Blue Sky

Teju Ravilochan was born in the United States, just two years after his parents came to this country from their native India.  His parents went on to careers in medicine, but only after help from several corners of their adopted community.  Growing up, they taught these lessons to their son, and today Teju is the founder of GatherFor, a non-profit dedicated to the belief that “in community, we have everything we need.”  In this Blue Sky conversation, Teju describes the remarkable and brave work that he and his colleagues are doing, particularly in challenging housing development in Brooklyn, NY.  Teju describes how nearly every tactic and practice they pursue is nothing new, but rather reaching back to old, in some cases ancestral, concepts of community and looking out for our neighbors.  Teju’s optimism is as infectious as his work his inspiring.    Learn more about GatherFor: https://gatherfor.org/   Chapters: 01:12 Teju Ravolochan’s Journey with GatherFor  Teju Ravilochan shares his background and the founding of GatherFor, a non-profit organization that organizes neighbors in Brownsville, Brooklyn to support each other unconditionally.  02:23 Teju’s Family and Heritage  Teju discusses his family’s immigration journey from India to the United States, highlighting the support and kindness they received from their community, shaping his belief in the importance of community over individualism.  06:00 The American Dream and Community Support  Teju reflects on the American Dream, emphasizing the role of community support in achieving success and questioning the societal focus on financial wealth over communal bonds.  15:06 Undervaluing Community in Modern Society  Teju discusses the loneliness epidemic and the undervaluing of community in modern society, contrasting it with historical practices of communal living and support.  27:01 Building GatherFor in Brownsville  Teju shares the early days of Gather 4, starting with 8 people and growing through word-of-mouth. The focus is on storytelling as a tool to connect neighbors and build relationships.  33:13 Rebuilding Trust in Public Housing  Teju recounts the challenges faced in engaging with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to address long-standing repair issues. The chapter highlights the transformative impact of community organizing and a unique approach to building trust with NYCHA.  46:26 Transforming Community Culture through a Block Party  The story of how a block party organized by Glenmore Proud residents led to repairing over 1,600 issues in 60 days. The event not only celebrated the repairs but also fostered a sense of community and trust among neighbors.  48:06 Lessons in Community Organizing and Engagement  Insights into Teju’s approach to community engagement, including the importance of building trust and relationships before scaling initiatives. The chapter emphasizes the power of storytelling and shared experiences in fostering community connections. 

Note for this encore presentation: We’re bringing back this conversation in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month in the United States.  Anh and her family left their home country in the most dramatic of circumstances and in the nearly 50 years since they came to this country, their accomplishments have been extraordinary.   The family of Anh Vu Sawyer were among the small number of South Vietnamese who successfully fled Saigon in the final days and hours of the Vietnam War.  After describing this harrowing ordeal, Anh explains how these events inspired her to lead a life of inspiring service and social entrepreneurship here in the United States.   Chapters:   01:05 Personal History and Gratitude  Anh Vu Sawyer’s personal history in South Vietnam, her gratitude for surviving dramatic times, and her desire to give back.  03:17 Father’s Escape and Family Reunion  The dramatic story of Ahn’s father escaping the Hanoi Hilton, reuniting with the family, and the emotional reunion during chaotic times.  11:14 Escape from Saigon  The harrowing escape from Saigon, the challenges faced, and the miraculous moments that led to their survival and rescue.  19:28 Evacuation and Miracle on USS Midway  Details of the evacuation process, the challenges faced on USS Midway, and the miraculous events that ensured their safe passage to the US.  23:39 Reflections on Survival and American Generosity  Reflecting on the survival, the generosity of Americans during the evacuation, and the impact of the experience on Anh’s life.  25:22 Life After Arrival in the US  Anh’s journey after arriving in the US, settling in Oak Brook, Illinois, and her career at People Express Airlines  28:06 Making Impact Through Career Choices  Anh reflects on the impact of People Express Airlines and her career choices aimed at making a positive impact, especially for refugees. She discusses her work with the Southeast Asian Coalition and the joy of helping thousands access housing, jobs, and education.  32:31 Gratitude for Freedom and Helping Others  Anh Vu Sawyer emphasizes the importance of freedom and the ability to help others, highlighting the luxury of being able to make a difference. She shares insights on the power of giving and the impact it has on changing the world.  36:00 Lifelong Learning and Giving Back  Anh Vu Sawyer discusses her pursuit of education, including getting her MBA in her sixties, and shares her philosophy on using personal gifts to benefit others. She emphasizes the fulfillment and purpose that come from giving back.  39:00 Social Entrepreneurship with Refugees  Anh Vu Sawyer details her latest project, a clothing company that employs refugees to create handcrafted labels, providing economic development opportunities. She explains the mission-driven approach of the business and its potential for creating positive change.  44:00 Inspiration and Legacy of Giving  The conversation wraps up with reflections on Anh Vu Sawyer’s inspiring journey, her impact on others, and the legacy she continues to build through her dedication to helping refugees. Her story serves as a testament to the power of generosity and making a difference. 

