There is always blue sky above
sometimes you just have to get your head above the clouds to see it.
A podcast meant to inspire people with an optimistic
and hopeful vision of the world and our future.
Ep 94: Historian and Author Martin Gutmann Discusses Optimism, History, and His Appreciation for “Unseen Leaders”
On Deck:
Jonathan Groff
April 30
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Ep. 93
Blayne Smith and Brandon Young Explain Why Perseverance Is Greater Than Endurance
Blayne Smith and Brandon Young are two US Army combat veterans who came together in civilian life to start their own company. They’ve now published a new book, Co-Authors of Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity… More -
Ep. 92
Cheryl Dorsey Describes the Remarkable Work of Echoing Green
This episode explores the work of Echoing Green, an international non-profit that invests in social entrepreneurs and their dreams and ideas. An accomplished leader and executive herself, Cheryl Dorsey explains how she first came to the organization and the great work they continue to do under her leadership… More -
Ep. 91
A True Confession Episode –Falling Off the Optimism Wagon
In this very special edition of “the mini podcast with major optimism,” host Bill Burke confesses to falling off the optimism bandwagon. Yes, this can even happen to the founder of The Optimism Institute!… More -
Ep. 90
David McCullough III Shares the Story of The American Exchange Project and His Optimistic Vision for Its Future
David McCullough got the idea for The American Exchange Project (AEP) after a cross-country trip showed him how diverse and accepting were the people he met. Today, AEP creates opportunities for recent high school graduates to experience life in a different part of the US, building bridges of understanding and creating lifelong friendships… More -
Ep. 89
Erica Halverson Describes Her Optimistic Belief That Arts Educators Can Save the World.
While studying acting in college, Erica Halvorson decided that while she loved the theater, being on stage would not be for her… More -
Ep. 88
Earl B. Hunter, Jr. Discusses His Optimistic Approach to Helping Grow the Outdoor Through His Work at Black Folks Camp Too
When Earl B. Hunter’s son was seven years old, he took him on three-month, multi-state camping. It was a positive life-changing experience for them both. But Earl was struck by the fact that over the entire trip, they saw just one other black family… More -
Ep. 87
Celebrating Optimism Month and Blue Sky’s 2nd Anniversary
On this month’s installment of“A Bit of Blue Sky,” and in honor of National Optimism Month, host Bill Burke reflects on lessons learned from two years of hosting the Blue Sky podcast. -
Ep. 86
Khan Academy’s Sal Khan Describes Why He’s So Optimistic About the Future of AI and Education
Sal Khan is one of the great innovators in education and in this Blue Sky episode, he discusses his book, Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing)… More
IN THE NEWS AND ON THE AIR
Being optimistic doesn't come naturally for everyone, but there are ways to incorporate more positivity into your life. Bill Burke, the founder of The Optimism Institute and the “Blue Sky” podcast, joins Hoda & Jenna to discuss a few tips for building a happier and more optimistic lifestyle.
From Founder Bill:
Appearing on “TODAY with Hoda and Jenna” was a lot of fun. The two hosts - and everyone involved with the show - were great work with, and I appreciated the chance to bring some of The Optimism Institute’s messages to a national TV audience.
The icing on the cake has been welcoming so many new listeners to “Blue Sky” and visitors to our site and social media, as well as hearing kind words of support from long-time followers and friends.
Founder Bill’s Guest Appearances and Features:
WHAT TO EXPECT…
Meet the Host
Bill Burke founded The Optimism Institute in 2022 after an extensive media and sports career as an executive, writer, and producer. Bill served as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies after several years at Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting System, where he was the founding general manager of Turner Classic Movies before going on to become president of TBS Superstation. Additionally, for fifteen years he was the co-owner and chairman of the Portland Sea Dogs, the double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
As a writer, Bill co-authored Ted Turner’s top-10 New York Times Best-Selling autobiography Call Me Ted and later co-wrote/produced/directed “Live Another Day,” an award winning feature-length documentary on the bailout of the U.S. auto industry.
Bill is a lifelong optimist (he has to be - he’s a Detroit Lions fan) and launched The Optimism Institute with a mission to inspire people with an optimistic, hopeful vision of the world and its future.