Shows
Blue SkyNavy 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...
2026-02-1847 min
THE FORTITUDE FORUM033: One Part Lion & One Part Lamb W/ STEPHEN SCOGGINS, Entrepreneur & SpeakerBill welcomes faith-based entrepreneur, speaker, and author Stephen Scoggins, who shares his journey from a period of homelessness to building and exiting a company he started from “trash piles,” scaling it to just under nine figures in top-line revenue with a 400-person team across three states. Despite outward success after selling the company in 2023, Stephen describes feeling empty in 2024 and traces his transformation to becoming an “integrated leader” rooted in authenticity, identity, strength, and humility. He recounts pivotal influences including his grandfather’s advice to become “one part lion and one part lamb,” and mentor Steve Myrick, who gave him a second c...
2026-02-1740 min
Blue SkyLynda Ulrich and Liesl Ulrich-Verderber on Optimism and Their Drive to Create the Goodness ExchangeLynda 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...
2026-02-0454 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM032: Moonshots, Coffee, & Superpowers W/ MIKE MCFALL, Co-CEO of Biggby CoffeeIn this episode of The Fortitude Forum, Bill welcomes Michael McFall, co-founder and co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, which boasts 454 locations and over $350 million in annual revenue. Mike dives deep into his personal journey, discussing formative experiences like sailing around the world at 15, studying in West Africa, and leadership positions in high school sports. He emphasizes the power of love and focus in leadership, revealing how his business philosophy has evolved over 30 years. From starting as a minimum-wage barista to co-owning a thriving coffee franchise, Mike shares invaluable lessons on entrepreneurship, visioning big goals, and the importance of people-centered leadership...
2026-01-1541 min
Blue SkyENCORE PRESENTATION: TED Leader Chris Anderson on His New Book, Infectious Generosity, and Why He Believes That Now Is the Time for Us All to "Reclaim the Internet" for GoodChris Anderson was inspired by the growth of TED once they expanded from being simply a conference company to adding the concept of offering their talks free to the world over the internet. He's now calling on us all to "reclaim the internet" and use it as a force for spreading less hate and division and more kindness and generosity. His new book, Infectious Generosity, lays out clearly the reasons why generosity is good for the world — as well as for us as individuals — then details a plan by which this movement can spread virally. Chris's views on these subj...
2026-01-1453 min
Blue SkyENCORE PRESENTATION: NYT Bestselling Author Matt Ridley on His Motivation to Write The Rational Optimist and Why He Believes That Human Prosperity Will Inevitably Continue to IncreaseMatt Ridley's seminal book, The Rational Optimist, has inspired many since its publication in 2010 and greatly influenced the creation of The Optimism Institute. In this far-ranging discussion, Matt will describe an early education that he said was steeped in pessimism but how later in life he found that much of what he'd been taught was simply not true. This led him to set on a nearly evangelical quest to spread the word that interaction and trade between people and nations, including the free exchange of ideas, will continue to set us on an inexorable path towards increasing prosperity.
2026-01-0749 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM031: Getting A Seat At The Big Table W/ COACH MICHAEL BURTIn this episode of The Fortitude Forum, Bill interviews Coach Michael Burt, a former basketball coach who has transitioned to the business world. Michael discusses his unique career path, spanning sports and business, and shares insights from founding The Greatness Factory and authoring multiple books. He delves into his concept of 'Prey Drive,' the importance of mental toughness, and his philosophy on leadership and motivation. Michael also discusses raising $30 million and his ambitious plans for building 'Greatness Factories' across the country, emphasizing the significance of playing the 'biggest game in business.' 00:00 Introduction to The Fortitude Forum 00:57 Coach...
2025-12-0435 min
Blue SkyGuy Kawasaki Describes Working with Steve Jobs and Other Remarkable People Who've Used Optimism as a Strategic AdvantageGuy Kawasaki has had an amazing life and career. After growing up in Hawaii, he went to California for college and later went on to what was then known as Apple Computer where he was a self-described "brand evangelist" during some of their highest growth and most entrepreneurial years. He describes Steve Jobs as being optimistic almost to the point of being delusional, and working for him has inspired Guy to be interested in mold-breaking people ever since, hence the name of his popular podcast, Remarkable People. He has also written 17 books on a variety of subjects, his latest...
2025-12-0344 min
Blue SkyCould Venture Capital Invest in World Peace? Guest Brian Abrams Has Set Out to Do Just That We all know that huge sums of money are invested in creating new, more effective weapons of war. Brian Abrams sees an opportunity to invest instead in what he calls "peace tech," emerging businesses using technologies and creative methods designed to prevent war from happening in the first place. He's created a new firm, B Ventures, and in this Blue Sky episode he describes with infectious optimism his exciting vision for the future. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Brian Abrams Bill Burke introduces Brian Abrams, founder of B Ventures Group, an investment fund focused on...
2025-11-2646 min
Blue SkyScott Nash Reflects on His Remarkable Career Marked by Curiosity, Experimentation, and OptimismBlue Sky host Bill Burke first met Scott Nash nearly 30 years ago, when both were working in the cable television business. In the years since, Scott has gone on to a successful career in publishing, both as an illustrator and an author, and with his wife Nancy co-founded Illustration Institute on a small island in Maine. In this episode, Scott describes his outgoing, experimental, and optimistic nature and how these traits have led to his remarkable success in publishing, art direction, and non-profit entrepreneurship. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Early Childhood Scott shares that he moved...
2025-11-1949 min
Blue SkyPhil Green on the Impactful and Inspiring Work He Does for Young Musicians and His Hometown of OaklandPhil Green has had a successful career in music and sports. For what he describes as his "third act," Phil is now overseeing Follow the Music, a nonprofit in his hometown of Oakland, California. Follow the Music provides artist development, booking and management services to young artists — to shine a light on their talents and bring visibility to the programs that helped develop them. Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Phil Green and Follow the Music Bill Burke introduces Phil Green, co-founder of Follow the Music, an organization dedicated to fostering young musical talent in Oakland. Phil's ex...
2025-11-1243 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM030: Turning Adversity Into Advantage W/ BRYCE HENSON, CEO Fit Body Boot CampIn this episode of The Fortitude Forum, Bill welcomes Bryce Henson, CEO of FitBody Bootcamp. Bryce shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to leading a fitness empire. They discuss the principles of resilience, mental toughness, and leadership that have shaped Bryce's approach to life and business. Bryce also talks about his upcoming book, 'Turn Adversity to Advantage,' and provides insights into his daily rituals and the importance of moral authority in leadership. The conversation highlights key lessons and advice for anyone looking to overcome adversity and achieve success.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:00...
