Blue Sky

This episode explores the work of Echoing Green, an international non-profit that invests in social entrepreneurs and their dreams and ideas.  An accomplished leader and executive herself, Cheryl Dorsey explains how she first came to the organization and the great work they continue to do under her leadership.    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,’ rooted in a William Blake poem that celebrates youth and the potential for change.  06:11 Investing in Young Leaders  Cheryl discusses Echoing Green’s unique approach of investing in young social entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of nurturing leadership alongside funding.  09:12 The Fellowship Experience  Cheryl outlines the structure of the Echoing Green fellowship, highlighting the community, support, and resources provided to selected fellows.  11:04 The Importance of Community  Cheryl reflects on the significance of community among entrepreneurs, sharing how Echoing Green fosters connections that help fellows navigate their journeys.  13:34 Addressing Inequality in Funding  Cheryl addresses the challenges faced by underrepresented leaders in securing funding, emphasizing Echoing Green’s role in leveling the playing field.  16:22 Spotting Potential in Social Innovation  Cheryl shares examples of successful Echoing Green fellows, illustrating how the organization identifies and supports innovative ideas that drive social change.  19:55 Qualities of a Successful Entrepreneur  Cheryl discusses the essential characteristics Echoing Green looks for in applicants, including optimism, resilience, and the ability to inspire others.  23:11 Navigating the Selection Process  Cheryl explains the rigorous selection process for Echoing Green fellows, highlighting the collaborative efforts of volunteers to identify promising leaders.  26:01 Finding Hope in Adversity  Cheryl shares her personal journey of optimism and resilience, inspired by the stories of Echoing Green fellows who overcome significant challenges.  29:55 The Battle of Ideas: Social Innovation vs. Populism  Cheryl Dorsey discusses the contrasting ideologies of social innovators and populists, emphasizing the need for resources to empower those who seek to improve society.   30:45 Inspiration from the Next Generation  Reflecting on the potential of today’s youth, the conversation highlights the importance of intergenerational connections and the inspiring qualities of young leaders.   32:47 Hopeful Pessimism: A Realistic Outlook  Cheryl introduces her concept of ‘hopeful pessimism,’ balancing optimism with the recognition of ongoing challenges in social equity.   34:02 Getting Involved: Supporting Social Innovators  Cheryl outlines various ways individuals can support Echoing Green and its mission, from applying for fellowships to volunteering and funding.   36:40 The Power of Mentorship and Community  The discussion shifts to the importance of mentorship and community support for young social innovators, highlighting the role of experienced professionals in guiding the next generation.   38:50 Success Stories: Transformative Impact of Echoing Green  Cheryl shares inspiring success stories from Echoing Green fellows, showcasing how their initiatives have made significant impacts in their communities. This chapter highlights the ripple effects of social innovation and the potential for change.  42:16 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Social Innovation  As the conversation wraps up, both Cheryl and Bill reflect on the optimism that stems from the work being done in social innovation.  

David McCullough got the idea for The American Exchange Project (AEP) after a cross-country trip showed him how diverse and accepting were the people he met.  Today, AEP creates opportunities for recent high school graduates to experience life in a different part of the US, building bridges of understanding and creating lifelong friendships.  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 understanding of American identity and the importance of learning from the past.  06:09 Historical Amnesia and Current Divides  Bill and David discuss the current polarization in America, emphasizing the need for historical literacy to navigate complex societal issues.  07:16 A Life-Changing College Experience  David recounts a pivotal trip he took during college that opened his eyes to the realities of education and the deep divides within the country.  14:11 The Birth of the American Exchange Project  David shares how his transformative experiences during his travels led to the creation of the American Exchange Project, aimed at fostering understanding among youth.  16:11 Exploring the American Exchange Project  David explains the mission of the American Exchange Project, which facilitates domestic exchanges for high school students to experience different American cultures.  22:01 Building Bridges Through Shared Experiences  The importance of empathy and understanding is highlighted as David discusses how students learn to see commonalities despite differences during their exchanges.  29:07 Confronting Political Discontent  David addresses the challenge of political polarization, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue and the role of the American Exchange Project in fostering meaningful connections.  31:12 The Lasting Impact of Exchange  Reflecting on the transformative experiences of past participants, David highlights how The American Exchange Project fosters lasting connections and changes in perspectives. He emphasizes the significance of these exchanges in shaping young adults’ futures.  34:01 Expanding the Model  The conversation shifts to the potential for expanding the AEP model to college students and beyond. David hints at exciting developments in collaboration with universities to create similar experiences for incoming freshmen.  36:10 The Value of Shared Experiences  David reflects on the importance of shared experiences in fostering friendships and understanding among diverse groups. He draws parallels between The American Exchange Project and historical coming-of-age rituals that unite young people.  40:01 Building a Sustainable Future  Discussing the financial model of the American Exchange Project, David explains how donations and volunteerism sustain the initiative. He shares his vision for the program’s growth and its potential to become a staple in American education.  44:35 The Edict of the Optimist  In the concluding segment, David emphasizes the importance of taking action to create positive change, embodying the ‘edict of the optimist.’ The conversation wraps up with a call to support The American Exchange Project and get involved. 

