Curated Questions: Conversations Celebrating the Power of Questions!

"Asking the right questions the right way at the right time can often be more of a determinant of your success than being the person to raise their hand and come up with the answer." - Amy Radin Amy Radin is a pioneer in corporate innovation and strategic questioning. Amy shares her journey from the influence of her father's corner drugstore to becoming one of the world's first Chief Innovation Officers at Citi, and her roles at American Express, E-Trade, and more. The conversation delves into the importance of curiosity and questioning for personal growth, achieving corporate goals, the emotional and practical aspects of leading change, and the role of strategic questioning in innovation. Amy also discusses her experiences as an early-stage investor and advisor, highlighting the significance of asking the right questions to assess founders' pitches and provide guidance as they build their companies. Sign up for Amy's newsletter, Uncommonly Pragmatic, at her website amyradin.com.  Amy is available for live or virtual keynotes and workshops. She can be easily reached through LinkedIn direct messages to collaborate on how to bring her expertise to positively impact your organization. This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com. Keep questioning! Episode Notes00:00 Introduction: The Power of Questions01:28 Welcome to Curated Questions02:06 Meet Amy Radin: A Pioneer in Innovation04:01 Amy's Early Influences and Corporate Journey05:13 Transition to Early Stage Investing07:29 Understanding Founders Through Questions10:51 The Importance of Diverse Expertise17:16 Building a Personal Advisory Board18:22 Handling Resistance with Questions21:43 Effective Interview Questions30:42 The Power of Asking Questions in Teams36:10 Emotional Aspects of Change40:49 Modern Change Management43:46 Multi-Generational Workforce Challenges46:14 Coalition Building for Change48:07 Balancing Historical Knowledge and Innovation50:37 Understanding Resistance and Fear51:28 The Role of Experimentation52:21 Digital Channels in Customer Acquisition53:20 Designing Experiments with Skeptics54:36 Financial Discipline and Digital Innovation55:47 Customer Service and Digital Channels56:12 Prioritizing Questions and Experiments59:05 Becoming a Chief Innovation Officer01:00:59 Challenging Assumptions with Questions01:08:39 Qualitative Insight Gathering01:12:28 The Emotional Side of Finances01:16:33 Career Reflections and Resilience01:21:23 Teaching and Strategic Advocacy01:22:30 Celebrating Success and Staying Curious01:23:46 Morning Walks and Creative Thinking01:25:38 Final Thoughts and Places to Connect With Amy Radin01:27:36 Closing Remarks and Takeaways Resources MentionedThe Change Maker's Playbook by Amy RadinSoundboard Venture FundA More Beautiful Question by Warren BergerKotter's Eight Steps For Leading ChangeLarry Keeley on LinkedInThe Diary Of A CEOJohn Dewey High SchoolSpike LeeJohn DeweyAmy Radin Website for the Uncommonly Pragmatic NewsletterAmy Radin on LinkedInProducer Ben FordBeauty Pill Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?What am I gonna do with myself now?My first question was, well, what's that?What were some of those right questions to be able to get a little bit deeper?What questions am I gonna ask?Can you tell me more about that? How did you figure that out? Or I'd love to understand that better. Can you dig in a little more?Do we wanna go to the next step?Have there been some particularly insightful questions that founders have asked of your team that have resonated with you?What else do they bring to the table?I would ask tell me a little bit about some of your recent experiences working with some of your other portfolio companies and how you've helped them out. Tell me about a situation when another portfolio founder when the market changed and they almost had the rug pulled out from under them, what was your reaction and were you able to step in and help them?Tell me a story, not what would you do?Has there been anything this new venture has taught you about questions that all of your other previous experience hadn't taught you?What do you think might be a personal bootcamp that somebody could do that could help build that experience?Ask, wow, I'd love to understand more where you're coming from. Could we walk through it? Because I wanna appreciate what you're trying to do and why you're uncomfortable with this. So, can you help me understand your perspective better?How did I do? Did I do this three times?What do you think makes for a good question?What are the key requirements? What do I really need from this person? What would you do about X, Y, Z?Help me understand what you did. What you felt and what you thought, and how did you actually handle that situation?What metrics should we consider that would be appropriate to helping us understand the potential for this idea that would make us feel good about this tiny little investment you wanna make for prototype?How can they bring the entire questioning game in the conversation up another level,What do I really wanna understand better about this opportunity?What do I really wanna understand better about working with these investors?Do I wanna use the opportunity of this call/pitch session/diligence to ask them their advice about something? And can I be candid about?Why can't you...? How might you...?How do you think about that feeling or that component of us and bringing that into the workplace?How is this change going to affect my career and what happens to me and my ability to pay my mortgage and send my child to college?How do you feel?Why does Sally seem so upset at the meetings?As you are engaging with a company and helping them think through change, how do questions play a role in that process?Who's gonna be there? What's their mindset about learning? Is it a curious organization? How would you describe the culture?What role do questions play in change?How do I really accomplish this change?How does fostering curiosity and questions play a role in coalition building?How do you get that tipping point?What role can digital channels be effective to attract new customers?What aspects do we think that innovating around the digital experience could favorably impact those aspects, those financial drivers of the business?What role could digital channels play in customer service that could improve the customer relationship, lower costs, improve customer satisfaction, reduce attrition, and increase people's usage of the card?What role does digital technology play in our business to benefit customers and shareholders?How did you become a chief innovation officer?What's that?What do you think about specifically on questions in challenging assumptions?Why are we doing it like this?Where did that assumption come from?When people go online, what happens to call volume?What do we measure?How do you see questions playing a role in sparking insights?How are people managing their financial lives in the context of dealing with all the fallout from the financial crisis?Are things filed, or is it a big mess in a paper stack? Why is it set up like that?What are all the things that I could do?You had mentioned early on about not being the cookie-cutter person, and wanting to be out there on the edges a little bit and mixing things up. How has that served you?What can we do about this?Would you be interested in teaching this Strategic Advocacy course? What the hell is that?What do you need to do next?What are your right now questions or question that you're working with?I'm wondering why some of my best questions seem to come to me when I'm talking to my dog?Are there any areas of questions that we didn't touch on that you were hoping to or excited to be able to touch on?Where is this the best place for folks to track you down and see the things that you're working on and the things that you're excited about?How would your career trajectory change if you spent the next year becoming known for asking brilliant questions rather than providing quick answers?Can you identify three times over the coming week when you could practice asking "Help me understand your perspective" instead of explaining why someone is wrong?Who are the people in your network who know what you don't know, and how could you formally invite skeptical perspectives into your most important decisions?What would happen if you designated a regular meeting as question-only, where solutions are forbidden and curiosity is the only currency?

