Episodios

  • Could Venture Capital Invest in World Peace? Guest Brian Abrams Has Set Out to Do Just That
    Nov 26 2025
    We all know that huge sums of money are invested in creating new, more effective weapons of war. Brian Abrams sees an opportunity to invest instead in what he calls "peace tech," emerging businesses using technologies and creative methods designed to prevent war from happening in the first place. He's created a new firm, B Ventures, and in this Blue Sky episode he describes with infectious optimism his exciting vision for the future. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Brian Abrams Bill Burke introduces Brian Abrams, founder of B Ventures Group, an investment fund focused on global peacebuilding and conflict resolution through "peace tech." Brian's extensive background in managing over $1 billion in assets and his human-centric investment philosophy are highlighted. 02:09 From Founder to Venture Capitalist Brian shares his career journey, starting as an entrepreneur in India where he experienced failure, which led him to realize his strength in spotting opportunities rather than operationalizing them. He then transitioned to venture capital in Israel, building a fund from $2 million to over $1.2 billion, emphasizing the role of luck and a pivotal moment in fostering peace initiatives. 08:28 The Genesis of Peace Tech Brian reflects on his past experiences, including a startup's condition to include Palestinian teammates during an acquisition, which planted the seed for his current work. He explains his philosophy of using money to serve people and approaching problems from a bottom-up perspective, leading him to focus on peace tech as an alternative to military tech. 10:17 The Rationale for Peace Tech Drawing inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh's philosophy of 'interbeing,' Brian articulates why war is illogical and a form of collective self-harm. He emphasizes the enormous economic cost of violent conflict, totaling $19 trillion annually, and how venture capital's bottom-up, experimental approach can offer innovative solutions for peacebuilding. 15:28 AI in Crisis Simulation Brian describes an investment in a startup founded by a Harvard researcher who developed an AI-powered crisis simulation platform. This technology aims to anticipate and prevent future conflicts, like potential World War III over Taiwan, by running thousands of scenarios daily, far exceeding traditional war games. 21:32 Business Model for Peace Tech Brian explains the twofold business model for peace tech startups: selling to friendly governments and to companies for competitive landscape analysis. He emphasizes that a for-profit model ensures scalability and continuous funding, unlike grants, allowing for exponential growth and a virtuous cycle to prevent major conflicts. 29:23 Peace Tech: Agile and Ethical Brian highlights the agility of venture-backed peace tech companies compared to traditional government or academic initiatives, citing an example of a startup rapidly forming after the dismantling of the US Institute of Peace. He defines peace tech as anything that preempts, mitigates, or resolves violent conflict, adhering to a 'first do no harm' principle. 34:26 Peace Tech Investments and Ecosystem Brian discusses additional investments, including a company creating digital twins of societies to understand and model civil conflicts like those between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He describes the growing Peace Tech ecosystem, drawing parallels to the private space industry's exponential growth, and aims to build a global community of founders and investors. 41:12 Conclusion and Call to Action Bill Burke reflects on how technology's ability to show the grim reality of war might increase the fervent desire for peace. Brian encourages listeners to connect via LinkedIn and join the Peace Tech community, expressing his strong optimism for the future impact of this movement.
