Blue Sky

Bill Burke
  • 4.8 (44)
  • 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. Amy Leneker on Her Path from Burnout to Leading a Life of Less Stress and More Joy

    16H AGO

    Amy Leneker on Her Path from Burnout to Leading a Life of Less Stress and More Joy

    We all know that our jobs are a huge part of our lives, and the way we feel about our workplace, our supervisors, and coworkers has a lot to do with our ability to stay positive and mentally healthy and be optimistic about our future. Blue Sky guest Amy Leneker was achieving every success she'd ever imagined in her work, but was still unhappy and eventually became burned out. She's since made it her life's work to get to the bottom of what burns us out at work and what steps we can take to do something about it.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Amy Leneker's Journey  This chapter introduces Amy Leneker, founder and CEO of the Center for Joyful Work, and her mission to help leaders reduce stress and find joy. It highlights her extensive background, including studies at Yale and Harvard, and her book "Cheers to Monday," setting the stage for the discussion on workplace burnout and optimism.  02:26 Optimism, Upbringing, and Career  Amy Leneker discusses the roots of her optimism, attributing it to both innate personality and her Midwest upbringing with 'plenty of love and never enough money.'   05:44 Defining and Recognizing Burnout  Amy explains the three components of burnout according to the World Health Organization: exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of self-confidence. She clarifies that burnout isn't just about lack of passion but also the execution and environment of work, tracing its origins to a 1970s physician in healthcare.  09:34 The Overcomplication of Stress  Amy shares how her personal experience with burnout, even after leaving her initial high-stress job, led her to deeply research workplace stress. She discovered that stress is surprisingly common and often overcomplicated, with many attempted solutions actually worsening the problem, prompting her to seek simpler remedies.  12:08 Misguided Solutions and Managerial Curiosity  Amy provides examples of ineffective stress solutions, such as managers offering calendar management advice when the real issues are social or system stress. She emphasizes that leaders should be curious and ask direct reports what truly causes them stress and joy to avoid removing meaningful tasks from their workload.  16:09 The Power of Authentic Questions  Amy highlights the importance of leaders asking simple questions like 'What causes you the most stress and joy?' to genuinely understand their team's needs. She notes a significant disconnect between executives who value joy at work and those who perceive it as frivolous, despite employees largely seeing it as essential for best performance.  19:50 Defining Joy in the Workplace  Amy defines joy at work through three conditions: meaning in daily tasks, mattering to colleagues as a human, and experiencing momentum or making a difference.   23:19 Joy as a Resilience Strategy and Recognition's Role  Amy explains that joy is not something to be postponed until stress is gone, but rather a vital resilience strategy that helps individuals navigate tough times.   31:39 Navigating External Stress and Contagious Joy  Amy addresses the increasing challenge of external stressors like political division and 'eco-anxiety' influencing workplace well-being. She highlights that stress is contagious but joy is even more so, rippling out into home and community life, urging leaders to manage their own stress and foster joy for broader positive impact.  38:01 Cheers to Monday: A Collective Framework  Amy explains that 'Cheers to Monday' means having the ability to handle whatever stress comes, without delaying joy, and taking control of one's approach to work. She stresses that her book is for everyone, not just leaders, as stress and joy are interconnected and a common framework can prevent burnout across the entire organization.