2025-11-0640 min
Blue SkyStacy Palmer on Nonprofits and the Role Optimism Plays in Moving Them ForwardStacy Palmer leads The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the leading journal in the world of nonprofits. In this Blue Sky conversation, she talks about the evolution of nonprofits into sophisticated organizations that do remarkable work around the world. She describes the role of donors large and small, and how they're helping address challenges created by cuts in government funding. Stacy also shares her belief that nothing gets done in this space without a healthy dose of optimism. Chapters: 02:04 Origins of the Chronicle of Philanthropy Stacy Palmer discusses the founding of The Chronicle of Philanthropy...
2025-11-0548 min
Blue SkyShirzad Chamine on Saboteurs, Sages, and Positive IntelligenceShirzad Chamine experienced a traumatic childhood, raised in Iran by a father who was full of a frightening rage. Following high school, Shirzad decided to move to the United States and make his future there. Along the way, he heard an inner whisper telling him to make a positive influence on a worldwide scale. After a variety of education experience, he developed innovative theories that resulted in the New York Times bestselling book, Positive Intelligence. In this Blue Sky episode, you'll learn more about Shirzad Chamine's remarkable life and inspiring work. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome...
2025-10-2955 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM029: This Is Killing Your Potential W/ BILL BURKEIn this unique episode of The Fortitude Forum, Bill diverges from the usual guest format to discuss a crucial insight observed in high performers: how one emotion can ruin success. Through a personal story and lessons from Coach Nick Saban and a sports psychologist, the episode reveals how feeling this emotion can lead to complacency, ultimately undermining sustained success. The host urges listeners to channel the feeling into continuous momentum and adopt a mindset of relentless pursuit, distinguishing between rewarding oneself and becoming complacent. Listeners are challenged to stay focused, maintain high standards, and keep asking 'what's next...
2025-10-2306 min
Blue SkyErin Cain on Personal Resilience and the Power of Horses to HealErin Cain didn't grow up around horses but eventually was exposed to them and the remarkable abilities they have to facilitate healing for a wide range of individuals. A series of life events caused her to move from her native northeast to the Colorado Rockies and today, she's the co-founder, owner, and operator of Grace Reins Equine Therapy. In this episode she describes the personal hardships she's overcome and the work she now does rescuing and "gentling" wild mustangs, then working with these animals to provide therapy to the diverse group of individuals who come to Grace Reins for...
2025-10-1543 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM028: Reconstructing Wealth W/ MATT MORIZIO, Father Of 7Bill welcomes Matt Morizio, a former professional baseball player, founder of Reconstructing Wealth, and father of seven. Morizio shares insights on life with a large family, the importance of homeschooling for his children, and intentional parenting. The discussion delves into his journey from a scarcity mindset to financial literacy, and how education and emotional detachment from money reshaped his financial outlook. Morizio emphasizes the role of generosity in financial freedom and offers practical advice for listeners to improve their financial literacy. He also provides avenues for connecting with him for further resources and guidance. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:20 Life...
2025-10-0229 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM027: From Vietnam Vet To Estate Planning Expert W/ JAMES MOOREBill welcomes James Moore, a Vietnam War veteran turned estate planning attorney and business succession expert. James shares his journey from a troubled youth to a determined Marine Corps officer, detailing how sports and military discipline shaped his mental toughness. He discusses his decision to pursue law, the challenges he faced, and the importance of integrating wisdom with wealth in estate planning. James also emphasizes the value of being coachable and the role of structured environments in developing leadership qualities. The episode is packed with insights on personal development, leadership, and effective financial planning. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:46 Early...
2025-09-2529 min
Blue SkyStacey Garcia on Resilience and Optimism in the Face of Personal Roadblocks and Why She Thinks "Mondays are Magic"As a personal trainer and wellness coach, Stacey Garcia was doing everything right. She ate well, exercised, and took great care of herself. That's why her cancer diagnosis came as an extra shock, and in this episode, she explains how she dealt with this news and found strength and resilience as she battled her disease. Now in recovery, Stacey helps guide others through similar challenges both in her daily work as well as her podcast Never Miss a Monday. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Stacey Garcia Bill Burke introduces Stacey Garcia, host of 'Never Miss...
2025-09-1749 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM026: Helmets & Healthcare Leadership W/ ALBERT THIGPEN, Chairman Of The BoardIn this episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill welcomes Albert Thigpen, former athlete and operating advisor at Nautic Partners, to discuss his multifaceted career and the invaluable lessons learned from playing under Coach Nick Saban. Thigpen shares captivating anecdotes from his time at Toledo, emphasizing the rigorous conditioning practices under Saban's leadership, which instilled discipline and a focus on minute details—principles he has carried into his business career. The conversation also delves into Thigpen's extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, highlighting the importance of culture, leadership, and adaptability in successful integrations. Thigpen also touches on the personal resilience ne...
2025-09-1140 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM025: Borrowing Belief & Creating Your Vision W/ TRENT CLARK, 3X World Series CoachIn this compelling episode of The Fortitude Forum, Bill welcomes Trent Clark, a three-time World Series coach, author of 'Leading Winning Teams', and a notable keynote speaker. The discussion delves into Trent's early experience with goal setting at age 13, pivotal moments of belief and encouragement, and the significance of self-discipline, confidence, and effort in achieving success. Trent emphasizes the crucial aspects of leadership, mental toughness, and actionable strategies both in sports and business. He also discusses his approach to helping businesses win every day, the importance of hyper-learning, and the value of reviewing and measuring progress. Trent introduces his...
2025-09-0435 min
Blue SkyBack to School EditionHost Bill Burke thinks back to his own back to school days and offers thoughts on what he might study were he an incoming student this fall. He also discusses what he might teach if he were a faculty member and encourages us all to keep learning in our lives, whether we are enrolled students or not.
2025-09-0310 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM024: Wiring Intelligence W/ DR. BOBBY LOW, BYU Mental Performance DirectorIn this episode of The Fortitude Forum, Bill welcomes Dr. Bobby Low, a human performance psychologist and the director of mental performance at Brigham Young University. Dr. Low discusses his athletic background and how his struggles in pole vaulting led him to explore the mental side of sports performance. He shares transformative experiences from his career, including overcoming anxiety and distractions through mental training. The conversation covers the principles behind his upcoming book, 'Wiring Intelligence,' which focuses on the eight mindsets that foster high performance. Dr. Low also emphasizes the importance of developing the right thinking patterns, the...
2025-08-2838 min
Blue SkyMarcy Syms on Her New Book and "Not Letting the Bad Guys Win" Marcy Syms has led a remarkable life, full of triumphs and tragedies. Through a discussion of her new book, Leading with Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer, host Bill Burke and Marcy cover subjects ranging from Marcy's upbringing, to overcoming bigotry and bullying in high school, to running her father's company and keeping it on track through the loss of two of her siblings. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Leading with Respect Bill Burke introduces Marcy Syms, CEO of The Syms Corporation, and her upcoming book "Leading with Respect." Marcy discusses her father's motto "Don't le...