"If we start talking about developing people, you have to ask those deep questions." - Dave McGurkDave is a transformational leader who bridges military precision with cutting-edge organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Veridian Perspective and Vice President at Apogee Global RMS, Dave brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience. His impressive 30-year military career includes Training Operations Director at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Army Enterprise liaison and senior executive advisor to U.S. Army European, African and Special Operations Command teams.He has managed multi-billion-dollar budgets, led teams of hundreds, and influenced policy at the highest levels of government—including presidential-level decisions. His approach blends 30 years of military leadership, adult education, & neuroscience to create AI-powered diagnostics, hyper-personalized development, and dynamic simulations for resilient leaders in a volatile world.Ken Woodward engages in a profound discussion with Dave McGurk, a transformational leader with a rich background in military leadership and organizational development. Dave shares his experiences, including a pivotal moment during his deployment in Iraq where he learned the cultural importance of time through the simple act of removing his watch. This revelation led him to question the embedded cognitive frameworks that shape our understanding of the world.Through deeply reflective questions, Dave emphasizes the importance of framing problems accurately, understanding inherited mental models, and fostering genuine connections with others. He introduces his innovative seat swap counseling method, which promotes genuine feedback and psychological safety. This episode explores the transformative power of questions in personal growth and leadership development, encouraging listeners to challenge their assumptions and continually evolve.This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.Keep questioning!Episode Notes00:00 Reflecting on Leadership and Influence01:16 Welcome to Curated Questions02:02 Introducing Dave McGurk04:03 Dave's Military Background and Leadership Experience04:40 Cultural Challenges in Iraq06:36 Learning from Iraqi Commanders11:11 Building Trust and Relationships13:44 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions19:14 Teaching Critical Thinking in the Military20:25 Challenging Assumptions and Mental Models22:51 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership31:07 Navigating Authority Bias34:21 Transition to Defense Contracting and Consulting35:06 Understanding Mental Models and Cognitive Frameworks35:54 The Power of Disruptive Questions36:36 Teaching Creative Thinking and Problem Solving39:56 Developing a Questioning Practice44:49 Reflecting on Mental Models and Growth45:39 Sports Analogies and Human Development46:24 Personal Journey and Military Experience48:22 The Impact of Suicide in the Military49:22 Leadership and Connection with Soldiers49:43 A Pivotal Moment: Jeremy LeClair's Story50:03 Psychological Autopsy and Leadership Reflection51:30 Commitment to Authentic Leadership52:21 The Importance of Deep Questions52:38 Understanding Mental Models59:17 Challenges of Egocentric Thought01:00:46 Feedback Mechanisms and Counseling01:02:27 Connecting with People in Leadership01:03:25 Deployment and Leadership Challenges01:06:52 Empowering Teams and Challenging Authority Bias01:08:09 Excitement for Future Leadership Development01:14:35 Curated Questions and Continuous Improvement01:21:01 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysResources MentionedGeneral DempseyArmy's Command General Staff CollegeCONOPMk PalmoreApogee Global RMSThinking Fast and Slow by Kahnemanexperiential learning modelJeremy LeClairthe Leadership Student 2.0 podcastProducer Ben FordBeauty Pill Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?What else am I missing?As an American who is over here supporting this country and this culture, what else do you not think I understand?What do you think sets you apart in your approach versus those who came behind?What are they really getting after?What is it that you're really looking for?What's the problem?What am I missing? How do I see the problem? What are the facts that are relevant to the problem? And what's gonna allow me to open my aperture to see a different dimension of the problem?How did that question rubric land with those that you were teaching or bringing up behind?What is the question that you need to ask somebody to turn that into a fact?What do you think?What are the things that you're struggling with? What are the questions that you're trying to figure out? What haven't you had answered?Am I trying to disrupt it in the right way?Why did you jump on the one that was wrong?What are the things that you think about that really drive the way you think?How does your brain work?How do we challenge that?How do we challenge our own ability to understand how we're thinking and how we're gonna make a difference for us?How can we develop a questioning practice or a way of living that ensures that we look beyond just the top drawer?What are those echoes that kind of govern how we think?What assumptions had to be made here that would turn into facts that are still applicable here?How do we match that against what we think our inherited mental model is that is driving that for us?Am I aware of those shortcuts that my brain is making?Am I a reflection of the rewiring and the response?How do I change the framework?What is this doing to me?Do you have any idea where that came from?What is it that's going on?What are those reflexive interpretations that are coming?What are those echoes that are coming back and feeding us?What was it about me that made you think that I was a good leader?What invasive cognitive model has colonized your mind without your permission?What is that question really trying to get at the heart of?How does ego fit into all of this story?Is this the right perspective? How do I shape that perspective?How are you doing? How's your wife? You get a birthday next week, how does it feel to be getting old?How did you take that staff and turn it into such a machine in such a short period of time?How are our customers doing?How would you feel if you would have one of your VPs sit down and give you counseling about what you're doing? Are you crazy? Why would I do that?What elements are you most excited about in this next season that you're going into, with all that you've been creating?Did we miss anything about questions?What are the questions that you're working with right now for you personally?How are you gonna experience catastrophic success?What inherited beliefs about the right way to operate might you be clinging to without questioning their validity in different contexts?How might your current problem be completely reframed if you ask, what am I missing instead of how do I solve this?Which of your firmly held beliefs did you actually choose versus inherit from your environment? And are they still serving you?What would change in your relationships if you literally or figuratively swap seats with those you lead or work alongside?