While 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 her podcast that aim to transform teaching and learning through the arts.  03:57 From Actor to Educator  Erica reflects on her journey from aspiring actor to educator, detailing the pivotal moment when she realized her passion lay in teaching and facilitating creative expression.  09:11 The Competitive Nature of Performing Arts  Bill and Erica discuss the competitive landscape of the performing arts, emphasizing the importance of finding fulfilling roles outside of traditional performance careers.  12:49 The Importance of Arts Education  Erica passionately advocates for the inclusion of arts education in schools, questioning why the arts are often the first programs to be cut during budget constraints.  16:22 The Impact of Standardized Testing  The conversation shifts to the effects of standardized testing on education, with Erica explaining how a focus on reading and math has marginalized the arts and other subjects.  21:05 Arts as a Pathway to Inclusion  Erica discusses how arts education can create inclusive learning environments, allowing students to express themselves and feel welcomed in educational spaces.  22:47 Evaluating Creativity in Education  The discussion highlights the differences in evaluation between arts and traditional subjects, emphasizing the importance of open-ended expression and self-evaluation in the arts.  25:00 Training Future Educators  Erica shares insights on how she prepares aspiring teachers to incorporate arts education into their classrooms, despite the challenges posed by current educational policies.  29:57 The Art of Engagement in Education  In this chapter, Erica discusses the transformative power of arts in education, emphasizing the importance of engaging students in creative experiences amidst the distractions of modern technology.   33:36 Arts Educators Save the World  Erica introduces her podcast, ‘Arts Educators Save the World,’ where she pairs influential artists with their mentors to explore the profound impact of arts education.   37:17 Expanding the Definition of Mentorship  In this segment, Erica shares how her podcast expands the concept of mentorship beyond traditional settings, including relationships formed in higher education and adult collaborations.   41:18 The Ripple Effect of Recognition  Bill and Erica discuss the emotional impact of reconnecting artists with their former teachers, highlighting the importance of recognition in the teaching profession.   46:14 Looking Ahead: The Future of Arts Education  As the conversation nears its end, Erica shares her vision for the future of arts education, expressing optimism about the resilience of creative programs despite challenges.  51:30 The Lasting Impact of Arts in Education  In the final segment, Erica’s passion for arts education shines through as she reflects on the ripple effects of her work. Bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing the mentors who shape successful individuals, reinforcing the idea that the arts play a vital role in personal and professional development. 

