Blue Sky

Bill Burke
  • 4.8 (45)
  • 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. How to Use AI to Become More Human, Not Less — with Dr. Mark Bloomfield

    3h ago

    How to Use AI to Become More Human, Not Less — with Dr. Mark Bloomfield

    If even the letters "A-I" are enough to spike your anxiety, this episode is for you. In this conversation, host Bill Burke sits down with Dr. Mark Bloomfield — a Cambridge Judge Business School fellow who has spent over 15 years applying artificial intelligence to real business challenges, long before ChatGPT made it a household name.  Marc's career is a story of reinvention: a colorblind teenager whose dream of flying gave way to a PhD with Airbus, and eventually to advising boards at companies like Vodafone, Unilever, and Pfizer on their AI transformation. Along the way, he's developed a refreshingly grounded, optimistic philosophy about how everyday people can engage with AI — starting small, staying curious, and using these tools to amplify what makes us human rather than replace it.  From treating AI anxiety like a fear of flying, to his weekly "AI amnesty" walks, to raising AI-savvy kids ("water always finds a way — so train them to become a plumber"), Mark offers a practical, hopeful roadmap for a technology that isn't going anywhere.  In this episode:  Why getting started with AI on something small and familiar builds confidence and literacy  How to avoid "metacognitive laziness" and use AI to sharpen — not outsource — your thinking  The honest truth about AI and jobs, and why human skills may become the real differentiator  What "the uncertainty advantage" means, and the four lessons piloting through turbulence teaches us  How to raise kids who use AI intentionally without losing the value of learning on their own  Why governance, trust, and transparency are the keys to AI that benefits society    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mark Bloomfield  02:04 Career Path and Aviation  05:24 The Evolution of AI  09:46 Approaching AI with Optimism  15:08 Using AI to Enhance Humanity  19:09 AI's Impact on Jobs and Governance  25:01 Untold Stories and Future of AI  29:21 The Uncertainty Advantage  32:30 Building and Using Voice Agents  38:08 Parenting in the AI World  42:29 Conclusion and Resources

    45 min
  2. Second Chances That Work: How Margo Walsh Is Transforming Lives Through Employment — and Changing Business in the Process — A Special Encore Presentation of Blue Sky

    Jun 24

    Second Chances That Work: How Margo Walsh Is Transforming Lives Through Employment — and Changing Business in the Process — A Special Encore Presentation of Blue Sky

    Margo Walsh is an entrepreneur on a mission to prove that second chances are good for business. As founder of MaineWorks — a certified B-Corp — she has built a model that connects people with substance use disorder and/or criminal records to meaningful employment in the construction sector, tackling two of society's most persistent challenges at once.  MaineWorks doesn't just find jobs for people — it sets them up to succeed. Through the non-profit she co-founded with her sister, Margo ensures that returning workers have what they need to show up and thrive: like proper clothing, boots, transportation, and the basic building blocks of a fresh start.  What began in Maine has grown into a regional movement, expanding across New England and serving as a replicable blueprint for companies and communities across the country. Margo's work has earned widespread recognition and multiple awards — and in this episode, she shares what it was like to attend a State of the Union address as a senator's guest, a testament to the national impact of her vision.  This is a story about optimism in action — and what becomes possible when we invest in people others have written off.  Chapters: 00:00 Employing the Unemployable  02:13 Maineworks: A Staffing Agency with a Mission  05:42 Recruitment and Retention Challenges  09:10 Margo's Passion and Mission  13:42 United Recovery Fund: Addressing Basic Needs  17:10 Expansion and Industry Focus  20:01 Supporting New Americans  23:26 Navigating Systems and Maximizing Value  27:00 Engaging Business for Social Impact  31:26 The Value of B Corp Status  34:14 State of the Union and Future Aspirations  39:58 Optimism and Call to Action

    42 min
  3. Your Brain on Nature: Dr. Marc Berman on the Surprising Science of Nature's Impact on Attention Restoration and Optimism

    Jun 17

    Your Brain on Nature: Dr. Marc Berman on the Surprising Science of Nature's Impact on Attention Restoration and Optimism