"Who am I? Was never gonna turn out well. Who do I say I am? Had a chance." - Mike HilsonHost Ken Woodward welcomes Pastor Mike Hilson, senior pastor of New Life Church. They delve deep into how questions shape identity, leadership, and personal growth. Mike shares his journey, from wrestling with self-identity as a child to leading a thriving network of churches. Key discussions include the necessity of creative boredom, the evolution of the question 'Who do I say I am?', the importance of strategic delegation, and balancing doctrinal adherence with familial love.  Episode Notes00:00 The Origin of a Pivotal Question01:51 Introducing Mike Hilson03:18 Mike's Early Life and the Power of Questions04:16 Struggles in School and the Importance of 'Why'05:18 College Years and Career Decisions05:49 Journey into Ministry06:14 Challenges and Realizations in Ministry08:21 Creative Boredom and Leadership11:00 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth11:24 Marriage and Life Decisions15:38 Parenting and Fatherhood17:24 Wrestling with Identity and Faith18:17 Leadership and Church Growth22:40 The Impact of Lifelong Questions30:36 What is a Good Dad?36:16 Delegation and Empowerment38:57 Handling Authority and Humility40:38 Church Planting and Community Building41:58 Maintaining Humility and Perspective42:46 Mentorship and Church Growth43:33 Rabbinical Mentoring Approach44:04 Coffee with the Pastor Series44:37 Rick Warren's Baseball Diamond Structure45:39 Impact and Ministry Goals48:52 End Game Thinking50:36 Succession Planning53:27 Communism and Totalitarianism54:14 End Game Thinking in Personal Life58:37 Questions and Anger in Society01:00:48 Philosophical Base Choices01:03:57 Biblical Truths and Cultural Application01:06:04 Personal Identity and Roles01:07:26 Future Plans and Family01:13:13 Living a Full Life01:15:51 Common Question: Proving God's Existence01:16:10 Philosophical Game: What If I'm Wrong?01:19:43 Final Thoughts and Gratitude01:19:48 Summary Takeaways Resources MentionedNew Life Church in La Plata, MarylandProducer Ben FordSouthern Wesleyan UniversityAppalachian State UniversityJohn MaxwellRick WarrenNapkin Theology by Mike HilsonSpeak Life by Mike HilsonA Significant Impact for Christ by Mike HilsonCoffee with the Pastor by Mike HilsonTheo BoldenOutlive by Dr. Peter AttiaBrett FavreMike Hilson on LinkedInBeauty Pill Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Why am I here, why am I here without anybody? Why don't people like me?Why is that bird doing that? Why does that rabbit hide there? why does that snake stand in that tree?Why am I doing this [college class]? Why am I here? Why am I doing this?What's this gonna be like?Why am I a Wesleyan? Why do I believe this about the Bible versus that?Could I be a Baptist? Could I be a Pentecostal?Where is your creative boredom?How have you used questions in that journey of self-awareness?If I keep dating this girl, I'm going to marry her. And I had to stop and say to myself, am I okay with that?Who do you say I am?Who do I say she is?Am I, Mike the guy who's gonna be a businessman who's gonna do this? Or am I, Mike the guy who's gonna be a pastor? Am I pastor Mike?How do I figure it out?How do I help other people deal with this?Who do I say I am? Who does God say I am?How could you leave?What do I think a father ought to be?What does a good father do right now?How do you properly unpack things?Which matters more?What did Jesus die for?If I fail to show grace here, how is it that I'm being like Jesus?How does a dad show Grace?What is a good dad, and how do I live that out?Who do I say that I am?What can I not, not do?How quickly did you embrace load shedding and being okay with that as a leader?How do I make sure we're taking care of them properly?What is the logical outcome of what I am currently doing?What is end game thinking?What do I leave behind?How do you think through what that building's gonna be worth in 30 years?What's the natural outcome if I continue to treat my wife the way I'm treating her right now?What happens if you silence half or a third of your nation and tell them they can't talk anymore?How generous am I being to other people?What does that mean for my life? What does that mean for how I live?What measure did I just use?What measure do I want God to use back to me?What does it mean to love my child, even if my child's gonna reject my faith?How do I balance these?How do you now do your job? What can I not not do to fit inside of that?Why would I believe in a God that you can't prove exists?What have I missed in my life by following a biblical worldview and the biblical tenets of how I should live?What if I'm wrong?What if I'm right? What have you missed?

"Questions are an extremely sophisticated thinking skill that everyone can use and practice all the time." - Naomi Campbell In this episode, host Ken Woodward is in conversation with Naomi Campbell, Director of the Right Question Institute (RQI) Legal Empowerment Program. They delve into the transformative power of teaching people to ask questions, highlighting its impact across various fields, including education, legal practice, and healthcare.   Naomi shares her journey from an inquisitive childhood encouraged by her family and school, through law school at Harvard, to her work in Mexico City advocating for migrant workers. The episode emphasizes the importance of questioning as a sophisticated skill that fosters personal agency and enhances democratic participation. Naomi also discusses RQI's unique methods for teaching this skill and how they support change agents in different communities.   The conversation provides insightful examples of how empowering people to formulate their own questions can lead to meaningful social change and better navigating decision-making systems.Episode Notes00:00 Powerful Questions As A Skill01:50 Meet Naomi Campbell03:33 The Importance of Asking Questions07:30 The Role of Agency in Advocacy10:59 Naomi's Law School Experience11:38 The Socratic Method in Legal Education15:49 Empathy in Legal Practice18:53 Naomi's Work in Mexico City20:04 Returning to the Right Question Institute25:39 The Right Question Institute's Mission27:22 Empowering Through Questions30:55 Examples of Impactful Questioning41:00 The Role of Questions in Healthcare42:05 Challenges and Mistakes in Advocacy42:42 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward43:38 Embracing Change and Learning from the Field44:17 Using the Method in Shifting Landscapes44:51 The Virtuous Cycle of Curated Questions45:56 Job Interview Questions: Examples and Inspiration47:26 Iterating on Questions: A Skill for All Ages49:23 Teaching Question Formulation in Classrooms51:42 The Role of Questions in Education53:44 Exciting Developments at RQI56:49 Connecting Questions to Democracy59:41 Micro Democracy: Participating in Everyday Decisions01:00:22 Combating Misinformation Through Critical Thinking01:01:11 Helping Others to Ask Their Own Questions01:03:41 Challenges in Healthcare Adoption of Questions01:05:53 The Importance of Patient Empowerment01:08:22 Frameworks for Effective Questioning01:09:58 The Power of Questions in Decision Making01:13:10 Questions As A Tool To Amplify Unheard Voices01:19:15 Takeaways and Reflections Resources MentionedThe Right Question Institute (RQI)RQI's Legal Empowerment ProgramLynn Borton at Choose To Be CuriousSocratic MethodHarvard Negotiation Workshop & the Alternative Dispute Resolution ProgramsCentro de los Derechos del MigranteMake Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own QuestionsSNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramSNAP Employment and Training ProgramsKevin KellyBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?How do you help other people ask their own questions?You said that, questions were encouraged what did that look like growing up for you?What were the things that you think your parents did right in helping you be inquisitive about the world or encourage that?What was it about the school environment that encouraged questions and is what you encountered?Who was holding that power? who is holding the power of questions?How can you use questions?How do questions help people both feel and express empathy?What kinds of questions are you asking when you are really listening to somebody?How are questions important?Is choosing to spend your life pursuing the questions that intrigue you common with your peers?What is the school going to do to prevent this? What are we going to do to prevent this from happening again in the future?What am I really concerned about?How could it be a better question?How could it be a worse question?What happens when you share the power of questions and how can that improve thinking, how can it improve advocacy? How can it improve democracy?how are you seeing the importance of questions in relation to democracy?Do you have any particular initiatives working on combating misinformation and disinformation?What brings you here today?Not only what questions do you have, but how can I help you ask questions?How do I help the people that I'm trying to serve ask questions?Who gets to ask the questions?Who in fact asks the questions?Who doesn't ask the questions?What questions didn't I ask?What questions should I have asked?Have there been any areas where you thought there was gonna be more of a response or a richer return on investment?What's the difference between a closed and an open-ended question?What are the advantages and disadvantages of both types of questions and how can you use them strategically?how do you order your questions?How do you use closed and open-ended questions?How do you ask questions about decisions?What questions do you have?Which questions of mine have to do with the reason  behind the decision, and the why behind the decision?What questions have to do with the process for making the decision?How was the decision made?Who was involved?What information was used?When was it made?What meeting was held?What role do I have?What is the role of the people who are affected by the decision?How did you come to this decision?How might you come to this decision?What can I do in this situation?What can I do to better follow the doctor's instructions?What can I do if my child is struggling in school?Is this the transparency that's supposed to be happening?Are people having a voice that's supposed to be happening?Do they have a case here?If we say we care about democracy and actually do, how do we uphold these principles?What is your right now question?How do we find the change agents in all of these fields? How do we find the people who care about agency, how do we support them, and how do we connect them to each other?Instead of providing answers or asking all the questions yourself, how could you teach others to formulate their own powerful questions?When facing a decision that affects you, what questions are you not asking about the process and your potential role in it?What would change if you permitted yourself to ask terrible questions before expecting to get to the good ones?Who in your sphere doesn't feel empowered to ask questions, and how could you help change that?

