Today is the last day of what started this whole thing.

Every school day, when I'm in town, I've had the chance to drive my kids, John Ellis and Lucy, to school. Fifteen minutes to influence their minds. To teach them something I was learning. To build their confidence.

It always ended the same way. "You control two things today. What are they?"

Their auto-response: "My attitude and effort."

It was working.

Then I discovered The Success Hotline, hosted by Dr. Rob Gilbert, a college professor who used to record a daily message you could call in and hear at 973-743-4690. It became part of our drive. We'd listen, then talk about what we learned. They used to complain, even saying, “Can’t you just be a normal dad and listen to music?” I ignored them.

Then, in January 2025, Lucy, ten years old and in fourth grade, said, "Dad, Dr. Gilbert is pretty old. You should do it now in case he retires."

When she got out of the car, I opened my Evernote and wrote: "A daily message to train your most important muscle, your mind."

She had no idea she had just planted a seed.

A few days later, on January 20th, 2025, I created the first Optimistic Outlook newsletter, titled "You Need a Reminder." It went to two people and had a 100% open rate. (Thank you, Mom, and me for opening my own email)

Each morning, John Ellis and Lucy would take turns reading it. Then, one day, Lucy spoke up again: "Dad, this should also be a podcast."

Another seed.

A few days later, I started recording. Three hundred episodes later, 15,000 downloads and thousands of subscribers, almost every weekday, there's been a new one.

So what started the Optimistic Outlook, a dedicated drive to school, is now coming to a close. Next year, the bus picks up right near our house. No more 15-minute drive. A year after that, my son will be driving himself.

I'll be honest, I'm sad. I have loved those mornings. I am going to miss those opportunities, but I am sure glad I got them.

But here's what I hope: just share an episode or a newsletter that’s meant something to you with someone you care about, a family member, a colleague, a friend. That's all Lucy did, and look what happened.

If this newsletter has added any value to your life, thank John Ellis and Lucy. They are the reason it exists.

P.S. The Optimistic Outlook is a Podcast! Leaving a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts would mean a lot.