Living On The Edge of Chaos

Access the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode:Listen & Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | [YouTube] | [Simplecast]Episode Highlights Clare shares how a career in behavioral and neuroscience research led her to question whether her work truly served the world and how that moment of disconnection sparked a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology and a deep dive into curiosity interventions.She explains the science behind curiosity and well-being like how curiosity broadens perspective, strengthens creativity, and helps us find meaning and purpose.Clare describes creating “Curiosity Thursdays”, unpaid days dedicated to exploration and learning and how intentional time for curiosity fuels new thinking.The conversation explores balancing curiosity with productivity: scheduling curiosity intentionally, matching brain energy to task type, and building rhythms like “Wonder Wednesday” meetings to re-ignite collective wonder.Clare unpacks top-down vs. bottom-up curiosity and purposeful learning versus open, unstructured noticing and why both are essential for creativity and growth.She discusses the intersection of curiosity and AI, including how awareness and questioning keep our brains engaged rather than passive.Clare introduces her Curiosity Sprints that are two-week experiments inspired by Agile thinking designed to make learning iterative, joyful, and evidence-based.We reflect on how curiosity can help redefine success, shift from “achievement” to “enjoyment,” and re-learn the lost art of being bored.Featured QuotesOn the necessity of intention“I had to intentionally carve out that time, because otherwise something more important would always be there. There has to be an aspect of intentionality around curiosity in the world we live in today.”On balancing curiosity and efficiency“I’ve given myself permission, and I’ve actively chosen to be curious. Know the importance of it, be purposeful about it—and then schedule it into your day.”On curiosity and AI“Curiosity actually amplifies memory. So if we can ignite our curiosity before we go in and ask a question of an AI, we’ll remember more and learn more deeply.”On slowing down and not being busy“We are so busy all the time that we don’t really have any hobbies, or we don’t know what our hobbies are anymore. And it’s like, I don’t know how you find that when you’re always busy—you can’t listen, you can’t hear, you can’t find that creativity that’s bubbling up inside you.”On redefining success“I stopped asking, ‘What do I need to achieve this week?’ and started asking, ‘How can I make this week as enjoyable as possible?’ It was a shift from achievement to enjoyment—and it changed how I lived each day.”On curiosity as practice“When I wanted to make changes in my life, I didn’t know how. I just turned them into two-week sprints and figured it out. It’s empowering—because you’re building confidence in your own ability to learn and grow.”Resources & LinksClare Inkster on LinkedInThe Curiosity ExperimentThe Curiosity Experiment on InstagramResearch and studies on amount of questions we ask through the agesClare email address clare@thecuriosityexperiment.co.uk.Global Curiosity Institute website to measure curiosity https://www.globalcuriosityinstitute.com/diagnosticsYour Brain At Work BookTop Down vs. Botton Up Processing Video or ArticleMIT Study: Your Brain on ChatGPT and Clare LinkedIn Post That Inspired My QuestionBlog post about sprintsSatya Nadella article on culture of learn-it-allsSupport the ShowIf this episode helped you, share it with a colleague and leave a review. It helps more educators and leaders find the show.