In this solo episode, host Ken Woodward delves into the origin and development of the 'Curated Questions' project, which began in 2018. Ken shares his personal journey of curiosity, inspiration from Tim Ferriss' podcast, and the influences that led to the creation of his blog and subsequent podcast.   Highlighting notable milestones and influential interviews, Ken discusses the structure and purpose of the Curated Questions website and its various elements, including famous questions and lists. He also reflects on the profound impact of asking meaningful questions, illustrated with personal anecdotes.   The episode encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and engage with the world through the power of well-chosen questions. Episode Notes00:00 Welcome to Curated Questions00:48 Origin Story of Curated Questions01:42 Early Influences and Personal Growth02:26 Tim Ferris and the Power of Questions03:44 Inquiry of the Day Blog04:54 Year of Connection Project05:53 Podcast Launch and Challenges07:31 Impact of COVID-19 and Social Justice Walk08:26 Relaunching the Podcast09:52 Website Structure and Features10:58 Famous Questions and Quotes16:05 Interview and Reflection Questions21:56 The Power of Questions and Conclusion Resources MentionedAmwayTim FerrissSeth GodinIOTD365.com Ken's first blog#yearofconnectionPodcast FellowshipRob Lawless of Robs10kfriendsPat EnnisTeresa VargasWashington Post Article about walk through Washington D.C.Lynn Borton of Choose to Be CuriousFamous QuestionsMaya AngelouHarriet Beecher StoweAbraham LincolnQuotesClayton ChristensenAi WeiweiJohn O'DonohueSylvia PlathKrista TippettListsQuestions from Tribe of MentorsQuestions from Benjamin Franklin's JuntoKevin KellyQuestions from The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future by Kevin KellyQuestions by Ryan HolidayPainted Porch BookstoreResourcesCurated QuestionsIntervieweeInterviewerGeneral Stanley McChrystalLeadershipEpictetusSocial JusticeIjeoma OluoPhilippa Pham HughesJoel FreemanMentoringJerry ColonnaPaul HarveyRainer Maria RilkeBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWe have to confront ourselves. Do we like what we see in the mirror? – Maya AngelouIs man ever a creature to be trusted with wholly irresponsible power? – Harriet Beecher StoweIf I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one? – Abraham LincolnWhat do you want to accomplish with this hire that is different from the incumbent?How much freedom do I have to make this position my own? What is a recent example of how this freedom has been demonstrated in this department?What are the assumptions that have to prove true in order for me to be able to succeed in this assignment? – Clayton ChristensenWhat mentor recommendation have you adopted, and what have you rejected?What would someone who doesn't like you say about you? – General Stanley McChrystalWhy is the vision of the company important to you? – Brad JeffersonHow long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself? – EpictetusWhat tone does your presence establish in the organization, and how does it change while you’re away?What was the best mistake you’ve ever made, and how did it lead to something better? – Tim FerrissHow much more of your privilege do you want tied to the oppression of others before you decide to let it all go for all of our liberation? – Ijeoma OluoWhen did you learn the world is unjust/unfair? – Philippa HughesWhat was the moment you realized, because of your skin color, the rules are somehow different for you? – Joel FreemanHow have you been complicit in creating the conditions you say you don’t want? – Jerry Colonna

"You were the most interested person in the room, and you're gonna get love." - Maury Rogow Maury Rogow is all about storytelling. He is the CEO of the Rip Media Group and creator of the Story2Sales methodology that's generated over $150 million in trackable revenue for clients. I appreciate the tag line, "Your brand will thrive or die, based on the story you tell." Maury's unique journey spans high-tech success and Hollywood storytelling. He built his business career at companies like Avaya, Lucent Technologies, and GeoTel—a startup that sold to Cisco Systems for over $1 billion. He then pivoted to Hollywood, serving as executive producer for feature films like "Bedrooms" and "Enter The Dangerous Mind," and working with industry legends including the creator of the Batman franchise. Today, Maury combines business acumen with cinematic storytelling to help Fortune 1000 companies like Comcast, Kaiser Permanente, and Ben & Jerry's create compelling brand narratives. His approach recognizes that in our noise-filled marketplace, every company must master storytelling to survive and thrive. Maury has proven that great stories don't just entertain—they sell. He's written several books, with his latest on the horizon being "Your Story Can Be Your Superpower - Selling in an AI world." He has been featured in Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur magazines. In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward engages with Maury Rogow, CEO of RipMedia Group, to explore the transformative power of questions in both personal and professional contexts. Maury shares pivotal moments in his career, from telecommunications to Hollywood, emphasizing how a single question can change a transactional relationship into a meaningful connection.   The discussion covers the importance of storytelling, the benefits of embracing unique traits, the impact of framing on emotional responses, and effective strategies for leveraging questions in sales and daily life. Maury also offers practical advice on finding balance in business, the role of AI in asking the right questions, and shares key resources and techniques for developing better questioning skills. Listeners are encouraged to take on an audience challenge to spend a day asking only questions and to reflect on the impact it has on their interactions. Episode Notes00:00 The Power of Asking Questions02:44 Guest Introduction: Maury Rogow04:17 Maury's Early Career and Sales Journey05:56 The Impact of a Key Question08:16 Transition to Hollywood09:56 Learning from Sales Training11:49 Developing the Story to Sales Methodology14:35 The Stigma of Sales16:02 Finding a Career Path20:14 Influence of Early Mentors23:00 Informational Interviews and Networking24:54 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions28:57 How Maury Used Mr. Greenberg's Questions In His Career33:59 Story Over Features42:10 Fostering Curiosity43:07 Reframing Questions for Positivity45:29 Crisis and Opportunity46:19 Curiosity in Business47:02 Reflecting on Success and Future Goals47:50 Transformational Beginnings49:04 Curiosity and Inventions50:40 The Audacity to Dream51:38 Connecting the Dots52:07 Unique and Weird52:58 Encouraging Creativity53:45 Software Innovations54:38 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures55:48 The Importance of Questions59:15 AI and the Future01:01:36 The Skill of Asking Questions01:04:56 Mirroring and Negotiation01:08:05 Personal Growth Through Questions01:10:23 Therapeutic Journaling01:13:36 Community and Connection01:15:31 Maury's Right Now Question01:18:01 Ken's Right Now Question01:20:21 The Entrepreneur's Journey01:25:07 Final Reflections and Encouragement01:30:36 Maury's Recommended Questions01:36:42 Where To Find Maury01:38:07 Takeaways and Conclusion Resources MentionedStory 2 SalesNeil RackhamSPIN Selling by Neil RackhamRichard GrinbergSeth GodinTony RobbinsScript-Timer AiChris VossYour Story Can Be Your Superpower by Maury RogowKelly StarrettSkip The Small TalkMandalorianElon MuskSpaceXTeslaRIP Media GroupMaury Rogow on LinkedInBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Why is this important to you?Was that a good answer?Do you golf?And that means what?That does what, and how does that work for you?How are things now?How do you do it today?What's the problem that you're seeing?What's the problem we're trying to solve?What does that mean?What happens if there's that problem?What's the need?What's the payoff?Where did you get that understanding?How did you tie sales to I won't have to go hungry?What job looks like this?Can I tell the decent story?Can I ask the right questions to get in the door if I don't know the answer?Should I pursue this as a career?Should I pursue it as even just a job?How did they get into what they did?What skills do you need?What experience did you have?What did your first 90 days look like?What's your day-to-day?What's the person you work with like?Would you mind introducing me to someone else who does what you do, or something