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Blue Sky

Blue Sky

By: Bill Burke
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 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.2025 Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Sam Pressler on His Passion for Building Community and Connection

    Sam Pressler on His Passion for Building Community and Connection
    May 14 2025
    Sam 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 values, particularly in relation to community and intellectual engagement. 04:30 The Birth of the Armed Services Arts Partnership Sam recounts the inception of the Armed Services Arts Partnership, detailing how his passion for humor and service led to the creation of a stand-up comedy class for veterans, which blossomed into a national nonprofit. 08:02 The Impact of the Armed Services Arts Partnership Reflecting on the success of the Armed Services Arts Partnership, Sam discusses its growth and ongoing mission to connect veterans with the arts, fostering community and purpose in their lives. 14:44 Exploring Community and Connection Sam reflects on his academic journey at Harvard, where he delved into themes of community, spirituality, and the importance of reconnecting people to the commitments that give life meaning. 15:45 The Challenge of Rebuilding Civic Life Discussing the generational work needed to address the decline of community, Sam emphasizes the importance of cultural and structural change in rebuilding civic life and fostering connections. 19:08 Rethinking Technology’s Role Sam and Bill engage in a conversation about the impact of technology on community engagement, exploring how to repurpose digital tools to foster connection rather than isolation. 25:07 Collective Action for Change As they discuss the lingering effects of the pandemic, Sam highlights the potential for collective action to reshape community engagement and emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards in-person connections. 32:20 The Isolation of Remote Work Sam discusses the isolating nature of remote work and its impact on social connections, particularly for younger individuals who rely on workplace relationships for friendship.. 34:32 Government’s Role in Community Building Transitioning to policy discussions, Sam introduces his comprehensive 182-page framework aimed at enhancing government involvement in fostering community connections. 37:10 Creating Pathways for Young Adults Sam highlights the critical period of adult transition and the lack of structured pathways for those not attending college. 41:13 Micro Grants for Community Interaction In this chapter, Sam shares examples of successful community initiatives, such as micro grants for block parties and neighborhood dinners, that encourage social interaction. 44:00 The Shift Towards Community Engagement The conversation shifts to the importance of viewing residents as community members rather than clients, with suggestions for local governments to enhance engagement. 46:24 From Individualism to Community Sam reflects on the cultural shift from individualism towards a more communal mindset, emphasizing the need for social connections that foster a sense of belonging. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the importance of feeling needed within a community. 50:01 Connective Tissue: A Newsletter for Community Insights Wrapping up the episode, Sam introduces his ‘Connective Tissue’ newsletter, which shares insights and practical ideas for community building.
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    55 mins
  • Reflections on the Role of Mentors and Teachers in a Life of Optimism

    Reflections on the Role of Mentors and Teachers in a Life of Optimism
    May 7 2025

    On 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.

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    10 mins
  • A Special Blue Sky Presentation of the “Arts Educators Save the World” Podcast with Erica Halverson, Featuring Jonathan Groff

    A Special Blue Sky Presentation of the “Arts Educators Save the World” Podcast with Erica Halverson, Featuring Jonathan Groff
    Apr 30 2025
    In this very special “feed swap” edition, Blue Sky Alum Erica Halverson interviews award-winning Jonathan Groff and his inspirational elementary school music teacher, Linda Tough, on the “Arts Educators Save the World” podcast. Learn more about Erica's podcast here: https://www.artseducatorspodcast.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Feed Swap In this special edition of the Blue Sky podcast, the host introduces the concept of a Feed Swap with Erica Halverson and highlights the upcoming conversation with Jonathan Groff, a celebrated actor known for his roles in Broadway and film. 01:16 The Power of Teaching The conversation begins with a reflection on the duality of teaching, emphasizing the balance between challenge and joy, and how these elements contribute to personal growth in education. 02:02 Introducing Jonathan Groff and Linda Tuff Erica Halvorson introduces Jonathan Groff and his former music teacher, Linda Tough, detailing their impressive careers and the significant impact Linda had on Jonathan’s education and passion for music. 05:00 First Memories of Collaboration Jonathan and Linda reminisce about their first interactions in the fourth grade, highlighting memorable moments that laid the foundation for their strong teacher-student relationship. 12:11 Fostering a Love of Learning The discussion turns to the importance of fostering a love for learning, with Jonathan reflecting on how Linda’s teaching style inspired his passion for music and education, and Linda sharing her philosophy on creating a joyful classroom environment. 21:20 The Art of Teaching and Preparation Linda discusses her teaching philosophy, focusing on the balance between high expectations and creating a supportive environment, while also exploring the importance of preparation and performance in teaching and life. 35:09 Finding Joy and Building Trust This chapter focuses on the relationship between difficulty and joy in learning, emphasizing the significance of creating a supportive environment, building trust between teachers and students, and embracing discomfort as part of growth. 47:15 The Lasting Impact of Mentorship The discussion reflects on the enduring relationships formed between mentors and mentees beyond the classroom, sharing personal stories about how these connections continue to influence their lives and careers. 55:00 Advocating for the Arts in Education This chapter focuses on the critical role of arts education in schools and the ongoing fight to preserve these programs, urging listeners to support arts education for fostering human connection and creativity. 58:35 Reflecting on the Power of Arts Education In the closing chapter, the speakers summarize key takeaways from their conversation, emphasizing the transformative power of arts education in shaping lives and the importance of high expectations.
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    1 hr and 4 mins

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