Blue Sky

Bill Burke
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. ENCORE PRESENTATION: The "Win-Win-Win" of Second Chance Hiring, with Jeff Korzenik

    9 HRS AGO

    ENCORE PRESENTATION: The "Win-Win-Win" of Second Chance Hiring, with Jeff Korzenik

    Jeff Korzenik, the chief economist at a major US bank, explains how predicting a labor shortage in the US led him to discover the growing movement around "second chance" hiring of people with criminal records.  His passion for this work led him to write "Untapped Talent," a book that explains to companies the benefits of this type of hiring and offers a blueprint of how best to do it.  Jeff describes how second chance hiring can transform lives and communities.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Jeff Korzenik's Work  This chapter introduces Jeff Korzenik, Chief Economist and author of Untapped Talent, highlighting his unique background as a bank executive focused on hiring people with criminal records.   03:14 From Economics to Second Chances  Jeff Korzenik explains how his work on second-chance hiring evolved from his economic research into labor force challenges, initially focusing on the opioid epidemic.   05:51 The Staggering Numbers of Incarceration  Jeff outlines the immense scale of incarceration and criminal records in the United States, emphasizing how the U.S. is an outlier globally.   09:05 Creating Hope in Prison  Jeff discusses the inherent unfairness of a system where a prison sentence can become a life sentence due to employment discrimination. He shares how his book, 'Untapped Talent,' is distributed to incarcerated individuals to instill hope and remind them that they are a valuable resource, not a burden, through the generous support of others.  14:15 Employer Barriers and Solutions  Jeff addresses the common objections employers have to hiring individuals with criminal records: safety/liability, employee quality, and reputation risk. He explains that these concerns are valid but manageable through intelligent, business-based decisions, advocating for transparent and supportive hiring practices.  17:55 The Loyalty of Second Chance Hires  Jeff highlights that successful second-chance hiring relies on traditional hiring models, adapted to understand and support candidates with criminal records.   23:23 Virtuous Cycle of Success  Jeff explains the 'snowballing effect' of success in second-chance hiring, where companies known for fair chance employment receive high-quality referrals and build strong community relationships.   26:08 Empathy and Boundaries in Hiring  Jeff advocates for people to visit prisons to humanize the incarcerated and understand their experiences.   33:28 Challenges Post-Release and 'Ban the Box'  Jeff illustrates the immense hurdles individuals face immediately after release from prison, from securing basic necessities to navigating a changed world with minimal support. He explains why state-mandated 'ban the box' policies have often been ineffective, and instead suggests that voluntary removal of the box by truly committed employers sends a powerful, positive signal to job seekers.  39:17 Impact on Fellow Employees and Society  Jeff discusses how to integrate second-chance hires into a company's workforce, emphasizing that transparency and context are key to addressing potential employee concerns.   43:43 Untapped Potential and Future Optimism  Jeff expresses immense optimism about the future of second-chance hiring, despite being in the very early stages of leveraging this vast talent pool.   49:10 Resources and Multi-Generational Impact  Jeff provides resources for companies interested in second-chance hiring, including the Second Chance Business Coalition and SHRM's 'Getting Talent Back to Work' certification. He underscores the profound multi-generational benefits of fair chance employment, emphasizing its role in breaking cycles of incarceration and fostering a virtuous cycle of community safety and economic prosperity.

    55 min
  2. Beatrice Erkers Describes Her Work at the Foresight Institute and Her Optimistic Belief in Existential Hope

    MAR 4

    Beatrice Erkers Describes Her Work at the Foresight Institute and Her Optimistic Belief in Existential Hope