similar? I'd like to learn more.That list of questions, were there one or two that you've found beneficial in various capacities as you've gone forward?What do you like the most about this campaign?What's this like? What's your favorite? What do you dislike? What's not going well?How does that affect you?What was the result of that?What are you telling yourself about that?Is this where you pivot and just come back to start asking questions in another direction?Is that a good book?What kind of questions are helpful for getting to a story?Can you tell me about a time that this happened?What keeps you up at night? What are you struggling with?Have you tried to solve that? Have you tried to solve the bad microphone situation? How did that work for you? Did that work for you? Do you have any examples of it not working?How do you foster curiosity?Why am I asking myself the negative version of that?Why didn't I win that project? Why don't I live in a bigger house? How can I be grateful for this amazing place to live in? How can I be grateful for x?Can you run this?Why is that amazing?How is that interesting?What's the opportunity?Has there been any particular insights that have come out of that process that has just radically changed the business for you?What can I do next?How else can I frame this?How do I do that at this point of a sales cycle? What story is needed here?Who else could do this?What's cool about this? What's great about that? How's that unique? How can I help? How can I use that to help you?Do people really know how incredibly important this is?What's the question I can ask my GPT Pro to get the best prompt? What's the question I can ask to get the best answer? What's the question I can ask to get the best result?What kind of questions did you encounter today?What [question] might you have been able to use when you're at school?Who am I gonna talk to about this?Am I gonna do an exit at my company?Where should I focus my time?How much time do I put on that?How much focus do I put over here?What does your body do when you are anxious?Can you say I'm excited?What would make this meeting the most effective use of your time?What are you struggling with right now?How are you currently solving that?What happens if you don't solve?Has there been a, persistent present problem, something that's recurring, that perhaps we could fix?How important is this? Is this incredibly important?What's your dream solution? What does success look like for you?If I come back in a year and I chat with you, what does your life look like at that point? Or what does your business look like at that point? What's it look like in a year? Let's take that vision and what does that look like?Where is the best place for folks to track you down and see the things that you're excited about?What would change in your professional relationships if you consistently asked people why your work together truly matters to them?What story could you tell about your work that would help people feel the transformation rather than just understand the transaction?What unique combination of interests, experiences, or obsessions are you hiding that might actually be your greatest professional asset?What situation that currently makes you anxious might actually be your body's way of telling you you're excited about the possibility?

"The meaning of your communication is the result you are getting." - Dr. Matt Lampe With a Doctorate from Alliant International University's California School of Professional Psychology, Matt has dedicated his career to transforming how organizations approach change, leadership development, and workplace agility. He is currently leading enterprise-wide organizational change efforts as part of Business Oregon's flagship modernization initiative, which focuses on aligning internal systems, strengthening operational infrastructure, and enhancing statewide service delivery to help businesses throughout Oregon. Sponsored by the non-profit Science For Work, Matt hosts the "Science for Work Podcast," where he explores the science behind creating healthier, more effective work environments through conversations that translate heady scientific research findings into practical action steps. His consulting practice helps organizations navigate complex transformations through change management, leadership development, strategic planning, and project management—combining data-driven insights with compelling storytelling. Matt's philosophy centers on creating cultures where people can thrive. He's learned that data alone isn't enough to drive change; it's the combination of solid research with relatable storytelling that truly motivates action and engagement. And if that wasn't enough, he is also a contributing writer to PositivePsychology.com.   In this podcast episode, host Ken Woodward delves into the significance of questions in both professional and personal spheres with Dr. Matthew R. Lampe, an expert in organizational change and leadership development. Highlighting the vital role questions play in verifying communication, navigating change, and building trust, Matt shares insights from his experience in managing organizational transformations and personal growth.  The conversation also touches on the deep tradition of yearly trips to Yosemite, offering a unique perspective on how consistent reflection against an unchanging backdrop can facilitate personal growth and evolution. Additional elements include updates about the curated questions community, announcements of new features, and an introduction to the Science for Work Podcast.  Episode Notes00:00 Introduction to Change Management00:33 Engaging with the Audience00:57 Podcast Updates and Announcements03:16 Welcome to Curated Questions04:00 Introducing Dr. Matthew R. Lampe05:35 Matt's Early Curiosity and Career Beginnings06:36 The Power of Questions in Sales11:50 Transition to Organizational Psychology14:10 The Role of Questions in Education16:28 Maintaining Curiosity in Organizations17:57 Fun and Empathy Through Questions19:36 Questions in Change Management24:21 Voluntary vs. Voluntold Change29:23 Evolving Workplace Practices30:59 Balancing Shareholder and Employee Needs36:33 The Importance of Continuous Feedback44:47 The Power of Asking the Right Questions45:21 Potential Pitfalls of Questions48:38 Understanding Workplace Survey Hesitancy49:14 The Impact of Psychological Safety on Survey Responses49:57 Challenges in Employee Engagement Surveys52:28 Building Trust in Organizations53:17 The Importance of Context in Asking Questions54:55 Introducing the Science for Work Podcast55:45 The Mission of Science for Work56:52 The Role of Evidence-Based Research57:45 Global Perspectives in Research59:54 The Value of International Collaboration01:03:30 Exploring the Concept of Place01:05:51 Matt's Yosemite Tradition01:06:49 The Significance of Nature in Personal Growth01:08:45 Reflecting on Annual Traditions01:09:55 The Power of Disconnecting from Technology01:14:21 Memories and Family Legacy01:20:57 The Awe of Nature01:22:49 Final Reflections and Takeaways Resources MentionedBusiness OregonMarco Polo gameScience for WorkScience for Work Podcast with Matt LampeDavid WhyteYosemiteJohn Muir - The mountains are calling and I must go.Matt Lampe at LinkedInMatt on InstagramBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Why not?Do you like blue? Do you wear a lot of blue? Do you only wear blue?When you were doing sales, did you stumble into the gut feeling? Was it more of an empathy thing in making a little bit of that switch to inquiring instead of just assuming?What about you?What about the customer, the client, the person who is buying?How can we develop and evolve the way that organizations operate so that there is more of that curiosity?What motivates that?What does living a good life look like?What does that even mean when somebody says living a good life?What are you gonna do when you graduate?What's next?Have you heard of organizational psychology?Was there any particular role that questions played in the schooling portion?Tell me more.Is this working?How is this landing?How is it being received?How am I communicating this?What is the perception of this?Are we still on track?How is this resonating with them?How do you keep curiosity fresh as you go into these organizations?Why am I here?What are we wanting to do?How has that served you?What does support look like for you?How are questions assisting you?What kind of heavy lift are questions doing to help you to help an organization accept the change they're undergoing?How is this landing with you?What are things that might change in your day-to-day behavior