2025-08-2747 min
Blue SkyMike Goodwin on the Power of Humor and "The Comedian's Mindset"Mike Goodwin grew up with a difficult and volatile father. As a child, he decided that one way he could help his mom would be to help make her laugh. He soon realized he had a talent for humor, but it wasn't until after time in the US Army and a career in higher education that Mike made comedy his career. Host Bill Burke and Mike Goodwin share a lot of laughs and life lessons in this fun episode of Blue Sky. Chapters: 02:27 Meet Mike Goodwin Bill introduces Mike Goodwin, a comedian, humor...
2025-08-2051 min
Blue SkyKristine Michie on Stirring Up Impactful Change Through Joy and OptimismIn this Blue Sky conversation, Kristine Michie describes her path to a career marked by sparking joy in people and organizations to facilitate positive and impactful change. Earlier this year, she hosted Bill Burke on her PlayFull podcast and with this episode, the tables are turned and the result is a fun, inspiring conversation on the power of fun, joy, and optimism. Chapters: 02:05 Meet Kristine Michie Kristine Michie, founder of Impactfull, Inc. and host of the PlayFull podcast, joins Bill to discuss her journey and the importance of joy in making a difference...
2025-08-1345 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM021: The Match Point Mindset W/ TODD MARTIN, Pro Tennis LegendUnveiling the Match Point Mindset with Tennis Legend Todd Martin. In this episode of The Fortitude Forum, host Bill interviews Todd Martin, a former professional tennis player, philanthropist, coach, speaker, and former CEO of the Tennis Hall of Fame. Todd discusses his journey from childhood sports in Ohio to the professional tennis circuit, highlighting his experiences, challenges, and triumphs. The conversation delves into his mental and physical preparation for major tournaments, the significance of goal setting, and managing expectations. Todd also shares insights from coaching Novak Djokovic and the importance of recovery. The discussion culminates with Todd's ongoing work...
2025-08-0741 min
Blue SkyCuriosity + Resilience: A Formula for Optimism Bill Burke reflects on an idea presented by Niren Chaudhary in episode 107. Niren described curiosity and resilience as two master skills required to successfully run the marathon of life. In this "A Bit of Blue Sky," Bill underscores Niren's belief and relates these qualities to optimism, providing examples through past Blue Sky guests.
2025-08-0610 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM020: Learning From Legends w/ LORENZO GUESS, Director of Athlete PerformanceIn this special edition of The Fortitude Forum, host Bill reunites with his former Michigan State University teammate, Lorenzo Guest. Lorenzo is currently the Director of Athlete Performance and the strength and conditioning coach for the prestigious MSU basketball team. The discussion covers Lorenzo's long-standing affiliation with Michigan State, reflecting on his experiences as a dual-sport athlete and lessons learned from coaching legends like Nick Saban, Tom Izzo, and Mark Dantonio. Lorenzo shares invaluable insights on time management, mental toughness, and his philosophy on coaching and developing young athletes for success both on and off the field. The episode...
2025-08-0131 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM019: Hard Lessons From The Hurt Business w/ ED LATIMORE, Pro BoxerBill welcomes Ed Latimore, a former professional boxer, aspiring chess master, and author of 'Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business.' Ed delves into his journey back into boxing after a nine-year hiatus, driven by newfound health and biomechanical insights. He shares his philosophy of using watershed moments to transform life trajectories and emphasizes the importance of learning, self-sufficiency, and leveraging help to achieve success. Ed talks about his upcoming projects, including a podcast and a fiction book, while highlighting the challenges and triumphs of balancing physical and mental fortitude.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:25 Ed...
2025-07-2438 min
The Bold LoungeBill Burke: The Bold Optimist’s Playbook- Why Believing in Tomorrow Changes TodaySend us a textAbout This EpisodeBill Burke, founder of the Optimism Institute and former Turner Broadcasting executive, shares his bold journey from high-profile media roles to purpose-driven work centered on optimism and alignment. Drawing on experiences ranging from co-authoring Ted Turner's autobiography to leading a minor league baseball team, Bill explores how true optimism is not blind positivity, but the active belief in a better future paired with a willingness to act. He outlines four pillars of optimism, action, perspective, hope, and resilience, and explains why pessimism fuels apathy while optimism...
2025-07-1839 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM018: The RELENTLESS SUMMIT PreviewRegister Today: relentless-summit.com July 29-Aug 1 2025
In this episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill introduces the Relentless Summit, a virtual event designed to help attendees unlock their full potential and become unbreakable. Highlighting the core meaning of 'relentless' as a state of constant pursuit of excellence rather than mere hustle, Bill outlines the star-studded lineup of speakers including Coach Michael Burt, Molly Fletcher, Ben Newman, and more. Each speaker brings unique expertise in peak performance, leadership, and transformation, sharing strategies for mental toughness, authenticity, and resilience. This summit is crafted for driven individuals, from former athletes to...
2025-07-1709 min
Blue SkyJodie Jackson on How to Manage Our News Consumption to Preserve Our Mental Health and Well-BeingMany years ago, Jodie Jackson found herself in a deep depression. As she worked to identify the causes her deteriorating mental health, she realized it had a lot to do with her excessive and indiscriminate consumption of news and information. In the years since, she's become a recognized expert on media literacy and a passionate advocate for understanding and managing our intake of news to protect our mental health. Chapters: 01:12 Introducing Jodi Jackson Jodie Jackson, an expert in the psychological impact of news on mental health, shares her background and the motivation behind...
2025-07-0948 min
Blue Sky4th of July Edition and Reflections on American OptimismIn honor of this year's 4th of July celebration, host Bill Burke discusses some bits of US history through the lens of this country's remarkable sense of optimism. He describes that despite our many setbacks and shortcomings, we remain a place of possibility and hope and encourages us all to keep working towards "a more perfect union."
2025-07-0209 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM017: Constructing The Process With DENNIS CARIGNAN, President of Granger ConstructionConstructing The Process With DENNIS CARIGNAN, President of Granger Construction In this episode of The Fortitude Forum, host Bill Burke sits down with Dennis Carignan, President of Granger Construction, to discuss the critical aspects of mental toughness and leadership in the construction industry. Dennis shares personal anecdotes from his career, highlighting high-pressure situations where strategic decisions were pivotal. He also dives into the importance of a process-focused mindset, particularly in turning around a struggling sales division. The conversation further explores the challenges of building both revolutionary projects and a robust organizational culture, offering listeners valuable insights into effective leadership...
2025-06-2624 min
Blue SkyNichole Argo on Her Remarkable Work as a Community BuilderNichole Argo describes the work she's doing to bring communities together by assembling people with different viewpoints around one table to discuss their challenges and formulate solutions. After great success in her hometown, she's now pursuing similar models across the country, and she's optimistic that combining a growing desire for belonging with proven methods for building community will yield positive results. Links: TogetherUp Institute Reimagining Us podcast Chapters: 01:11 Meet Nichole Argo Bill introduces Nichole Argo, a social psychologist and founder of the Togetherup Institute, highlighting her impressive background and...