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    47 m
  • Scott Nash Reflects on His Remarkable Career Marked by Curiosity, Experimentation, and Optimism
    Nov 19 2025
    Blue Sky host Bill Burke first met Scott Nash nearly 30 years ago, when both were working in the cable television business. In the years since, Scott has gone on to a successful career in publishing, both as an illustrator and an author, and with his wife Nancy co-founded Illustration Institute on a small island in Maine. In this episode, Scott describes his outgoing, experimental, and optimistic nature and how these traits have led to his remarkable success in publishing, art direction, and non-profit entrepreneurship. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Early Childhood Scott shares that he moved nine times before second grade, which taught him to make new friends and thrive on connection, fueling his optimism and artistic development. 03:47 Education and Early Career Scott Nash discusses his education at the Swain School of Design and Cranbrook, an experimental school that shaped his playful approach to design. 09:05 Early Days of Cable TV Scott highlights how their 'handmade' approach to branding for networks like Nickelodeon, which included assigning the color orange and constantly changing logos, stood out in an industry that traditional executives weren't taking seriously. 14:20 The Flat Stanley Phenomenon Scott Nash discusses his work illustrating Flat Stanley, a book that became a widespread educational phenomenon due to teachers encouraging kids to create and mail their own Flat Stanley figures. 19:16 Illustrating vs. Writing Own Books Scott Nash reflects on the differences and joys of illustrating books for other authors, like Flat Stanley, versus writing and illustrating his own works, such as The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate. 23:05 Defining Illustration & Illustration Institute's Founding Scott Nash defines illustration as 'visual art that enhances a specific narrative,' encompassing comics, graphic novels, and even narrative pottery. He explains how his passion for academia and 'rogue schools' led him to establish the illustration department at Maine College of Art and, later, co-found the Illustration Institute. 31:19 Highlighting Illustrators & Their Impact Scott Nash shares his love for classic children's book illustrators like Garth Williams, known for Stuart Little and Homer Price, and Robert McCloskey, famous for Make Way for Ducklings. He recounts the emotional and intellectual impact of Illustration Institute's exhibitions, which showcase original works and highlight the often-uncredited illustrators behind beloved stories. 34:27 AI's Impact on Creativity and Authenticity Scott Nash discusses the cyclical nature of creative trends, noting a shift from highly creative, handmade works in the early days of cable to a more corporate, homogenized phase. He expresses critical optimism about AI, hoping it will spur a countertrend towards more authentic, handmade creations. 39:59 Ethical Concerns and Public Voice in AI Scott Nash expresses concern about the business-driven rush to implement AI without a clear ethical framework, fearing it could lead to low-quality content and potential harm if not properly regulated. 42:45 Future of Illustration Institute & Closing Scott Nash details the Illustration Institute's future plans, including developing traveling exhibitions for libraries across the country, such as 'The Great State of Illustration in Maine' and the ambitious 'Illustrious Saurus,' which explores dinosaur depictions from paleontology to fantasy. He emphasizes the institute's mission to highlight illustration's critical rigor and broad appeal, connecting Maine's artistic reach with global themes and sharing his childlike enthusiasm for storytelling.
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    50 m
  • Phil Green on the Impactful and Inspiring Work He Does for Young Musicians and His Hometown of Oakland
    Nov 12 2025
    Phil Green has had a successful career in music and sports. For what he describes as his "third act," Phil is now overseeing Follow the Music, a nonprofit in his hometown of Oakland, California.  Follow the Music provides artist development, booking and management services to young artists — to shine a light on their talents and bring visibility to the programs that helped develop them.  Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Phil Green and Follow the Music Bill Burke introduces Phil Green, co-founder of Follow the Music, an organization dedicated to fostering young musical talent in Oakland. Phil's extensive background in sports and music, including managing Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito, led him to create this non-profit. 02:05 From Ronnie Lott's Idea to Follow the Music Phil Green shares how a conversation with NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott about a new venue sparked the idea for Follow the Music. 04:32 Fantastic Negrito's Journey and Industry Lessons Phil recounts the incredible comeback story of Fantastic Negrito, who achieved Grammy success at 50 after a major label dropped him and a severe accident. This experience highlighted the music industry's challenges and the importance of artists finding their unique voice, shaping Phil's current work with young people. 08:33 The Genesis and Mission of Follow the Music Phil elaborates on the founding of Follow the Music, emphasizing its mission to help young artists follow their true passions and express their authentic selves. 11:57 Supporting Young Artists and Community Phil explains how Follow the Music collaborates with institutions like the Oakland School for the Arts to develop and showcase young musicians. By leveraging his connections, Phil creates high-visibility opportunities for these artists at major festivals and sporting events, helping them navigate the competitive music landscape. 15:15 Inspiring Hope Through Youthful Energy Phil describes Follow the Music as more than just artist development; it's about connecting the Bay Area to support music education and celebrating the vibrant spirit of young artists. He believes their courage and vulnerability offer hope and inspiration in a divided world, marking his 'third act' dedicated to empowering the next generation. 23:17 Oakland Rising at the Kennedy Center Phil shares the powerful story of Oakland Rising's performance at the Kennedy Center, where the group faced a dilemma due to prior boycotts. Half the band chose to perform as a trio, displaying incredible grace and mutual support despite differing opinions, delivering a stunning and emotionally charged performance. 27:39 Resilience and Reinvention in Oakland Phil addresses the challenges faced by Oakland, including the departure of major sports teams, but emphasizes the city's pride and resilience. He expresses optimism about the burgeoning arts and culture scene and new community-focused sports teams like the Oakland Ballers, which are rebuilding the city's vibrant spirit from the ground up. 31:16 Music's Transformational Power and Life Skills Phil clarifies that Follow the Music's primary goal isn't just to produce professional musicians but to illuminate the transformational power of music for personal growth. He highlights how music education, much like sports, teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, filling a vital gap in youth development. 36:18 Future Vision and Lasting Impact Phil sees Follow the Music as a model for other cities, aiming to uplift existing music education programs rather than replicate them. He reflects on the deep personal reward of helping young people navigate the future through music, emphasizing that the impact on their lives has far surpassed his initial expectations.
