Special Episode for Gratitude Month, Featuring Reflections on Gratitude from Bill Burke and Blue Sky Alums
Release Date: 11/27/2024
Harry Smith on Life Lessons and His Career in Journalism
Blue Sky
Over the course of his remarkable career, Harry Smith interviewed six US presidents and numerous celebrities including Julia Roberts, Cher, and Madonna. But 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. Harry shares some of the wisdom he’s earned and now share bestows on students in the college class he’s teaching at his alma mater. Chapters: 02:16 Meet Harry Smith: A Journalism Legend Bill welcomes Harry Smith, a respected...
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Some Reasons Why Today Is the Greatest Time to Be Alive
Blue Sky
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. On this episode, Bill explains some data-backed reasons why and provides hope that even better days lie ahead.
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Mary McManus on Surviving and Thriving After Recovering from Trauma and Polio
Blue Sky
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. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon. Chapters: 01:05 Meet Mary McManus Mary McManus is introduced as a remarkable individual with a story of resilience and triumph over adversity. 02:14 Mary’s Early...
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Political Scientist and Author Lindsey Cormack Discusses Her Book, "How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It)"
Blue Sky
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. As a college professor, when she found that many of her students were remarkably ignorant about how our government works, she decided to do something about it. The result is her latest book, which challenges parents to fill the void left by elementary and high schools that no longer teach these subjects in the...
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Sam Pressler on His Passion for Building Community and Connection
Blue Sky
Sam Pressler has a strong track record of bringing people together and working to rebuild the civic infrastructure of the United States. In addition to being a researcher and writer, he is also the founder of the , a collection of projects designed to help people understand how they might go about creating connections in their own towns and civic organizations. Chapters: 02:20 Making Grandmothers Proud Sam shares the inspiration behind his mantra of making his grandmothers proud, discussing the significant influence they had on his life and values, particularly in...
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Reflections on the Role of Mentors and Teachers in a Life of Optimism
Blue Sky
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. He shares his own influences and those of many Blue Sky guests, while encouraging us to think of our own and consider being mentors ourselves.
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A Special Blue Sky Presentation of the “Arts Educators Save the World” Podcast with Erica Halverson, Featuring Jonathan Groff
Blue Sky
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. Learn more about Erica's podcast here: Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Feed Swap In this special edition of the Blue Sky podcast, the host introduces the concept of a Feed Swap with Erica Halverson and highlights the upcoming conversation with Jonathan Groff, a celebrated actor known for his roles in Broadway and film. ...
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Historian and Author Martin Gutmann Discusses Optimism, History, and His Appreciation for “Unseen Leaders”
Blue Sky
Martin Gutmann is an expert on the history of business and has written extensively about styles of past leaders. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on everything from today’s political climate, to whether he thinks Ernest Shackleton is overrated (spoiler alert – he does), to the underrated excellence of less well-known figures in history. Chapters: 02:27 Meet Martin Gutmann Bill welcomes Martin Gutmann to the podcast, exploring his diverse background and extensive experience in various countries. Martin shares how his journey has shaped his...
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Blayne Smith and Brandon Young Explain Why Perseverance Is Greater Than Endurance
Blue Sky
Blayne Smith and Brandon Young are two US Army combat veterans who came together in civilian life to start their own company. They’ve now published a new book, co-authors of Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together., in which they describe invaluable le
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Cheryl Dorsey Describes the Remarkable Work of Echoing Green
Blue Sky
This episode explores the work of Echoing Green, an international non-profit that invests in social entrepreneurs and their dreams and ideas. An accomplished leader and executive herself, Cheryl Dorsey explains how she first came to the organization and the great work they continue to do under her leadership.
Chapters:
02:22 Meet Cheryl Dorsey
Cheryl
November is Gratitude Month at the Optimism Institute and this episode wraps up our celebration while kicking off Thanksgiving weekend. Blue Sky host and founder of The Optimism Institute Bill Burke shares his thoughts on the tight link between gratitude and optimism and has selected excerpts from past episodes to drive this point home. Blue Sky alums explain the health benefits of gratitude, the many reasons to be grateful to be alive today, and why, despite our many challenges, the United States and its founding ideals are worth believing in and being thankful for.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Blue Sky Podcast
Host Bill Burke introduces the Blue Sky Podcast, setting the stage for a special episode focused on gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of optimism and appreciation, especially during the Thanksgiving season.
01:20 The Meaning of Grace
Bill explores the origins of the word ‘grace’ and its connection to gratitude, linking it to the Latin word ‘gratia.’
02:14 Cicero on Gratitude
Quoting Cicero, Bill discusses the significance of gratitude as a foundational virtue that fosters optimism.
03:20 The Benefits of Gratitude
Bill highlights the health benefits of optimism and gratitude, referencing Dr. Richie Davidson’s insights on neuroplasticity. He introduces a practice of appreciation before meals to deepen our sense of gratitude.
06:03 Embracing “Pronoia”
Bill shares Kevin Kelly’s concept of “pronoia,” the belief that the universe is conspiring to help us succeed.
08:20 Life is Good: Gratitude in Adversity
Bert Jacobs from Life is Good reflects on how letters from customers facing hardships revealed a common thread of gratitude.
11:00 Gratitude for America
Bill pivots to discuss gratitude for the United States, featuring Anh Vu Sawyer’s thoughts on the freedom and resources America provides, enabling her to help others.
15:19 Loving America: A Personal Perspective
Ted Johnson shares his deep love for America, emphasizing its promise of democracy and equality.
17:10 Countering Negativity in Media
Bill discusses the challenge of negativity in the news and introduces guests like Angus Hervey and David Bornstein, who promote good news and solutions journalism.
18:24 The Power of Gratitude
Chris Anderson emphasizes the importance of daily gratitude practices and how they can transform our outlook on life. He encourages listeners to appreciate the simple joys and connections we often take for granted.
20:30 Gratitude as Contagious
David Gardner discusses the contagious nature of gratitude and optimism, highlighting how expressing appreciation can uplift others.
22:30 Appreciation in the Workplace
David Novak shares his philosophy on the importance of appreciation in leadership and workplace culture.
25:38 Healthcare Innovations and Gratitude
Bill reflects on the advancements in healthcare and the gratitude felt by patients and practitioners alike. He shares stories of resilience from guests who have faced significant health challenges.
28:00 Finding Gratitude in Hardship
Christina Menkemeller shares her journey of finding gratitude amidst illness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing ‘Godwinks.’ Her practice of daily gratitude helps her combat negativity.
30:16 The Impact of Mentorship
Bill highlights being grateful for mentors, with stories from Melissa Connolly and Jonathan Conyers. They express gratitude for the guidance they received, which now fuels their own efforts to help others.
33:01 The Pan Mass Challenge: A Legacy of Gratitude
Billy Starr discusses the Pan Mass Challenge and the gratitude expressed by participants. He contrasts the supportive atmosphere of the event with other athletic competitions, highlighting the power of thankfulness.