2025-06-2549 min
Blue SkyHarry Smith on Life Lessons and His Career in JournalismOver the course of his remarkable career, Harry Smith interviewed six US presidents and numerous celebrities including Julia Roberts, Cher, and Madonna. But on this Blue Sky episode Harry shares that his favorite people to cover were the ones we've likely never heard of, the everyday heroes that he describes as the glue of our society. Harry shares some of the wisdom he's earned and now share bestows on students in the college class he's teaching at his alma mater. Chapters: 02:16 Meet Harry Smith: A Journalism Legend Bill welcomes Harry Smith, a respected journalist with...
2025-06-1844 min
Blue SkySome Reasons Why Today Is the Greatest Time to Be AliveBlue Sky host Bill Burke, along with several past guests, have described today as the best time to be alive in all of human history. On this episode, Bill explains some data-backed reasons why and provides hope that even better days lie ahead.
2025-06-0410 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM015: Obsessed With Excellence w/ MANNY AMEZCUA, CEO Of Mass Mutual Great LakesEmbracing Obsession and Legacy with Manny Amezcua. In this episode, Bill welcomes Manny Amezcua, CEO of MassMutual Great Lakes and founder of Podium Group. Manny shares how his obsession with adding value and solving problems has been shaped by personal experiences and family values. Manny delves into building inclusive company cultures, championing philanthropy, and balancing professional dreams with family priorities. Manny also opens up about his legacy, which he views through the lens of his children's future, and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, continuous improvement, and leading with a servant's heart.
00:00 Introduction: Playing to Win
00:43...
2025-05-2233 min
Blue SkyPolitical Scientist and Author Lindsey Cormack Discusses Her Book, "How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It)"Political division in the United States is an issue often cited as contributing to the pessimistic outlook so many of us have. Blue Sky guest Lindsey Cormack believes that our government will only improve if we begin to understand it better and get involved ourselves. As a college professor, when she found that many of her students were remarkably ignorant about how our government works, she decided to do something about it. The result is her latest book, which challenges parents to fill the void left by elementary and high schools that no longer teach these subjects in the...
2025-05-2143 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM014: Presence Over Preference W/ CHARLIE RUIZ, Performance Coach, & SpeakerIn this episode of The Fortitude Forum, host Bill discusses the power of urgency and peak performance with guest Charlie Ruiz, a former professional baseball player turned keynote speaker and performance coach. Charlie shares his nostalgic love for baseball, emphasizing the importance of history and connection in the sport. He recounts a poignant visit to Rockwood Field and the emotional moment of Willie Mays' passing. The conversation transitions into handling the mental game in sports, closing the chapter on athletic careers, and reinventing oneself for corporate success. Charlie explains his approach to translating athletic lessons into the corporate world...
2025-05-1538 min
Blue SkySam Pressler on His Passion for Building Community and ConnectionSam Pressler has a strong track record of bringing people together and working to rebuild the civic infrastructure of the United States. In addition to being a researcher and writer, he is also the founder of the Armed Services Art Partnership and Connective Tissue, a collection of projects designed to help people understand how they might go about creating connections in their own towns and civic organizations. Chapters: 02:20 Making Grandmothers Proud Sam shares the inspiration behind his mantra of making his grandmothers proud, discussing the significant influence they had on his life and...
2025-05-1454 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM013: From The Court To Corporate w/ DON POLITE, Chief Marketing OfficerIn this episode, Bill engages in an inspiring conversation with Don Polite, Chief Marketing Officer at SkyGen and former high-level college basketball player. Don shares his diverse background, from his upbringing in the Northeast and Southern roots to his high school and college athletic experiences. He elucidates the valuable lessons learned from sports, including preparation, mental toughness, and leadership traits that seamlessly transitioned into his successful corporate career. Don emphasizes the importance of teamwork, vision, communication, and perseverance in both sports and business. The episode also touches on Don's strategies for maintaining resilience and his commitment to a servant...
2025-05-0831 min
Blue SkyReflections on the Role of Mentors and Teachers in a Life of OptimismOn the heels of the "Arts Educators Save the World" feed swap episode with Jonathan Groff and his elementary school music teacher, Linda Tough, Bill Burke reflects on the role of teachers and mentors in helping us all be optimistic. He shares his own influences and those of many Blue Sky guests, while encouraging us to think of our own and consider being mentors ourselves.
2025-05-0709 min
Blue SkyHistorian and Author Martin Gutmann Discusses Optimism, History, and His Appreciation for "Unseen Leaders"Martin Gutmann is an expert on the history of business and has written extensively about styles of past leaders. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on everything from today's political climate, to whether he thinks Ernest Shackleton is overrated (spoiler alert – he does), to the underrated excellence of less well-known figures in history. Chapters: 02:27 Meet Martin Gutmann Bill welcomes Martin Gutmann to the podcast, exploring his diverse background and extensive experience in various countries. Martin shares how his journey has shaped his understanding of different cultures and leadership. 04:24 The Role of...
2025-04-2354 min
Blue SkyBlayne Smith and Brandon Young Explain Why Perseverance Is Greater Than EnduranceBlayne 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. Win Together., in which they describe invaluable lessons that they've learned from their training, the battlefield, and life since their time in the service. Chapters: 01:04 Introducing Blayne Smith and Brandon Young Bill introduces the guests, Army Combat veterans Blayne Smith and Brandon Young, who co-authored the book Perseverance > Endurance and discuss their impressive...
2025-04-1656 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM012: Crush It Off The Field w/ JAIME ELIZONDO, Former CFL, NFL, & XFL CoachIn this episode of The Fortitude Forum, host Bill is joined by Jamie Elizondo, a seasoned football coach with experience in the NFL, CFL, and XFL. Jamie shares his background, starting from his early years in Texas through his career progression in football and transition into performance coaching. They explore Jamie's life-changing decision to forego a lucrative law career for coaching, his insights from working with top talents like Tom Brady and Drew Brees, and the importance of having a coach to highlight one's blind spots. Jamie introduces his 'Crush It' formula, focusing on principles like courage, resilience, and...
2025-04-1037 min
Blue SkyCheryl Dorsey Describes the Remarkable Work of Echoing GreenThis 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. Chapters: 02:22 Meet Cheryl Dorsey Cheryl Dorsey, president of Echoing Green, shares her journey from being a social entrepreneur to leading a nonprofit that supports emerging social innovators. 04:30 The Origin of Echoing Green Cheryl explains the inspiration behind the name 'Echoing Green...