Episode Highlights Stephanie shares how family vacations to Disney sparked her early love for travel and curiosity about the world.She explains how formative middle and high school trips inspired her to create unique, personalized travel experiences through her company, Lost in Adventure Travel.The conversation explores how travel builds empathy and human connection by meeting people, hearing their stories, and seeing everyday life in different cultures.Stephanie discusses how being a parent influences her approach to accessible trip planning, focusing on visual schedules, pacing, and flexibility so every traveler can fully participate.Both reflect on the importance of downtime and moments of rest during travel, recognizing that learning and reflection often happen in those quiet spaces.She talks about concerts and live music as experiences that bring people together, reminding us of our shared humanity.Featured QuotesWhy travel mattersWe as humans have a tendency to live inside our own echo chambers, and when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zone, which travel really can do, whether it's stepping on the airplane, getting on the train, just leaving our homes sometimes can be scary. It challenges our mindset, it challenges our bodies physically sometimes, it expands our worldview, it allows us to meet people that aren't just like us....it's really important to try and understand where other people are coming from, mindsets, like, physically, where do people live? How is it different than what my house looks like? How is it different than how I was raised?Power of a Guide....guides are the storytellers of the destination. Guides, I think, make or break a vacationCreating Wanderlust LocallyAllowing yourself to go out and try a new restaurant. Try, like, go for a hike in a place you've never been. Those kind of experiences help drive the wanderlust as well, and allow us to step outside of that comfort zone a little bit.Challenge for Living..don't be afraid to take that first step. Whether you are traveling to Asia, or you're exploring your town, going to the concert that you wanted to go to, allow yourself to have the human experiences.Challenge for Immersion...allow someone to tell you a story about where you live about the town next door, go to a museum. Allow yourself to take the tour. Don't… just be your introverted self. Don't just grab your phone and learn about it, but go out there and talk to these people. And, I just think that overall, we will be better off.Learn MoreStephanie on LinkedInLost in Adventure TravelSuggested Past Episodes215: Born to Jump — Tara Martin on Courage, Story, and Self-CareWhy it fits: Courage and story as catalysts for change which are the same muscles you need to launch travel experiences or classroom micro-adventures.214: From Independence Day to Interdependence — Steven PuriWhy it fits: Designing work that prioritizes culture, presence, and curiosity is perfect framing for travel as community-building.104: Estella Owoimaha-Church — Building Empathy through the ArtsWhy it fits: A deep dive on empathy and restorative practices; complements this episode’s theme of travel as perspective-taking.

What We Talk About Camp’s path to NEIA and why he still teaches while leading (modeling the work)Courage as the catalyst for change in any system, at any scaleCompetency-based assessment as a school-wide skill map (transfer across humanities, science, math, Innovation Studio)“Linear school” in a nonlinear world and how AI can help us blow up the old schedule logicWalking the fine line: college-prep and “what-comes-next” prep (love this framing)Keeping innovation alive after year 1: support systems, permission to try (and fail), and tapping teacher passionsWorkflow talk: using ChatGPT to organize brainstorms; Google Classroom paired with “Otis” for competencies; protecting life balanceTeach what can’t be AI’d: discourse, idea-to-idea connection, and real human presence in the roomOne small “ruckus” for tomorrow: break the pattern with a 10-minute gallery walk or other quick shift that re-energizes learningAccess the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode: Listen & Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | [YouTube] | [Simplecast]Resources & Links Tiny Experiments BookNEIA Profile: John Camp: https://neiacademy.org/team/john-camp/Camp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campsm/Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death (referenced in the discussion with link to my blog post)Alpha School: (referenced in AI discussion)Highlighted Posts (good primers for listeners)Why human-to-human discourse beats screen-staring (ties to “teach what can’t be AI’d”).Quick wins to break the invisible rules (small, classroom-level ruckuses).Episode QuoteIf you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Maya AngelouandWe don’t just think outside the box, we act outside the box.  Campand our love for Neil PostmanTeach children something about the art and science of asking questions.Question-asking is the most significant intellectual tool human beings have.Support the ShowIf this episode helped you, share it with a colleague and leave a review. It helps more educators and leaders find the show.

What We Talk AboutRebecca’s journey from communications into AI and ethics research.The moment in 2022 when ChatGPT changed the conversation about AI.Misconceptions: why AI is not a fad, and why it matters for everyone.Quick wins with generative AI from reading terms & conditions to learning through NotebookLM.Her mantra: “Never trust a large language model.” What that means and why human oversight is non-negotiable.The risks of over-trusting AI when it feels “human.”Opportunities in strategy: using AI for pattern-finding, scenario testing, and persona-building.Practical advice for staying safe: separating personal/work accounts and turning off data training.Why experimenting with Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini is the best starting point.Rebecca’s daily workflow: from AI-powered health stacks to automations that save brainpower.Final advice: control the controllables, start small, and build confidence step by step.Access the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode:   Listen & Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | [YouTube] | [Simplecast]Resources & LinksRebecca’s website: rebeccabultsma.com (speaking, workshops, resources)LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bultsma (active posts on AI ethics, policy, comms)X (Twitter): @rebeccabultsma — “AI awe + rational anxiety” stream and resource dropsTikTok: @rebeccabultsma (short takes on AI, comms, and ethics)Instagram: @commsrebecca (communications + AI insights)Highlighted Posts (good primers for listeners)“POV: You’re the ‘AI ethics’ person and not freaking out about LinkedIn’s data use.”Nuanced take on platform data and practical risk framing (great for comms leaders). LinkedIn“Never trust an LLM” in practice.Threads/posts where she pushes for human review, disclosure, and trust-building. Pair with her SchoolCEO feature. ApptegyDefining AI ethics as a philosophical puzzle.Reflective post that shows her influences and systems lens. LinkedInAI learning resources roundup.Shareable list of podcasts, newsletters, books, and courses, great on-ramp for teams. X (formerly Twitter)Webinar: Navigating AI Tools in Schools.Concrete strategies for K-12; sets expectations for ethical adoption and practical wins. risevision.comCourses & Tools Mentioned:OpenAI Academy – Free ChatGPT classesGoogle AI on Coursera – AI 101 courseAnthropic Academy – Free Claude coursesNotebookLM – AI-powered research synthesisThe Boring ReportGPT - JobsGPT by SmarterXZapier - https://zapier.com/ai Episode Quote“Anything you can’t do well, or you feel overwhelmed by have generative AI help you. That’s what it’s amazing for. It can be that external brain when you need it.”– Rebecca BultsmaSupport the ShowIf this episode helped you, share it with a colleague and leave a review. It helps more educators and leaders find the show.

