Blue Sky

Dr. Jennifer Wong on Connecting Older Adults Through the Remarkable Nonprofit, Life Story Club

Older Americans are struggling with social isolation more than ever.  This can lead to challenges with mental and physical health as people age, and one nonprofit is having great success trying to do something about it. Life Story Club uses scheduled Zoom and phone calls form members to share stories about their past, present, and plans for their future.  In this Blue Sky conversation, interim director and geriatric specialist Dr. Jennifer Wong describes how this life-changing organization operates.    Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Jennifer's Background  The episode introduces Blue Sky and its focus on optimism, then introduces guest Dr. Jennifer Wong. Dr. Wong shares her journey into experimental psychology and her passion for supporting older adults and those with disabilities, which stems from personal experiences with family health challenges.  05:00 Life Story Club's Mission  Jennifer explains how she connected with the Life Story Club and describes its simple yet effective model. The club gathers older adults virtually each week to share life stories, aiming to combat social isolation and loneliness in a vulnerable population.  10:25 Story Rx Program and Partnerships  Jennifer details the Story Rx program, a unique initiative where medical professionals can prescribe Life Story Club to patients. This program allows for powerful partnerships with leading healthcare institutions like Cleveland Clinic and Montefiore, leveraging medical data to track the program's effectiveness in improving patient well-being.  15:22 Facilitator's Impact and Wisdom The discussion highlights the profound impact facilitators have and the valuable insights they gain from older adults' stories. Facilitators, who are paid professionals, often share their own vulnerabilities, fostering deep connections and mutual support within the clubs, which also incorporate geographical and linguistic considerations.  22:34 Intergenerational Perspective and Progress  Jennifer and Bill discuss how older adults' stories provide invaluable historical perspective, reminding younger generations of societal progress and the non-linear nature of change. These narratives offer optimism and a reminder that current challenges, while significant, have historical precedents that were overcome.  27:43 Data and Family Connection  Jennifer shares the impressive data collected from Life Story Club participants, showing significant improvements in loneliness, belonging, and mood. The conversation also emphasizes how the club's story recording feature provides a precious gift to families, reconnecting them with their elders' unheard stories and fostering intergenerational connection.  35:20 Growth and Future Outlook  Life Story Club is actively working on expanding its reach beyond New York, developing a working group for communities interested in replicating the model. They welcome partnerships with healthcare organizations and individual donors to meet the growing need for older adult support and enhance life for longer-living populations. 

Lynda Ulrich and Liesl Ulrich-Verderber on Optimism and Their Drive to Create the Goodness Exchange

Lynda Ulrich and her daughter Liesl Ulrich-Verderber are the mother-daughter team behind the Goodness Exchange, a global positive-news platform founded in 2014 to help people cut through today's negative nose with research-backed, solutions-focused storytelling. On this Blue Sky episode, they describe how they came to their optimistic outlooks at different stages of their lives and have managed to work together to create a remarkable platform for hopeful and uplifting stories.    Chapters: 00:00 Are Optimists Born or Made?  Bill Burke introduces the mother-daughter team, Dr. Lynda Ulrich and Liesl Ulrich-Verderber, co-founders of The Goodness Exchange. Lynda shares how a childhood tragedy, coupled with her parents' optimistic worldview, led her to choose to see the good in the world from a young age.  04:22 From Jaded to Optimist  Liesl describes her journey from a 'jaded Harvard student' to an optimist, influenced by working with her mother on The Goodness Exchange's positive content. Lynda discusses how she encouraged her children to 'change their state' and choose their perspective when facing adversity, modeling this through their family's extensive global travels.  08:05 The Power of Travel  Lynda and Liesl reflect on how their extensive world travels, even to uncomfortable places, broadened their perspectives and fueled their optimism. Liesl emphasizes seeing both the vast differences and similarities in how people live globally, fostering connections across cultures and expanding comfort zones.  12:30 The Digital Divide and Disinformation  Lynda explains her transition from dentistry to founding The Goodness Exchange, motivated by patients' increasing fear and negativity towards the future post-2010, linking it to negative news and social media. Liesl attributes this shift to the early, unregulated development of social media by young creators and a general lack of digital literacy, but notes a growing trend among younger generations to disengage from platforms that negatively impact them.  17:42 Battling Digital Overload  Bill and Lynda discuss the unhealthy constant consumption of negative information through smartphones and social media, highlighting how clicks on alarming content inadvertently 'vote' for more of it.   22:30 Unplugging and Community Liesl, specializing in EdTech, advocates for removing phones from classrooms to foster community and better learning, viewing technology as a tool for connection rather than a constant distraction.   30:01 The Goodness Exchange's Evolution  Lynda recounts starting The Goodness Exchange (originally Ever Widening Circles) as a blog to counter the world's negativity she observed in her dental practice, writing daily articles about positive stories. Liesl, upon graduating from Harvard, decided to join, seeing it as a way to transition her mother's passion into a sustainable and impactful publishing and media company focused on rigorously sourced positive content.  33:05 Rats to the Rescue!  The Goodness Exchange primarily publishes positive news articles, a bi-weekly newsletter, and the 'Conspiracy of Goodness' podcast, focusing on engaging content formats as people skim rather than read.   41:02 AI in Education: Educated Bravery  Liesl expresses excitement about AI in education, particularly tools like Khanmigo and Magic School AI, which move beyond cheating fears to empower teachers and students.   48:13 Bridging Generational Gaps  Lynda shares an analogy about intergenerational collaboration, where her long life provides a broad 'back of the Earth' perspective, while Liesl, standing on the 'edge,' sees what's coming in the future.