    What if one of the most powerful tools for restoring your mental health, sharpening your focus, and cultivating optimism has been outside your door all along? In this episode of Blue Sky, neuroscientist Marc Berman — pioneer of the field of environmental neuroscience and author of Nature and the Mind — shares groundbreaking research on how nature literally rewires the brain.  From his path to coining "environmental neuroscience" to surprising findings about what even a simple walk in the park can do for your attention and mood, Marc reveals the science behind something we've always intuitively felt — that time in nature just makes us feel better. And now we know why.  In a world of constant digital stimulation and screen fatigue, this episode offers both a scientific framework and a simple, hopeful prescription.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Environmental Neuroscience  02:19 Mind-Body Connection and Neuroscience  05:08 Attention Restoration Theory Explained  10:19 Screens vs. Nature: Attention Depletion  16:21 The 'Walk in the Park' Study  22:45 Unplugging for Mental Clarity  32:04 Trees, Health, and Urban Planning  42:47 Nature's Role in Optimism and Flourishing  52:50 Conclusion and Call to Action

    55 min
  4. Is the World Getting Better? The Economic Evidence Says Yes — An Encore Presentation with Charles Kenny

    Jun 10

    Is the World Getting Better? The Economic Evidence Says Yes — An Encore Presentation with Charles Kenny

    What if the relentlessly negative news cycle is giving us a distorted picture of reality? In this episode of Blue Sky, Charles Kenny from the Center for Global Development makes a compelling, data-driven case that the world is truly getting better — in ways most of us rarely hear about.  From dramatic reductions in global poverty and child mortality to rising living standards across the developing world, Charles unpacks the economic evidence that challenges our collective pessimism. He explores how technological advancements and shifting global perspectives are quietly reshaping human welfare for the better — and why that story isn't getting told.  If you've ever felt overwhelmed by doom and gloom, this episode is your antidote.    Chapters:  00:00 Welcome Charles Kenny  01:57 Global Progress in Development  05:00 Drivers of Global Progress  08:11 Technology & Standard of Living  12:32 COVID-19 Vaccine Development  16:24 The Upside of Global Catch-Up  21:14 Poverty, Peace, and Happiness  27:52 Revisiting Malthusian Predictions  33:02 People as the Solution, Not Problem  38:08 Education and Global Tolerance  43:58 The Moral Imperative of Optimism

    49 min
  5. Optimist Economy Co-Host Kathryn Anne Edwards on Why America's Best Economy Is Still Ahead

    Jun 3

    Optimist Economy Co-Host Kathryn Anne Edwards on Why America's Best Economy Is Still Ahead

    Kathryn Anne Edwards, a labor economist and co-host of Optimist Economy, discusses economic optimism, career paths, and the impact of policy on the American economy. She shares her insights on the job market and AI, and explains how her work is motivated by a belief in the importance of investing in children and families to build a stronger economic future. She argues for strategic public spending and challenges common economic narratives.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Katherine Anne Edwards  02:16 From Diplomacy to Economics  06:36 The Genesis of Optimist Economy  11:06 AI, Jobs, and Economic Policy  17:08 Self-Centered Economic Policies  21:24 Investing in Children and Childcare  30:55 Optimism as a Demand for Better  35:47 Myths of Generations and Economic Blame  43:53 Finding Optimism in Solutions

    47 min
  6. ENCORE PRESENTATION: Dr. Adam Mastroianni Explains How Your Brain Has Tricked You Into Thinking That Everything Is Worse

    May 27

    ENCORE PRESENTATION: Dr. Adam Mastroianni Explains How Your Brain Has Tricked You Into Thinking That Everything Is Worse