2025-04-0944 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM011: The Principles Of Winning w/ DESMOND CLARK, CEO & Former Chicago Bears TEIn this episode of The Fortitude Forum, host Bill interviews Desmond Clark, CEO of a logistics firm, 12-year NFL veteran, and former Chicago Bears tight end. Clark shares insights from his childhood, highlighting how his struggles and his mother's resilience shaped his character. He discusses the importance of self-belief, the process of greatness, and how success is a series of disciplined choices. Clark delves into the mental challenges and transition from professional sports to the business world, emphasizing the power of relationships, self-motivation, and result-oriented goals. The conversation also covers mentorship, leadership, and the essence of mental toughness. Clark...
2025-04-0438 min
Blue SkyA True Confession Episode – Falling Off the Optimism WagonIn 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! He describes a doom-scrolling session that left him feeling lousy and explains how – with advice we can all use – he pulled himself up and out of his predicament.
2025-04-0209 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM010: Optimizing Health Capacity With Matt Johnson, President of On Target LivingIn this episode of The Fortitude Forum, host Bill Burke welcomes Matt Johnson, president of On Target Living, a health and wellness company founded by his father. The discussion touches upon Matt's upbringing in a health-conscious environment, the evolution of health awareness, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst a busy schedule. Matt emphasizes the importance of foundational habits like sleep and urges listeners to focus on small, consistent actions rather than quick fixes. He also shares insights from his book 'Capacity,' which highlights the need to increase our capacity to handle life's increasing demands. The...
2025-03-2747 min
Blue SkyDavid McCullough III Shares the Story of The American Exchange Project and His Optimistic Vision for Its FutureDavid 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. It's McCullough's hope that these trips will someday be as common for high schoolers as the senior prom. Chapters: 02:17 Growing Up in a History-Minded Family David reflects on how his family's rich history and values shaped his u...
2025-03-2647 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM009: The 9 Drivers of Fortitude: Unlocking Peak PerformanceThe 9 Drivers of Fortitude: Unlocking Peak Performance In this solo episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill delves into why fortitude is the foundation of peak performance, detailing the nine critical elements: focus, ownership, resilience, time, inner voices, team, understanding emotional energy, discipline, and execution. Listeners are encouraged to improve one of these drivers to unlock their highest potential. Featuring motivational insights and actionable steps, this episode challenges the audience to relentlessly pursue the best version of themselves.
00:00 Introduction: Playing to Win
00:48 Welcome to the Fortitude Forum
01:06 The Foundation of Peak Performance
02:52...
2025-03-2012 min
Blue SkyErica Halverson Describes Her Optimistic Belief That Arts Educators Can Save the WorldWhile studying acting in college, Erica Halverson decided that while she loved the theater, being on stage would not be for her. Instead, she moved into different areas and now is teaching arts education at the University of Wisconsin. She also hosts a terrific podcast, "Arts Educators Save the World," on which artists are joined by teachers and mentors to reflect on the transformative impact that these people had on them. Chapters: 02:49 Meet Erica Halverson Erica shares her background as a professor and her passion for arts education, discussing her book and h...
2025-03-1954 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM008: DR. KYLE STEPHENSON, Orthopedic Surgeon & Real Estate Investor On High Stakes StrategyThis episode of the Fortitude Forum features an engaging conversation with Dr. Kyle Stephenson, a highly accomplished orthopedic surgeon who shares his inspiring journey towards achieving peak performance in both his medical career and real estate investing. The host, Bill, introduces the concept of 'Your Game Clock,' an exercise designed to instill urgency and focus in one’s life. Dr. Stephenson discusses his passion for sports medicine, his perseverance through setbacks in medical school, and his innovative approach to maintaining mental toughness in the high-stress environment of surgeries. He also delves into his interest in real estate investing, em...
2025-03-1330 min
Blue SkyCelebrating Optimism Month and Blue Sky's 2nd AnniversaryOn 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.
2025-03-0506 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM006: ADAM JABLIN, Overcoming Addiction & Embracing A Life Of PurposeThe Power of Surrender: Adam Jablin’s Transformation from Addiction to Triumph In this episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill Burke sits down with Adam Jablin, a life coach, author, and interventionist who shares his incredible journey from addiction to sobriety. Adam reveals how a pivotal intervention on July 14, 2006, led him to confront his alcoholism and addiction, which he now understands as a spiritual disease. Through rehab, he learned the importance of surrender, spiritual healing, and redefining mental toughness. Adam also discusses how he uses prayer, meditation, and journaling in his daily life to maintain his recovery. He introduces hi...
2025-02-2737 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM005: MARQUES OGDEN On Using Rock Bottom To Bounce To The TopIn this episode of the Fortitude Forum, host Bill Burke interviews Marcus Ogden, former NFL offensive lineman turned international speaker and consultant. Marcus shares a pivotal moment from his NFL career that tested his mental toughness, the challenges he faced transitioning out of professional sports, and the lessons learned from his multiple business and personal setbacks, including bankruptcy and divorce. He emphasizes the importance of accountability, surrounding yourself with the right people, and facing challenges head-on. Marcus also discusses the value of self-hypnosis, focusing on what can be controlled, and providing a supportive network to help navigate life's adversities...
2025-02-2035 min
Blue SkyLeslie and Richard Strauss Describe How Their In-School Program, Spirit Series, Builds a Better Future with Wisdom from the PastLeslie 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...
2025-02-1947 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM004: KRISTY KUHL On Unleashing AwarenessIn this episode, Bill Burke talks with Kristy Kuhl, a performance coach with extensive corporate experience, about pivotal moments that tested her mental toughness. Kristy shares her journey from a high-stakes career in medical device sales to coaching, highlighting the importance of personal development, core values, and mental fortitude. The conversation delves into the demanding environments she navigated, including the operating room, and practical strategies like exercise, hydration, and sleep routines to build mental resilience. Kristy also emphasizes the role of vulnerability and continuous self-improvement in achieving success.
00:00 Introduction: Playing to Win
00:47 Introducing Kristy Kuhll
2025-02-1342 min
Blue SkyProfessor 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 Busi...
2025-02-1248 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM003: BEN KENYON On How To Keep ClimbingIn this episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill Burke interviews Ben Kenyon, a performance coach for NBA players, discussing his career journey and his approach to mental toughness, team dynamics, and maintaining peak performance. Ben shares his transition from aspiring basketball player to strength coach, highlighting the importance of self-education, passion, and holistic health. He also delves into personal challenges, including managing an aortic aneurysm, and emphasizes the significance of a supportive team and clear vision in achieving success. Ben's new book, 'Climb', encapsulates his philosophy and provides a guide for individuals striving for excellence.
00:00 Introduction: Playing...
2025-02-0648 min
Blue SkyFive Book Recommendations to Help You Be More OptimisticOn 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 dis...
2025-02-0509 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM002: IAN BOWEN On Positive PersistenceIn this inspiring episode, Ian Bowen shares his incredible journey of resilience and determination as he overcame a rare form of neurosarcoidosis that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Ian talks about his initial shock, his strong mindset, and the support from his family and medical team that helped him regain his mobility. He discusses the power of a positive mindset, celebrating small wins, and the importance of having an indomitable will. Ian's story is a testament to the human spirit, showcasing how adversity can be transformed into a powerful force for personal growth and achievement.
