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Blue Sky

Blue Sky

Auteur(s): 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 Psychologie Psychologie et santé mentale Sciences sociales
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  • Nichole Argo on Her Remarkable Work as a Community Builder

    Nichole Argo on Her Remarkable Work as a Community Builder
    Jun 25 2025
    Nichole 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 her work in promoting belonging and community resilience. 02:30 Understanding Social Psychology Nichole explains the essence of social psychology, discussing how it examines social identities and group behaviors, and shares her journey from studying conflict to fostering cooperation. 04:11 Navigating Conflict The conversation delves into Nichole’s personal comfort with conflict, exploring how understanding and managing internal conflicts can lead to more productive discussions in various settings. 06:02 The Challenge of Online Conflict Bill and Nichole discuss the rise of online conflict and the societal tendency to engage in arguments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to step back from disputes. 08:39 Founding TogetherUp Nichole recounts the founding of TogetherUp, driven by a local crisis in her community, and the importance of building relationships across differences to foster belonging. 10:44 The Needham Resilience Network Nicole shares her experience with the Needham Resilience Network, a transformative initiative aimed at bridging divides and fostering collaboration among community members. 14:00 The Power of Local Communities Nichole emphasizes the significance of local communities in practicing democracy and fostering resilience, arguing that local solutions are essential for addressing broader societal challenges. 19:09 Finding Common Ground The conversation explores the idea of identifying shared values and interests among differing groups, illustrating how focusing on commonalities can facilitate better communication and understanding. 22:15 The Importance of Resilience Nichole discusses the necessity of resilience in facing contemporary challenges, stressing that strong communities can better withstand adversities through social cohesion. 23:25 Launching Reimagining Us Nichole introduces her podcast, Reimagining Us, detailing its purpose of exploring how Americans can collaborate across differences and the motivations behind its creation. 27:10 The Beauty of Local Action Bill and Nichole reflect on the abundance of individuals and initiatives working towards positive change at the local level, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and action. 29:10 Influencing Change at the Local Level In this chapter, the conversation explores how individuals can make a significant impact within their local communities, contrasting it with the challenges of influencing larger political structures. 31:05 The Role of Local Media Nichole and Bill delve into the critical role of local media in fostering community engagement and cohesion, especially in the face of declining local news outlets. 33:30 The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media This chapter addresses the paradox of social media, which has the potential to unite and divide communities. 36:14 Reimagining Social Media for Good Nichole highlights emerging platforms that focus on building connections and fostering a sense of belonging. 44:40 Empowering Communities with Resources In the final segment, Nichole shares how TogetherUp is providing tools and resources for communities to foster belonging and engagement.
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    49 min
  • Harry Smith on Life Lessons and His Career in Journalism

    Harry Smith on Life Lessons and His Career in Journalism
    Jun 18 2025
    Over 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 a rich career spanning over three decades, and reflects on Harry’s journey from humble beginnings to a prominent news anchor. 03:34 From Truck Driver Dreams to Journalism Harry shares his early aspirations of becoming a truck driver and how his upbringing in a blue-collar family shaped his work ethic and eventual path into journalism. 07:01 The Spark of Curiosity Harry discusses how influential teachers ignited his passion for writing and journalism, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in his career development. 11:44 The Importance of Authentic Stories Harry reflects on his preference for interviewing everyday people with extraordinary stories, highlighting the authenticity and richness of their experiences compared to rehearsed celebrity narratives. 15:00 Media and Public Perception The conversation shifts to the current state of media, with Harry discussing the longstanding criticism of news outlets and how public trust has fluctuated over the years. 17:57 Building Trust Through Hard Work Harry shares insights on how building trust in journalism allows for more freedom in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness and dedication in his career. 20:04 Curiosity as a Lifelong Skill Harry discusses his teaching on curiosity at Central College, explaining how intrinsic curiosity can lead to greater fulfillment in both professional and personal life. 25:44 Finding Joy in the Everyday Harry emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and being present, sharing how simple observations of nature can enhance one’s appreciation for life. 29:25 The Power of Discipline and Nature Harry discusses the importance of discipline in his writing process and how engaging with nature can uplift one’s spirit. He emphasizes the joy of experiencing the outdoors over succumbing to negativity. 32:10 Teaching the Next Generation Harry reflects on his experience teaching college students and challenges the stereotypes of Generation Z. He shares how his students surprised him with their willingness to engage in hands-on learning and take risks. 36:21 Optimism in Marriage Harry opens up about his marriage with Andrea, contrasting their differing perspectives on optimism. He shares a light-hearted moment that highlights their dynamic and Andrea’s determination in her career. 39:16 Navigating Information Overload As the conversation wraps up, Harry offers advice on managing media consumption and staying informed without becoming overwhelmed. He stresses the importance of balance and turning off the constant stream of news. 42:44 A Class Like No Other The episode concludes with a reflection on Harry’s unique teaching style that incorporates fun and engagement, making learning enjoyable for his students. The host expresses admiration for Harry’s approach and the impact he has on young minds.
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    45 min
  • Some Reasons Why Today Is the Greatest Time to Be Alive

    Some Reasons Why Today Is the Greatest Time to Be Alive
    Jun 4 2025

    Blue 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.

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    11 min

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