There is always blue sky above
sometimes you just have to get your head above the clouds to see it.
A podcast meant to inspire people with an optimistic
and hopeful vision of the world and our future.
Ep 103: 4th of July Edition and Reflections on American Optimism
On Deck:
Jodie Jackson
July 9
-
Ep. 102
Nichole Argo on Her Remarkable Work as a Community Builder
Nichole Argo describes the work she’s doing to bring communities together by assembling people with different viewpoints around one table to discuss their challenges and formulate solutions… More -
Ep. 101
Harry Smith on Life Lessons and His Career in Journalism
On this Blue Sky episode Harry shares that his favorite people to cover were the ones we’ve likely never heard of, the everyday heroes that he describes as the glue of our society… More -
Ep. 100
Some Reasons Why Today Is the Greatest Time to Be Alive
Blue Sky host Bill Burke, along with several past guests, have described today as the best time to be alive in all of human history… More -
Ep. 99
Mary McManus on Surviving and Thriving After Recovering from Trauma and Polio
Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartener, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life… More -
Ep. 98
Political Scientist and Author Lindsey Cormack Discusses Her Book, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It)
Political division in the United States is an issue often cited as contributing to the pessimistic outlook so many of us have. Blue Sky guest Lindsey Cormack believes that our government will only improve if we begin to understand it better and get involved ourselves… More -
Ep. 97
Sam Pressler on His Passion for Building Community and Connection
Sam Pressler has a strong track record of bringing people together and working to rebuild the civic infrastructure of the United States… More -
Ep. 96
Reflections on the Role of Mentors and Teachers in a Life of Optimism
On the heels of the “Arts Educators Save the World” feed swap episode with Jonathan Groff and his elementary school music teacher, Linda Tough, Bill Burke reflects on the role of teachers and mentors in helping us all be optimistic… More -
Ep. 95
A Special Blue Sky Presentation of the “Arts Educators Save the World”Podcast with Erica Halverson, Featuring Award-Winning Actor Jonathan Groff
In this very special “feed swap” edition, Blue Sky Alum Erica Halverson interviews award-winning Jonathan Groff and his inspirational elementary school music teacher, Linda Tough on the “Arts Educators Save the World” podcast… More
IN THE NEWS AND ON THE AIR
Being optimistic doesn't come naturally for everyone, but there are ways to incorporate more positivity into your life. Bill Burke, the founder of The Optimism Institute and the “Blue Sky” podcast, joins Hoda & Jenna to discuss a few tips for building a happier and more optimistic lifestyle.
From Founder Bill:
Appearing on “TODAY with Hoda and Jenna” was a lot of fun. The two hosts - and everyone involved with the show - were great work with, and I appreciated the chance to bring some of The Optimism Institute’s messages to a national TV audience.
The icing on the cake has been welcoming so many new listeners to “Blue Sky” and visitors to our site and social media, as well as hearing kind words of support from long-time followers and friends.
Founder Bill’s Guest Appearances and Features:
WHAT TO EXPECT…
Meet the Host
Bill Burke founded The Optimism Institute in 2022 after an extensive media and sports career as an executive, writer, and producer. Bill served as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies after several years at Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting System, where he was the founding general manager of Turner Classic Movies before going on to become president of TBS Superstation. Additionally, for fifteen years he was the co-owner and chairman of the Portland Sea Dogs, the double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
As a writer, Bill co-authored Ted Turner’s top-10 New York Times Best-Selling autobiography Call Me Ted and later co-wrote/produced/directed “Live Another Day,” an award winning feature-length documentary on the bailout of the U.S. auto industry.
Bill is a lifelong optimist (he has to be - he’s a Detroit Lions fan) and launched The Optimism Institute with a mission to inspire people with an optimistic, hopeful vision of the world and its future.