From Prison to PhD, the Inspiring Life and Work of Dr. Stanley Andrisse

Before Stan Andrisse was sentenced to ten years in prison for a Class A drug felony, the prosecutor had asked for a life sentence, suggesting that the defendant was irredeemable.  In the years since, Stan, now "Dr. Andrisse" has proved this attorney and many others wrong.  While in prison, he discovered an interest in science and endocrinology and today is a tenured professor at the Howard University College of Medicine.  To create similar opportunities and career paths for others who are or have been incarcerated, he founded the nonprofit From Prison Cells to PhD.    Chapters:   00:00 Introduction to Dr. Stan Andrisse  This chapter introduces Dr. Stan Andrisse a tenured faculty member at Howard University and the founder of "From Prison Cells to PhD."   02:40 Early Life and Incarceration  Dr. Andrisse discusses his childhood in Ferguson, Missouri, and how he became involved in illegal activities from a young age. He describes his progression from minor trouble to serious drug dealing, leading to multiple felony convictions and facing a potential life sentence under the three-strikes law.  07:58 The Incarceration of the Mind  Stan reflects on the profound psychological impact of being labeled a career criminal and facing a lengthy prison sentence. He emphasizes that the 'incarceration of the mind' is more damaging than physical imprisonment and describes how a mentor helped him begin to overcome this despair.  12:58 Mentor and Path to Education  Stan details the pivotal role of Dr. Barry Bodie, who supported him during his sentencing and continued to mentor him in prison. He explains how reading scientific articles, prompted by his father's death from diabetes, liberated his mind and ignited his passion for science, leading to his acceptance into St. Louis University despite multiple rejections.  22:33 Talent, Opportunity, and Innovation  Stan discusses his philosophy that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not, using his own journey as an example. He highlights the untapped brilliance within incarcerated individuals, arguing that with resources and opportunities, their innovative problem-solving skills could benefit society greatly.  28:40 From Prison Cells to PhD: The Organization  Stan explains how his personal transformation inspired the creation of "From Prison Cells to PhD," a nonprofit scaling the mentorship and resource provision he received. He shares the organization's three core tenets: peer mentorship, community building, and connecting people to resources, detailing its significant success in helping formerly incarcerated individuals pursue higher education and careers.  34:07 Impact and Pen Pal Program Stan discusses the remarkable matriculation and GPA rates of participants in his "From Prison Cells to PhD" program. He explains how the organization reaches incarcerated individuals through partnerships with correctional facilities and its impactful pen pal program, which provides a vital connection to the outside world and instills hope, preventing recidivism.  41:35 The Drive to Succeed and Give Back  Stan highlights the unique motivation and grit of formerly incarcerated individuals, driven by a desire to prove their worth and contribute positively to society. He notes that their experiences with hardship often translate into loyalty, hard work, and a commitment to making communities better and safer.  45:29 Breaking Chains, Building Futures, and Final Thoughts  Stan discusses his new book, "Breaking Chains, Building Futures," which features diverse stories of individuals helped by his organization.  He encourages listeners to support "From Prison Cells to PhD" through their website and social media, emphasizing the continued inspiration he draws from his father's motto: "It's Never Too Late to Do Good." 

