Blue Sky

As a West Point graduate who had completed his required service, Tom Deierlein was well into a successful career in digital advertising when he was called up once again to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, while working to help struggling Iraqi families meet their basic needs, a sniper’s bullet would change his life’s trajectory.  In this Blue Sky conversation, Tom shares his remarkable life story, on that is marked by inspiring grit, resilience, service, and optimism.   Chapters: 02:11 Tom Deierlein’s Background  Tom Deierlein shares insights about his upbringing as the eighth of nine children and his early influences that led him to West Point. He reflects on the values instilled by his parents and his initial motivations for joining the military.  05:24 Military Service and Leadership Development  Tom discusses his military training and the leadership development he experienced during his service, emphasizing the structured professional growth within the Army. He explains his transition from active duty to civilian life and the decisions that led him to the reserves.  08:45 Return to Service and Civil Affairs After a 12-year hiatus, Tom is called back to active duty and deployed to Iraq, where he serves in civil affairs.   12:31 Humanitarian Efforts in Iraq  Tom recounts his experiences providing aid to local children and families in Iraq, driven by the dire conditions he witnessed. He shares how he mobilized support from friends and colleagues back home to send supplies and assistance.  16:47 Life-Changing Injury  Tom shares the harrowing details of being shot by a sniper in Iraq, describing the severity of his injuries and the immediate medical response he received. He highlights the critical moments that followed and his journey to recovery.  22:41 The Birth of the TD Foundation  While recovering at Walter Reed, Tom’s friends and supporters continue to fundraise for his humanitarian efforts, leading to the establishment of the TD Foundation. He explains the foundation’s mission to support children of wounded warriors and families in crisis.  25:51 Resilience and Recovery  Tom reflects on his emotional journey during recovery, including moments of doubt and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. He discusses the role he played in supporting other wounded veterans and the lessons learned from his experiences.  30:06 The Growth of the TD Foundation  Tom Deierlein shares the evolution of the TD Foundation, highlighting its mission to support families of wounded warriors and fallen heroes.   36:09 Navigating Challenges with Gratitude  In this chapter, Tom reflects on the importance of gratitude in overcoming life’s challenges, drawing inspiration from his personal journey. He emphasizes how the TD Foundation’s quick response to urgent needs helps families regain hope.  37:15 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Thundercat Technology  Transitioning to his entrepreneurial journey, Tom introduces Thundercat Technology, a company he founded that focuses on data center technology and government contracts. He discusses the company’s growth and its mission to enhance national security.  41:40 The Role of Optimism and Grit in Business Tom elaborates on the significance of optimism and grit in entrepreneurship, sharing his pragmatic approach to goal-setting and resilience. He explains how these qualities have shaped his leadership style and the culture at Thundercat.  49:02 A Journey of Growth and Inspiration  Wrapping up the conversation, Tom reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite life’s inevitable challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace optimism and resilience as essential tools for personal and professional growth. 

Many 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 her work in constructive journalism.  02:27 The Personal Journey to Understanding News Impact  Jodie recounts her personal experience with anxiety and panic attacks, linking them to her news consumption, and how she sought out positive stories to shift her perspective.  05:39 Understanding Negativity Bias  The conversation shifts to the concept of negativity bias, exploring how media exploits our natural inclination towards negative news and its effects on our perception of reality.  10:15 Historical Context and Perspective  Jodie and Bill discuss the importance of historical context in understanding current events, emphasizing that our perception of the present can often be skewed by the news.  13:01 The Power of Positive News  Jodie highlights the transformative power of focusing on positive news, drawing parallels between news consumption and dietary habits for mental health.  14:29 Exploring Cognitive Biases  The discussion delves into cognitive biases like availability bias and confirmation bias, illustrating how they shape our beliefs and perceptions based on the information we consume.  20:15 The Role of Media Algorithms  Jodie explains how modern media algorithms reinforce our biases by curating content that aligns with our existing beliefs, making it crucial to be aware of our media consumption habits.  25:31 Staying Informed Without Overwhelm  Addressing concerns about staying informed, Jodie offers strategies to consume news mindfully, balancing negative and positive content to foster resilience.  30:00 The Importance of Staying Informed  Jodie emphasizes the need to stay informed while maintaining mental resilience against negative news.   31:20 Batching News Consumption  The discussion shifts to effective news consumption strategies, distinguishing between ‘just in time’ and ‘just in case’ information. Jodie advises focusing on relevant news that one can take action on, rather than overwhelming oneself with constant updates.  33:44 Navigating Information Overload  Jodie shares insights on balancing positive and negative news, highlighting the dangers of excessive exposure to distressing events. She encourages listeners to engage with news that resonates with their interests and values.  36:00 Understanding News in the Digital Age The conversation explores how today’s youth consume news differently, primarily through social media, and the challenges this presents in discerning credible information.   39:10 The Role of Parents in Media Literacy  Jodie discusses the crucial role parents play in modeling healthy news consumption behaviors for their children.   42:25 Mastering Your Mind  Jodie introduces her ‘Master Your Mind’ program, designed to help individuals train their brains for better emotional regulation and resilience. She explains how this program empowers participants to create a positive mindset intentionally.  46:30 Closing Thoughts and Resources  In the final segment, Jodie reiterates the importance of viewing news as an invitation to knowledge rather than complete understanding. She encourages listeners to explore her resources, including her TED Talk and the ‘Master Your Mind’ course. 

