# The Case for Optimism and Beauty

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-messy-city-podcast-6070040/the-case-for-optimism-and-beauty
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-messy-city-podcast-6070040/the-case-for-optimism-and-beauty.md
Podcast: [The Messy City Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-messy-city-podcast-6070040)
Published: 2026-03-31T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://kevinklinkenberg.substack.com/p/the-case-for-optimism-and-beauty
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/192612897/5d5e1aa5fb0fa2ee59e7263d8e767e2b.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-messy-city-podcast-6070040/episodes/the-case-for-optimism-and-beauty
Duration seconds: 4103

## Resource

Social media is an unlikely place to find truly positive and optimistic people. But occasionally you find one. Today’s example: the charming and determined Coby Lefkowitz, whose relentless optimism can only rub off on you. Coby is a developer in New York state, and a prolific writer, poster and speaker on the value of beauty in the built environment. He’s written a book called “Building Optimism” and has a Substack by the same name. In his Substack, you can read more about his forthcoming project in Kingston, NY , and what all he’s trying to accomplish. Coby and I discuss the role of optimism in a longer, healthier life , whether or not building beautifully is actually more expensive, and the intriguing benefits of thinking of your social media audience as just yourself and your Mom. Coby’s story is also a great example of how a young person can gain valuable experience working for someone else for a few years, grinding it out, and refining your skills before embarking on your own. You can find Coby on X/Twitter here . Find more content on The Messy City on Kevin’s Substack page . Music notes: all songs by low standards, ca. 2010. Videos here . If you’d like a CD for low standards, message me and you can have one for only $5. Intro: “ Why Be Friends ” Outro: “ Fairweather Friend ” Get full access to The Messy City at kevinklinkenberg.substack.com/subscribe

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## Transcript

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