When Earl B. Hunter’s son was seven years old, he took him on three-month, multi-state camping.  It was a positive, life-changing experience for them both.  But Earl was struck by the fact that over the entire trip, they saw just one other black family.  As someone who was working in sales in the outdoor industry, Earl saw an opportunity and went on to found the for-profit company, Black Folks Camp Too.    Chapters:   02:01 Earl Hunter Jr.: Champion of Outdoor Diversity  Earl B. Hunter Jr., founder of Black Folks Camp Too, shares his mission to increase diversity in the outdoor industry. He recounts his journey from a corporate background to pioneering efforts to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.  03:19 Earl’s Awakening to the Outdoors  Earl reflects on his late introduction to the outdoors at age 40, sharing how his professional journey led him to discover the joys of camping.   05:39 The Life-Changing Camping Trip  Earl recounts a transformative three-month camping trip with his son, where they bonded over adventures and music. The trip opened his eyes to the lack of diversity in camping and sparked his desire to create change in the outdoor community.  08:16 The Healing Power of Nature  Earl discusses his belief that the outdoors can unite people across all backgrounds and foster a sense of belonging.  11:43 Understanding Historical Barriers  Earl explains the historical context behind the absence of Black individuals in outdoor spaces, addressing generational fears and systemic barriers.   17:24 Introducing Black Folks Camp Too  Earl introduces Black Folks Camp Too, a business aimed at bridging gaps in the outdoor industry.   21:59 The Business Model of Inclusion  Earl outlines the business model of Black Folks Camp Too, focusing on their outdoor education academy designed for the industry.   25:37 Addressing Deep-Rooted Challenges  Earl discusses how the outdoor industry can tackle systemic challenges by understanding historical context and inviting diverse populations.   30:04 The Importance of Understanding ‘Why’  Earl emphasizes the need to grasp the underlying reasons for the lack of diversity in outdoor spaces before implementing marketing strategies.   32:24 Breaking Historical Barriers  Earl discusses the deep-rooted fears and historical trauma that prevent many Black individuals from enjoying the outdoors.   35:08 Consumer Engagement and State Parks  Earl outlines the consumer marketing strategies his organization employs to ensure that outdoor spaces are ready to welcome new visitors. He stresses the significance of making positive first experiences to foster a lasting connection with nature.  39:43 Changing Generational Patterns  Earl shares his views on the need to involve parents in outdoor activities to break generational patterns of disconnection from nature.   43:30 Unity in the Outdoor Community  Earl introduces the Unity Blaze Way, a concept encouraging individuals to build friendships across racial lines and invite others to experience the outdoors. He believes that shared experiences in nature can foster understanding and unity among diverse communities.  51:29 The Future of Black Folks Camp Too  Earl paints an optimistic picture of the future for Black Folks Camp Too, emphasizing the importance of transferring knowledge and love for the outdoors from older generations to younger ones.   55:02 A Call to Action for the Community  Earl concludes with a heartfelt message urging listeners to support the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina and to engage with diverse communities. His optimism and commitment to inclusion serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change. 

On this month’s installment of “A Bit of Blue Sky,” and in honor of National Optimism Month, host Bill Burke reflects on lessons learned from two years of hosting the Blue Sky podcast. 

Sal Khan is one of the great innovators in education and in this Blue Sky episode, he discusses his book, Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing). He and his colleagues at Khan Academy are well on their way to creating powerful AI teaching assistant called Khanmigo.  At a time when many fear the onset of AI applications, Sal Khan presents an inspiring vision for the future of this technology in the classroom and beyond.    Chapters: 03:19 The Origin Story of Khan Academy  Sal shares the inspiring origin story of Khan Academy, detailing how a simple act of tutoring his cousin evolved into a global educational platform.   09:39 Educated Bravery in AI  Sal emphasizes the concept of ‘educated bravery’ when approaching AI technologies in education. He describes how Khan Academy is adapting its tools to mitigate risks while maximizing the benefits of AI for personalized learning.  12:46 Innovative Learning Experiences  Sal illustrates how AI can create engaging learning experiences, such as conversing with literary characters like Jay Gatsby.   14:55 Engaging with Historical Figures  The discussion turns to the use of AI to interact with historical figures, such as Thomas Jefferson. Sal explains the complexities of addressing sensitive historical issues through AI while maintaining educational integrity.  17:19 The Role of Teachers in an AI World  Sal argues that AI will not replace teachers but rather enhance their roles in the classroom.   21:42 AI as a Tool for Empowerment  The conversation highlights how AI can alleviate the burdens of administrative tasks for teachers, allowing them to focus on meaningful interactions with students.   23:18 Skepticism and Critical Thinking  Sal stresses the importance of skepticism when engaging with AI and other technologies. He encourages students to critically evaluate the information provided by AI, fostering deeper discussions in the classroom.  27:39 Bridging the Economic Divide with AI  In this chapter, Sal Khan discusses the potential of AI to serve as a leveling mechanism in education, especially for those who cannot afford traditional tutoring.   30:01 Navigating the Ethics of AI in Education  Sal explores the ethical implications of using AI in education, particularly in the context of college admissions. He highlights the gray areas of academic support and the fine line between assistance and cheating, stressing the importance of maintaining integrity in the learning process.  33:41 Introducing Khanmigo: The AI Tutor  Sal introduces Khanmigo, an AI tutor designed to enhance the learning experience by providing personalized support to students. He explains its features, such as contextual understanding of lessons and ethical tutoring practices that encourage student engagement.  37:34 Empowering Teachers with AI  In this chapter, Sal discusses how Khanmigo not only benefits students but also supports teachers by alleviating administrative burdens. He emphasizes the importance of improving teacher morale and engagement in a profession facing significant challenges.  39:25 The Path to Implementation  Sal explains the process of integrating Khan Academy and Khanmigo into school districts, highlighting the importance of support and training for teachers.   44:28 The Future of Learning with AI  Sal envisions a future where Khanmigo enhances the educational experience through multimodal interactions and real-time support for both students and teachers.   52:29 Inspiring Innovation in Education  In the closing chapter, Sal reflects on the inspiring innovations at Khan Academy and the positive impact of peer tutoring through Schoolhouse World. He encourages educators to embrace AI as a tool for enhancing the teaching experience and fostering student success. 