Kate Bean’s life has been marked by a series of radical changes and transformations.  After founding and running a successful non-profit that launched and oversaw charter schools while leading a national movement towards personalized education Kate decided to make a change.  She retired from her position, tricked out a minivan and headed out so see the country, inspired by Gandhi’s advice that, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  This remarkable journey led her to take on a social impact academic fellowship where she created another new entity, iChangeCourse.  In addition to writing a book about her life and travels, she consults individuals and speaks to groups about managing and embracing change.  Today, Kate says that, “life is a journey, change is the vehicle, and the destination is now.”  Chapters: 02:09 Early Life and Upbringing  Kate Bean shares her upbringing in a small Mormon town and her journey of self-discovery, including her realization of her sexual orientation while attending Brigham Young University.  04:57 Venturing into Education Entrepreneurship  Kate discusses her entrepreneurial journey in founding Aveson, a charter school company focused on personalized education, driven by her daughter’s unique learning needs and a passion for transforming education.  09:20 Transitioning from Aveson  Kate Bean reflects on her decision to step down as CEO of Aveson after 13 years, influenced by personal health challenges and a desire to explore new paths beyond her successful venture in education.  13:45 Finding Purpose and Change  Kate Bean’s journey post-Aveson focuses on self-discovery, service, and embracing change, leading her to embark on a transformative van trip focused on serving others and capturing “extraordinary ordinary moments.”  16:14 Planning the Van Trip  Kate’s van trip is characterized by spontaneity, service, and a commitment to capturing meaningful moments along the way, showcasing her shift from a control-oriented mindset to embracing change and service.  26:09 Kate’s Journey of Service  Kate Bean describes her journey of service and exploration without a set plan, relying on spontaneity and a desire to serve others. She shares how she navigated her travels, stayed at various locations, and engaged in volunteer work.   35:04 Embracing Differences Through Service  Kate reflects on her experiences traveling to more conservative areas in the US South, highlighting the kindness and hospitality she encountered. Through service and connecting with people, she emphasizes the common values that unite us despite political differences.  39:51 The Notice Framework for Navigating Change  Kate Bean introduces the NOTICE Framework, an acronym to guide individuals through change. She emphasizes the power of choice in the present moment and the importance of embracing extraordinary moments while navigating life’s journey.  43:14 iChange Course Initiative  Kate Bean discusses her iChange Course initiative aimed at helping individuals transition to their next life chapter with dignity and optimism. She offers coaching services, workshops, and consulting to support people in reimagining their futures.  46:41 Finding Gratitude and Embracing Change  Kate shares her philosophy on change as a vehicle for growth and the importance of noticing ordinary moments in life. She expresses gratitude for her journey and looks forward to the impact she can make in the future. 