This discussion reflects on the significance of the 4th of July, highlighting the enduring spirit of American optimism. It contrasts the nation's imperfections with its achievements and emphasizes hope amid challenges. The conversation dives into the revolutionary ideals that foster a belief in democracy and innovation. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the journey toward a more perfect union while celebrating national pride and the complexities of American history.

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.  

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. 

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. 

Mary McManus has never had it easy.  As a kindergartener, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced.  She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life.  Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon.    Chapters: 01:05 Meet Mary McManus  Mary McManus is introduced as a remarkable individual with a story of resilience and triumph over adversity.   02:14 Mary’s Early Challenges  Mary shares her early life experiences, including her diagnosis of polio at a young age and the impact it had on her family dynamics. Despite her paralysis, she describes a profound spiritual connection that provided her comfort during this challenging time.  08:09 The Road to Recovery Mary recounts her journey through physical therapy and the support she received from dedicated professionals who helped her regain mobility.   12:08 Finding Purpose in College  In college, Mary discovers her passion for helping others while working in the counseling center.   16:08 A Career with Veterans  Mary shares her experiences working with veterans at the VA, highlighting the challenges they faced upon returning from Vietnam  17:02 The Diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome  Mary discusses her diagnosis of post-polio syndrome nearly 50 years after her initial polio diagnosis, detailing the physical and emotional challenges she faced.   22:59 Turning Pain into Poetry  In a moment of introspection, Mary turns to poetry as a means of healing and self-expression. This creative outlet not only provides relief from her pain but also sparks a new chapter in her life.  24:21 From Poetry to Running  Mary shares her transformative journey from writing poetry to setting an ambitious goal of completing the Boston Marathon  29:01 Rebuilding Strength: The Journey Begins  Mary shares her initial struggles with physical fitness post-therapy, highlighting her determination to regain strength. With the support of her trainer, she sets ambitious goals, including a desire to run the Boston Marathon.  31:34 The Training Journey: From Walking to Running  Mary describes her gradual transition from walking to running, emphasizing the importance of patience and support from family during her training.   35:03 Facing Doubts: The Mental Challenge of Marathon Training  As the Boston Marathon approaches, Mary reflects on the mental hurdles she faces, including moments of doubt. However, her unwavering belief in her ability to complete the race, supported by her trainer and family, keeps her focused.  38:10 The Emotional Finish: Crossing the Marathon Line  Mary recounts the emotional experience of running the Boston Marathon, including the support from friends and family along the course. She describes the overwhelming joy and healing she felt as she crossed the finish line.  39:57 Life After the Marathon: Trials and Triumphs  After the marathon, Mary faces new challenges, including personal loss and health setbacks, yet she remains resilient.   44:33 Resilience Through Adversity: The Power of Poetry and Running  Mary discusses her experiences during the pandemic, including health challenges and the therapeutic power of writing poetry. Despite setbacks, she finds motivation to continue running and sets new goals for herself.  46:44 Looking Forward: Embracing New Challenges  As Mary reflects on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of resilience and gratitude in overcoming life’s challenges. With plans to run a half marathon again, she inspires others to pursue their goals, regardless of obstacles. 

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 classroom.    Learn more about Lindsey's book: https://howtoraiseacitizen.com/   Chapters: 02:33 Meet Lindsey Cormack  Bill introduces Lindsey Cormack, a college professor and author, highlighting her background, research, and her mission to improve civics education in America.  04:47 The Importance of Understanding Our Government  Lindsey discusses the alarming ignorance among students regarding government and civics, emphasizing the need for reform in how civics is taught in schools.  07:06 Parents as Key Players in Civics Education  Lindsey argues that parents play a crucial role in teaching civics, as schools struggle to provide adequate education on the subject due to various systemic challenges.  09:30 Navigating Political Conversations  The conversation shifts to the challenges parents face when discussing politics with their children, including fears of misunderstanding and differing political views.  12:25 Engaging with Local Government  Lindsey emphasizes the importance of local government in everyday life and encourages listeners to get involved, explaining how local actions can lead to meaningful change.  19:56 The Role of Parents in Political Education  The conversation focuses on how parents can normalize political discussions at home, fostering an environment where children feel comfortable exploring political ideas.  22:01 Optimism in Civic Engagement  Bill and Lindsey discuss the relationship between optimism and civic engagement, emphasizing that understanding politics can empower individuals to make a difference.  26:04 Historical Context of Political Division  The conversation explores historical instances of political division in the U.S., drawing parallels to current events and emphasizing the resilience of democracy.  29:16 The Impact of Smartphones on Society  Lindsey reflects on how technology, much like junk food, can be seductive and detrimental to children’s development.  32:50 Creating a Phone-Free Environment  Lindsey discusses her approach to managing smartphone use among her daughter’s friends, including implementing a ‘phone graveyard’ at home.   36:01 Empowering Parents  The conversation shifts to how parents can become more engaged in their children’s civic education, with Lindsey encouraging them to seek knowledge actively.   40:39 Understanding Political Structures  Lindsey emphasizes the value of understanding the political system and encourages parents to explore current events as teaching moments for their children.   41:36 Reflecting on the Role of Technology and History  The episode concludes with a reflection on the dual nature of smartphones, acknowledging their benefits while cautioning against their overuse.    

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.  

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.