as we move through this, and how do we make sure that when we introduce this new piece or these new pieces, or these new processes, whatever it might be, are you prepared for it?Did we provide the right resources, understanding, knowledge, education, information, and training so that you understand how this works?Where are you in this process?How are we meeting you, where you are?How can we continue to build on that momentum so that he continues to champion and advocate for this new initiative?You have a bunch of tools; which tool makes the most sense?How are you doing through this?How is your team doing through this?What questions are still uncertain?What are some gaps where we can provide some clarity?What do resources look like to you?What do people need in that moment?How are the people actually doing?How do we run the business to make sure that we keep the shareholders happy?How do we make sure that this quarterly report bumps the share prices?What could it look like if we did things a little bit differently?What does the research say?What is the metrics fatal flaw?Do we fully understand what all the implications are?What kind of behavior is that driving?Where are we now blind as a result?When you stop asking questions, is this working?Is this still getting the result that we want?Is this still working as intended?What else is now a part of the equation that we didn't realize or that we didn't know, or that wasn't even around when we first started using this?Does this still work?Does this actually make sense for our organization?Have you stumbled across any questions that are ineffectiveAm I asking the question with genuine curiosity, or am I approaching it with an agenda where I want to get a specific answer from you to help my case?What is your process for figuring that out?What is your experience here?What was the end result that we were trying to understand, and is there a different way we can ask that?Was there a specific situation or a specific event that disrupted or broke any sense of trust?What does it look like without having that trust?If we had more trust, what would it look like to you?Do others feel the same way?Who else can I talk to?Who else would I want to talk to?Who do you go to when you need to talk to somebody?Why are you asking about my blood pressure?When you did this research, what did you find; what does that look like in practice?If somebody was listening and they said, this all sounds great, but how can I start doing this today, what would you suggest?When you found this, what was the most surprising insight? Where do you think that this will continue to go?What's working there?How are you doing that?How is that impacting?Does that make sense?What influences this?What are the behaviors that you're doing?What does the data say on this?What components are similar between the two that could actually translate over with an impact?Whose stories have we not yet heard that can reciprocate back some of that benefit?Can you tell me about your Yosemite story and, what that tradition has looked like?Where are we riding our bikes today? What hike are we doing? Can we go to the river here? Can we jump in there? Can we go see this? Can we go do that?When I come back, do I want all those things piled up and waiting, or do I wanna pull some of those things off the plate?Do I wanna be able to come back to a different experience?When I come back down the mountain, what do I want to carry back with me into the rest of my life, into everyday life?What do I want that to look like?Do I still want to have the hustle and the grind and the busyness that I have right now? Or do I want to reevaluate and sort of bring to a close some of those things that I've really enjoyed?How long have we been coming up here?What is your right now question?What does balance look like?Do you wanna do this? Do you want to go there? Do you wanna be a part of this? Can you help with that?What does that balance look like in order for me to make space for those opportunities?What does it look like to make work better?Is there anything else we need to address, or anything we may have missed?What is the motivation for you, or what has prompted you to host and have curated questions?In your next meaningful conversation, what would change if you replaced your prepared questions with curiosity and simply saying "tell me more"?What important message have you assumed was understood without ever verifying how it actually landed?What system in your life, personal or professional, are you following without questioning whether it still serves its intended purpose?What would become possible if you regularly created spaces completely disconnected from your daily demands to reflect on what truly deserves your energy?

"When I even think that I wanna give up, I can't because people like this put their life on the line so that I could have better opportunities." - Dr. Latorial Faison Dr. Latorial Faison is an HBCU and Virginia State University Professor, Poet, Author, Independent Scholar & Senior Military Spouse. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in English and a Doctoral degree in Education. Faison is Chair of the Department of Languages & Literature and Assistant Professor of English at Virginia State University and has authored over sixteen books. Faison's research study, The Missed Education of the Negro: An Examination of the Black Segregated Experience in Southampton County, Virginia 1950-1970, focused on Riverview High School, a segregated Black High School that existed in Courtland, Virginia, and explores the nuances of Black segregated education during the Jim Crow Era. Faison's latest work, Nursery Rhymes in Black was released in June of 2025 and blends tradition, memory, and resistance through a reimagination of familiar childhood rhymes through the lens of Black history and lived experience. This volume just received a Pulitzer Prize nomination.   Not one to rest on her laurels, her next work Blood at the Root, will be released in the coming months, which speaks directly to the historical and ongoing violence, erasure, and resilience that define the African American experience. In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Latorial Faison, a professor, poet, and scholar. Dr. Faison shares her journey from growing up in a small town in Virginia, being raised by her grandparents, to becoming a notable academic and author.   Through discussing her work, research, and dedication to teaching, Faison emphasizes the importance of memory, resilience, and the power of storytelling. The episode also touches on her latest book, 'Nursery Rhymes in Black,' her role in the Wintergreen Women's Writers Collective, and her vision for fostering a supportive community for her students. A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the transformative power of questions, both in personal growth and in understanding one's purpose. Episode Notes00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection01:57 Guest Introduction: Dr. Latorial Faison03:58 Early Life and First Questions06:36 Organizing Pain and Finding Purpose09:25 Challenges and Resilience15:30 Responsibility and Representation20:17 Reflections on Race and Upbringing26:51 Writing and Grief Work30:39  Mama Was a Negro Spiritual Poem37:16 Memories and Cultural Traditions40:06 Returning Home and Final Thoughts46:13 Reflections on Military Family Life47:03 Settling Down Post-Retirement47:43 Pursuing Personal Goals48:20 Balancing Family and Education49:39 Dedication to Family and Heritage52:13 Teaching and Student Struggles54:02 Honoring Grandparents' Sacrifices55:45 The Power of Memory and Storytelling56:29 Sundays a Haiku01:01:15  Abominations, a Poem By Latorial Faison01:08:38 Researching Black Education History01:25:44 Reflecting on Historical Figures and Social Change01:28:16 The Great Undoing and Rebuilding01:28:44 Hope Amidst Chaos01:29:15 Introduction to Wintergreen Women's Writers Collective01:32:43 Joining the Wintergreen Women's Writers Collective01:34:05 The Impact of Nikki Giovanni01:39:47 The Symbolism of Quilts01:43:47 Current Challenges and Reflections01:47:07 The Importance of Community and Legacy01:49:36 Like An Ancestor Poem02:00:40 Final Reflection and Takeaways Resources MentionedUniversity of VirginiaVirginia TechVirginia State UniversityThe Missed Education of the Negro: An Examination of the Black Segregated Experience in Southampton County, Virginia 1950-1970Riverview High SchoolNursery Rhymes in Black by Latorial FaisonBlood at the Root by Latorial FaisonJohnson C. Smith UniversityMama Was a Negro Spiritual by Latorial FaisonTom Howard Poetry