Blue Sky launches podcast on finding optimism in divisive times

Blue Sky, the podcast hosted by former media executive and founder of The Optimism Institute, Bill Burke has launched a miniseries about the power of optimism.

In the special three-episode series, Burke highlights how optimism isn’t just a feel-good attitude – it’s a powerful tool for tackling today’s most pressing issues, from race and identity to national unity.

“Optimism is more than just a state of mind, it’s a creative force that leads to action and positive outcomes, even in the most challenging of times,” Bill Burke says. “On Blue Sky, we feature guests who embody this spirit and inspire these same qualities in our listeners.”

Guest featured in the series:

• Lee Woodruff: Shares her journey with husband Bob Woodruff, the ABC journalist who survived a near-fatal injury in Iraq, and how they turned personal hardship into advocacy for injured veterans.
• Theodore Johnson: Washington Post opinion columnist and former Obama administration speechwriter discusses his book If We Are Brave, which explores the intersection of race and democracy in America and how we can move forward, even in challenging times.
• Lee Ellis: Vietnam War veteran and former POW reflects on his five years of captivity with John McCain, explaining how optimism became his anchor during the darkest moments.

Bill Burke believes optimism isn’t just about staying positive – it’s about action, connection, and driving change.

Not only has he served as president of TBS and CEO of the Weather Channel Companies, but he also co-authored media mogul Ted Turner’s autobiography Call Me Ted.

Through Blue Sky, Burke brings his mission to life, inspiring conversations and encouraging listeners to adopt a hopeful, proactive outlook, even when the world feels heavy. A frequent speaker and media figure, Burke has shared his message on The Today Show and stages across the USA, using his platform to show how optimism can fuel real change.

The Blue Sky miniseries is available on major podcast platforms now.