John Daniel has led a remarkable and inspiring life, marked by challenges that he’s met with grit and resilience.  John’s alcoholic father struggled to find work but his loving mom made sure her nine children always had the support they needed.  John emerged from his childhood to become a successful banking executive with a successful marriage and thriving children.  But following his own diagnosis of a serious heart ailment, his wife developed cancer and passed away.  A few short years later, John faced a major heart procedure and ultimately, a full transplant.  With the support of his second wife, Leslie, John persevered, got back on his feet, and resumed his career.  Now retired from banking, John and Leslie have co-founded Bluff City Pickleball, a community center in their hometown of Memphis, Tennessee designed to bring people together from all walks of life and economic backgrounds.      Chapters: 02:09 Childhood Challenges and Resilience  John describes his challenging childhood in a working-class neighborhood with nine siblings and a father battling alcoholism and says these early experiences shaped his grit and resilience, setting the foundation for his future successes.  06:52 “Advantages of Disadvantages”  Explore the concept of finding advantages in disadvantages as discussed by John Daniel and Malcolm Gladwell. Understand how facing challenges and adversity can lead to personal growth and strength, as highlighted in John’s own experiences.  13:40 Personal Loss and Resilience  John describes his personal journey of love, loss, and resilience, from his marriage to his wife’s battle with cancer and eventual passing.   16:00 Health Challenges and Heart Transplant  Discussion of John’s health challenges, including his heart ailment and the eventual need for a heart transplant.   23:35 Transplant Procedure and Recovery  John describes his journey through the heart transplant procedure and the challenging recovery process.   26:37 Recovery from LVAD Surgery  John discusses the challenging recovery process after his LVAD surgery, including infections, transfusions, and the support he received from his wife during a low point.  29:26 Setting Goals for Recovery  John shares how setting a vision of returning to work and accomplishing a 50-mile bike ride post-transplant helped him stay motivated and focused during his recovery.  34:31 Founding Bluff City Pickleball  John shares the inspiration behind starting Bluff City Pickleball, a community center aimed at fostering social connections and physical activity, emphasizing inclusivity and social impact.  42:15 Ancestral Minds Book  John discusses his upcoming book ‘Ancestral Minds,’ focusing on human nature and evolutionary psychology, offering insights for effective leadership based on understanding innate behaviors.  49:44 Words of Encouragement  John offers words of encouragement for those facing tough times, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and optimistic individuals to maintain hope and resilience. 

Pete Davis was a young undergraduate college student when he took a class from Professor Robert Putnam.  By this time, Dr. Putnam was an academic celebrity, based largely on the huge success of his seminal work on social capital, Bowling Alone.  In the time since, Pete has made advocating for more civic engagement the focus of his work and in addition to writing the book, Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in An Age of Infinite Browsing, he and his sister have produced a documentary feature film, provocatively titled, Join or Die.  The film describes the social unraveling that has taken place in the US for the past 50 years, with an emphasis on the work of Robert Putnam, who is featured prominently.  While this subject matter can be discouraging, Pete Davis is an optimist and he provides many helpful ideas about how we can pull ourselves out of this place.  Pete is enthusiastic and engaging and he brought this energy to this Blue Sky episode, giving us plenty to think about, and many reasons to remain hopeful.    Chapters:  03:41 Conversation with Pete Davis Begins  The interview with Pete Davis on community engagement, his background, and the importance of reconnecting with others for a stronger society.  10:11 Civic Decline and Rejuvenation  Exploration of the decline in civic engagement over the years and the potential for rejuvenating community connections to improve various aspects of society.  12:06 Impact of Community Decline  Discussion on the negative effects of the decline in community engagement, highlighting statistics and the importance of addressing these deficiencies.  18:17 Community and Health Focus on the link between community engagement and health, emphasizing the significance of social capital and its impact on overall well-being.  22:14 Designing for Community  Exploration of how various sectors, from architecture to education, can be designed to promote community connections and enhance social capital.  24:41 Joining Clubs and Community Efforts  Encouragement to join clubs and community initiatives, discussing the diversity of clubs and the importance of fostering community spirit in modern times.  29:26 Community Bonding through Potlucks and Parades  Exploration of the essence of community gatherings like potlucks, parades, and Halloween, where individuals come together to celebrate and contribute  31:01 The Impact of the Pandemic on Community  Discussion of how the pandemic disrupted community routines, leading to increased awareness of the importance of community  35:47 Technology’s Role in Building Real Community Connections  Pete talks about the role of technology in fostering genuine relationships within communities, distinguishing between meaningful connections and superficial online interactions that may hinder true community building.  42:08 Community and Extremism  Discussion of the relationship between lack of community and vulnerability to extremist ideologies  49:07 Robert Putnam’s Community Legacy  Pete Davis reflects on Robert Putnam’s contributions to popularizing the concept of social capital and community 