00:00...
2025-01-3045 min
Blue SkyMarketing and Storytelling Expert Neal Foard Describes His Efforts to Make the Internet—and the World—a Kinder PlaceNeal 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:
2025-01-2949 minTHE FORTITUDE FORUM001: JR BUTLER On Toughness Through TransitionsIn this episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill reconnects with J.R. Butler — an accomplished former college hockey player and now successful entrepreneur. J.R. introduces himself and shares his background, including his early life in Massachusetts and his transition from hockey to the business world. He discusses the emotional and mental struggles he faced after leaving hockey, which eventually led him to form Shift Group. This company aids athletes and veterans in their career transitions by emphasizing resilience and coachability. J.R. also shares personal stories, such as a health scare that brought new perspectives on life and pr...
2025-01-2337 min
Blue SkyZach 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...
2025-01-2250 min
Blue SkyDaniel Pink Shares His Thoughts on Optimism, Pessimism, and the Positive Power of RegretDaniel Pink joins Blue Sky for a lively and wide-ranging discussion. He describes the importance of what he sees as a personal portfolio that includes a predominance of optimism that's balanced by a healthy and helpful dose of pessimism. He also forceful debunks "the cynical genius illusion," which leads to an undue bias towards those with cynical, negative viewpoints. He and Bill also discuss the connections between curiosity and optimism and Daniel describes the research and powerful conclusions from his latest bestseller, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. Chapters: ...
2025-01-1548 min
Blue SkyChloe Valdary Shares Her Thoughtful and Optimistic Work at Her Company, Theory of EnchantmentChloe Valdary shares her unique way of thinking about – and training others – in the field of diversity and difference. She describes her fascination with human beings in all our complexity and resists and rejects our tendencies to put everyone into the limiting categories of "oppressors or oppressed." Her thoughtful insights will make you think and might even challenge some listeners' long-held beliefs. Chapters: 02:20 Chloe Valdary's Background Chloe shares her journey from New Orleans to becoming a thought leader in inclusion and belonging. Her passion for the human condition drives her work at...
2025-01-0852 min
Blue SkyMake Being Optimistic One of Your New Year's ResolutionsBill Burke hosts this first-ever installment of "A Bit of Blue Sky." In this shorter episode, Bill explains that on the first Wednesday of every month, The Optimism Institute will release a shorter episode with information about the podcast, reflections on past episodes, and hints about new shows in the queue. This month, to kick of 2025, Bill challenges his audience to make being more optimistic a New Years resolution. Chapters: 00:32 Introducing A Bit of Blue Sky Bill unveils a new mini podcast series called A Bit of Blue Sky, desig...
2025-01-0109 min
Blue SkyThrowback/Encore Presentation: Bestselling Author and Podcast/TV Host Kelly Corrigan on Why She Believes There Is "A Pretty Big Payoff to Every Hard Moment"This is an encore presentation of the 50th episode of Blue Sky, when Bill was joined by someone who has completed more than 400 of them. Bestselling author and TV/podcast host Kelly Corrigan describes to Bill the many things she's learned in her life and career about optimism and how we all can benefit from life's setbacks to become better people and forge stronger relationships. Kelly reflects on lessons she learned from her parents and how facing her own cancer diagnosis and battle with the disease left her with a greater sense of empathy for others with similar hardships. She...
2024-12-1957 min
Blue SkyDon Carpenter on Closing "The Aspirations Gap" with Rural YouthDon Carpenter has spent the bulk of his career working on youth development. Today he's executive director of the Rural Futures Fund, an organization focused on kids in rural settings, working to help them close what he calls the "aspirations gap," between them and their peers in more affluent settings. Chapters: 01:11 Meet Don Carpenter Bill introduces Don Carpenter, Executive Director of the Rural Futures Fund, an organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for youth in rural areas. 03:03 The Trekker Model Don discusses the Trekker youth development mentoring...
2024-12-1148 min
Blue SkySpecial Episode for Gratitude Month, Featuring Reflections on Gratitude from Bill Burke and Blue Sky AlumsNovember is Gratitude Month at the Optimism Institute and this episode wraps up our celebration while kicking off Thanksgiving weekend. Blue Sky host and founder of The Optimism Institute Bill Burke shares his thoughts on the tight link between gratitude and optimism and has selected excerpts from past episodes to drive this point home. Blue Sky alums explain the health benefits of gratitude, the many reasons to be grateful to be alive today, and why, despite our many challenges, the United States and its founding ideals are worth believing in and being thankful for. Chapters:
2024-11-2737 min
Blue SkyMelissa Connelly Describes Her Optimistic Journey From Eighth Grade Truant to CEO of OneGoalMelissa Connelly had a rocky start to her high school career, being placed in her school's truancy program after missing sixty days of classes in 8th grade. Fortunately, Melissa found her guidance counselor, Mrs. Jeter, who changed her life. With her help, Melissa turned her academic career around and through determined optimism, managed to earn college degrees and build a successful, high impact life. She now oversees OneGoal, a national postsecondary access and success organization and she shares her inspiring story on this episode of Blue Sky. Chapters: 02:11 Meet Melissa Connelly Bi...
2024-10-3053 min
Blue SkyAuthor Jamie Metzl on His New, Optimistic Book, "Superconvergence"Jamie Metzl is one of the world's leading authorities on the implications of the intersecting AI, genetics, and biotechnology revolutions and how governments, corporations, organizations, and individuals can ride the wave of these unprecedented transformations to build their best possible futures. In this Blue Sky episode, he talks about the optimistic insights and opportunities he describes in his new book, Superconvergence. Chapters: 01:11 Meet Jamie Metzl Bill introduces Jamie Metzl, a technology and healthcare futurist, highlighting his impressive background and recent works. The discussion begins to explore the themes of Jamie's latest...
2024-10-2349 min
Blue SkyThrowback/Encore Presentation: Motley Fool's David Gardner on Optimism and Investing, Entrepreneurship, and MoreThis is a special encore presentation of the very first episode of Blue Sky! This conversation with David Gardner first aired in March of 2023 and is still one of our favorites. David Gardner discusses a wide range of topics, from the relationship between optimism and entrepreneurship to developing an investment strategy with an eye towards your own positive vision for the future, to David's outsized love for, of all things, board games! Motley Fool: www.Fool.com Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Blue Sky Podcast In this encore...
