Blue Sky

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

One of our most popular episodes of 2023 is back, with this encore presentation, just in time for Earth Day!  Dan Reicher’s interest in and advocacy for environmental protection and clean energy began when he was a child and has continued throughout his life.  In addition to teaching at Stanford University, has served three U.S. presidents, testified before the U.S. Congress more than 50 times, led the launch of Google’s pathbreaking climate and clean energy work, oversaw a $1.2 billion annual clean energy R&D budget as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy, and co-founded the nation’s first investment firm focused exclusively on renewable energy project finance.  In this Blue Sky episode, Dan provides his take on potential climate change solutions; from hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear power, to conservation and reforestation.  He explains that while he’s realistic about the massive amount of work and resources that will be required to solve the climate crisis, he’s optimistic about our ability to get it done. 

Marko Cheseto left his home in Kenya to travel all the way to, of all places, Anchorage, Alaska, where he attended college on a track and field scholarship.  A gifted runner, he achieved many accolades before experiencing a tragedy that resulted in the amputation of both of his legs, below his knees.  He says that as he lay in his hospital bed, he thought, “it was my feet that brought me to America, and now I’ve lost my feet.”  In this Blue Sky episode, Marko tells the remarkable story of how he turned his life around in that same bed, deciding that rather than giving up, he’d spend the rest of his life serving as an example and inspiring others.  And in the years since his amputation surgery he has done just that, and he currently holds the record for the fastest marathon ever by a double amputee, with a time 2:35:55 in the 2021 New York City Marathon! 

Nathalie Laidler-Kylander has a long and distinguished career working in the non-profit, social entrepreneurship and international development sectors.  Since 2021 she has been CEO of Trickle Up, an organization that partners with women in extreme poverty to build economic opportunity and drive inclusion.  On this Blue Sky episode, Nathalie describes the remarkable work of Trickle Up while sharing her optimism for the future of women around the world and her infectious enthusiasm about the power of social entrepreneurship and value and impact of international philanthropic efforts.