This is an encore presentation of the 50th episode of Blue Sky, when Bill was joined by someone who has completed more than 400 of them.  Bestselling author and TV/podcast host Kelly Corrigan describes to Bill the many things she’s learned in her life and career about optimism and how we all can benefit from life’s setbacks to become better people and forge stronger relationships.  Kelly reflects on lessons she learned from her parents and how facing her own cancer diagnosis and battle with the disease left her with a greater sense of empathy for others with similar hardships.  She also explains why she thinks intellectual humility is a key ingredient for an optimistic outlook and also that “there’s no feeling as good as being useful to someone.” 

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Blue Sky Podcast Host

Bill Burke introduces the 50th episode of the Blue Sky Podcast, highlighting its significance and the guest, Kelly Corrigan, an accomplished podcaster and author.  

03:07 The Power of Lifelong Learning 

Kelly Corrigan shares her insights on the importance of being a lifelong learner and how it fosters a mindset of curiosity and openness.  

09:02 Optimism in Discovery

The conversation delves into the optimistic belief that there is always more to learn and discover.  

12:52 Finding Common Ground

Bill and Kelly explore the idea of starting conversations with shared experiences rather than differences, highlighting the importance of empathy in discussions, especially in polarized environments.  

16:17 Lessons from Kelly’s Dad

 Kelly reflects on her father’s optimistic worldview and his unique way of greeting the day, which instilled a sense of joy and agency in her life. She shares how his perspective can inspire others to approach life with openness and positivity. 

23:03 The Steadiness of Kelly’s Mom

Transitioning to her mother’s influence, Kelly describes her mother’s calm and competent nature during challenging times, particularly during her cancer diagnosis. 

30:00 The Beauty of Brokenness

Kelly discusses her perspective that everyone is broken by the age of 50, and how this brokenness can lead to deeper connections with others. She emphasizes that meaningful connections often arise from shared hardships, transforming superficial interactions into profound conversations. 

34:11 The Power of Shared Experiences

The conversation shifts to how shared challenges can break down barriers and foster genuine connections among people.  

37:57 Finding Purpose in Pain 

Kelly shares the story of her cousin who became a source of support after losing her son, illustrating how personal tragedy can lead to a greater sense of purpose and empathy. The discussion touches on the transformative power of helping others through their struggles. 

39:01 The Journey to Wellbeing

Kelly introduces her PBS show focused on understanding wellbeing and the various factors that contribute to it, including mood, connection, and spirituality.  

45:06 The Future of Mental Health Treatment

The discussion highlights advancements in mental health treatment, emphasizing the potential for precision medicine to revolutionize how we approach mental health issues. Kelly and Bill express optimism about the ongoing research and the possibility of more effective, individualized treatments. 

49:06 Embracing Uncertainty in Science

Kelly reflects on her experiences interviewing leading scientists, revealing that even experts often disagree on key issues in mental health research. This segment emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and maturity in interpreting scientific findings.