2024-10-171h 03
Blue SkyLee Ellis on Taking Lessons Learned as a Vietnam POW to Shape a Lifetime of LeadershipToday, Lee Ellis is an acclaimed and accomplished author and leadership coach. But in 1967, while flying a combat mission over North Vietnam, he was shot down, captured, and held as a prisoner of war for five-and-a-half years at the "Hanoi Hilton," where his group of fellow prisoners included the late Senator John McCain. and on this Blue Sky episode, Colonel Lee Ellis shares his incredible story and the valuable leadership and life lessons he learned under these trying circumstances, as well as the optimistic and hopeful mindset he's used to get him through his toughest challenges.
2024-10-0952 min
Blue SkyTheodore (Ted) R. Johnson Shares His Pragmatic and Optimistic Views on America's Founding Ideals and How They Can Guide Us to a Better FutureTheodore (Ted) R. Johnson served twenty years in the United States Navy before becoming a columnist and author. His latest book, If We Are Brave is a collection of essays on race in America, and in this Blue Sky conversation, Ted describes his pragmatic optimism and belief that the United States has in its founding ideals the path towards forming a "more perfect union." Ted's personal story is remarkable, rising from humble beginnings to become an officer in the US Navy, White House Fellow, and speechwriter for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Cha...
2024-10-0250 min
Blue SkyThrowback/Encore Presentation: David Novak on the Role of Optimism in How Leaders LeadThis is a special encore edition of an episode which first aired in March of 2023. In the time since then, our guest has added yet another best-selling book to his list of titles, "How Leaders Learn." David Novak has had a remarkably successful career and one that was defined by his boundless enthusiasm and contagious sense of optimism. He describes in this episode that he's never come across a leader who wasn't an optimist and reflects on why he thinks this is the case. He also discusses the inspiring work he's been doing since leaving his job at the...
2024-09-1955 min
Blue SkyImmaculata De Vivo Discusses the Optimism of Scientists and the Remarkable Research Findings in Her Book, "The Biology of Kindness"Known in the science community primarily for her work as a geneticists and epidemiologist with a focus on oncology, Immaculata De Vivo seems like an unlikely person to co-Author a book called, "The Biology of Kindness." But the more she understood the role that behavior played in our wellbeing and that it can even have an impact on our DNA structures, the more she wanted to write her findings in a book that would be accessible to people outside the world of academia. In this episode, Immaculata describes why all scientists must be optimists, and why we should all ke...
2024-09-1150 min
Blue SkyMary Louise and Bruce Cohen on Supporting Skilled Refugees Through Their NGO, Talent Beyond BoundariesThe husband and wife team of Mary Louise and Bruce Cohen have impressive backgrounds in law and government and for the past ten years, they've used their skills to advance the cause of skilled refugees around the world. The organization they co-founded, Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), identifies refugees with marketable skills and places them in a talent database that matches them with eager employers. The Cohens tackle their intimidating challenges with an inspiring sense of can-do optimism and their TBB's success is a reflection of these efforts. Chapters: 01:02 Meet the Cohe...
2024-09-0442 min
Blue SkyChristina Menkemeller on Facing Adversity, Finding Purpose in Suffering, and Lifting the Lives of OthersAt a time in her life that should have been one of her happiest – just prior to her wedding – Christina Menkemeller developed frightening symptoms and was given a devastating diagnosis. In the wake of this news, Christina's fiancé Cardin never wavered in his commitment and the newlywed couple decided to take a yearlong trip that would change the course of their lives. After facing the understandable "why me" moments, Christina was buoyed by her faith and a sense of gratitude and decided to launch a nonprofit – called Being Positioned – to help others with conditions like hers go on their own dream...
2024-08-2846 min
Blue SkyPediatrician, Parent Coach and Best-Selling Author Dr. Liz Henry Shares Her Optimistic Approach to Raising Kids and Building Strong FamiliesDr. Liz Henry is highly-regarded professional in the fields of pediatrics and parenting and in this Blue Sky conversation, she shares her views on everything from technology, drugs and alcohol, whether it's tougher to be a kid today, and more. The content is relevant for kids, current parents, past parents, and even adults who might take this information and cut their own parents a little slack. Dr. Liz is optimistic, enthusiastic, and engaging and her advice is both helpful and practical, with much of it pulled from her best-selling book, You Are Not a Bad Parent: A Pediatrician's Guide...
2024-08-2146 min
Blue SkyThrowback/Encore Presentation: Kevin Kelly on His Book, 'Excellent Advice for Living' and His Long-Held Belief That, "Over the Long Term, the Future Is Decided by Optimists."Note for Encore Presentation: This episode originally dropped in April of 2023 and in the time since, you've no doubt heard Bill quote from Kevin – and his latest book – on numerous occasions. If you heard this one when it debuted last year, I do think it's worth another listen, and if this is your first time, we promise you're in for a treat. The legendary Kevin Kelly shares his optimistic views on technology and our collective future. As someone who was building online communities as early as the 1980's and helped create Wired magazine in 1...
2024-08-1553 min
Blue SkyAuthor Alexandra Hudson on Her Book, 'The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves'Alexandra "Lexi" Hudson was raised by a philosopher father and a mother who is a recognized manners expert. As a result, she has spent much of her life contemplating what forms of behavior constitute "the good life," and lead to human flourishing. Following a disheartening stint working in government and seeing even spotty incidents of politeness masking an underlying incivility, she was driven to write her new book, which reaches back to great thinkers and writers throughout history to teach us timeless lessons. It is this work that forms the basis of this Blue Sky conversation.
2024-08-0743 min
At The Podium with Manuel AmezcuaVictory Outside the Arena with Bill BurkeOn this week’s episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Manny is sitting down with Bill Burke, former Michigan State Spartans quarterback.Currently, Bill works with The Podium Group and is the author of Victory Outside the Arena: How Athletes Can Go From Isolated to Inspired Once the Applause Begins to Fade. Before this new phase of his life though, he learned the power of focusing and giving your best effort for the task at hand from his head coach, Nick Saban.Bill’s insight to the reality of being a high...
2024-07-111h 06
Blue SkyBlue Sky Host Bill Burke Joins the "Well…Adjusting" Podcast as a Guest ExpertOn the "Well…Adjusting" podcast, author, actor, and funny lady Robin Hopkins is joined each episode by people who are struggling with a wide range of issues, from how to manage stress, set some boundaries, find a new apartment, and save a dime or two. On occasion, she'll invite a "guest expert" to join to add their own insights and advice. For this episode, the person with the challenge is Robin's wife Mary. And since she battles with negative – bordering on catastrophic – thinking, Robin decided to invite the founder of The Optimism Institute and host of Blue Sky to join in w...
2024-05-2242 min
Blue SkyBilly Starr on How He Channeled His Grief to Create the World's Most Successful Sports Fundraiser, the Pan-Mass ChallengeNearly 45 years ago, Billy Starr lost his mother, an uncle, and a cousin, all to cancer. Looking for a purpose and outlet for his grief, he and a small circle of friends decided to take a long bike ride across most of the state of Massachusetts, while raising money for cancer research. That first "event," in 1980, raised just over $10,000. But that was just beginning, and through the years since, Billy has stayed with this idea, growing it into the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), which is now the country's largest sports fundraiser by far, with proceeds going to the Dana Farber Canc...
