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The Texas Optimism Project is a sponsored partnership between Texas Monthly and Frost Bank’s Opt for Optimism initiative. The project explores optimism through stories of extraordinary and everyday Texans. Browse interviews, podcasts, videos, and more.

One Good Thing: Sweet P’tate

To say it’s been a hard year is a vast understatement. Columnist Owen Egerton reflects on the many hardships of 2020 and how we can move forward into the new year, finding optimism in our choice to grow rather than give up.

Follow Your Dreams, But Make It Fashion

Chelsea Francis talks with Houston-based designer Nicholas Phat Nguyen about his success in the fashion industry, achieved through hard work, determination, and his personal journey to accept himself and follow his dreams.

GALLERY: Finding Forever Homes A Plane Ride Away

Meet some of the adorable dogs and cats up for adoption at Austin Pets Alive!, along with the shelter’s incredible staff and animal transport nonprofit Dog Is My Copilot.

Optimism Works: “Resilience, optimism, and passion represent a true formula for success.”

Scientist and advocate Dr. Peter Hotez shares the story of his long career in medicine, throughout which he has worked to improve the world by developing vaccines for neglected diseases and by speaking out to help those with no voice—a life of science for social justice.

What Happens When We Start With Thanks(giving)?

Did Thanksgiving start in Texas? What happens when we start with giving thanks? In this episode of the Good Newscast, the hosts discuss stories of gratitude and optimism, leading them to think about their own perspectives.

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Optimism 101: Campus Speaker Series

Optimism 101 is three-part virtual event designed to inspire college students across Texas. On September 23, speaker sessions will feature Priya Parker, Morgan Harper Nichols, and Cord Jefferson, moderated by Owen Egerton.

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Conversations on Optimism

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Follow Your Dreams, But Make It Fashion

Music Always Finds A Way

El Dusty, renowned DJ, and Adrian Quesada of the Black Pumas discuss how their worlds have changed since the shut down, and how they’ve managed to thrive creatively despite the pandemic.

Painting the World in Pure Imagination

Chelsea Francis talks with Dallas-based artist Charlie French about his art and the freedom it gives him, both to connect with others and to express himself to the fullest.

Good News

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Episode 35: Finding Beauty in the Chaos of 2020

Optimism + 2020 This year was full of ups and downs and…

Episode 34: What Happens When We Start with Thanks(giving)?

In the November episode, Owen, Chelsea, and Andrew discuss the importance of gratitude in your everyday perspective. The hosts discuss beginning with giving thanks and the beginning of Thanksgiving.

Episode 33: Can You Hear that Wild Harmony?

On this month’s episode of the Good Newscast, our hosts share the quintessential optimism found in music. They discuss personal and inspiring stories of musicians and singers who encounter connection and hope through embracing music.

Optimist Case Studies

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One Good Thing: Sweet P’tate

GALLERY: Finding Forever Homes A Plane Ride Away

Meet some of the adorable dogs and cats up for adoption at Austin Pets Alive!, along with the shelter’s incredible staff and Dog Is My Copilot, an animal transport nonprofit that is changing the lives of thousands of animals across Texas and the rest of the country.

One Good Thing: Beyond the Vote

November 3rd has come and gone—but life carries on. Columnist Owen Egerton reflects on the 2020 election and how, after we take the time to recover from the work we’ve put in as a nation to make this election possible, we can all continue to strengthen our civic engagement.

Practical Optimism

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Optimism Works: “Resilience, optimism, and passion represent a true formula for success.”

Optimism Works: “My success is defined by not giving up.”

Entrepreneur Nina Bailey gives a glimpse into her journey to recognize and understand the importance of self-love, both for herself and the countless young girls who she helps through The R.O.S.E. Project.

Optimism Works: “I didn’t wait for an opportunity, I just started doing it!”

Austin-based author and illustrator Don Tate, who has a number of award-winning children’s books under his belt, shares how he worked to pursue his dreams one after another.