Blue Sky

Dr. Robert Soiffer took an interest in medicine at an early age when he played a physician in his first-grade play.  Today, he is a leading physician, researcher, and teacher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in oncology.  In this episode, Dr. Soiffer describes the incredible pace of change in the field of cancer research and treatment and the detection tools and cures that are right around the corner.   He also reflects on how he maintains a positive and optimistic outlook despite the many times he’s forced to deliver terrible news to patients and families.  While he tries hard not to bring these tough times home with him, he also stresses the importance of keeping his humanity and treating his patients and their families as people, not just statistics.

Following a challenging childhood and the tragic death of her father, Kathryn Goetzke decided that the best way to tackle depression and despair is to create reasons for hope.  After studying the issue deeply with experts in psychology, she determined that hope was both teachable and measurable and has made it her life’s work to spread this message.   In 2022, she published The Biggest Little Book About Hope, and continues to be a global mental health ambassador. Kathryn was recently appointed to represent the World Federation for Mental Health at the United Nations and in this Blue Sky episode she describes how she came to be so passionate about this work and why she remains so committed to the cause of spreading the good news about the powerful effects of maintaining a hopeful attitude.

Elizabeth Cousens grew up with an insatiable curiosity about world events.  This early interest has led to a remarkable career of service, including significant roles with the United Nations, both in the New York headquarters and areas of armed conflict like Bosnia and Haiti.  At the United Nations Foundation, she oversees the organization that was formed thanks to Ted Turner’s $1 billion contribution and that today works alongside the United Nations “to collaborate for lasting change and innovate to address humanity's greatest challenges.”  In this episode, Elizabeth describes specific projects the UNF has taken on, from eradicating malaria to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares her view that while the next few years will be “decisive” in our fight against climate change, we have the answers and know what is required to be successful.

Alan Patricof began his career in venture capital before the industry even had that name.  Since 1969, he’s been seeking out and backing talented entrepreneurs with big ideas and earned his reputation as one of the all-time great investors.  While he’s best known for early bets on such successful companies as Apple, Office Depot, Audible, Axios, and many more, he is also a successful investor in film and live theater productions, including Tony Award winners Leopoldstadt and Hamilton. In his 2022 memoir, “No Red Lights,” Alan explains how making the effort to meet new people, staying current on fresh ideas, and approaching the world with an optimistic and trusting frame of mind has led not only to his success, but also to maintaining a youthful mind and healthy body.  After starting his most recent investment firm at the age of 86, he now plans to live to the age of 114, and in this Blue Sky conversation, Alan Patricof explains the disciplined routines and habits he expects will get him there.

When Eddie Ndopu was two years old, his mother was told he wouldn’t likely live past five.  Now in his early thirties, Eddie is an internationally-known and Oxford-educated advocate for the rights of the disabled.  In this interview, he shares how his optimistic single mother instilled in Eddie a love of learning and encouraged him to pursue a “life of the mind.”  Today, Eddie is world-renowned and was hand-selected by the UN Secretary General to be one of 17 people selected as an SDG Advocate.  Reflecting on his new memoir, Eddie describes how he wrote his book, typing with his “one good finger on an iPhone,” and why he hopes this book will inspire others to be more understanding and supportive of people living with disabilities. Links: Order Eddie's memoir, Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever

In this wide-ranging conversation, renowned author and professor Steven Pinker describes that while he resists being called an “optimist,” as the label doesn’t necessarily suit his temperament, his deep dives into historical data have convinced him that the world is indeed getting better and has been on a steady trajectory since the days of the Enlightenment, the subject of one of his many acclaimed books.  Dr. Pinker also describes why he believes so many intellectuals resist acknowledging that the world is making progress; and adds, ironically, that self-described “progressives” often have the toughest time with this.  He also shares his concerns about the policing of speech on college campuses – including Harvard – and the deleterious effects this has on students’ wellbeing. 

In this very special episode of Blue Sky, Steve D. tells the remarkable story of his struggle against his son’s severe addiction to alcohol. (Steve is not using his full name here to protect his son’s anonymity.)  While living what he would describe as a near perfect life – great marriage with his high school sweetheart, dream job, five great children – Steve discovers that his youngest child is struggling with an addiction that has driven him to the point of attempting to take his own life.  Almost overnight, Steve’s world is turned upside down as he and his wife try to face their new reality and save their son.  With striking honesty, Steve describes his family’s heartbreaking and terrifying challenges, and why he left his Wall Street job to study addiction and make helping others in this predicament his life’s work.  Looking back now, the optimist in Steve describes his son’s struggles as “a gift,” and you’ll understand why when you hear his story. A content note: this episode includes discussion of severe addiction and suicide.

Vanessa Cooksey has held a variety of roles at a wide range of organizations — from Cartoon Network to Wells Fargo — and she explains how these all have prepared her to take the helm of the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) of St. Louis.  Vanessa describes in touching detail how a piece of art once literally helped save her life, and how she channels her appreciation for creativity into the work she does today to support the vibrant arts community in St. Louis.  She began her work in the depths of the pandemic but has turned that challenge into an opportunity to re-think and re-building this dynamic grants-making organization.

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.

During her upbringing in Mumbai, India, Jeroo Billimoria’s parents taught her to take an active interest in the welfare of everyone in her community.  She was encouraged at the end of every day to ask herself, “How many people have I made smile and how many people have I helped?”  This attitude, combined with a humble leadership style and creative, entrepreneurial spirit has led Jeroo to create a series of successful ventures, primarily targeting the welfare of children.