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    43 m
  • Stacy Palmer on Nonprofits and the Role Optimism Plays in Moving Them Forward
    Nov 5 2025
    Stacy Palmer leads The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the leading journal in the world of nonprofits. In this Blue Sky conversation, she talks about the evolution of nonprofits into sophisticated organizations that do remarkable work around the world. She describes the role of donors large and small, and how they're helping address challenges created by cuts in government funding. Stacy also shares her belief that nothing gets done in this space without a healthy dose of optimism. Chapters: 02:04 Origins of the Chronicle of Philanthropy Stacy Palmer discusses the founding of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, explaining how the professionalization and growth of the nonprofit sector created a need for a dedicated publication. 05:09 Motivation and Evolution of Philanthropy Stacy shares what inspires her in philanthropy, emphasizing the drive to make a difference and adapt to new global challenges like climate change. 07:14 Mega-Philanthropists and Giving Trends Stacy discusses the significant growth of wealth and the rise of mega-philanthropists like Bill and Melinda Gates, who are making record-setting donations during their lifetimes. She also notes the concerning trend of a precipitous drop in the percentage of Americans who give to charity, now less than 50%. 09:50 Ted Turner's Impact on Giving Bill Burke recalls Ted Turner's billion-dollar donation to the UN and his challenge to other billionaires, including Bill Gates, to give more. Stacy confirms Turner's inspiration for the mega-philanthropy boom and the Chronicle's tradition of ranking top givers, an idea Ted championed. 12:15 American Philanthropy vs. Government Aid Stacy explains the strong American tradition of charitable giving and volunteering, partly due to fewer government social services compared to European countries. She addresses whether individual giving can fill gaps left by government cuts, noting that while people respond generously, philanthropic funds are tiny compared to government provisions. 14:05 Nonprofits in Media and Entrepreneurship Stacy highlights the innovation possible in nonprofits and emphasizes that optimism is crucial for founders, who are a form of entrepreneur believing change is possible even when facing long-term, complicated problems. 18:02 Optimism in Nonprofit Work She notes that almost all people in this field are optimists, tempered by reality, who believe individuals and collective efforts can make a difference. 20:09 Nonprofits Now Podcast & Burnout Stacy discusses her podcast, Nonprofits Now, which focuses on advice from nonprofit leaders to combat burnout, a common issue in the field. 25:01 Challenges and Volunteerism Stacy addresses the inherent grind of nonprofit work due to long-term, complex problems and the perception that it's not a 'serious' career. 31:37 MacKenzie Scott's Philanthropic Model Stacy details MacKenzie Scott's unique philanthropic approach, characterized by surprise, no-strings-attached gifts to often overlooked organizations. She highlights Scott's rigorous vetting process and the transformative impact of unrestricted funds, which combat nonprofit burnout caused by restrictive grants and overhead limitations. 39:39 Future Trends in Philanthropy Stacy forecasts a surge in charitable giving as communities experience the impact of service cuts, driving both individuals and foundations to step up. 45:39 Conclusion and Outreach Stacy Palmer encourages listeners to find the "Nonprofits Now" podcast and visit philanthropy.com to learn more about the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Bill Burke thanks her for her inspiring insights and commitment to optimism in the nonprofit world, urging listeners to rate and subscribe to the Blue Sky Podcast.
