Blue Sky
Blue Sky

Blue Sky

The Optimism Institute

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Episodes

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Hosted by Bill Burke, founder of The Optimism Institute, this weekly podcast will feature inspiring leaders, authors, researchers, and big thinkers who are taking on some of our world’s toughest challenges with an infectious sense of optimism. Blue Sky takes its name from the meditation reminder that there’s always blue sky above, sometimes you just have to get your head above the clouds to see it.

Recent Episodes

Leslie and Richard Strauss Describe How Their In-School Program, Spirit Series, Builds a Better Future with Wisdom from the Past
FEB 19, 2025
Leslie and Richard Strauss Describe How Their In-School Program, Spirit Series, Builds a Better Future with Wisdom from the Past

Leslie and Richard Strauss are a husband-and-wife team who oversee Spirit Series, an innovative educational program in which young students perform plays about timeless stories.  Through Spirit Series’ immersive and rigorous process, participants gain confidence in themselves and improve their teamwork, higher order thinking and focus in the classroom.  The program has served more than 60,000 students and research shows that it has improved their cognitive and social/emotional skills and even lowered absenteeism in participating schools. 


FMI – Spirit Series⁠⁠ website⁠⁠ 


Chapters:


02:44 Meet Richard and Leslie Strauss 
Bill introduces guests Richard and Leslie Strauss, co-directors of the Spirit Series, sharing their backgrounds and experiences in arts education. Their journey begins with personal loss and a desire to help children cope with grief. 

07:56 Breaking into Schools 
Richard explains how Spirit Series gained traction in schools through word of mouth rather than advertising.  

10:29 The Power of Storytelling 
The conversation shifts to the significance of storytelling in education, with Richard emphasizing the impact of historical narratives on young minds.  

12:05 How the Program Works 
Richard outlines the structure of the Spirit Series program, detailing the intensive three-week residency model.  

14:22 Casting and Participation 
The discussion focuses on the unique casting process of the Spirit Series, where roles are assigned by lottery. Richard shares how this approach fosters inclusivity and allows students to reinvent themselves. 

17:01 Engaging Students with Big Questions 
Richard discusses the importance of starting each unit with a thought-provoking question. This method encourages students to reflect on their beliefs and engage deeply with the material over the course of the program. 

20:09 Creating Community Through Performance 
The hosts explore how the Spirit Series fosters a sense of community among students.  

22:33 The Role of Teachers in the Process 
Leslie and Richard describe how classroom teachers engage with the Spirit Series program. They highlight the collaborative nature of the curriculum and the positive changes it brings to teacher-student dynamics. 

25:01 Empowering Teachers with New Curriculum 
The conversation shifts to the evolution of the Spirit Series curriculum, which now empowers teachers to implement the program independently. Richard shares the success of pilot programs that have expanded their reach. 

28:28 Finding Silver Linings in Crisis 
The conversation begins with Richard and Leslie discussing how the pandemic, despite its challenges, sparked creativity and adaptability within their organization.  

30:03 Innovating Through Adversity 
Richard elaborates on the innovative methods they adopted to engage students in a virtual setting, including the creation of films and storytelling videos.  

32:54 The Spirit Series Impact 
Richard explains how students not only learn foundational stories but also create their own, enhancing their understanding and personal expression. 

34:43 Measuring Success and Growth 
Richard and Leslie share the results of their program, emphasizing the positive feedback from teachers and students alike.  

37:49 Addressing Absenteeism and Engagement 
The conversation highlights the program’s success in reducing absenteeism, as students feel a sense of accountability to their peers.  

43:21 Getting Involved with Spirit Series 
In this chapter, Richard and Leslie provide insights on how listeners can engage with the Spirit Series, whether by volunteering, donating, or bringing the program to their schools.  

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47 MIN
Professor and Author Amy Edmondson Discusses the Benefits of Psychological Safety in the Workplace and What She Believes to Be the “Right Kind of Wrong”
FEB 12, 2025
Professor and Author Amy Edmondson Discusses the Benefits of Psychological Safety in the Workplace and What She Believes to Be the “Right Kind of Wrong”

Business school professor and author Amy Edmondson shares her views on how we can make our workplace more productive, enriching, and positive for everyone.  By creating an environment with “psychological safety,” Amy says that organizations allow people to do their best work by not fearing to make the “right kinds” of mistakes and/or speaking up when things go wrong. 


Order Amy's book Right Kind of Wrong

 

Chapters:


01:08 Introduction of Amy Edmondson 
Host Bill Burke introduces guest Amy Edmondson, a renowned professor at Harvard Business School, known for her work on psychological safety.

06:50 The Role of Managers in Psychological Safety 
The conversation shifts to the role of managers in understanding human behavior and fostering an environment where employees feel motivated to contribute 

09:15 Hierarchy and Its Challenges 
The discussion delves into the impact of organizational hierarchy on psychological safety, with Edmondson explaining how it can inhibit open communication.  

12:25 Creating a Safe Environment for Mistakes 
Edmondson discusses the importance of allowing employees to make mistakes and learn from them as a pathway to innovation.  

