From Prison to PhD, the Inspiring Life and Work of Dr. Stanley Andrisse
Blue Sky
Before Stan Andrisse was sentenced to ten years in prison for a Class A drug felony, the prosecutor had asked for a life sentence, suggesting that the defendant was irredeemable. In the years since, Stan, now “Dr. Andrisse” has proved this attorney and many others wrong. While in prison, he discovered an interest in science and endocrinology and today is a tenured professor at the Howard University College of Medicine. To create similar opportunities and career paths for others who are or have been incarcerated, he founded the nonprofit . Chapters:...
info_outline
Kevin Lowe on How He Found Hope After Losing His Sight
Blue Sky
Kevin Lowe has come a long way since he was seventeen years old and lost his eyesight during a medical procedure gone wrong. In this Blue Sky conversation, Kevin describes how he’s rallied from this devastating event to live a life full of resilience, purpose, and optimism. This episode concludes with a surprise musical feature, courtesy of Kevin himself. 00:00 Kevin Lowe’s Childhood & Early Life Kevin Lowe shares insights into his childhood in East Central Florida, highlighting a carefree upbringing centered around outdoor activities with his cousin...
info_outline
ENCORE PRESENTATION: TED Leader Chris Anderson on His New Book, Infectious Generosity, and Why He Believes That Now Is the Time for Us All to “Reclaim the Internet” for Good
Blue Sky
Chris Anderson was inspired by the growth of TED once they expanded from being simply a conference company to adding the concept of offering their talks free to the world over the internet. He’s now calling on us all to “reclaim the internet” and use it as a force for spreading less hate and division and more kindness and generosity. His new book, , lays out clearly the reasons why generosity is good for the world — as well as for us as individuals — then details a plan by which this movement can spread virally. Chris’s views on these subjects are aligned...
info_outline
ENCORE PRESENTATION: NYT Bestselling Author Matt Ridley on His Motivation to Write The Rational Optimist and Why He Believes That Human Prosperity Will Inevitably Continue to Increase
Blue Sky
Matt Ridley’s seminal book, , has inspired many since its publication in 2010 and greatly influenced the creation of The Optimism Institute. In this far-ranging discussion, Matt will describe an early education that he said was steeped in pessimism but how later in life he found that much of what he’d been taught was simply not true. This led him to set on a nearly evangelical quest to spread the word that interaction and trade between people and nations, including the free exchange of ideas, will continue to set us on an inexorable path towards increasing prosperity. ...
info_outline
Amy King’s Innovative and Optimistic Approach to Solving Homelessness in America
Blue Sky
Amy King watched the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and seeing people sheltered in a leaking football stadium inspired her to work with her husband on shelter solutions. The result was , a company that makes safe, secure, and easily assembled temporary shelters. In this episode she shares her inspiring story and details about her remarkable company. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Amy King and Pallet This chapter introduces Amy King, founder and CEO of Pallet, a public benefit corporation addressing homelessness. 02:07 From Child...
info_outline
Empathy Expert Mimi Nicklin Explains Why and How She’s Optimistically Attacking the World’s Empathy Deficit
Blue Sky
Mimi Nicklin left a successful career as a marketing executive to take on the task of educating the world on the value and power of empathy. In this episode, Mimi describes the alarming “empathy deficit,” its root causes, and practical strategies like self-empathy and “ALUR” (Authenticity, Listening, Understanding, Recognition) that she espouses to reconnect our workplaces and world. Chapters: 00:00 Mimi Nicklin’s Global Journey Mimi Nicklin, a British native, has spent nearly two decades living and working across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, finding...
info_outline
Technology Management Expert Paul Leonardi on Why Technology Exhausts Us and What We Can Do About It
Blue Sky
Paul Leonardi is an expert in technology management and has developed a deep understanding for why today’s digital tools—even those that are helpful—can contribute to our growing sense of exhaustion. Pulling from research he’s written about in his book he explains why this happens and as importantly, what we can do about it. Chapters: 02:00 Why Digital Exhaustion? Paul Leonardi discusses his 20-year career helping companies implement new technologies and his observation of the increasing dread people feel towards new tools. He highlights how the solutions...
info_outline
Guy Kawasaki Describes Working with Steve Jobs and Other Remarkable People Who’ve Used Optimism as a Strategic Advantage
Blue Sky
Guy Kawasaki has had an amazing life and career. After growing up in Hawaii, he went to California for college and later went on to what was then known as Apple Computer where he was a self-described “brand evangelist” during some of their highest growth and most entrepreneurial years. He describes Steve Jobs as being optimistic almost to the point of being delusional, and working for him has inspired Guy to be interested in mold-breaking people ever since, hence the name of his popular podcast, . He has also written 17 books on a variety of subjects, his latest being , which...
