This week, we explore the topic of optimism and pessimism. We discuss whether we think they are inherent traits or learned frameworks, and how they might influence our decision making throughout our lives. Matt proposes that they each exist on separate spectra rather than sharing opposite ends of a single spectrum, and we introduce how it intersects with realism as well. When does optimism start to turn into toxic positivity or ignorance? Is optimism a function of privilege? When does pessimism start to turn into depression and hopelessness? Are there situations where pessimism might be valuable? We ponder these questions and many more in our conversation; let us know what you think!