    Beatrice Erkers decided not to pursue a PhD after concluding that she wanted to do work that had more of a positive impact on the world.  She made her way to the Foresight Institute and is now director of their Existential Hope program.  In this episode, she describes her reasons for optimism and the work she's doing to create more hope around the benefits of emerging technologies.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Beatrice Erkers  Bill Burke introduces Beatrice Erkers, Director of the Existential Hope Program at the Foresight Institute. Beatrice's work involves imagining positive futures with technology, and she co-hosts the Existential Hope Podcast.  01:54 From Literature to Foresight Institute  Beatrice discusses her career path from comparative literature and history of science to her current role at the Foresight Institute. She explains how an internship and a desire for impactful work led her to discover 80,000 Hours, a resource for meaningful careers, where she found her current position.  05:21 Optimism and the Younger Generation  Beatrice shares her inherent optimistic bias, fueled by frustration with pessimism and the influence of Hans Rosling's fact-based optimism. She addresses the concern about rising pessimism in younger generations, advocating for meaningful work as a source of purpose.  09:56 Existential Hope Program & Podcast  Beatrice explains the origin of the Existential Hope Program, inspired by a philosophy paper on existential risk and hope. She emphasizes the program's focus on creating a library of hopeful resources and exploring desired futures through technology, with the podcast serving as a flagship for these conversations.  14:53 Hope: Optimism with a Plan  Beatrice elaborates on the definition of hope as 'optimism with a plan,' emphasizing awareness of obstacles while believing in a better outcome.   19:03 Eucatastrophe and Penicillin  Beatrice introduces the concept of 'eucatastrophe,' a term coined by Tolkien, as the opposite of a catastrophe, representing events that increase value in the world. She uses the invention of penicillin as a powerful example of a eucatastrophe, underscoring its profound positive impact on human life and the rapid advancements in medical treatments.  23:27 Emerging Technologies: Longevity, Neurotech, and AI  Beatrice discusses exciting emerging technologies, including longevity research becoming mainstream and the revolutionary potential of neurotech for mental health.   29:40 Addressing Climate Change with Hope  Beatrice tackles eco-anxiety by recommending Hannah Ritchie's 'Not the End of the World,' which uses data to show that climate change isn't as dire as often portrayed and that solutions exist. She emphasizes human problem-solving capabilities and the importance of focusing on high-leverage interventions rather than individual, often perceived as pointless, actions.  36:08 World Building for 2035 and 2045  Beatrice explains the Foresight Institute's 'world building' projects for 2035 and 2045, initially focused on AI timelines, which now reflect faster progress.   40:29 Foresight Institute's Future and 40th Anniversary  Beatrice outlines the exciting future for the Foresight Institute, including its 40th-anniversary celebrations with three Vision Weekend events globally and the establishment of physical hubs in San Francisco and Berlin. The Existential Hope program will continue its podcast, explore in-person conversations, and expand into short-form media to disseminate ideas on positive AI futures more broadly.  45:04 Concluding Thoughts  Bill Burke reflects on the inspiring discussion with Beatrice Erkers about envisioning a hopeful future and the importance of staying optimistic to achieve progress.

    47 min
  3. ENCORE PRESENTATION: LaTosha Brown on the Roots of Her Optimism

    FEB 25

    ENCORE PRESENTATION: LaTosha Brown on the Roots of Her Optimism

    LaTosha Brown has been described by many as a "force of nature," and from the first seconds of this Blue Sky episode, you will understand why.  Raised in Selma, Alabama she grew up surrounded by family members who were at the center of the civil rights movement in the United States.  Being close to grandparents who spent much of their adult lives unable to vote led her to appreciate this franchise and their example continues to inspire her "get out the vote" work today. LaTosha describes being raised by strong women and not experiencing overt sexism until she ran for office in Alabama, but instead of letting this get her down, she channeled these experiences into the creation of the Southern Black Girls & Women's Consortium. LaTosha Brown also happens to be a talented singer and performer, and she shares this gift with us here as well.    Chapters: 00:00 Introducing LaTosha Brown  This chapter introduces LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter and Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium, highlighting her extensive background as a thought leader and activist. Host Bill Burke also shares his initial encounter with her and praises her infectious sense of hope and optimism.  02:24 Selma's Civil Rights Legacy  LaTosha discusses her upbringing in Selma, Alabama, and the profound impact of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, even before she understood its historical significance. She shares deeply personal stories of her mother's experience integrating high school and her aunt's participation in Bloody Sunday, emphasizing the lasting effects of these civil rights efforts on her family and her own development.  11:17 Grandparents, Voting & Justice  LaTosha recounts her grandparents' deep reverence for voting, stemming from their long struggle to gain the right to vote in Alabama. She also reflects on her lifelong fascination with power and justice, recalling childhood instances where she instinctively stood up against bullying, illustrating her innate desire to challenge the abuse of power.  21:05 Politics and Challenging Sexism  LaTosha discusses her decision not to pursue a political career despite running for office multiple times, explaining that her focus shifted to making a greater impact through organizing and infrastructure building.   30:09 Love, Power & Blackness as a Gift  LaTosha explains that Black Voters Matter is founded on Dr. Martin Luther King's philosophy of love implementing justice and power correcting injustice.   39:07 Southern Black Girls & Women's Consortium  LaTosha shares the inspiration behind the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium, an initiative to reverse underinvestment in Black women and girls in the South. She details the consortium's three core pillars: centering joy through activities like the 'Joy is Our Journey' bus tours, building an ecosystem of support organizations, and creating a new philanthropic model led by Black women and girls, including a partnership with Megan Thee Stallion to address mental health.  44:57 Sources of Optimism  LaTosha reveals the three main sources of her unwavering optimism: her faith in a higher power and the miraculous nature of life, the incredible capacity of human beings to create and imagine, and the historical resilience of her ancestors, which allows her to thrive today. She emphasizes that optimism is a choice of focus, deeply rooted in appreciating the wonders of the universe and human existence.

