Curated Questions: Conversations Celebrating the Power of Questions! How Asking 'What Was That Like' Creates Extraordinary Connection | Scott Johnson #39
"I brought these people together and now they're engaging with each other and enriching each other's lives." - Scott Johnson
Scott is a curious listener and natural connector. He started The Computer Tutor in 1999 and then expanded to include a compendium podcast, which he hosted for several hundred episodes. Driven by an insatiable desire to understand what extraordinary experiences feel like, he created "What Was That Like," a nationally recognized storytelling podcast. Scott transitioned from computer business owner to full-time podcaster, to present first-hand stories from people who have survived unbelievable circumstances.
Scott has mastered the art of creating safe spaces for guests to share deeply personal experiences - animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and other life-changing events. His genuine curiosity and ability to ask the right questions draw out intimate, honest conversations that tunnel straight to the heart and vulnerability of each story. He doesn't skim the surface; he creates connections that often move both storytellers and listeners to tears.
Scott demonstrates through his work that storytelling has immense power to preserve memories, inspire action, and create a lasting impact. His approach shows that everyone has a story worth telling, and the right questions can unlock profound human connections.
In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward engages with Scott Johnson, the creator of the 'What Was That Like' podcast. The discussion examines how Scott's podcast cultivates profound human connections through storytelling. Scott shares insights into his journey from a computer business owner to a podcaster, revealing the meticulous preparation and empathy required to capture extraordinary true stories.
They delve into themes like the power of questions, creating safe spaces for sharing trauma, and Scott's personal journey of religious deconstruction. Highlights include profound and outlandish stories from Scott’s podcast, the impact of a supportive community, and using personal pain to create purpose. The episode is an insightful exploration of how curiosity and storytelling can break down barriers and build authentic connections.
Episode Notes
[00:00] Introduction to Curated Questions
[01:49] Introducing Scott Johnson
[04:18] The Power of Questions
[06:04] Conversations with Strangers
[07:43] The Tattoo Conversation Starter
[09:23] The Origin of 'What Was That Like?'
[12:25] Jennifer Caused a Fatal Accident
[16:15] Finding Guests for the Podcast
[18:30] Unusual Stories and Listener Engagement
[23:47] Creating a Safe Space for Guests
[31:05] The Impact of Storytelling
[35:46] Outlandish Story: Shiny Ate His Own Foot
[41:31] Heart-Wrenching Stories: Laura's Pain Became Her Purpose Episode
[43:48] Advocacy and Awareness
[46:21] A Fun Episode: Fabiana won The Price Is Right showcase
[47:58] Editing Questions for Better Storytelling
[49:38] Curiosity from Childhood
[52:10] The Birth of the Computer Tutor
[53:13] Learning Computer Repair
[54:33] Avoiding Ineffective Questions
[57:31] Curiosity With Scott's Kids
[01:00:13] Empathy: A Divisiveness Hack
[01:01:45] Building a Community on Facebook
[01:03:10] Engaging with the Audience
[01:06:36] Podcasting Rhythm and Collaborations
[01:08:32] Meeting Meredith and Chemistry
[01:10:36] Personal Growth and Podcast Evolution
[01:15:32] Questioning Religious Beliefs
[01:19:47] Identity and Religion
[01:28:45] Scotts Goto Final Questions
[01:31:46] Insights & Takeaways
Resources Mentioned
Meredith For Real, The Curious Introvert
You Are Enough hoodie
School of Podcasting with Dave Jackson
Building A Better Dave Podcast
Jennifer Caused a Fatal Accident (What Was That Like Episode)
The Rest of the Story with Paul Harvey
Shiny Ate His Own Foot (What Was That Like Episode)
Laura's Pain Became Her Purpose (What Was That Like Episode)
Fabiana Won The Price Is Right Showcase (What Was That Like Episode)
What Was That Like? - Facebook Group
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
What's your podcast about?
How does your curiosity show up that way?
What's the history?
Why would you get that?
What started the show for you?
Have you followed up with her at all in the years since to see how she's doing?
What's the best kind of podcast to almost ensure growth?
Remember so and so, wonder what's happening with him now?
You ever talk to him anymore?
Any particular primary way you find your guests?
Are there any particular stories that are still on that list that you haven't checked off yet?
What's the real story here?
Do you think it's gonna take 45 minutes to tell the story?
How do you go about creating this safe space?
Do I really want to go on and talk to Scott about this and tell that story?
How do you think about your follow-up questions?
How are you working through the story with them in following your curiosity?
Who was in your family?
Who was in the car with you at the time?
How old are your kids?
Where were you going?
How have you recovered?
Have you had therapy?
How did you get through it and what are you doing now?
What was the question you just asked me again?
What was going through your head at that time?
What were you thinking?
What was that self-talk like?
What would I be thinking at that time?
What happens inside the human mind when trauma is being introduced?
How do you think that this has changed you?
Is this person really going to lose someone, or what's really gonna happen?
What are a couple of your most outlandish or favorite episodes or at the top of the list of stories that you retell when you're doing conversations like this?
What's the weirdest story you've ever done?
If you had the opportunity to taste human flesh, and it was legal, ethical, and maybe even healthy, would you do it?
Remember that conversation we had?
Why am I saying yes or no? Is it a health reason? Is it a moral reason?
Is there anything objectively wrong with it?
Is it just cultural?
Where is our son?
Something as precious as your child, how can you just forget them?
What were you thinking when that happened?
Were you feeling apprehensive?
Were you asking a lot of questions as a kid?
What's the difference?
Can you fix that?
Why can't I do it?
What are ineffective questions?
How do you even answer that question?
Who's your wife?
What kids do you already have?
What did the questions and curiosity look like for them from your perspective as a parent?
How do you pronounce everybody's name?
Who else is in the story?
Who else are we gonna be talking about?
Is there any part of the story that you don't want to talk about or that I shouldn't ask you about?
If go back to a certain point in your life and change something, what would you change?
What was the happiest day of your life?
Did you start the Facebook group straight away once you started the podcast?
How did you two meet?
Why don't we do a promo trade?
What is your right now question?
What really is the truth?
If you were wrong, would you want to know about it?
Would you want to know that you're wrong?
Do you have any other thoughts on questions that we hadn't necessarily touched on at all that you wanted to touch on?
What are you always hoping the host will ask, but they don't usually?
Is there any part of the story that we haven't talked about that you wanted to mention?
Where's the best place for folks to find out all the things that you're excited about and to be able to follow the work that you're doing?
Are you asking questions simply to fill conversational space, or are you genuinely prepared to be changed by what you discover in the answers?
How could your questions serve not just your own curiosity, but create spaces where others feel safe to be authentically human?
What beliefs are you protecting from genuine examination because questioning them might require you to become someone different than who you've always been?
What pain might you now be able to recycle into a newfound purpose?