist International, in Forsyth County, Georgia. This oratorical contest gives over 5,000 students the opportunity to complete in public speaking. Learn how they started it, how they are able to create relationships with approximately 50 schools and coordinate it between two optimist clubs.
Join us in learning more about building new clubs. Jim Boyd is our guest to tell his optimist story and give us insight into building new clubs not only in North America but around the World.
Join us as our guest Sandra Doyle share's her optimist story through difficult times, and how she used the optimist creed and being grateful for all the blessings she has today.
Sandra is from Gaston, Indiana a member of the West Jay Optimist Club, Past Governor of Indiana North. She is also a published author with her book "My life at the cemetery. It's not as dead as you think."
Join us as we travel with Optimist International President Bob McFadyen as he tells us of his journey this year. He tells us how he became an optimist member and his experiences as a leader. He also shares experiences visiting clubs throughout the organization.
Join us as we chat with Optimist International Foundation Executive Craig Boring, talking about the Scholarship Programs, Junior Optimist International, Grants and much more.
Join us as we chat with Past Governor Nova Sipe from Arizona about the tenet of the Creed "To look at the Sunny Side of Everything and make your Optimism come true." Optimism literally saved her life and has helped her look at the sunny side of life every during her darkest times.
Optimism starts in our youth. Listen as our Junior Optimist International President Maya and her board discuss how Optimism impacts the lives of youth in a more direct way.
Join us as our guest is Optimist International Programs and Projects Chair, Gerri Barnet describes some of the great programs that Optimists run in their communities and around the world.
Listen as we discuss how Optimism helped President Patsy and First Gent Ken meet and how it continues to influence their lives.
This episode we welcome Tina, Crystal and Melissa, three friends who reconnected through Optimism. Optimists believe anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you. Learn how Optimism can make anything possible.
In this episode we explore how the Kids Mental Health Optimist Club and M.I. Understanding are working with families to start conversations about Mental Health. Their website miunderstanding.ca has resources to help parents, teacher and families. Take time to explore.
During this episode we start to explore the Optimist Creed, which we try to live by everyday. Our special guests are Optimist International President Mark Weinsoff and Shayne Lindsey, President of the Blackfoot Valley Optimist Club in Montana. We are discussing "Promise Yourself to be so Strong that Nothing Will Disturb Your Peace of Mind
Welcome to Choose Optimism's first episode with Host Shane Neuman along with Past President Nick Prillaman and Optimist Russ Thomas. We will explore the history of Optimist International with Past President Dave Bruns, Author of "Bringing out the Best - The First Century of Optimist International." from it's beginning in Buffalo New York to it's growth as one of the largest service organizations in the world.