Finding Gratitude and Optimism in Uncertain Times: A Special Thanksgiving Episode

In a time of heightened emotions and uncertainty, Blue Sky, the podcast hosted by Bill Burke of The Optimism Institute, offers a heartfelt and timely reflection on gratitude with a special episode for Thanksgiving on November 27th. Featuring Bill Burke (above) and excerpts from past Blue Sky guests, this episode showcases how gratitude can help us navigate challenging moments and inspire optimism, even when the world feels divided and unsettled.

In this special episode, Bill shares his personal thoughts on gratitude and how an attitude of thankfulness can transform your outlook on life. “As we approach Thanksgiving this year, on the heels of a disruptive and, for some, disheartening season, I thought this might be a good time to dive more deeply into the subject of gratitude,” says Bill.

Listeners will also hear powerful insights from Blue Sky alums as they discuss the health benefits of gratitude, the many reasons to be thankful for the present moment, and why, despite our challenges, the founding ideals of our nation are still worth believing in and appreciating. This episode invites listeners to reflect on gratitude not just as an emotion, but as a mindset that can create connection and resilience even in divisive times.

Guests featured in this episode include Bert Jacobs, co-founder of Life Is Good; Ted Johnson, U.S. Navy officer and former Obama Administration Fellow; Anh Vu Sawyer, author and Vietnamese refugee; David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool; and Dr. Richie Davidson, a neuroscientist exploring compassion’s impact on the brain. Their reflections offer a heartfelt and illuminating glimpse into gratitude’s power to shape our perspective.

For more information and to learn about The Optimism Institute, visit https://www.theoptimisminstitute.com/