    53 min
  4. Navy Pilot, Magician, and Nonprofit Founder Julie Roland Shares Her Optimistic View on How the Arts Can Build Community

    FEB 18

    Navy Pilot, Magician, and Nonprofit Founder Julie Roland Shares Her Optimistic View on How the Arts Can Build Community

    Julie Roland's background is impressive and remarkably varied.  She's a retired naval aviator, magician, a law school graduate, a political staffer, and founder of the community-building nonprofit Just Tryna Make Friends.  In this Blue Sky episode, Julie spreads her infectious optimism about how the arts can be used to connect people at a time when so many forces are pulling us apart.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Julie Roland  Bill Burke introduces Julie Roland, highlighting her diverse background as a Navy Lieutenant Commander, helicopter pilot, and founder of a community-building nonprofit. Julie shares how 'The West Wing' inspired her patriotism and Harry Potter sparked her interest in flying and magic, leading her to ROTC and a career in the Navy.  05:00 Just Trying to Make Friends  Julie discusses the genesis of her nonprofit, Just Tryna Make Friends, which she co-founded to foster community and promote the arts. She explains how the organization grew from backyard shows into a larger movement, especially after COVID-19 heightened the need for connection and live performances.  11:24 The Power of Art and Connection  Julie elaborates on her broad definition of art and why it effectively brings people together, emphasizing vulnerability and authentic expression. She describes the diverse acts featured at 'Just Tryna Make Friends' shows, from music and comedy to fire sword dancing and crochet, all aimed at creating a welcoming stage for creative expression.  17:04 Restoring Faith in Humanity through Art  Julie reflects on how art restores her faith in humanity, highlighting its unique ability to inspire wonder and beauty. She describes the grassroots setup of 'Just Tryna Make Friends' shows, designed to be free, accessible, and foster a childlike sense of community and connection among strangers.  25:57 Creative Outlets in the Navy  Julie shares how she integrated her playful and creative side, including magic and music, into her regimented Navy career, even performing on aircraft carriers. She recounts anecdotes like painting a mural in her squadron and doing magic tricks for admirals, showcasing her consistent pursuit of creative outlets.  35:30 Future Endeavors and Community Engagement  Julie discusses her future plans, including potentially taking the bar exam and her current role as a District Director for a New York State government official, focusing on community engagement.

    47 min
  5. Dr. Jennifer Wong on Connecting Older Adults Through the Remarkable Nonprofit, Life Story Club

    FEB 11

    Dr. Jennifer Wong on Connecting Older Adults Through the Remarkable Nonprofit, Life Story Club

    Older Americans are struggling with social isolation more than ever.  This can lead to challenges with mental and physical health as people age, and one nonprofit is having great success trying to do something about it. Life Story Club uses scheduled Zoom and phone calls form members to share stories about their past, present, and plans for their future.  In this Blue Sky conversation, interim director and geriatric specialist Dr. Jennifer Wong describes how this life-changing organization operates.    Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Jennifer's Background  The episode introduces Blue Sky and its focus on optimism, then introduces guest Dr. Jennifer Wong. Dr. Wong shares her journey into experimental psychology and her passion for supporting older adults and those with disabilities, which stems from personal experiences with family health challenges.  05:00 Life Story Club's Mission  Jennifer explains how she connected with the Life Story Club and describes its simple yet effective model. The club gathers older adults virtually each week to share life stories, aiming to combat social isolation and loneliness in a vulnerable population.  10:25 Story Rx Program and Partnerships  Jennifer details the Story Rx program, a unique initiative where medical professionals can prescribe Life Story Club to patients. This program allows for powerful partnerships with leading healthcare institutions like Cleveland Clinic and Montefiore, leveraging medical data to track the program's effectiveness in improving patient well-being.  15:22 Facilitator's Impact and Wisdom  The discussion highlights the profound impact facilitators have and the valuable insights they gain from older adults' stories. Facilitators, who are paid professionals, often share their own vulnerabilities, fostering deep connections and mutual support within the clubs, which also incorporate geographical and linguistic considerations.  22:34 Intergenerational Perspective and Progress  Jennifer and Bill discuss how older adults' stories provide invaluable historical perspective, reminding younger generations of societal progress and the non-linear nature of change. These narratives offer optimism and a reminder that current challenges, while significant, have historical precedents that were overcome.  27:43 Data and Family Connection  Jennifer shares the impressive data collected from Life Story Club participants, showing significant improvements in loneliness, belonging, and mood. The conversation also emphasizes how the club's story recording feature provides a precious gift to families, reconnecting them with their elders' unheard stories and fostering intergenerational connection.  35:20 Growth and Future Outlook  Life Story Club is actively working on expanding its reach beyond New York, developing a working group for communities interested in replicating the model. They welcome partnerships with healthcare organizations and individual donors to meet the growing need for older adult support and enhance life for longer-living populations.

