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“I try to be optimistic about optimism.”
— Rich Wilkie
In this inspiring episode of That Optimism Man Podcast, Victor Perton shares an uplifting conversation with fine artist and former Disney and Netflix animator Rich Wilkie. Together, they explore the power of optimism to transform not just careers but lives.
Rich describes himself as a natural pessimist who has battled depression. Yet, over time, he turned optimism into his superpower. He did it not through wishful thinking but by practising daily optimism habits, positive self-talk and immersing himself in creativity, laughter and gratitude.
“So I think naturally I’m a pessimist... but I try to be optimistic about optimism.”
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His story is far from linear. Rich spent nine years in the grocery industry before reigniting his childhood dream of becoming an artist. That spark led to a 25 year career in animation with Disney and Netflix. And now? He’s living his dream, painting powerful portraits full time—like those in his Eyes of War, Eyes of Hope series, capturing the resilience of Ukrainian children displaced by war.
“Dreams are optimism, right? Even if you don’t believe in them… dream in the darkness, bring them into the light, and fight for them.”
Rich and Victor explore practical optimism—the habits that keep us grounded and uplifted. Rich speaks candidly about the importance of sunlight, movement, healthy eating, laughter before sleep and limiting exposure to negative media.
“It’s the striving to get the bad stuff out of your life, get the good stuff in—because being more optimistic, you’ll be healthier, happier, live longer and be more successful.”
Rich also reflects on leadership and creativity, reminding listeners that optimism is not just helpful, it’s essential:
“If you’re coming up with a business plan, the first thing on that plan is to be optimistic.”
And on building confidence through deliberate mindset training, he shares:
“Being optimistic and happy gives me the ability to keep pounding at it... until I get to the point where people will love my stories and want to hear what I have to say.”
Rich’s journey is an inspiring reminder that optimism is not reserved for the naturally cheerful—it is a tool, a strategy and a creative force anyone can cultivate.
🔗 Further Inspiration
🎨 Explore Rich’s work at richwilkie.com
📱 Follow Rich on Instagram and LinkedIn
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“The answer to life’s most pressing questions is optimism.”
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