Listen to this special episode from another podcast you'll love called Talk Easy! Actor Tom Hanks joins host Sam Fragoso for an in-depth conversation about his debut novel, his film career, the transformative, eight-year process of making "Cast Away," and his formative friendships with actor Holland Taylor and the late Nora Ephron. Hear more episode: https://apple.co/talkeasy

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It’s hard to stay hopeful these days. Stanford professor Jamil Zaki has been studying the incredible depth of human kindness for decades, but even he gives in to cynicism when he doubts our ability to be civil and cooperative.

That’s a shame - because shedding cynicism and grasping hope will make you happier and healthier. Jamil and Dr Laurie Santos look at the scientific evidence showing that we should be more trusting of other people and optimistic about our facility to work together.

Jamil's book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness is out now.

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We visited America’s sweethearts on Manhattan’s East Side and found them as devoted and candid as ever. During a short period in the late 80’s, Michael and Tracy got married, had a son, Michael lost his father and gained a life-altering diagnosis — a lot for a young couple to navigate. How it started and how’s it going? An inspiring story you won’t want to miss.

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You can’t drop in on Rob and Michele and not expect a lively conversation and a whole lotta laughs. This clever, committed couple knows how to use the middle of the night right: arguing about the Kennedy assassination and enjoying each other as a “best friend you can have sex with.” You can reverse the order, too, and it still works!

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Two American icons of social justice, the Reverend and Jackie have trailblazed across history and endured threats — all the while raising their children and keeping their family intact.  Hear their lessons of courage through world events, infidelity, forgiveness and keeping the faith.

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Bryan and Robin met as actors when he had to kidnap her on a TV show. Friends first, their attraction blossomed later — like a lightbulb turned on that reveals everything. He proposed in a hilarious way – in a bathtub. They are serious about their relationship, they’re funny and sweet and we learned a lot from them. 

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Hey Double Date listeners. While we're off this week, we wanted to share with you a fun new show from Wondery. Rich and Daily delivers laughs and all the latest celebrity news. Hosts Brooke and Aricia are comedians, besties and the perfect guides to give you your daily dose of pop culture. They'll keep you up to speed on all the secrets, scandals, and news in the entertainment world. Is that rumor you heard about Rihanna true? If it is, you better believe Brooke and Aricia will have something to say about it. This is just a preview of Rich and Daily, but you can listen to full episodes at wondery.fm/doubledate_RD.

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The role most people know David Boies for is not “husband.”  But our interview with this legendary litigator and his whipsmart wife showed us how tragic loss, and a few well considered compromises (involving Las Vegas), can lead to an “upward spiral of kindness” — and a marriage that any couple would envy.

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