    47 min
  6. Lynda Ulrich and Liesl Ulrich-Verderber on Optimism and Their Drive to Create the Goodness Exchange

    FEB 4

    Lynda Ulrich and Liesl Ulrich-Verderber on Optimism and Their Drive to Create the Goodness Exchange

    Lynda Ulrich and her daughter Liesl Ulrich-Verderber are the mother-daughter team behind the Goodness Exchange, a global positive-news platform founded in 2014 to help people cut through today's negative nose with research-backed, solutions-focused storytelling. On this Blue Sky episode, they describe how they came to their optimistic outlooks at different stages of their lives and have managed to work together to create a remarkable platform for hopeful and uplifting stories.    Chapters: 00:00 Are Optimists Born or Made?  Bill Burke introduces the mother-daughter team, Dr. Lynda Ulrich and Liesl Ulrich-Verderber, co-founders of The Goodness Exchange. Lynda shares how a childhood tragedy, coupled with her parents' optimistic worldview, led her to choose to see the good in the world from a young age.  04:22 From Jaded to Optimist  Liesl describes her journey from a 'jaded Harvard student' to an optimist, influenced by working with her mother on The Goodness Exchange's positive content. Lynda discusses how she encouraged her children to 'change their state' and choose their perspective when facing adversity, modeling this through their family's extensive global travels.  08:05 The Power of Travel  Lynda and Liesl reflect on how their extensive world travels, even to uncomfortable places, broadened their perspectives and fueled their optimism. Liesl emphasizes seeing both the vast differences and similarities in how people live globally, fostering connections across cultures and expanding comfort zones.  12:30 The Digital Divide and Disinformation  Lynda explains her transition from dentistry to founding The Goodness Exchange, motivated by patients' increasing fear and negativity towards the future post-2010, linking it to negative news and social media. Liesl attributes this shift to the early, unregulated development of social media by young creators and a general lack of digital literacy, but notes a growing trend among younger generations to disengage from platforms that negatively impact them.  17:42 Battling Digital Overload  Bill and Lynda discuss the unhealthy constant consumption of negative information through smartphones and social media, highlighting how clicks on alarming content inadvertently 'vote' for more of it.   22:30 Unplugging and Community  Liesl, specializing in EdTech, advocates for removing phones from classrooms to foster community and better learning, viewing technology as a tool for connection rather than a constant distraction.   30:01 The Goodness Exchange's Evolution  Lynda recounts starting The Goodness Exchange (originally Ever Widening Circles) as a blog to counter the world's negativity she observed in her dental practice, writing daily articles about positive stories. Liesl, upon graduating from Harvard, decided to join, seeing it as a way to transition her mother's passion into a sustainable and impactful publishing and media company focused on rigorously sourced positive content.  33:05 Rats to the Rescue!  The Goodness Exchange primarily publishes positive news articles, a bi-weekly newsletter, and the 'Conspiracy of Goodness' podcast, focusing on engaging content formats as people skim rather than read.   41:02 AI in Education: Educated Bravery  Liesl expresses excitement about AI in education, particularly tools like Khanmigo and Magic School AI, which move beyond cheating fears to empower teachers and students.   48:13 Bridging Generational Gaps  Lynda shares an analogy about intergenerational collaboration, where her long life provides a broad 'back of the Earth' perspective, while Liesl, standing on the 'edge,' sees what's coming in the future.

