In this episode, we break down what real hope looks like when life’s falling apart: not blind optimism, not “good vibes only,” but psychological grounding, micro-rituals, and the small ways we keep going. We’ll talk about the science behind hope (Snyder’s Hope Theory), how to rebuild it through agency and action, and what it means to treat hope as resistance instead of denial.

If you’ve been running on empty, this one’s for you.

Sources:

1. Snyder, C. R. (1994). The Psychology of Hope: You Can Get There from Here.
Foundational text on Hope Theory, defining hope as a cognitive process made of three components: goals, pathways, and agency.

2. Berkeley Well-Being Institute. “What Is Hope and How to Cultivate It.”
Explains hope as a measurable mindset, outlines Snyder’s Hope Theory, and links to practical exercises for building it.

3. Psychology Today. “How to Build Hope in Troubled Times.”
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-personal-renaissance/202504/how-to-build-hope-in-troubled-times
4. EAP at The University of Texas at Austin. “The Science and Power of Hope.”
https://eap.utexas.edu/news/lessons-science-and-power-hope

5. Our Mental Health. “Unlock Success with Hope Theory: Achieve Goals and Enhance Well-being.”
https://www.ourmental.health/positive-psychology/unlock-success-with-hope-theory-achieve-goals-and-enhance-well-being

6. Brown, Brené. (2010). The Gifts of Imperfection.

7. Solnit, Rebecca. (2004). Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities.