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.
Billy Starr on How He Channeled His Grief To Create The World’s Most Successful Sports Fundraiser, the Pan-Mass Challenge
O N D E C K
Dr. Richard Davidson:
May 16
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Ep. 55
Barrett Takesian Talks About Portland Community Squash and His Passion for Building Social Capital
Squash –the game, not the vegetable –has long been seen as a “country club” sport. But Barrett Takesian is on a mission to transform the sport’s reputation while building community in his adopted hometown of Portland, Maine… More -
Ep. 54
Daniel Stone Discusses the Research Behind His Book, “Undue Hate,” Explains the Roots of Our Political Polarization, and Offers Novel Ideas for How We Can Fix It
Daniel Stone explains that today’s politically-polarized environment began taking shape way back in the 1980’s. Today, he says, we have an increase in what’s been described as “affective biases,” in which people move from disagreeing with the ideas of another, to disliking the person themselves, for having these beliefs… More -
Throwback Thursday
Dan Reicher’s Rationally Optimistic Take on Progress and Potential in the Fight Against Climate Change
In this Blue Sky episode, Dan provides his take on potential climate change solutions; from hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear power, to conservation and reforestation… More
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Ep. 53
Marko Cheseto Describes His Life; From Kenya to Alaska, and From Tragedy to Triumph
In this Blue Sky episode, Marko tells the remarkable story of how he turned his life around in that same bed, deciding that rather than giving up, he’d spend the rest of his life serving as an example and inspiring others… More -
Ep. 52
Nathalie Laidler-Kylander on the Virtues and Value of International Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship
On this Blue Sky episode, Nathalie describes the remarkable work of Trickle up while sharing her optimism for the future of women around the world and her infectious enthusiasm about the power of social entrepreneurship and value and impact of international philanthropic efforts… More -
Feed Drop
How to Keep Going When Things Get Hard: A Special Blue Sky Presentation of the “Ten Percent Happier” Podcast with Dan Harris, Featuring Bryan Stevenson
This episode is a master class on sticking with it, no matter what. From our friend Dan Harris on the Ten Percent Happier podcast, we’re joined by Bryan Stevenson, who is a public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned… More -
Throwback Episode
Perseverance Personified: YouthBuild USA President and CEO John Valverde
In the Blue Sky conversation, John Valverde describes the impactful work of the organization he leads, YouthBuild USA, and also shares his own inspiring story of persevering through 16 years in prison to found two non-profits and now lead a third; YouthBuild USA… More
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Ep. 51
Prolific Author, Teacher, and Coach Gill Hasson on How to Deal With Difficult People, the Pros and Cons of Social Media, and the Challenges Raising Children in Our Digital Age.
n this Blue Sky episode, she shares her thoughts and advice on everything from the pros and cons of social media, to how to effectively parent at a time when so many kids are struggling… More
TOI IN THE NEWS
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 greao 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.
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.