info_outline
Could Venture Capital Invest in World Peace? Guest Brian Abrams Has Set Out to Do Just That
Blue Sky
We all know that huge sums of money are invested in creating new, more effective weapons of war. Brian Abrams sees an opportunity to invest instead in what he calls “peace tech,” emerging businesses using technologies and creative methods designed to prevent war from happening in the first place. He’s created a new firm, , and in this Blue Sky episode he describes with infectious optimism his exciting vision for the future. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Brian Abrams Bill Burke introduces Brian Abrams, founder of B Ventures Group, an investment fund...
info_outline
Scott Nash Reflects on His Remarkable Career Marked by Curiosity, Experimentation, and Optimism
Blue Sky
Blue Sky host Bill Burke first met Scott Nash nearly 30 years ago, when both were working in the cable television business. In the years since, Scott has gone on to a successful career in publishing, both as an illustrator and an author, and with his wife Nancy co-founded on a small island in Maine. In this episode, Scott describes his outgoing, experimental, and optimistic nature and how these traits have led to his remarkable success in publishing, art direction, and non-profit entrepreneurship. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Early...
info_outlineMike Goodwin grew up with a difficult and volatile father. As a child, he decided that one way he could help his mom would be to help make her laugh. He soon realized he had a talent for humor, but it wasn’t until after time in the US Army and a career in higher education that Mike made comedy his career. Host Bill Burke and Mike Goodwin share a lot of laughs and life lessons in this fun episode of Blue Sky.
Chapters:
02:27 Meet Mike Goodwin
Bill introduces Mike Goodwin, a comedian, humor coach, and keynote speaker known for his clean comedy style. Mike shares his background, including his upbringing in South Carolina and his journey through comedy.
03:06 Comedy as a Coping Mechanism
Mike discusses his challenging childhood and how he used humor to cope with family dysfunction. He reflects on the role laughter played in his early life and its therapeutic benefits.
06:07 Military Life and Humor
Mike shares his experience in the Army and how his sense of humor both helped and got him into trouble. He recounts funny moments during basic training and the importance of camaraderie.
10:00 From Educator to Comedian
Transitioning from a career in education, Mike talks about his time as a college counselor and how he began pursuing comedy. He reflects on the blend of humor and education in his past roles.
12:45 The Start of Stand-Up Comedy
Mike reveals how he began his stand-up career in an unexpected venue: his church. He shares the pivotal moment that led him to perform on stage and embrace his comedic talent.
14:34 The Art of Clean Comedy
Mike explains his choice to avoid blue humor and the challenges it presents. He likens performing clean comedy to running a marathon with added difficulty, emphasizing authenticity in his style.
18:30 Navigating Sensitive Topics
Mike discusses how he tackles sensitive subjects in his comedy, aiming for honesty and surprise. He shares insights on how to engage diverse audiences while maintaining a positive message.
25:50 Laughter in Leadership
Shifting gears, Mike talks about his work in corporate speaking and how he combines humor with leadership themes. He shares the evolution of his keynote presentations and the importance of engaging his audience.
30:01 The Balance of Content and Comedy
Mike discusses the importance of blending strong content with humor in professional settings, emphasizing how a refreshing approach can enhance the overall experience for audiences.
31:43 Laughter as a Leadership Tool
The conversation delves into the relationship between humor and leadership, highlighting how authenticity and appropriate humor can foster better connections in the workplace. Mike explains the pitfalls of trying to be funny without establishing rapport first.
34:09 Humor in Everyday Interactions
Mike shares anecdotes about using humor in everyday situations, such as hotel check-ins, to break the ice and alleviate tension. He emphasizes that humor doesn’t have to be stand-up level; simple, relatable interactions can make a significant impact.
36:01 The Hard Work Behind Humor
The discussion shifts to the dedication required to master humor, with Mike referencing comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart who put in years of effort to hone their craft. He stresses that achieving comedic success is not as effortless as it may seem.
39:42 The Comedian’s Mindset
Mike introduces the ABC method of the comedian’s mindset, which involves being aware, breathing, and being curious in challenging situations.
46:36 Pursuing Happiness and Positivity
In the concluding segment, Mike reflects on the importance of actively pursuing happiness and spreading positivity in society. He shares his mission to leave people better than he found them and encourages listeners to embrace optimism.