Blue Sky

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.

This episode is a master class on sticking with it, no matter what. From our friend Dan Harris on the Ten Percent Happier podcast, we're joined by Bryan Stevenson, who is a public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned. He is the author of the bestselling memoir "Just Mercy," which was made into a feature film, and the subject of an HBO documentary, "True Justice." In this episode they talk about: • Bryan's "non-negotiables," including exercise, music, and mindfulness • The necessity of "proximity" • How he manages fear, anger, and hatred • How he cultivates hope and faith in the face of overwhelming odds More on the Ten Percent Happier podcast: A skeptical journalist, Dan Harris had a panic attack on live TV that sent him on a journey that led him to try something he otherwise wouldn't have considered: meditation. He went on to write the best-selling book, 10% Happier. The show features interviews with top scientists, celebrities and experts in the field of mindfulness. And Dan's approach is seemingly modest, but secretly radical: happiness is a skill you can train, just like working your bicep in the gym. Listen to more Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

One of our most popular – and powerful episodes of 2023 is back, with this encore presentation. In the Blue Sky conversation, John Valverde describes the impactful work of the organization he leads, YouthBuild USA, and also shares his own inspiring story of persevering through 16 years in prison to found two non-profits and now lead a third; YouthBuild USA. John explains how he brings his own lived experience to his leadership role of an organization that helps young people at their own crossroads change the trajectory of their life. Learn More: https://youthbuild.org

Gill Hasson has a wide range of interests and areas of study, exemplified by the fact that she has authored thirty-six different books. In this Blue Sky episode, she shares her thoughts and advice on everything from the pros and cons of social media, to how to effectively parent at a time when so many kids are struggling, and how we can better deal with people we find to be difficult. (A preview – she says they're not going to change so this challenge is on us!)