    42 min
  2. ENCORE PRESENTATION: Addiction Recovery: A Father's Story

    MAR 25

    ENCORE PRESENTATION: Addiction Recovery: A Father's Story

    In this very special episode of Blue Sky, Steve D. tells the remarkable story of his struggle against his son's severe addiction to alcohol. (Steve is not using his full name here to protect his son's anonymity.)  While living what he would describe as a near perfect life – great marriage with his high school sweetheart, dream job, five great children – Steve discovers that his youngest child is struggling with an addiction that has driven him to the point of attempting to take his own life.  Almost overnight, Steve's world is turned upside down as he and his wife try to face their new reality and save their son.  With striking honesty, Steve describes his family's heartbreaking and terrifying challenges, and why he left his Wall Street job to study addiction and make helping others in this predicament his life's work.     Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Steve D's Story  This chapter introduces Steve D, a former Wall Street executive who seemingly had a perfect life until his youngest son, Stevie, developed a severe alcohol addiction.   02:02 Stevie's Near-Death Experience  Steve D recounts the terrifying night his son Stevie, then 16, attempted suicide on a railroad track due to his alcohol addiction and depression. Despite Steve's generally optimistic nature, he initially saw no way out of this devastating situation, but ultimately, Stevie's recovery proved him wrong.  08:01 Finding a Path to Recovery  Steve explains that finding professional treatment was the crucial first step in their family's journey toward recovery. He also realized he needed to change his parenting approach, moving from being his son's friend to setting difficult boundaries and allowing natural consequences to help Stevie recognize his problem.  10:48 The Challenge of Parental Intervention  Steve discusses the immense difficulty parents face in taking a hard line with a child struggling with self-harm and addiction, often leading to manipulation by the child.  14:53 Family and Marriage Impact  Steve explains how Stevie's addiction severely strained his marriage, as he and his wife disagreed on how to handle the situation. Their older children intervened, leading to Steve and his wife finally getting on the same page with a unified approach, which was crucial for Stevie's recovery.  21:29 Addiction as a Disease  Steve discusses the concept of 'raising the bottom' and intervening early in addiction, emphasizing that it's a disease, not a moral failing. He advocates for the slogan 'love the kid, hate the disease' to help parents detach from their child's hurtful behavior and focus on solving the underlying problem.  27:57 A Letter to Addiction  Steve shares a powerful letter he wrote directly to 'Addiction,' expressing his profound hatred for the disease and his determination for his son to overcome it. This exercise helped him direct his anger appropriately, clarifying that the disease was the enemy, not his son.  31:21 Stevie's Recovery and Purpose  Steve provides an update on Stevie's successful recovery, highlighting his son's transformation from a fun-loving child to someone who embraced sobriety and now helps others in recovery. Stevie is celebrating nearly eight years of sobriety, working at a sober living facility, and making a significant difference in the lives of many.  36:17 Steve's New Mission and Resources  Steve explains how his son's journey dramatically changed his own life trajectory, leading him to retire from Wall Street to dedicate himself to addiction recovery advocacy.   48:09 A New Sense of Purpose and Optimism  Steve reflects on how he now measures his success by the hours spent assisting families, embodying a profound sense of optimism and gratitude for his new life's direction.

    53 min
  3. Charlene Engstrom and Johan Fallby Share Their Optimistic Work Providing "Mental Fitness" to Teens Through Playwell Minds

    MAR 18

    Charlene Engstrom and Johan Fallby Share Their Optimistic Work Providing "Mental Fitness" to Teens Through Playwell Minds

    The teenage years are always tough, not just for the teens but also for the parents, teachers, and coaches in their lives.  Charlene Engstrom and Johan Fallby have decided to do something about this and their firm, Playwell Minds has developed an app and other teaching tools to develop in young people what they describe as "mental fitness."    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Playwell Minds  The episode introduces Playwell Minds, an organization founded by Charlene Engstrom and Johan Fallby, focused on proactive mental fitness training for teens. Their app aims to help young people develop a positive mindset and coping skills.  01:42 Founders' Diverse Backgrounds  Charlene Engstrom, from a corporate background, and Johan Fallby, with experience in sports psychology, share their unique journeys to co-founding Playwell Minds. They discuss how their different expertise contributes to their mission of helping young people.  06:20 Playwell Minds: Proactive Mental Fitness  Playwell Minds provides a seven-step mental fitness methodology and an app for teens, focusing on proactive rather than reactive mental health support. The program draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, sports psychology, and positive psychology to help teens develop self-awareness and coping skills.  12:49 The Role of Phones and Apps  The discussion delves into how Playwell Minds utilizes a phone-based app to reach teens, acknowledging concerns about screen time and social media. The app offers a private space for self-reflection and encourages positive habits through short, focused exercises, contrasting with the negative aspects of social media.  21:04 Teaching Realistic Optimism  Charlene and Johan explain their approach to teaching realistic optimism, which involves self-awareness, enjoying the present, and accepting setbacks, drawing from CBT and positive psychology. They aim to counteract the unrealistic perceptions often fostered by social media by helping teens understand that life has ups and downs.  27:00 Parent and Community Involvement  The founders emphasize the crucial role of parents, teachers, and coaches in supporting teens' mental fitness by fostering a common language and understanding. They also advise parents to encourage solutions and celebrate small achievements, rather than solely focusing on results and adding pressure.  33:02 Impact and Future of Playwell Minds  Playwell Minds is actively pursuing formal research with universities to validate its positive impact, building on strong anecdotal evidence and survey results from over 1,400 students. The program is expanding from Sweden to the U.S. and France, with the goal of equipping teens with lifelong mental fitness skills.  43:10 Conclusion and Resources  The hosts reflect on the challenging yet admirable work of Playwell Minds in helping teenagers navigate modern pressures with realistic optimism. Listeners are encouraged to visit playwellminds.com and their YouTube channel for more information and resources on teen mental fitness.

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

    MAR 11

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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4.8
out of 5
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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
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Blue Sky

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