Leslie 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  Bill introduces guests Richard and Leslie Strauss, co-directors of the Spirit Series, sharing their backgrounds and experiences in arts education. Their journey begins with personal loss and a desire to help children cope with grief.  07:56 Breaking into Schools  Richard explains how Spirit Series gained traction in schools through word of mouth rather than advertising.   10:29 The Power of Storytelling  The conversation shifts to the significance of storytelling in education, with Richard emphasizing the impact of historical narratives on young minds.   12:05 How the Program Works  Richard outlines the structure of the Spirit Series program, detailing the intensive three-week residency model.   14:22 Casting and Participation  The discussion focuses on the unique casting process of the Spirit Series, where roles are assigned by lottery. Richard shares how this approach fosters inclusivity and allows students to reinvent themselves.  17:01 Engaging Students with Big Questions  Richard discusses the importance of starting each unit with a thought-provoking question. This method encourages students to reflect on their beliefs and engage deeply with the material over the course of the program.  20:09 Creating Community Through Performance  The hosts explore how the Spirit Series fosters a sense of community among students.   22:33 The Role of Teachers in the Process  Leslie and Richard describe how classroom teachers engage with the Spirit Series program. They highlight the collaborative nature of the curriculum and the positive changes it brings to teacher-student dynamics.  25:01 Empowering Teachers with New Curriculum  The conversation shifts to the evolution of the Spirit Series curriculum, which now empowers teachers to implement the program independently. Richard shares the success of pilot programs that have expanded their reach.  28:28 Finding Silver Linings in Crisis  The conversation begins with Richard and Leslie discussing how the pandemic, despite its challenges, sparked creativity and adaptability within their organization.   30:03 Innovating Through Adversity  Richard elaborates on the innovative methods they adopted to engage students in a virtual setting, including the creation of films and storytelling videos.   32:54 The Spirit Series Impact  Richard explains how students not only learn foundational stories but also create their own, enhancing their understanding and personal expression.  34:43 Measuring Success and Growth  Richard and Leslie share the results of their program, emphasizing the positive feedback from teachers and students alike.   37:49 Addressing Absenteeism and Engagement  The conversation highlights the program’s success in reducing absenteeism, as students feel a sense of accountability to their peers.   43:21 Getting Involved with Spirit Series  In this chapter, Richard and Leslie provide insights on how listeners can engage with the Spirit Series, whether by volunteering, donating, or bringing the program to their schools.  