Kevin Lowe on How He Found Hope After Losing His Sight

Kevin Lowe has come a long way since he was seventeen years old and lost his eyesight during a medical procedure gone wrong. In this Blue Sky conversation, Kevin describes how he's rallied from this devastating event to live a life full of resilience, purpose, and optimism.  This episode concludes with a surprise musical feature, courtesy of Kevin himself.    00:00 Kevin Lowe's Childhood & Early Life  Kevin Lowe shares insights into his childhood in East Central Florida, highlighting a carefree upbringing centered around outdoor activities with his cousin Josh. He also opens up about his parents' divorce in second grade and the significant role his grandmother played in his life.  04:46 Loss of Sight and Other Complications  Kevin recounts the discovery of a plum-sized brain tumor at 17, which, though non-cancerous, posed a life-threatening risk. He describes the traumatic surgery that led to complete blindness, loss of smell, short-term memory loss, and a permanently damaged pituitary gland.  11:02 Journey Through Grief and Despair  Kevin candidly discusses the profound sadness and despair he experienced after losing his sight, describing it as being 'trapped in hell.' He reveals his nightly prayers for his sight to return and even for the courage to end his life, ultimately finding strength in his faith and family.  15:04 Perseverance and New Beginnings  Kevin shares his journey of rebuilding his life, including his determination to graduate with his high school class despite his blindness. He discusses his internships in travel and radio, which eventually led him to start his own travel agency, Better Days Travel, and his pivotal realization from an audiobook to embrace life despite his challenges.  23:12 The Podcast: Grit, Grace, and Inspiration  Kevin talks about how the 2020 pandemic and his sister's suggestion led him to start podcasting, a medium he quickly realized he was 'designed for.' He details his podcast, Grit, Grace, & Inspiration, which focuses on sharing stories of overcoming adversity and inspiring others, encapsulated by his tagline 'turning setbacks into stages.'  31:54 Technological Advancements and Echolocation  Kevin highlights how technology, particularly the iPhone with its voiceover feature and apps like Apple's 'Be My Eyes,' has significantly improved his life. He also fascinatingly explains how he learned echolocation, a skill that allows him to perceive his surroundings through sound, giving his world shape again.  42:20 Advice and Gratitude  Kevin expresses gratitude for his seventeen years of sight, which aids his interpretation of the world, despite being a 'picky blind person' about colors. He offers heartfelt advice to those facing setbacks: 'give yourself grace' and remember that 'it's going to get easier, it's going to get better.'  45:20 Blue Sky Above - A Musical Surprise  The host discusses the inspiring technological advancements and echolocation techniques Kevin shared. As a special surprise, Kevin produced an original song, 'Blue Sky Above,' which is played to close the episode. 

ENCORE PRESENTATION: TED Leader Chris Anderson on His New Book, Infectious Generosity, and Why He Believes That Now Is the Time for Us All to "Reclaim the Internet" for Good

Chris Anderson was inspired by the growth of TED once they expanded from being simply a conference company to adding the concept of offering their talks free to the world over the internet.   He's now calling on us all to "reclaim the internet" and use it as a force for spreading less hate and division and more kindness and generosity.  His new book, Infectious Generosity, lays out clearly the reasons why generosity is good for the world — as well as for us as individuals — then details a plan by which this movement can spread virally.  Chris's views on these subjects are aligned perfectly with the work of The Optimism institute and he shares them with great enthusiasm in this uplifting and inspiring episode of Blue Sky.    Chapters:  00:00 Welcome Chris Anderson to Blue Sky  Bill Burke welcomes Chris Anderson, head of TED, to the Blue Sky Podcast. Chris discusses his new book, "Infectious Generosity," and his mission to use the internet as a force for good, combating online division.  02:14 TED's Impact and TEDx's Success  Chris shares how TED made its videos freely available online, which surprisingly enhanced the conference rather than hurting it. He explains the success of TEDx, a free licensing model that enabled 65,000 volunteers to create events globally, generating billions of views.  06:00 The Internet's Downfall and Human Nature  Chris discusses how the internet, especially social media, went astray, preying on our 'lizard brains' and promoting outrage.   11:47 Generosity and Happiness  Chris explains the deep connection between generosity and happiness, citing a Chinese proverb that highlights helping others as a path to lifelong joy. He emphasizes that while the internet can be negative, it also offers a powerful tool for spreading positive change.  15:57 Reclaiming the Internet: Tactics  Chris discusses tactics for reclaiming the internet, focusing on making 'good stuff' go viral by evoking authentic human emotion. He uses the example of 'The Kindness Pandemic' Facebook group and highlights the need for creativity and courage to break through online negativity.  21:09 Our Role in Shaping Social Media  Chris emphasizes that users are not helpless in shaping their social media experience, stressing the importance of conscious choices in who to follow and what content to engage with.   27:47 The Uniqueness of Our Time and Generosity Strategy  Chris highlights the unique historical moment that allows for widespread generosity due to frictionless digital sharing and its reputation-building power.   33:06 Embracing Imperfect Generosity and Gratitude Chris encourages letting go of the idea of 'perfect generosity,' urging celebration of all motivations behind giving, even those with mixed intentions.   39:25 Podcast Recommendation and Host Reflections  Bill Burke recommends 'Two Lives,' a character-driven narrative podcast about overcoming darkness, which has received several awards.  42:21 Neuroplasticity, Optimism, and AI for Good  Chris discusses neuroplasticity and how our narratives shape us, emphasizing that kindness, like a muscle, grows with exercise. He introduces the Infectious Generosity Guru (TIG), an AI tool designed to help individuals brainstorm ways to spread generosity online.  49:15 A Vision for a Better Future  Chris outlines his continued work with TED, focusing on the Audacious Project to collaboratively fund large-scale change initiatives. He emphasizes that optimism is a stance—a determined effort to find and illuminate pathways to a better future, urging collective action to reclaim the internet and inspire change.