PrizeNikki GiovanniEngrams Funeral HomeNat Turner Slave RevoltSundays a haiku by Latorial FaisonMr. Pete Ballard's farmAbominations by Latorial FaisonLucille CliftonPermafrost PrizeUniversity of AlaskaUniversity Press of ColoradoSonia SanchezBlack Pastoral by Ariana BensonCave Canem Poetry PrizePhillis Wheatley FestivalSpelman UniversityLauren K. AlleyneFurious FlowerJames Mason University (JMU)Virginia Humanities FellowshipIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal SkullJoshua DossMartin Luther King Jr.Wintergreen Women Writers CollectiveAmiri BarakaMaya AngelouToni MorrisonVal Gray WardDr. Trudy HarrisDr. Maryemma GrahamDr. Joanne GabbinAmanda GormanNational Museum of African American History and CultureRita DoveVirginia (Jenny) FowlerCollected Poems by Nikki GiovanniRenee and Jay by JJ MurrayOriginal Love by JJ MurrayJames BaldwinBarack ObamaGrey's AnatomyThe Bluest Eye by Toni MorrisonI Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya AngelouBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Why me?Why in that way?Why was my life on this trajectory?Why am I here?What is my purpose?Do you internalize "always someone watching" as a burden?How many of you feel that you have a responsibility to your race?If the lady offers us a cookie or a lemonade, why can't we take it?How did questions play a role in challenging things early on?Will you write about me one day?How can you all come out of the same house, and kids end up so different?What is a specific smell or color that reminds you of your grandmother?How did questions work in that research for you?What did black educators do?What did they do in those classrooms to motivate African American students through Jim Crow?Were they providing culturally relevant teaching; was that a key?What can we learn from the students? What can we learn from the teachers?What can we learn from this totally black segregated education experience to transfer into the now?What is ground zero going to look like?Who's going to even be here anymore?What has the Wintergreen Women's Writers collective meant to you?What is your Right Now Question?What have I gotten myself into as department chair?What do I do next?What matters most in the moment that I'm in now?How can I make the biggest difference?It's not, will they like me? Will they help me? It's, what do I do? How do I move in this moment?And that's how I try to live my life. Yeah. How do I live in this moment?What pain in your life, if shaped into a story, might become a gift of healing for you and perhaps others?What place from your past still holds untold stories, and how might sharing them illuminate both where you’ve been and where you’re going?What place from your past still holds untold stories, and how might sharing them illuminate both where you’ve been and where you’re going?Are your questions keeping you tethered to the past, or are they propelling you toward the life and impact you’re meant to create?

"I suspect beauty comes when a question both sharpens and enlarges your vision." - AI Alan TuringIn this special episode, we step back to a cold December night in 1951 and into the warm, wood-paneled room of The Britons Protection, a historic Manchester pub. Across the table sits Alan Turing, the mathematician, wartime codebreaker, and one of the founding figures of computer science, who is brought to life through an AI simulation.Best known for his role at Bletchley Park during World War II, Turing devised techniques and machines, including the Bombe, that cracked the German Enigma code and helped shorten the war by years. His groundbreaking 1936 paper on “computable numbers” introduced the concept of the universal machine, and became the theoretical foundation for modern computers. Later, at the University of Manchester, he advanced early computing, explored artificial intelligence, and even pioneered mathematical biology.Our imagined conversation, grounded in historical detail and Turing’s own writings, delves into his enduring fascination with questions: how to ask them, when to abandon them, and why some are worth carrying for a lifetime. We discuss the interplay between beauty and inquiry, the discipline required to avoid seductive but unproductive lines of thought, and the place of doubt as an essential human strength.We also revisit his famous “imitation game” — now known as the Turing Test — and consider the boundaries of machine intelligence, the dangers of mistaking simulation for genuine dialogue, and the questions that only humans can keep alive, all while wrestling with the meta question, "Is this machine thinking?"This episode blends history, philosophy, and imagination while inviting you to consider what it means to think, to doubt, and to remain fully human in an age of advancing machines.Episode Notes00:00 The Beauty of Questions02:07 Setting the Scene: Manchester, 195103:20 Alan Turing's Early Life04:43 Turing's Contributions During WWII05:35 Post-War Achievements06:55 The Imitation Game and Turing Test10:23 A Conversation with Alan Turing10:58 The Power of Questions12:10 The Evolution of Thought16:12 The Intersection of Questions and Beauty20:30 Effective vs. Ineffective Questions22:00 The Discipline of Questioning23:58 The Ethics of Machine Deception25:30 Replacing Human Players27:06 The Limits of Machine Dialogue28:11 The Role of Doubt in Human Dialogue28:35 The Responsibility of Inventors29:56 Persistent Questions and Personal Reflections31:53 The Nature of Human Thought32:44 Protecting Human Qualities34:06 The Value of Human Doubt37:11 The Future of Human Questions38:36 The Risk of Seamless Imitation39:57 Reflections on the Interview and Takeaways47:50 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Resources MentionedThe Britons ProtectionSherborne SchoolKing’s College, CambridgeOn Computable Numbers (Turing's proof)Government Code and Cypher SchoolBletchley ParkEnigma machineBombeNational Physical LaboratoryAutomatic Computing EngineUniversity of ManchesterManchester Mark IMorphogenesisArnold MurrayOscar WildeComputing Machinery and IntelligenceImitation Game/Turing TestPia LauritzenDear Turing, I Have a Test For You by Pia LauritzenH.G. WellsGross Indecency LawBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedCan machines think?When did you first understand the power of questions?How did this intoxication influence your willingness to unleash your mind to solve further problems that could change the way we encounter the universe?Was it all at once or more gradually?How do you handle questions that change under your hands?Is that from scientific training, strict pursuit of the answer, failed experiments, where did you learn that ability?Where, for you, do questions and beauty intersect?What is your practice for driving to profound questions?Questions that trouble multiple disciplines, can you say more?Do you encounter much in the way of ineffective questions, or those you would determine as simply wrong questions?How do you break the habit of pursuing the wrong target?What informs your discipline to not look in the seemingly easy question, but to dig deeper for the better question?Might I buy the next round in gratitude for your initial buy?Is this just going to be part of the design by default?Have you imagined how people might one day extend this idea to perhaps replace players B or even C?Where do you see the limits of a machine’s role in human dialogue?If a machine can convincingly simulate a human, do we have a responsibility to set boundaries for its use — or is that not for the inventor to decide?Are there questions you’ve carried with you since your youth, perhaps questions that have stayed no matter how your answers change?Are you journaling to interact with these questions or, perhaps, depending on circumstances, to engage with them?What do you think is most important for humans to protect in themselves?Can you go deeper on perhaps the benefits of human doubt?What is your Right Now Question?Since you knew we’d be talking about questions, is there anything you hoped we’d touch on that we haven’t?What aspects of your own questioning process are you inadvertently trying to optimize away?In your daily interactions, when are you settling for the efficiency of information exchange instead of risking the messiness and potential transformation of genuine dialogue?What fundamental questions about human nature, consciousness, or meaning are you already asking less frequently because AI has made certain assumptions feel inevitable?How might you transform your questioning practice from a tool for getting answers into a discipline for staying human in an increasingly artificial world?