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    49 m
  • Shirzad Chamine on Saboteurs, Sages, and Positive Intelligence
    Oct 29 2025
    Shirzad Chamine experienced a traumatic childhood, raised in Iran by a father who was full of a frightening rage. Following high school, Shirzad decided to move to the United States and make his future there. Along the way, he heard an inner whisper telling him to make a positive influence on a worldwide scale. After a variety of education experience, he developed innovative theories that resulted in the New York Times bestselling book, Positive Intelligence. In this Blue Sky episode, you'll learn more about Shirzad Chamine's remarkable life and inspiring work. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome Shirzad Chamine Shirzad shares his early childhood in Iran, a turbulent upbringing with a rage-filled father, and how this traumatic experience later became a gift. 01:43 The Whispers of a World Stage Shirzad recounts his journey to the U.S. seeking new possibilities and the powerful whisper in his heart that guided him towards transforming millions of lives. This whisper, present since childhood, fueled his pursuit of a path to make a significant impact on the world stage. 05:19 From Psychology to Engineering to Business Shirzad discusses his unconventional educational path and explains how his disillusionment with the 'California New Age' approach to therapy led him to seek a more rational and scientific method for understanding and changing human lives. 08:30 The Birth of the Saboteur: The Judge Shirzad shares a pivotal moment at Stanford Business School where classmates' feedback about his judgmental nature led to a profound epiphany. This realization birthed the concept of the 'Judge' saboteur, a character in his mind that constantly finds fault with others and himself, sabotaging his relationships and self-perception. 12:51 Saboteurs and Sage: The Inner War Shirzad explains how his childhood experiences and the Stanford epiphany led to the development of the Positive Intelligence framework, which describes an internal war between inner saboteurs and the inner sage. 16:09 The Root Cause Operating System Shirzad critiques traditional coaching for failing to create lasting habits and treating symptoms rather than root problems. He introduces his 'root cause operating system' derived from factor analysis research, identifying 10 saboteurs (negative response factors) and 5 sage powers (positive Jedi powers) that optimize well-being and performance. 20:44 Sustained Transformation with the PQ App Shirzad explains that despite the book's success, readers often reverted to old habits because insights don't build mental muscle. 25:43 Understanding and Managing Your Saboteurs Bill Burke and Shirzad discuss the 'Pleaser' and 'Avoider' saboteurs, explaining how saboteurs are overused natural strengths. 30:44 Don't Judge the Judge: Quieting Saboteurs Shirzad emphasizes that saboteurs never fully disappear but can be diminished from a 'megaphone to a whisper' through consistent practice. 38:05 Performance and Saboteurs Shirzad explains how saboteurs impact performance, using a basketball analogy to show how self-doubt can cause choking in critical moments. 44:31 Normalizing Saboteurs in Teams Shirzad discusses how leaders can create a more effective team environment by openly sharing their saboteurs. By normalizing imperfection, teams can move past defensiveness and foster authentic communication, leading to better collaboration and problem-solving. 49:04 The Shift to Compassion Shirzad describes his personal transformation from a judgmental mindset to one of deep compassion, driven by rewiring his brain through mental fitness practices. 52:52 Mission for Mental Fitness Shirzad shares his mission to bring mental fitness education to humanity, starting in schools, believing it could transform society by equipping future generations with tools to manage their minds.