On 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 with his advice. So, “Founder Bill” did just that, and since Mary, Robin, and Stephanie, the show’s producer, expressed concerns we know that many listeners share, we thought it a good idea to drop this fun and insightful episode into the Blue Sky feed.  Tune in to hear what everyone had to say - and decide for yourself if Bill was of any help!    Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to “Well…Adjusting” Podcast  Bill Burke introduces the collaboration with Well…Adjusting podcast  02:24 Exploring Negative Thinking with Robin and Mary  Robin and Mary discuss their struggles with negative thinking and catastrophizing, setting the stage for a deep dive into their fears and concerns.  07:03 The Hot Dog Story and Catastrophic Thinking  Robin shares a humorous anecdote about the ‘hot dog story’ as a metaphor for moments of catastrophic thinking.  15:08 Fear of the Future and Historical Perspectives  The conversation delves into fears about the future, drawing parallels to historical events and contemplating the impact of past experiences on present anxieties.  23:20 Expert Advice on Optimism and Influence  Blue Sky host and founder of The Optimism Institute Bill Burke joins the discussion, offering insights on optimism, historical perspectives, and the concept of circles of influence and concern.  31:00 Generational Optimism and Social Influence  The discussion explores the concept of generational optimism and the potential for positive change when supporting and empowering the younger generation.  34:02 Navigating Social Media Influence and Personal Responsibility  Insights are shared on the influence of social media, the importance of personal responsibility in curating online content consumption, and the potential for positive shifts in mindset.  38:05 Finding Optimism in Small Actions and Community Impact  The discussion emphasizes the significance of finding optimism in small actions, community impact, and the power of collective efforts in fostering a more positive outlook.  40:02 Acknowledgments and Call to Action  The episode wraps up with acknowledgments, a call to action for listeners to engage with the content further, and a reminder of the importance of seeking professional help when needed. 

Note for this encore presentation: At the time that we celebrated our one year/50th episode in March of 2024, this episode was our most listened to.  We bring it back now as part of The Optimism Institute’s recognition of National Mental Health Month and hope Blue Sky fans will enjoy and benefit from this wise, kind, and experienced professor.    Like most neuroscientists, until a little more than thirty years ago, Dr. Richard “Richie'' researched and studied things that go wrong with the brain.  But then, in 1992 he visited the Dalai Lama, who challenged him instead to work on understanding what happens to our brains when we practice kindness and compassion.  This conversation changed the trajectory of Richie’s life and career and he will share much of what he’s worked on and learned in the thirty-plus years since.  Among the topics covered in this conversation are the toxicity of distraction, neuroplasticity and our ability to reshape our brains, the value of gratitude and appreciation, and how simply being more aware of our surroundings can change our mindsets for the better.    Chapters:   01:01 Dr. Richard (“Richie”) Davidson: A Pioneer in Neuroscience  An overview of Doctor Richard Davidson’s background and contributions to the field of neuroscience.  02:11 Establishing the Center For Healthy Minds  Doctor Davidson discusses the establishment and mission of the Center For Healthy Minds  04:00 Influence of the Dalai Lama  The pivotal moment when the Dalai Lama inspired Richie Davidson to focus on compassion in neuroscience.  08:00 Neuroplasticity: Shaping the Brain  Exploration of neuroplasticity and how intentional mental exercises can reshape the brain.  11:25 Appreciation and Gratitude  Discussion of appreciation and gratitude in daily life, highlighting the impact of small acts of kindness on well-being.  15:30 Mental Exercises for Well-Being  Dr. Davidson shares simple mental exercises that can be integrated into daily routines to promote well-being and mindfulness.  19:04 Impact of Distraction on Well-Being  Insights into how distraction affects mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of being present and attentive in daily activities.  21:10 Noticing the Positives  Explore the importance of training ourselves to focus on the positives around us.  21:52 Challenges to Mental Well-Being  Delve into the four challenges to mental flourishing outlined by Richie Davidson: distractibility, loneliness, negative self-talk and depression, and loss of meaning and purpose.   23:53 Loneliness and Technology  Explore the significant impact of loneliness on mental well-being, likened to the health risks of smoking.   26:15 Technology and Human Connection  Reflect on the isolation that technology can bring despite its intended purpose of connecting people.   35:01 Well-Being and Social Change  Understand the interconnectedness of personal well-being and effective social change.   38:19 Mindfulness and Awareness  Differentiate between mindfulness and awareness in promoting well-being.   46:33 Practical Steps for Well-Being  Discover practical steps, like the 30-day appreciation challenge, to enhance well-being and cultivate positive habits.   50:57 Optimism and Flourishing  Reflect on the evolution of personal growth and well-being, highlighting the importance of patience and gradual change.  