"Sneaker culture literature is no different than any other form of literature." - Dr. Jemayne King Jemayne, is creative, insightful, and VERY intentional. He is the founder of Sole Food Brand LLC, sole is spelled S.O.L.E which you will come to appreciate, and among many things, his company celebrates HBCUs (or Historically Black Colleges and Universities). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English/News Media from Elizabeth City State University, a Master of Arts in English-Literature from Virginia State University, and a PhD in English-Literary Criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is currently an Associate Professor of English at Virginia State University. Remember how I said creative and intentional? Jemayne is also the creator and Founding Director of the Virginia State University Institute of Hip-Hop and Cultural Studies, which includes a Hip-Hop Studies English minor, and the world’s first collegiate English course dedicated to Sneaker Culture literature and identification within Sneaker Culture. Yeah, I know right? He is the author of Sole Food: Digestible Sneaker Culture and the forthcoming book titled The Big House on Flavian. It’s a bold and poetic exploration of memory, masculinity, and the mythology of America, viewed through the immersive lens of the video game Red Dead Redemption 2. In this engaging and enlightening episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward is in conversation with Dr. Jemayne LeVar King, an associate professor of English at Virginia State University and founder of Sole Food Brand, LLC. Together, they navigate a rich landscape of topics—including the intersection of sneaker culture and literature, the evolution of Southern hip-hop, and the profound narrative depth found in video games like Red Dead Redemption 2.  Dr. King discusses the significance of questions in both personal and academic growth, reveals the importance of authenticity in cultural participation, and offers profound insights into adapting educational curricula to meet the needs of future careers. This episode is a feast of ideas, seamlessly blending modern cultural phenomena with classical literary analysis. Episode Notes[02:06] Introducing Dr. Jemayne LeVar King[04:00] The Power of Questions[06:58] The Genesis of Sole Food Sneaker Culture Literature Class[09:16] Reimagining Liberal Arts Education[12:20] Southern Hip Hop and Literature[14:43] The Rise of Southern Hip Hop[21:49] Hip Hop's Influence on Society[30:10] Sneaker Culture Origins[32:35] Defining Retro in Sneaker Culture[35:48] Authentic vs. Inauthentic Sneaker Culture[40:01] Sneaker Culture as a Form of Expression[46:11] Teaching Literature Through Sneaker Culture[49:44] Sneaker Culture in Literature[52:33] Authentic Subscriber Insights[52:56] Sneaker Culture and Literature[53:22] Connecting Literature to Modern Education[55:01] Personal Academic Journey[57:31] The Importance of Feeling Seen[01:00:52] Gaming and Literature[01:01:58] The Impact of Red Dead Redemption 2[01:02:56] Literature in Video Games[01:09:52] Rockstar Games and Detailed Narratives[01:10:57] The Timeless Appeal of Rockstar Games[01:12:32] The Complexity of Red Dead Redemption 2[01:14:42] Replaying and Mastering the Game[01:19:29] The Cost of Staying Small[01:22:33] The Bird in the Cage Analogy[01:25:06] Insights and Human Value[01:29:47] Educational Adaptation and Future Jobs[01:30:38] Supporting and Following Dr. Jemayne King[01:32:02] Final Thoughts and Takeaways Resources MentionedSole Food Brand LLCVirginia State University Institute of Hip-Hop and Cultural StudiesSole Food: Digestible Sneaker CultureThe Big House on Flavian (available October 2025) by Dr. Jemayne KingRed Dead Redemption 2Moby Dick by Herman MelvilleWhere'd You Get Those? New York City's Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987 by Bobbito GarciaMarshawn Lynch: I'm just here so I won't get finedRed GrangeErnest HemingwayWilliam FaulknerZora Neale HurstonOutKastUGKMr. BiggThe Geto BoysBig BoiAndre 3000Magnum, P.I.Da BratLL Cool JKRS-OneGoodie MobPublic EnemyXXL MagazinePost Cereals: Fruity Pebbles & Cocoa PebblesLegend of Zelda rap by NintendoBear BryantChuck Taylor All StarAdidas Promodel SuperstarAir Force One from 1982Air Jordan Vindicate Vin BakerAir Jordan Revolution/Air Jordan ThreeStar Wars versus Star TrekNike DunkSandy BodeckerHa by JuvenileMarxismLouis Vuitton DonEmily DickinsonAlice WalkerThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasUncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher StoweBy the Light of My Father's Smile by Alice WalkerWe Don't Have a Plan B by Redhead KingpinRockstar GamesRed Dead RedemptionRed Dead RevolverGrand Theft Auto SeriesHave a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks by Mick FoleyBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Why isn't that considered academic when it's already been valued for its commercialization?How do I explain Smith to someone who does not know about Smith?How is it like Howard?Does anyone  have any ideas for any new courses?Why did he ask that?How do we not be archaic?How do you show that a liberal arts education can get you from this point to where you want to be?Do you think that that was the right question to be asking?  And if it wasn't, would there have been a better question to be asking?How do we create new classes?What are they rapping about?What do you think it took for the rest of the hip hop community to really see that there was something of value? Was there a particular artist or a particular song?How is it different between the different major regions?Is it specifically just the individual themself, or these individuals that come up? Is it their particular talent, that they just happen to be the one that can bring the rhymes ? Is there an element of culture and a region that plays more of a role than just, 10% make up a small percentage or something like that?Is that how it works, or is there more of a cultural, a higher percentage of cultural influence than the 10% that I'm throwing out?What can we learn about questions from hip hop?How does hip hop set a precedent for the rest of society?What is masculinity?How does hip hop set a precedent or open avenues for society?How did sneakers capture your heart?Why does this particular sneaker exist in this colorway for this particular purpose?Why are you walking on the side?Why are you adamant about not walking in grass?What do you think is the foundation supporting the desire, the practice of collecting?Inauthentic is concerned with how do I make a dollar out of this?How are you using sneaker culture to teach literature?What did I do wrong?How do questions inform your latest work, The Big House on Flavin?There's no need to buy that because when am I gonna play?What is maturity?What is masculinity?How does the society fall?What is literature?What does literature represent?Are there books about this game?What happens to a dream deferred, right?Can you help me?Can you tie that together?Is this a game that you would go back and play as well?What is your right now question?What is the cost of staying small?What is the cost of not maturing?What happens to a dream deferred?Do we have  all the right parts?Is the budget set right for having those parts available?Is the training appropriate for this?Where is the best place for folks to track you down, learn about what you're excited about and support you?What voices or artistic expressions are you unconsciously dismissing based on their origin?How might your biases be preventing you from recognizing their actual quality?In what areas of your life are you participating authentically versus simply consuming or commodifying, and what would deeper knowledge-based engagement look like?What established systems in your field or organization need to evolve to remain relevant, and how can you maintain quality while embracing necessary change?What opportunities for growth are you not seeing because you've become comfortable flying around the confines of your current situation?What is the cost to you of never testing your full potential?