    Adam Mastroianni says he likes to "study how people perceive and misperceive their social worlds, from the person sitting across the table to the whole country buzzing around them."  In this Blue Sky conversation, Dr. Mastroianni describes research he and a colleague conducted that demonstrates that human beings falsely assume that the world used to be better, and that we continue to decline in terms of moral standards and civil behavior.  This cognitive "bug" he has detected can lead us to develop a more pessimistic view of the world and also leaves us more susceptible to believe in the message of autocrats who promise to take us back to a time when the world – and people – were somehow better than they are today.  Adam's insights are fascinating, as are the techniques he uses in his research, and he explains his findings and observations with great wit and wisdom.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Adam Mastroianni  The host introduces Dr. Adam Mastroianni, an experimental psychologist and author of 'Experimental History,' who will discuss a curious psychological phenomenon.   03:08 The Illusion of Decline: A Mental Bug  Dr. Mastroianni explains his research on why people perceive the world as getting worse, even when it's improving. He attributes this to two phenomena: negativity bias, which makes us focus on bad information, and fading affect bias, where bad memories fade faster than good ones.  06:38 Historical Perception and Global Trends  The discussion delves into how this 'bug' affects perceptions of the past, even before one's birth, creating a 'good old days' illusion. Research from 60 different countries shows a consistent belief in moral decline, suggesting it's a universal psychological tendency rather than event-driven.  11:09 Ignorance of History and Political Divide  The conversation explores whether a lack of historical awareness contributes to the illusion of decline. Dr. Mastroianni and the host discuss how historical events, like the caning of Senator Charles Sumner, put current political divides in perspective, highlighting that 'unprecedented' times are often precedented.  15:45 Political Ramifications and Research Methods  The host and Dr. Mastroianni discuss how the belief in moral decline can be exploited by autocrats promising to restore a non-existent past. Dr. Mastroianni details his research methods, including economic games and surveys across cultures, to demonstrate how people consistently misperceive a decline in qualities like honesty, even when evidence suggests the opposite.  23:59 Media, Confirmation Bias, and Satisfaction  The conversation shifts to the role of media and confirmation bias in reinforcing negative perceptions. Dr. Mastroianni introduces the concept that people often imagine how things could be better, even excellent things like pets, contributing to a constant state of dissatisfaction and driving consumer culture.  33:01 Optimism, Technology, and Research Directions  The host asks if the 'things could be better' mindset offers a glimmer of optimism, even if it often fuels dissatisfaction. They briefly touch upon technology, like AI, as a new area where people project both extreme hopes and fears, and Dr. Mastroianni discusses his future research, focusing on meta-science and finding a unifying paradigm for psychology.  37:57 Debunking Myths and Embracing the Unknown  Dr. Mastroianni emphasizes that much of what we believe in science is likely wrong, and open discourse is crucial for progress, dispelling the myth that 'everything has been invented.'

    48 min
  7. Risa August Describes Her Path From Perfectionist to Patient, and How She Faced a Devastating Diagnosis With Grit, Resilience, and Optimism

    May 20

    Risa August Describes Her Path From Perfectionist to Patient, and How She Faced a Devastating Diagnosis With Grit, Resilience, and Optimism

    Once an ironman athlete and perfectionist, Risa August faced a devastating diagnosis that stripped away her former life. This is the story of how she found new purpose and adventure, transforming her approach to life, from rigid achievement to joyful discovery, even with her unexpected companion, "Bubba," her brain tumor.    Chapters: 00:00 From Extreme Achiever to Illness  Host Bill Burke introduces Risa August, an adventurous woman who once excelled in extreme sports, asking, "Is there anything you can't do?" Risa describes her past as an intense overachiever and perfectionist, pushing limits in Ironman, mountain climbing, and hot yoga, always striving to be better than others and maintaining a rigid lifestyle.  03:51 The Diagnosis of Acromegaly  Risa recounts the onset of strange symptoms after her first Ironman in 2010, including significant weight gain despite a strict diet and increasing fatigue. After years of doctors dismissing her concerns, she insisted on an MRI, which revealed an enlarged pituitary and led to her diagnosis of acromegaly, a serious condition she had never heard of before.  11:09 Choosing Adventure Over Despair  Faced with a devastating diagnosis and a challenging life, Risa decided not to break down but to break out, committing to her adventures despite doctors' warnings about what she could no longer do. She realized she would never be her old self, so she focused on "who can I be then?" and made a conscious decision to truly live life on her own terms.  14:00 The Road Unpaved and Bubba  Risa found a new purpose in a cross-country bicycle journey along the Pacific Coast Highway, a trip she committed to doing on her own terms after reflecting on her past perfectionism. She also named her brain tumor 'Bubba' as a way to connect with her changing body, turning him into a central character and partner in her healing journey and the book.  21:29 Gestalt Therapy and Connection  Risa discusses how her Gestalt therapy training, which she underwent during her diagnosis, provided a crucial support network and helped her become a more patient, compassionate, and curious practitioner. She also emphasizes the importance of deep, personal connection and active listening, a lesson she learned on her bike tour by giving others a chance and finding unexpected commonalities.  30:13 The CAN Framework  Risa shares her 'CAN' framework—Capable, Able, Now—which she developed after feeling stuck post-surgery and questioning her purpose. This mantra helped her simplify the complex challenges she faced, prompting her to ask, "What am I capable and able to do now, in this moment?"  35:29 Living a Full Life Now  Risa openly discusses the progression of her acromegaly and its physical toll, yet she maintains a strong mindset, dedicated to inspiring others to live full lives. She now finds joy in simple things, like perusing a farmer's market, and doesn't worry about disappointing others by not always seeking the 'next big thing.'