2024-05-0849 min
Blue SkyBestselling Author and Podcast/TV Host Kelly Corrigan on Why She Believes There Is "A Pretty Big Payoff to Every Hard Moment," and "There's No Feeling as Good as Being Useful to Someone."For the 50th episode of Blue Sky, Bill is joined by someone who has completed more than 400 of them. Bestselling author and TV/podcast host Kelly Corrigan describes to Bill the many things she's learned in her life and career about optimism and how we all can benefit from life's setbacks to become better people and forge stronger relationships. Kelly reflects on lessons she learned from her parents and how facing her own cancer diagnosis and battle with the disease left her with a greater sense of empathy for others with similar hardships. She also explains why she thinks int...
2024-02-2856 min
Purposeful Empathy with Anita NowakThe Dual Power of Empathy and Optimism Ft. Bill Burke Purposeful Empathy Hosted by Anita NowakWatch this episode to learn why optimism can be a powerful positive force in our lives.
Bill Burke is the Founder of The Optimism Institute, a media enterprise on a mission to inspire people with an optimistic, hopeful vision of the world and its future. After a career spent in media and broadcasting, he advocates for staying optimistic in the face of negative news every day. In this episode, Bill argues that optimism can improve the quality of our lives and help solve social problems, much like empathy. He also shares his goals and...
2023-08-3130 min
Blue SkyKevin Kelly on His New Book and His Long-Held Belief That, "Over the Long Term, the Future Is Decided by Optimists."The legendary Kevin Kelly shares his optimistic views on technology and our collective future. As someone who was building online communities as early as the 1980's and helped create Wired magazine in 1993, Kevin has seen it all, and his fascinating insights and predictions on subjects including social media and artificial intelligence are based on years of hands-on experience. He and Bill also discuss some of their favorite excerpts from Kevin's great new book, Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier, which will be available on May 3. As Seth Godin says, "One hundred years from now, when so...
2023-04-2652 min
Blue SkyFuture Crunch Founders on Why They Choose OptimismTané Hunter and Dr. Angus (Gus) Hervey are the co-founders of Future Crunch, an Australia-based organization that provides intelligent, optimistic thinking about the future. In their conversation with Bill, Tané and Gus cover such topics as the future of green energy, the pros and cons of AI and ChatGPT, and what they see as some of the most inspiring but under-reported stories from around the world. Find Future Crunch's newsletter at this link, and browse their full site! https://futurecrun.ch/subscribe
2023-03-0158 min
Blue SkyIntroducing the Blue Sky podcast, presented by The Optimism Institute and hosted by Bill BurkeHosted 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.
2023-02-0701 min
The DROPBAQ PodcastEP19: Jim McMahon On Leading With Toughness & The Price Of PlayingJim McMahon is not only one of the most recognizable quarterbacks in football history, but he is one of the most recognizable figures in all of sports over the last half century. Best known for leading the 1985 Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl title, Jim played with a style and personality that made his career must see TV. He was a 2 time All American at BYU and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Never afraid to speak his mind, he clashed with his head coach with the Bears, Mike Ditka, and he even clashed with t...
2022-01-1937 minThe DROPBAQ PodcastEP18: Drew Tate On Confidence, Control & Life In The CFLAs a quarterback at the University of Iowa, Drew Tate had the opportunity to play for the accomplished Kirk Ferentz and played so well in 2004 that he earned first team All Big Ten Honors . Drew is from Texas and was responsible for one of the greatest finished in college football history leading the Hawkeyes to a thrilling last second victory over LSU in the 2005 Capital One Bowl. After college, he headed north to Canada and had a long career in the CFL, winning a Grey Cup in 2014. He explains his 3 keys to success and tells me what playing quarterback ha...
2021-11-2245 minThe DROPBAQ PodcastEP15: Drew Stanton On Thriving In The Background & Trusting Your ProcessDrew Stanton was a two sport athlete in high school and decided to stay home and play college football at Michigan State. After a great career there, he was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Lions and went on to have a long, successful career in the NFL by learning how to survive. He shares how coming to grips with his weaknesses, learning the art of communication, and becoming more self aware ultimately culminated in winning a Super Bowl title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Drew Stanton on Twitter @drewstantonBill Burke on Instagram @billburke_16
2021-09-0644 min
The Freshman Foundation® PodcastFFP Bonus: Former Michigan State QB Bill Burke on Beating Tom Brady, Playing for Nick Saban, and Learning Life Lessons Under CenterBill Burke on Beating Tom Brady, Playing for Nick Saban, and Learning Life Lessons Under CenterQuarterback is probably the single most important and difficult single position in team sports. The position demands athleticism, intelligence, poise, and elite decision-making skills. Those who excel at the position must be truly gifted and even so, it is not a guarantee of a professional career.My guest on this episode, Bill Burke, is a perfect example of this. Bill played quarterback at Michigan State University - my dear alma mater - from 1996 to 1999. During that time, Bill started...
2021-08-311h 07The DROPBAQ PodcastEP10: Ryan Hawk On The Momentum Of Starting Small & The Power Of Going BigPreparation, resilience, toughness, and leadership are just some of the skills Ryan Hawk learned playing quarterback at Centerville high school near Dayton Ohio. A decision his parents made would forever impact not only his football career but would eventually lead him to impact hundreds of thousands of others through his passion for learning and his curiosity around what makes the most successful people great at what they do. Ryan is now a speaker, an author, and host of the Learning Leader Podcast. We talk rejection, being ignored and the life-altering lesson he learned while battling future Hall of Famer Be...
2021-07-2358 minThe DROPBAQ PodcastEP9: Tyler Palko On Becoming Elite & Being Grateful For The Bad TimesTyler Palko and I have a couple of things in common. One being we were both left handed quarterbacks and the other is we are both driven to help other individuals and groups reach their full potential and lead like they were meant to. At the University of Pittsburgh, Tyler led an upset of Notre Dame, in the NFL he battled the mind of Bill Belichick in his first career start and shared a quarterback room with several Hall of Fame signal callers. Now Tyler helps businesses design their own playbook for success. We talk about whether or not you...
2021-07-171h 04The DROPBAQ PodcastEP2: Jim Miller On Making Chaotic Situations Seem Easy & What Is Means To WorkJim Miller was a 6th round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1994, led the Chicago Bears to the NFL playoffs in 2001 and won a Super Bowl in 2004 backing up Tom Brady in New England. He played for some of the biggest names in the coaching profession including Bill Belichick, tells me how he used injuries to his advantage during his career and reveals his three steps to achieve success in anything you do. He's been around the game for 41 years as a player and now broadcaster on Movin' The Chains on SiriusXM's NFL Radio. Please consider leaving a rat...
2021-05-2257 min