16:30 Navigating Political Divisions at Work 
The conversation touches on the challenges of political divisions in the workplace and the importance of maintaining professionalism.  

18:01 The Impact of Remote Work on Culture 
Edmondson reflects on how remote and hybrid work environments affect psychological safety and workplace culture. She discusses the need for face-to-face interactions to foster relationships and connectedness among team members. 

23:41 Exploring the Right Kind of Wrong 
The focus shifts to Edmondson’s recent book, ‘Right Kind of Wrong,’ where she explores the concept of failing well.  

28:40 Understanding Different Types of Failures 
In this chapter, we explore the distinctions between basic, complex, and intelligent failures, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these differences. The conversation highlights how basic failures stem from single mistakes, while complex failures arise from multiple contributing factors. 

31:50 The Value of Intelligent Failures 
The discussion shifts to intelligent failures, which are the results of thoughtful experiments aimed at innovation. The speakers discuss how organizations can learn from these failures and even budget for them in research and development. 

33:49 Learning from Failure: A Difficult Process 
This chapter delves into the challenges of learning from failure, emphasizing the emotional aversion many people have towards it.  

35:29 Reframing Failure: Insights from Ted Turner 
The conversation highlights Ted Turner’s perspective on failure, illustrating how he framed losses as learning opportunities. This chapter discusses the cultural shift needed to embrace mistakes as part of the journey towards success. 

36:31 The Role of Optimism in Leadership 
In this chapter, the speakers explore the significance of optimism in effective leadership, contrasting it with blind optimism. They introduce the Stockdale Paradox, emphasizing the balance between maintaining hope while facing harsh realities. 

41:49 Optimism vs. Realism in Leadership 
The discussion continues on the interplay between optimism and realism in leadership, highlighting research findings on how these traits affect team dynamics. The speakers share insights from their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating the importance of transparent communication. 

44:08 The Future of Business Leadership 
As the conversation wraps up, the speakers reflect on the qualities of young leaders entering the business world.  

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48 MIN
Five Book Recommendations to Help You Be More Optimistic
FEB 5, 2025
Five Book Recommendations to Help You Be More Optimistic

On this installment of “A Bit of Blue Sky,” host Bill Burke describes five books he recommends that will help listeners be more optimistic (and hopefully, fulfill their New Year’s resolution to do so)! 

 

Blue Sky Bookshelf: Link 

 

Chapters:

 

00:00 Welcome to A Bit of Blue Sky 
Host Bill Burke introduces the podcast and its mission to inspire optimism through engaging discussions. He sets the stage for a conversation about books that can help listeners maintain their New Year’s resolutions. 

01:29 Factfulness: A New Perspective 
Bill discusses ‘Factfulness’ by Hans Rosling, a book that challenges common misconceptions about the world and highlights the progress we’ve made. He emphasizes the importance of understanding facts to foster a more optimistic outlook. 

03:56 The Enlightenment and Its Impact 
Next, Bill explores ‘Enlightenment Now’ by Steven Pinker, which reflects on the values established during the European Enlightenment. He highlights how these values have contributed to a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

05:31 Humankind: A Case for Optimism 
Bill introduces ‘Humankind’ by Rutger Bregman, a book that argues for the inherent goodness of humanity. Through compelling examples, Bregman refutes the notion that humans are naturally violent and emphasizes cooperation. 

06:49 The Rational Optimist: A Thoughtful Approach 
In this chapter, Bill revisits ‘The Rational Optimist’ by Matt Ridley, discussing how free trade and cooperation have historically led to human progress. He advocates for a rational approach to optimism based on facts. 

07:12 The Power of Kind Words 
Bill shares insights from ‘The Power of A Few Kind Words’ by Tracy Gates, a book inspired by the author’s father that encourages expressing appreciation through handwritten letters. This practice aims to uplift both the sender and the recipient. 

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9 MIN
Marketing and Storytelling Expert Neal Foard Describes His Efforts to Make the Internet—and the World—a Kinder Place
JAN 29, 2025
Marketing and Storytelling Expert Neal Foard Describes His Efforts to Make the Internet—and the World—a Kinder Place

Neal Foard is an accomplished marketing expert and storyteller. On this episode, Neal describes why, after helping build household name global brands like Budweiser, Lexus, and Sony, he has turned his attention to telling and teaching stories.  He’s inspired by what he describes as the kindness of everyday people and shares personal anecdotes and stories online, hoping others will engage in what he’s calling, “The Conspiracy of Kindness.”  He is also the founder of Storyfire, an online storytelling course. 

 

Here is a link to Neal’s Story, “A Postcard from 1969” 


Chapters:


02:16 The Power of Positivity 
Neal Foard discusses his belief that there are more good people than bad, emphasizing the influence of media on public perception. He shares insights on how negativity can skew our view of humanity and the importance of focusing on the positive. 

10:00 Traffic and Kindness 
Using traffic as a metaphor, Neal illustrates how our mindset can shape our experiences with others. He emphasizes the importance of kindness and how adopting a positive outlook can lead to a better day. 