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    56 m
  • Author Bree Groff on Finding Joy at Work
    Oct 22 2025
    Losing her mom to cancer reminded Bree that life is fleeting. Working as a consultant, she also saw how many people are miserable in their jobs. Connecting these dots, she decided to help people find more joy and meaning in their work and rather than count the days to the weekend, turn things around and actually look forward to getting to work, perhaps even embrace a "TGIM" mentality. In her book, Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) she gives numerous examples of way we can find more joy from our work and our colleagues and encourages employers that creating a fun-filled workplace can improve an organization's performance and bottom line. Chapters: 00:00 Work Should Be Fun Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) shares how her mother, a kindergarten teacher, inspired her to believe that work can be enjoyable. After experiencing consulting and witnessing widespread job dissatisfaction, Bree realized that many people are not having fun at work. 03:59 A New Perspective on Work Bree's perspective on work drastically changed after her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis, leading her to question why people wish away their workdays. She advocates for a "middle way" where work is a pleasant way to spend time, not just a means to a paycheck or an all-consuming passion. 10:56 Fun Boosts Productivity Bree argues that fun at work increases productivity and employee engagement, citing research from Gallup. She challenges the traditional notion that work cannot be fun and explores how elements like comfortable dress codes can enhance well-being and authenticity. 17:29 Embracing Authenticity in Work Bree uses the example of a heart surgeon listening to 'Napoleon Dynamite' during operations to illustrate that even serious work can benefit from a relaxed and authentic environment. She emphasizes the importance of treating our brains like athletes by prioritizing sleep, comfort, and mental health. 21:43 Micro Mischief and Generosity Bree suggests 'micro mischiefs' for employees to subtly challenge restrictive workplace norms and encourages leaders to assume the best in their teams. She advocates for a cycle of generosity, where leaders support their employees' well-being, leading to increased commitment and better work. 29:01 Humanizing the Virtual Workplace Bree discusses the benefits of remote work in humanizing colleagues, as shared glimpses into personal lives foster empathy and stronger relationships. She highlights how moments like the BBC interview interruption showcased the human side of professionals, breaking down traditional barriers. 33:11 Future of Joy at Work Bree emphasizes that physical distance doesn't mean emotional distance in virtual work and suggests structured check-ins to maintain human connection. She notes a positive shift, especially among younger generations, towards valuing mental health and work-life boundaries, which aligns with her vision for joyful workplaces. 41:48 Reflections and Closing Bill Burke reflects on the work-from-home versus in-office debate, acknowledging both the benefits of in-person interaction and the strong arguments for virtual work. He expresses appreciation for Bree Groff's insights and her book, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast and the Optimism Institute.
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    44 m
  • Erin Cain on Personal Resilience and the Power of Horses to Heal
    Oct 15 2025
    Erin Cain didn't grow up around horses but eventually was exposed to them and the remarkable abilities they have to facilitate healing for a wide range of individuals. A series of life events caused her to move from her native northeast to the Colorado Rockies and today, she's the co-founder, owner, and operator of Grace Reins Equine Therapy. In this episode she describes the personal hardships she's overcome and the work she now does rescuing and "gentling" wild mustangs, then working with these animals to provide therapy to the diverse group of individuals who come to Grace Reins for healing. Chapters: 00:00 Erins's East Coast Roots Host Bill Burke introduces Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins, a therapeutic horse organization. Erin shares her early life growing up on Long Island in a blue-collar family, far from horses, and how she eventually moved to California. 03:12 Discovering Equine Therapy Erin recounts her first exposure to equine therapy in Connecticut at High Hopes, a major program. 07:22 Grace Reins: Founding & Mission Erin discusses her journey from volunteering at High Hopes to getting certified in therapeutic horsemanship. She details her move to Colorado in 2013 and the eventual establishment of Grace Reins, emphasizing the inspiration she drew from Special Olympics events. 11:12 Rescuing Wild Mustangs Erin introduces her partner Joe and explains how their shared passion for wild mustangs led to their collaboration. She highlights Grace Reins' unique approach of rescuing and gentling wild mustangs, integrating them into their therapy programs. 15:04 The Art of Gentling Wild Horses Erin explains the process of gentling wild mustangs, referencing Monty Roberts' methods of compassionate training. She illustrates how this process teaches respect and patience, which are crucial lessons also applicable to human interaction. 19:05 Mustangs and Human Healing Erin explores the profound connection between rescued mustangs and clients, especially veterans, who find a mirror in these traumatized yet resilient animals. This shared experience of overcoming adversity fosters hope and a sense of worth for both the horses and the individuals. 22:08 Therapy with Veterans & Children Erin details the therapeutic process at Grace Reins, focusing on groundwork, grooming, and non-verbal communication to help clients, including female wounded warriors and children, downregulate and connect with horses. She describes how the horses' slower heartbeats and meditative presence aid in relaxation and emotional regulation. 27:13 Nature's Impact: Beyond the Screen Erin discusses the benefits of children spending time outdoors with horses, moving away from screens and engaging their senses. She highlights how this environment helps children develop emotional regulation and a sense of calm, echoing the concept of nature deficit disorder. 31:05 Personal Resilience & Drive Erin shares a deeply personal story about the loss of her brother, a New York City firefighter, on 9/11, and how this tragedy fuels her dedication to helping others. She connects her experiences with her father's firefighting career and her brother's memory to her empathetic approach in therapeutic work, especially with veterans. 38:01 Finding Equine Therapy Near You Erin discusses the widespread availability of equine therapy and directs listeners to PATH, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, for finding local programs. She also offers to personally assist those seeking therapeutic horsemanship options, emphasizing the global reach of this impactful work.