Access the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode:Listen & Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | [YouTube] | [Simplecast]Top TakeawaysStart where you are, start small. Reverse engineering and cross‑curricular alignment build admin buy‑in and teacher confidence.Make it hands‑on. Robotics, geospatial data, drones, and art integrations hook curiosity and translate AI into the real world.Bake in ethics and trustworthiness. Teach students to question data flows, wearables, and terms of service without doom and gloom.Broaden participation intentionally. Recruit widely, guarantee tool access, and position students as peer experts to level the field.Use your teacher voice. Join listening sessions, meet reps, ask questions, and shape AI policy and funding.Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & why this conversation now01:51 – David’s current roles + new workforce development announcement04:00 – From classroom to national initiatives (Einstein Fellow, 3C at Duke)05:44 – Teacher fears, mindset, and the power of perspective08:31 – NSF AI Institutes (AVO): design, prompts, trustworthiness10:50 – NASA partnerships & a new grant (AI + drones)13:32 – Entry points: reverse engineering; cross‑curricular buy‑in & PD17:20 – Secret sauce: collaboration, robotics + data + art20:55 – Broadening participation: recruiting, access, student experts24:08 – Teaching ethics & trust: classroom modules and what “trust” means26:55 – Wearables, privacy, and reading the ToS28:08 – Policy & advocacy: funding, privacy, and meeting your reps31:57 – Getting started: PLNs (ASCD, ISTE, NSTA, NASA) and vendor curricula35:58 – Teachers: your everyday practice is worth sharing41:39 – Full‑circle moment: Python in MS → PhD data science today44:38 – Where to find David + final adviceNote: Timestamps are approximate based on the raw recording.Resources & Mentions (add links) Meharry Medical College — School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) — https://sacsmeharry.org/ NSF AI Institutes Virtual Organization (AVO) — https://aiinstitutes.org/(Overview of all institutes: https://www.nsf.gov/focus-areas/ai/institutes)White House OSTP Listening Sessions (AI Bill of Rights process overview) — https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/ostp/ai-bill-of-rights/listening-to-the-american-people/NASA STEM Engagement — Learning Resources — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/NASA EXPRESS (weekly STEM newsletter) — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-express/NASA Student Opportunities (HS challenges, programs, field trips) — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-stem-opportunities-activities/NASA Internships (HS/college) — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/Hands-on NASA STEM activities (technology/aeronautics) — https://science.nasa.gov/learn/lessons-and-activities/Reverse engineering AI in the classroom (ISTE feature on David Lockett) — https://iste.org/blog/building-ai-student-creators-meet-artificial-intelligenceMeharry SACS — Trustworthy AI in Medical Systems (NSF CAP project) — https://sacsmeharry.org/taims/Ethics overview (PDF) — https://sacsmeharry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2_Ethics.pdfUse case: Ethical & Trustworthy AI (PDF) — https://sacsmeharry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1_Use-case-trustworthy-AI.pdfPLNs: ASCD — https://www.ascd.org • ISTE — https://www.iste.org • NSTA — https://www.nsta.orgTynker × NASA: Moon-to-Mars coding activities — https://www.tynker.com/hour-of-code/nasa-return-to-moonNASA page: Host an Hour of Code with Tynker — https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/host-an-hour-of-code-on-the-moon-with-nasa-and-tynker/Connect with David:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_davidjlockett/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjlockettX/Twitter https://x.com/DavidJLockett/status/1843755067306086451

