Yara Shahidi is no stranger to breaking boundaries. The 24 year old actress and advocate has certainly carved a distinct path for herself in Hollywood, whether it is through her activism, her roles in Grown-ish and Blackish, or her commitment to education. But perhaps one of the most defining influences in her life is her unconventional childhood. Yara and her brothers were raised without the constant presence of television, unlike most children who spent hours in front of it. They were encouraged to immerse themselves in audio storytelling and creative exploration. This lack of television made Yara a dreamer, fueling her imagination and developing her love of learning. As she shared in a recent interview with Today, an American morning television show, this unique foundation actually made her enjoy acting, helping her bring depth and creativity to each role. 

Yara’s childhood approach to creativity instilled a strong sense of curiosity and a hunger for information. Without the distraction of television she turned to audiobooks as encouraged by her parents and to her it always felt like she was in a movie, more like an imaginary television in place of the no-television upbringing. This foundation not only informed her intellectual pursuit but also created a sophisticated storytelling style. Whether she’s portraying complex characters or advocating for social justices especially through her  social media platforms, Yara draws from this wellspring of intentionality and imagination, using her platform to inspire others to think beyond conventional limits. 

Growing up without the influence of television meant that Yara had to create her own visuals for the stories she was hearing. Audiobooks were an active workout for her imagination, as she saw, felt, and interpreted every part of the story. For Yara and her brothers, audiobooks were more than simply stories, they were blueprints for worlds they could create themselves. This exercise allowed Yara to hone her imagination and narrative abilities, laying the groundwork for her future career in entertainment and activism. 

This childhood experience of creating fictional worlds through audio content left an indelible impression on Yara, and as she grew older, her love of audio and storytelling only deepened. It was only inevitable that when she began her professional career, she would gravitate towards mediums that encouraged creativity in the same way her childhood did. And so this year, Yara launched the Optimist Project, a weekly podcast she co-created with her mom, Keri Shahidi. The podcast is an extension of the values Yara grew up with- optimism, creativity and social change.

This aspect of her childhood, Yara shared with Today, noting how not watching TV allowed her to be more imaginative and creative from an early age. She continued by describing how listening to audiobooks stimulated her imagination, adding “Not watching TV gave my brain space to be very creative”. Her journey from acting to activism and now to podcasting has been greatly aided by this foundation of creativity and storytelling. 

On Wednesday, 20th November 2024, the Optimist Project was formally launched. The podcast is focused on the theme of Optimism. Yara is set to bring her passion for activism and storytelling to every episode, using this platform to inspire others to think critically about the world and take action toward positive change. 

“For me Optimism is active, it's about finding solutions, even in moments that feel impossible “Yara Shahidi

More than just a podcast, The Optimist Project is a place to promote ideas, optimism, and solutions. The podcast, according to Yara,  “is a treat and such a learning experience”, challenging herself to “bring a level of openness to every moment”. The grown-ish star explains how optimism and hope can be used to imagine better futures through candid conversations with guests, including her first guest, the incomparable Janelle Monáe. The podcast reflects Yara’s long standing dedication to activism and creativity. It gives listeners the tools they need to see beyond their current limitations and welcome the possibilities of a better tomorrow. 

Yara Shahidi’s childhood without television not only paved the way for her successful acting career, but also molded her into the astute and upbeat leader she is today. She has been able to approach her career with a sense of purpose and a dedication to telling stories that matter because of that creative space. 

The Optimist Project Podcast is more than just another celebrity led show. It depicts Yara’s own journey, which started with a childhood devoid of television but full of tales that pushed her to think, dream, and create. It serves as a reminder of the strength of the imagination and the significance of interacting with the outside world in a way that encourages optimism and creativity. It is evident that the groundwork for Yara’s success was laid long before she made her way into Hollywood, as she continues to inspire millions of people through her activism, acting, and podcast. 

With the launch of The Optimist Project Podcast, Yara Shahidi proves that the best things in life may sometimes come from the most simple encounters. For her, a TV free childhood spent listening to audiobooks was the key to unlocking a future brimming with hope, creativity and positive change