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    43 m
  • Psychotherapist Meghan Riordan Jarvis on the Importance of Understanding Grief as a Path Toward Living Healthier Lives
    Oct 8 2025
    Meghan Riordan Jarvis was a practicing psychotherapist when she found herself devastated by the loss of her two parents. She suddenly saw she was no different from those she helped, but she still needed outside support to recover. In this Blue Sky episode, she describes how this realization led her to become an expert about grief and an advocate for all of us to learn about this important and challenging part of life. Chapters: 02:20 Journey to Psychotherapy Meghan shares her personal journey into psychotherapy, beginning with a 'normal breakup' that led her to seek therapy. This experience uncovered an unacknowledged childhood trauma, sparking her interest in understanding human behavior and emotions. 06:30 From Teacher to Campaign Manager Meghan recounts her early career, which included earning a master's degree in early childhood education and a brief stint as a campaign manager in D.C. This period of professional uncertainty, coupled with a dissolved relationship, propelled her further into therapy and solidified her path towards psychotherapy. 09:17 Experiencing Grief Firsthand Meghan discusses her personal experience with grief after losing both parents, particularly the sudden death of her mother. Despite her professional expertise, she found herself profoundly destabilized, experiencing traumatic grief that mirrored the struggles of her own patients. 13:04 Clinician's Fury at Personal Grief Meghan recounts her frustration and 'fury' as a psychotherapist experiencing severe personal grief, realizing her education didn't shield her from its intensity. Her inpatient trauma treatment revealed the profound difference between theoretical knowledge and the embodied experience of loss. 15:55 Bridging Mental and Physical Health Meghan advocates for dissolving the cultural divide between physical and mental health, highlighting how societal biases hinder seeking help for grief. She draws parallels between adolescent growth and the transformative, often messy, process of grieving, emphasizing its physical and mental impacts. 21:38 Grief as a Transformative Process Meghan explains how grief, though painful, can be a transformative process leading to 'traumatic growth' and new purpose. She details her Grief Mentor Method, a personalized approach to developing daily practices and tools like the 'grief EpiPen' to manage intense emotional and physical responses to loss. 26:50 Normalizing and Processing Grief Meghan emphasizes the importance of normalizing grief and understanding it extends far beyond crying. She introduces the 'grief mentor method,' which focuses on physical system connection, distinguishing between nervous systems, nourishing practices, storytelling, and connecting with external support, including 'finding your five' to test sharing your story. 31:56 Grief in Education and the Workplace Meghan highlights the physical impact of grief on the body's 12 systems, citing statistics on increased heart attack risk for widowers. She passionately advocates for integrating grief education into schools and professional training, noting the lack of comprehensive grief studies in psychotherapy programs and the need for better workplace support. 39:24 Supporting Grievers: Practical Tips Meghan offers practical advice for supporting someone in grief, emphasizing collective effort and long-term planning, ideally for a year or more. 46:30 Megan's Resources and Farewell Bill Burke reviews Meghan's diverse offerings, including her memoirs, 'Can Anyone Tell Me Essential Questions about Grief and Loss?', her podcast 'Grief is My Side Hustle,' and her corporate and online courses. Meghan details how individuals, helpers, and leaders can access her work via her website and Instagram.
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    51 m