Nearly 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 Cancer Institute.  The money raised in this summer’s 2024 edition will put the PMC past the $1 billion mark in total dollars raised – an incredible accomplishment.   In this Blue Sky episode, Billy shares reflections on his motivation and how working on the PMC “revealed skills” he didn’t realize he had. You’ll also learn more about this event – the riders, the volunteers, and funders – who make it so special for everyone involved.  Billy Starr approaches his work with infectious drive and optimism and this all comes through in his conversation with Bill.    Chapters: 01:18 The History of Athletic Fundraising   The discussion shifts to the evolution of athletic fundraising events like runathons, walkathons, and bikeathons, highlighting the origin and growth of these events and their impact on charitable causes.  02:47 Pan-Mass Challenge Origins  The focus is on the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC), its founder Billy Starr, and the motivation behind starting this bikeathon for cancer research, tracing back to the personal losses that inspired the event’s creation.  04:29 Billy Starr’s Journey and Early PMC Years  Billy Starr shares insights into his early experiences with fundraising for cancer research, the challenges faced during the initial PMC events, and the gradual growth of the event over the years.  15:22 PMC Fundraising Milestones  The significant fundraising achievements of the PMC, including the journey towards raising $1 billion for Dana Farber, are highlighted, showcasing the impact of collective efforts over the years.  21:11 Partnership with Dana Farber  The longstanding relationship between the PMC and Dana Farber, the significance of supporting cancer research and treatment, and the impact of fundraising efforts on advancing medical programs are discussed, highlighting the mutual benefits of the collaboration.  29:01 Creating Connections with Families at Dana Farber  Discover how the Pan Mass Challenge introduces families to the event and riders, showing support and solidarity with families undergoing cancer treatment at Dana Farber.  34:05 Emotional Impact at Mile 85  Experience the emotional power of Mile 85 at the Pan Mass Challenge, where images of children fighting cancer serve as a poignant reminder of the cause and the progress made in cancer research.  46:11 Unity and Good Intentions at PMC  Explore the sense of unity and shared purpose at the Pan Mass Challenge. 

Squash – the game, not the vegetable – has long been seen as a “country club” sport.  But Barrett Takesian is on a mission to transform the sport’s reputation while building community in his adopted hometown of Portland, Maine.  For the past 11 years, Barrett has worked to create and build Portland Community Squash, a unique gathering place for people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels.  While squash is in the organization’s name, and the sport at the center of much of its activity, Portland Community Squash (PCS) includes numerous non-school hours programs, as well as opportunities for adults and families to gather, share, and learn about each other while building a stronger community.  As Portland’s demographics continue to change (PCS now has members from 27 different countries with 17 different native languages) Barrett’s organization continues to meet their constituents’ needs and is not only thriving, but in the process of starting new construction to increase both in physical size and community impact. 

Daniel Stone explains that today’s politically-polarized environment began taking shape way back in the 1980’s.  Today, he says, we have an increase in what’s been described as “affective biases,” in which people move from disagreeing with the ideas of another, to disliking the person themselves, for having these beliefs.  It’s a dangerous trend, he believes, and among other things, Daniel Stone recommends an “Anti-Polarization Manhattan Project,” and idea that many Blue Sky listeners might want to get behind!  Links: Order Daniel's book, Undue Hate