    54 min
  7. From Prison to PhD, the Inspiring Life and Work of Dr. Stanley Andrisse

    JAN 28

    From Prison to PhD, the Inspiring Life and Work of Dr. Stanley Andrisse

    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 From Prison Cells to PhD.    Chapters:   00:00 Introduction to Dr. Stan Andrisse  This chapter introduces Dr. Stan Andrisse a tenured faculty member at Howard University and the founder of "From Prison Cells to PhD."   02:40 Early Life and Incarceration  Dr. Andrisse discusses his childhood in Ferguson, Missouri, and how he became involved in illegal activities from a young age. He describes his progression from minor trouble to serious drug dealing, leading to multiple felony convictions and facing a potential life sentence under the three-strikes law.  07:58 The Incarceration of the Mind  Stan reflects on the profound psychological impact of being labeled a career criminal and facing a lengthy prison sentence. He emphasizes that the 'incarceration of the mind' is more damaging than physical imprisonment and describes how a mentor helped him begin to overcome this despair.  12:58 Mentor and Path to Education  Stan details the pivotal role of Dr. Barry Bodie, who supported him during his sentencing and continued to mentor him in prison. He explains how reading scientific articles, prompted by his father's death from diabetes, liberated his mind and ignited his passion for science, leading to his acceptance into St. Louis University despite multiple rejections.  22:33 Talent, Opportunity, and Innovation  Stan discusses his philosophy that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not, using his own journey as an example. He highlights the untapped brilliance within incarcerated individuals, arguing that with resources and opportunities, their innovative problem-solving skills could benefit society greatly.  28:40 From Prison Cells to PhD: The Organization  Stan explains how his personal transformation inspired the creation of "From Prison Cells to PhD," a nonprofit scaling the mentorship and resource provision he received. He shares the organization's three core tenets: peer mentorship, community building, and connecting people to resources, detailing its significant success in helping formerly incarcerated individuals pursue higher education and careers.  34:07 Impact and Pen Pal Program  Stan discusses the remarkable matriculation and GPA rates of participants in his "From Prison Cells to PhD" program. He explains how the organization reaches incarcerated individuals through partnerships with correctional facilities and its impactful pen pal program, which provides a vital connection to the outside world and instills hope, preventing recidivism.  41:35 The Drive to Succeed and Give Back  Stan highlights the unique motivation and grit of formerly incarcerated individuals, driven by a desire to prove their worth and contribute positively to society. He notes that their experiences with hardship often translate into loyalty, hard work, and a commitment to making communities better and safer.  45:29 Breaking Chains, Building Futures, and Final Thoughts  Stan discusses his new book, "Breaking Chains, Building Futures," which features diverse stories of individuals helped by his organization.  He encourages listeners to support "From Prison Cells to PhD" through their website and social media, emphasizing the continued inspiration he draws from his father's motto: "It's Never Too Late to Do Good."

    54 min
  8. Kevin Lowe on How He Found Hope After Losing His Sight

    JAN 21

    Kevin Lowe on How He Found Hope After Losing His Sight

    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 Josh. He also opens up about his parents' divorce in second grade and the significant role his grandmother played in his life.  04:46 Loss of Sight and Other Complications  Kevin recounts the discovery of a plum-sized brain tumor at 17, which, though non-cancerous, posed a life-threatening risk. He describes the traumatic surgery that led to complete blindness, loss of smell, short-term memory loss, and a permanently damaged pituitary gland.  11:02 Journey Through Grief and Despair  Kevin candidly discusses the profound sadness and despair he experienced after losing his sight, describing it as being 'trapped in hell.' He reveals his nightly prayers for his sight to return and even for the courage to end his life, ultimately finding strength in his faith and family.  15:04 Perseverance and New Beginnings  Kevin shares his journey of rebuilding his life, including his determination to graduate with his high school class despite his blindness. He discusses his internships in travel and radio, which eventually led him to start his own travel agency, Better Days Travel, and his pivotal realization from an audiobook to embrace life despite his challenges.  23:12 The Podcast: Grit, Grace, and Inspiration  Kevin talks about how the 2020 pandemic and his sister's suggestion led him to start podcasting, a medium he quickly realized he was 'designed for.' He details his podcast, Grit, Grace, & Inspiration, which focuses on sharing stories of overcoming adversity and inspiring others, encapsulated by his tagline 'turning setbacks into stages.'  31:54 Technological Advancements and Echolocation  Kevin highlights how technology, particularly the iPhone with its voiceover feature and apps like Apple's 'Be My Eyes,' has significantly improved his life. He also fascinatingly explains how he learned echolocation, a skill that allows him to perceive his surroundings through sound, giving his world shape again.  42:20 Advice and Gratitude  Kevin expresses gratitude for his seventeen years of sight, which aids his interpretation of the world, despite being a 'picky blind person' about colors. He offers heartfelt advice to those facing setbacks: 'give yourself grace' and remember that 'it's going to get easier, it's going to get better.'  45:20 Blue Sky Above - A Musical Surprise  The host discusses the inspiring technological advancements and echolocation techniques Kevin shared. As a special surprise, Kevin produced an original song, 'Blue Sky Above,' which is played to close the episode.

    51 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Burke
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Blue Sky

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