14:30 Reflections on 1969 
Bill and Neall delve into the historical context of 1969, discussing societal turmoil and its parallels to today. They reflect on how understanding history can provide perspective on current events and the importance of kindness in turbulent times. 

20:00 The ROI of Kindness 
Neal shares a compelling story about a car dealer who prioritizes kindness over profit, illustrating the long-term benefits of treating customers well. He introduces the concept of a ‘conspiracy of kindness’ and its impact on business. 

25:03 The Transformative Power of Travel 
In this chapter, the conversation explores how travel can restore faith in humanity by revealing the commonalities among people across different cultures. Neal Foard shares personal anecdotes and insights about how experiences in various places can challenge preconceived notions. 

29:03 The Journey of a National Road Trip 
The discussion shifts to an exciting national road trip that the speaker is undertaking, motivated by connections made through social media. This journey aims to highlight small businesses across America, showcasing the human interactions that define these local enterprises. 

32:47 Celebrating Small Businesses 
The speaker shares heartwarming stories from small businesses, emphasizing the personal connections and community spirit that thrive in these environments. This chapter highlights the importance of small businesses in fostering human relationships and driving local economies. 

35:03 The Role of Integrity in Business 
This chapter delves into the concept of integrity in business, arguing that most businesspeople are honorable and striving to do the right thing. The conversation emphasizes the significance of trust and regulation in maintaining a fair marketplace. 

39:32 The Art of Storytelling in Business 
The focus shifts to storytelling as a vital skill in business, where effective communication can persuade and influence others. The speaker explains how stories resonate on an emotional level, making them a powerful tool for leaders and entrepreneurs. 

46:47 The Impact of Stories on Human Connection 
In this final chapter, Neal reflects on the profound impact of storytelling on human connection and the importance of choosing the right narratives. The speaker encourages listeners to consider the stories they tell and how they shape perceptions and relationships. 

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49 MIN
Zach Karabell Discusses His Thought-Provoking Work and Why He Continues to Be an “Edgy Optimist”
JAN 22, 2025
Zach Karabell Discusses His Thought-Provoking Work and Why He Continues to Be an “Edgy Optimist”

In this Blue Sky episode, Zach Karabell describes how the roots of his optimistic worldview come from his deep understanding of history and the important societal trends that continue to move in a positive direction.  This conversation covers a lot of ground, including how Zachary views President Trump and the “chaos” and “hysteria” he expects will be created during his second term, the remarkable medical breakthroughs like mRNA vaccines, and his new Substack newsletter, "The Edgy Optimist."  


Chapters:

 

00:00 Welcome to the Blue Sky Podcast 
Host Bill Burke introduces the Blue Sky Podcast, setting the tone for discussions about optimism and the positive aspects of the world. He emphasizes the importance of looking beyond challenges to find hope. 

00:54 Meet Zach Karabell 
Bill introduces Zach Karabell, the founder of the Progress Network and host of the What Could Go Right Podcast. The conversation highlights Zach’s extensive background in economics, history, and his recent work on optimism. 

03:04 From Academia to Optimism 
Zach shares his journey from academia to finance and eventually to promoting optimism through his work. He discusses how his historical perspective shapes his understanding of current events and the importance of focusing on positive narratives. 

09:20 The Birth of the Progress Network 
Zach explains the inception of the Progress Network during a time of widespread negativity, aiming to unite voices advocating for a brighter future.  

12:19 Finding Kindred Spirits 
Zach discusses the realization that many others share his vision of optimism, leading to a sense of community among like-minded individuals. He expresses hope in the growing number of movements focused on positive change. 

13:14 Reviving the Edgy Optimist 
Zach reveals the motivation behind relaunching his Edgy Optimist column as a newsletter, emphasizing the power of self-publishing in today’s media landscape.  

16:30 Reflections on the Recent Election 
The conversation shifts to the recent election, with Zach sharing insights from his Edgy Optimist column written the day after. He emphasizes the need to separate words from actions in political discourse and reflects on the historical context of political behavior. 

22:21 Words vs. Actions in Politics 
Zach elaborates on the significance of language in politics, arguing that actions often carry more weight than words.  

29:04 The Weight of Words in Politics 
Zach discusses the significance of language in political discourse, referencing historical instances of election subversion.  

31:07 Lessons from Bush v. Gore 
The conversation shifts to the contentious 2000 election, drawing parallels between past and present political challenges. Bill and Zach explore how historical context can inform our understanding of current electoral disputes. 

32:54 Rising Expectations and Global Discontent 
Zach articulates the global trend of rising expectations among citizens for government accountability and social progress.  

35:02 Healthcare Breakthroughs and Human Rights 
The discussion highlights significant advancements in healthcare and human rights, showcasing global progress in areas often overshadowed by conflict.  

40:49 The Miracle of the COVID Vaccine 
Zach reflects on the rapid development of the COVID vaccine, calling it a remarkable scientific achievement. He warns against politicizing such advancements and stresses the need to appreciate the collective benefits of vaccination. 

43:30 The Future of Optimism and Progress 
As the conversation wraps up, Zach shares his vision for the future of the Progress Network and the importance of maintaining a hopeful perspective amidst chaos.  

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50 MIN