    41 min
  8. ENCORE PRESENTATION: Dr. Robert Soiffer on His Career at the Leading Edge of Cancer Care at Dana-Farber and Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Future of Oncology

    May 13

    ENCORE PRESENTATION: Dr. Robert Soiffer on His Career at the Leading Edge of Cancer Care at Dana-Farber and Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Future of Oncology

    Dr. Robert Soiffer took an interest in medicine at an early age when he played a physician in his first-grade play.  Today, he is a leading physician, researcher, and teacher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in oncology.  In this episode, Dr. Soiffer describes the incredible pace of change in the field of cancer research and treatment and the detection tools and cures that are right around the corner.  He also reflects on how he maintains a positive and optimistic outlook despite the many times he's forced to deliver terrible news to patients and families.  While he tries hard not to bring these tough times home with him, he also stresses the importance of keeping his humanity and treating his patients and their families as people, not just statistics.     Chapters:  02:29 Dana-Farber's Special Mission  Dr. Soiffer discusses what makes Dana-Farber Cancer Institute unique, emphasizing its focus on cancer patients and the common purpose among all staff.   05:50 Evolution of Cancer Treatment  This segment details the seismic shift in cancer treatment over the past 40 years, from nonspecific chemotherapy to targeted therapies focusing on specific mutations.   10:25 Bone Marrow Transplants and Graft vs. Leukemia  Dr. Soiffer delves into the history of bone marrow transplants, highlighting the Nobel Prize-winning work of E. Donald Thomas and the intriguing concept of graft versus leukemia effect.   15:02 The Role of Medical Education and Mentoring  This chapter emphasizes the critical role of medical education and mentoring in shaping the future of medicine, drawing from Dr. Soiffer's experience as chief medical resident and mentor. He discusses the mutual learning process between experienced physicians and younger generations, and the importance of continuous learning.  19:50 Personal Impact of Oncology Work  Dr. Soiffer reflects on the emotional challenges of his work, balancing optimism with realism and honesty while treating patients facing life-threatening situations. He discusses the difficulty of compartmentalizing emotions and the importance of maintaining humanity and connection with patients and their families, even when outcomes are not positive.  24:57 The Value of Clinical Trials  This chapter explains the critical role of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment, from early-stage phase I trials to comparative studies. Dr. Soiffer describes patients participating in these trials as brave pioneers, highlighting how targeted, immune, and cellular therapies would not exist without their contributions.  28:39 Global Collaboration in Medicine  Dr. Soiffer discusses the extensive global collaboration in medical and scientific fields, emphasizing the shared mission to develop therapies for suffering patients.   35:33 Future of Cancer Treatment and Prevention  Looking ahead, Dr. Soiffer predicts less toxic and more precise cancer treatments with improved therapeutic ratios, focusing on overcoming resistance and early detection. He discusses the potential of preventing progression to full-blown malignancy through early intervention and the growing understanding of germline predispositions to cancer.  41:26 Conclusion and Call to Optimism  The episode concludes with Bill Burke thanking Dr. Soiffer for his time and invaluable insights, highlighting the rapid pace of change and innovation in cancer research. He also expresses hope and optimism for the future of cancer care.

    44 min
See All (167)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
45 Ratings

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
    167
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Blue Sky

You Might Also Like