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:Tara’s journey from classroom teacher to instructional coach, district leader, and now Director of Publishing at Dave Burgess Consulting.Why mentors who see potential in us can change the entire trajectory of our lives.The Be REAL framework (Relatable, Expose vulnerability, Approachable, Learning through life) and why it matters in every relationship.Lessons from Cannonball In about fear, confidence, and tuning out the “dabblers” who sit on the sidelines.How Tara sustains her energy and creativity through systems: journaling, fitness routines, accountability groups, and her “ups and downs” T-chart.The importance of self-care and giving yourself permission to put your needs on the calendar first.The healing power of story and why fitting in is the opposite of true belonging.Why Listen:If you’ve ever felt torn between giving everything to your work and finding space for yourself, Tara’s perspective offers both inspiration and practical strategies. This conversation is about teaching, yes — but it’s also about building a life where you can thrive.Resources & Links:Connect with Tara: Website | Twitter/XTara’s books: Be REAL: Educate from the Heart | Cannonball InJoin the Conversation:What’s the “jump” you need to take in your own classroom or life? Share your reflections in the comments or tag me and Tara on social media.Listen & Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | [YouTube] | [Simplecast]

ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/2134Resources Referenced in PodcastBook referenced in podcast: The Net and the ButterflyPodcast 213: Tools, Totems, and TotalitiesLearn More & Connect:Learn more about Steven: www.TheSukha.co/mediaCommunity: Join over 34K members at The SukhaInstagram: @the_sukha_coTwitter/X: @stevenpuri What We Talked AboutThis is not your typical education or leadership interview. This conversation has us chatting about:How Hollywood taught Steven the true art of collaborationThe myth of “just work harder” and why outcomes and not hours matter mostHis “Two-Problem Creativity” strategy and what neuroscience reveals about ideas in the showerThe power of having dedicated spaces and rituals to unlock deep workWhy being bored is essential for creativity and how education might be missing this entirelyWhat Transformers and middle school students have in common when it comes to learning environmentsWhy the culture you build in teams, families, or classrooms matters more than any productivity app“If you give someone one thing to work on, they’ll overthink it. But give them a second task and the creativity starts to breathe. It’s always about the other thing.” – Steven Puri (modified from the convo)Why This Episode MattersSteven brings a rare blend of technical depth, storytelling mastery, and raw honesty. He talks candidly about failure, what he learned from Hollywood burnout, and why he believes today's generation is at risk of having their lives stolen by the scroll.For educators, this episode offers real-world insight into how to design space for curiosity, not just content delivery. And for leaders, it's a reminder that trust, clarity, and mission-driven work beat micromanagement every time.If you're a teacher, creator, parent, or just someone navigating the chaos of modern work and life this episode will shift how you think about focus, learning, and growth.Resources MentionedThe Sukha – https://www.thesukha.coJoin The Sukha community – 34K+ members and countingBook: The Net and the Butterfly by Olivia Fox Cabane and Judah PollackRelated Episode: Podcast 213: Tools, Totems, and TotalitiesFollow Steven:Instagram: @the_sukha_coTwitter/X: @stevenpuriMedia + bio: www.thesukha.co/mediaEpisode Highlights[00:01] Steven’s Hollywood-to-tech origin story[00:09] Why creativity is never “on demand” and how boredom fuels innovation[00:15] The “two-problem” rule for creativity & the neuroscience of distraction[00:22] Designing remote teams around flow, not control[00:30] Culture, mission, and what makes people actually show up[00:38] How education and corporate systems both crush curiosity and what we can do about itOne Final Thought“Productivity isn’t about squeezing more out of your day—it’s about creating space for what really matters. Including your life.” – Steven Puri (modified from the convo)