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 Business School, known for her work on psychological safety. 06:50 The Role of Managers in Psychological Safety  The conversation shifts to the role of managers in understanding human behavior and fostering an environment where employees feel motivated to contribute  09:15 Hierarchy and Its Challenges  The discussion delves into the impact of organizational hierarchy on psychological safety, with Edmondson explaining how it can inhibit open communication.   12:25 Creating a Safe Environment for Mistakes  Edmondson discusses the importance of allowing employees to make mistakes and learn from them as a pathway to innovation.   16:30 Navigating Political Divisions at Work  The conversation touches on the challenges of political divisions in the workplace and the importance of maintaining professionalism.   18:01 The Impact of Remote Work on Culture  Edmondson reflects on how remote and hybrid work environments affect psychological safety and workplace culture. She discusses the need for face-to-face interactions to foster relationships and connectedness among team members.  23:41 Exploring the Right Kind of Wrong  The focus shifts to Edmondson’s recent book, ‘Right Kind of Wrong,’ where she explores the concept of failing well.   28:40 Understanding Different Types of Failures  In this chapter, we explore the distinctions between basic, complex, and intelligent failures, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these differences. The conversation highlights how basic failures stem from single mistakes, while complex failures arise from multiple contributing factors.  31:50 The Value of Intelligent Failures  The discussion shifts to intelligent failures, which are the results of thoughtful experiments aimed at innovation. The speakers discuss how organizations can learn from these failures and even budget for them in research and development.  33:49 Learning from Failure: A Difficult Process  This chapter delves into the challenges of learning from failure, emphasizing the emotional aversion many people have towards it.   35:29 Reframing Failure: Insights from Ted Turner  The conversation highlights Ted Turner’s perspective on failure, illustrating how he framed losses as learning opportunities. This chapter discusses the cultural shift needed to embrace mistakes as part of the journey towards success.  36:31 The Role of Optimism in Leadership  In this chapter, the speakers explore the significance of optimism in effective leadership, contrasting it with blind optimism. They introduce the Stockdale Paradox, emphasizing the balance between maintaining hope while facing harsh realities.  41:49 Optimism vs. Realism in Leadership  The discussion continues on the interplay between optimism and realism in leadership, highlighting research findings on how these traits affect team dynamics. The speakers share insights from their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating the importance of transparent communication.  44:08 The Future of Business Leadership  As the conversation wraps up, the speakers reflect on the qualities of young leaders entering the business world.  

Discover five uplifting books that inspire a more optimistic perspective on life. Learn about ‘Factfulness,’ which debunks myths about the world, and ‘Enlightenment Now,’ celebrating progress and peace. Delve into ‘Humankind,’ a compelling argument for humanity's inherent goodness. Explore the insights of ‘The Rational Optimist,’ highlighting the benefits of cooperation and free trade. Join a conversation that encourages positivity and self-improvement!

Neal 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: 02:16 The Power of Positivity  Neal Foard discusses his belief that there are more good people than bad, emphasizing the influence of media on public perception. He shares insights on how negativity can skew our view of humanity and the importance of focusing on the positive.  10:00 Traffic and Kindness  Using traffic as a metaphor, Neal illustrates how our mindset can shape our experiences with others. He emphasizes the importance of kindness and how adopting a positive outlook can lead to a better day.  14:30 Reflections on 1969  Bill and Neall delve into the historical context of 1969, discussing societal turmoil and its parallels to today. They reflect on how understanding history can provide perspective on current events and the importance of kindness in turbulent times.  20:00 The ROI of Kindness  Neal shares a compelling story about a car dealer who prioritizes kindness over profit, illustrating the long-term benefits of treating customers well. He introduces the concept of a ‘conspiracy of kindness’ and its impact on business.  25:03 The Transformative Power of Travel  In this chapter, the conversation explores how travel can restore faith in humanity by revealing the commonalities among people across different cultures. Neal Foard shares personal anecdotes and insights about how experiences in various places can challenge preconceived notions.  29:03 The Journey of a National Road Trip  The discussion shifts to an exciting national road trip that the speaker is undertaking, motivated by connections made through social media. This journey aims to highlight small businesses across America, showcasing the human interactions that define these local enterprises.  32:47 Celebrating Small Businesses  The speaker shares heartwarming stories from small businesses, emphasizing the personal connections and community spirit that thrive in these environments. This chapter highlights the importance of small businesses in fostering human relationships and driving local economies.  35:03 The Role of Integrity in Business  This chapter delves into the concept of integrity in business, arguing that most businesspeople are honorable and striving to do the right thing. The conversation emphasizes the significance of trust and regulation in maintaining a fair marketplace.  39:32 The Art of Storytelling in Business  The focus shifts to storytelling as a vital skill in business, where effective communication can persuade and influence others. The speaker explains how stories resonate on an emotional level, making them a powerful tool for leaders and entrepreneurs.  46:47 The Impact of Stories on Human Connection  In this final chapter, Neal reflects on the profound impact of storytelling on human connection and the importance of choosing the right narratives. The speaker encourages listeners to consider the stories they tell and how they shape perceptions and relationships.