What We Talk About:Why “technology” means more than just toolsThe role of totems in identity (think: cars, smartphones, fashion tech)How totalities define entire systems in education and societyThe enchantment of technology—and how it competes with human connectionAI as artificial “ignorance” and the narrowing of imaginationThe lost art of boredom and its role in creativityWhat convivial design looks like in daily life (yes, the family dinner table!)Practical takeaways for teachers, parents, and anyone seeking digital balanceKey Takeaway:This episode is a reminder to educators and humans alike: if we want deeper learning, richer relationships, and authentic joy, we must intentionally create space for boredom, presence, and human connection.Technology is more than tools as it also shapes identity and entire systems.Conviviality (connection and community) is a powerful counterforce to tech hegemony.Educators should challenge assumptions that students are digital natives.We must create space for boredom, listening, and authentic face-to-face human interaction.AI may reduce imagination by boxing in our thinking and we must stay aware of its limitations.Reflection and reconnection found as time around a dinner table or time in nature can reset our human values.Buy the book Tools, Totems, and Totalities and explore the deeper social and cultural dimensions of technology.Reach out to Dr. Batteau at a.batteau@wayne.edu for further conversation. Dr. Allen Batteau Bio:Allen W. Batteau, PhD is a cultural anthropologist, professor at Wayne State University's Department of Anthropology, and former director of the University's Institute for Information Technology and Culture. He is the author of The Anthropology of Aviation and Flight Safety (2001), Anthropological Approaches to Culture, Aviation, and Flight Safety (2002, and numerous other books and articles including Technology and the Common Good in a Democratic Society (2020). A certified private pilot, his research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the US Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Ad-ministration, and numerous other corporate and international bodies. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/212/YouTubeTakeawaysAuthentic learning is about process, not polish. Messy work is real work.We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to reconnect with what matters in learning.Students need to see themselves in their work and communities.Teachers are not meant to be the sole experts—bring in community voices.There’s power in learning “out loud” and sharing what we don’t know.Start with tiny experiments and let curiosity lead.Real change in schools begins with relationships and relevance.Chapters00:00 - Intro to Laura Williams and Authentic Learning04:38 - What Does “Authentic” Really Mean in Education?08:22 - Lessons from Educator Partnerships12:10 - Connecting Students with Community Experts16:55 - Project-Based Learning Without Perfection21:43 - Barriers to Authenticity in School Systems26:02 - Starting with Tiny Experiments29:11 - The Role of Curiosity and Student Voice33:45 - Bringing the Public into the Classroom37:19 - Tools, Frameworks, and First Steps for Teachers42:00 - Final Reflections and Where to Learn MoreResourcesAuthentic Learning AllianceJoin the NetworkHer book, The Improvement GameFollow Laura: @mrswilliams21c on IG, X, LinkedIn, Bluesky, TikTok

 ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode: YouTube Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l_Kht8WObY&feature=youtu.beTakeawaysFocus is not about more effort—it’s about better strategy and self-awareness.ADHD is not a deficit in intelligence but a challenge in managing attention and regulation.Productivity must include mental health, not come at the cost of it.Transitions—into university, new careers, or independent learning—can be overwhelming without support systems.Reflective practices, safe spaces, and collaborative environments are essential for real learning and growth.Understanding the why behind distraction helps build better habits and not just guilt cycles.Psychologically informed practices help students and professionals reclaim autonomy in high-demand environments.Burnout often stems from mismatched expectations and lack of recovery.Compassionate teaching starts with giving ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and realign.Chapters00:00 Alicia’s Journey into Psychology and Education06:00 Applying content from Tiny Experiments into her practice12:30 Focus & Excitement for Learning,14:00 Power of Vulnerable Spaces and Moving Into Education Spaces17:30 Procrastination?20:00 Burnout in High-Pressure Academic and Workplace Settings24:55 Building Systems That Align With Wellbeing31:00 Cell Phones In Classrooms36:00 Less Tolerance For Boredom39:00 Final Thoughts and Ideas Worth Sharing43:00 Misconceptions of Engaged vs. Learning and the Perception of Either ResourcesAlicia Peña Bizama WebsiteTiny ExperimentsPodcast 210 where I speak with author of Tiny Experiments and founder of Ness LabsUpcoming Sessions with AliciaUnderstanding ADHD and Strategies to Improve Focus and ProductivityFriday 09.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK timeMonday 12.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK timeCheck Eventbrite or her website for registrationAaron’s Full Podcast Archive