Curated Questions: Conversations Celebrating the Power of Questions!

Episode Notes[00:00] The Power of Vulnerability[01:57] Meet Ashley Kirsner[03:55] The Impact of Active Listening[05:02] A Transformative Call[06:25] The Magic of Open-Ended Questions[13:28] The Role of Basic Needs in Emotional Well-being[17:10] The Birth of Skip the Small Talk[25:18] The First Skip the Small Talk Event[28:39] The Evolution of Skip the Small Talk[32:56] Online Events During COVID-19[34:58] Work At An Anxiety Lab[38:08] The Importance of Positive Questions[42:40] The Power of Repeated Questions[45:33] Attending a Skip the Small Talk Event[46:14] The Speed Dating Format[47:21] Encouraging Anxious Participants[48:45] The Power of Sharing Deeply[49:32] Consistent Findings on Vulnerability[50:13] Understanding Oversharing[51:11] Structure and Time Management[52:18] Facilitators and Norms[53:12] Contact Information Norms[55:06] Intentional Iteration and Safety[56:37] The Role of Participants[59:01] Financial Accessibility and Investment[01:00:43] Balancing Accessibility and Compensation[01:01:49] Compensating Facilitators[01:04:39] Physiological Benefits of Deep Conversations[01:07:00] Research on Loneliness and Connection[01:09:02] The Impact of Loneliness on Health[01:10:41] The Role of Sleep in Connection[01:13:42] The Importance of Group Interactions[01:15:10] The Power of Intentional Conversations[01:20:26] Learning from Gathering Experts[01:23:19] Right Now Question & Following Curiosity[01:30:18] Where You Can Find Skip The Small Talk[01:35:45] Takeaway Thoughts & Questions Resources MentionedSkip The Small TalkChris VossFinding Good with Brian FretwellDr. Nicholas EpleyDBT - Dialectical Behavioral TherapyBrene BrownHow We Gather by Priya ParkerPower of Ritual by Casper ter KuileHow We Gather by Dr. Angie Thurston - Harvard Divinity SchoolDeath of RasputinHarvard Graduate School of EducationHarvardWharton Business SchoolMITGE AviationAct BlueBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?How would this possibly work?What are we doing here?How could this possibly be effective?What is it that asking questions actually does for us?In this deep end of the pool, for what you experience as a suicide hotline counselor, what does that look like?How did that impact you?Were there questions that you found most impactful on that end?Are you feeling suicidal right now?Do you have a weapon?Do you have a plan?Do you have any objects to complete that plan with you right now?Are you comfortable being in a different room from it while we're having this conversation?When's the last time you slept?When's the last time you ate?Can we get some food in you?Can we take a walk?Do they know anything you're experiencing right now?If the roles were reversed and it were your partner or your cousin or your parent who were going through something like this, would you want them to tell you about it?Do you think they wanna know if you're going through a tough time?What if we had a space where we were all on the same page?Can you take a moment to go home and be a little more vulnerable with your roommate, partner, family, or neighbors?Can you take that skill with you into the rest of your life?How are you doing right now?How did you decide to do your first skip-the-small-talk event?When's the next one gonna be?Is this even possible?How do you have people switch partners in a way that makes sense online?How do we do this?What do you got for us?How do we do this for like hundreds of people?Can you talk about that story of where you pulled the questions from, and why you chose the different questions that you did?Where do you live?What do you like about where you live?What's the worst thing you've ever experienced?When's the last time you cried?When's the last time you experienced awe?What's something you're proud of that you don't normally get to share with people or that might not be on a resume?Specifically asking what are pieces of yourself that you don't normally get to share?What is a favorite ice cream?What was something that this organization has done right to help you?What do you think it is about the structure that allows for that to happen?What other elements are at play here?Finances would be a barrier, can you help me out?Do you wanna do it for free?Due to your position in society, does it make you more or less likely to go to prison?How can we do subtle things so that you don't have to necessarily out yourself as having an invisible disability, but still get your needs met?How can we make people with marginalized identities feel comfortable opening up?How do we make those spaces feel safer?What is your right now question?What makes an experience awesome?What makes storytelling awesome?Why was this moment so powerful?Why do we dim the lights a little at dinner partiesWhat little things can you do to trick your physiology to be more immersed in an experience?Does doing a new novel activity with someone, trick your brain into being more excited about hanging out with someone?How can you make these memories more tactile?What does the tablecloth feel like?What do the napkins feel like?Can you just do five more of these?Can we do this throughout the year?What assumptions are you making about how much others want to know about your inner world, and how might testing those assumptions change your relationships?How might your community benefit from structured opportunities to practice deeper connection, and what role could you play in creating those spaces?If you treated meaningful conversation as essential to your health, as sleep or exercise, how would that change your daily priorities and choices?Are your questions designed to extract information or to create conditions where others can share the best parts of themselves?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction to San Quentin Experience[01:10] Welcome to Curated Questions[01:34] Content Warning and Subscription Reminder[02:33] Introduction to Robert Sturman[04:06] Robert's Journey into Photography and Yoga[04:48] First Visit to San Quentin[06:53] Media Portrayal vs. Reality of Prisons[08:31] Robert's Passion for Yoga Photography[13:55] Criticism and Inclusivity in Yoga Photography[19:08] Building Trust Through Photography[30:42] Misconceptions About Prisons[34:02] Personal Reflections and Growth[35:56] The Importance of Self-Improvement[43:49] Transition from Military to Creative Pursuits[44:20] Tragic Circumstances and New Beginnings[46:00] Embracing New Technologies in Photography[48:04] Discovering a New World Through Photography[49:16] Integrating Documentary Photography with Journalism[51:10] The Unconscious Mind and Creative Processes[53:14] Capturing Authentic Moments in Photography[58:34] The Importance of Perspective in Photography[01:03:10] Honoring Humanity Through Photography[01:05:28] The Beauty of Aging and Life Lessons from Tao[01:07:48] Otis the Pup and Animal Advocacy[01:10:00] Raising Awareness About Animal Testing[01:13:04] Practical Steps to Support Cruelty-Free Products[01:16:35] Final Reflections and Takeaways Resources MentionedOtis the Handsome Hound on InstagramTao Porchon-LynchSan Quentin State PrisonPrison Yoga ProjectJames FoxNational GeographicLife MagazinePicasso's AcrobatsRobert Sturman websiteRobert Sturman InstagramRobert's Polaroid SeriesBraille InstituteYoga JournalThe Five-Minute JournalLeonardo da VinciLieutenant Commander Elizabeth CorwinVal KilmerECOS cleaning productsCruelty Free Leaping BunnySwitzerland Food LabelsBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Did you see them light up?How are you?How is it that you ended up in San Quentin prison taking pictures of folks?I wonder where else folks are doing yoga?Why don't you photograph real people?What are they talking about?How can I understand this?What aspect of this should I take on and apply?How did that process work for you?What was the underlying desire to get those onto the covers?How else in this world would I be invited and welcomed into communities than with the camera and telling this story?What other way would I be able to go to prison except for committing a crime?How do you kind of prepare your heart for looking at these new communities as you  approach them for the first time?What kind of things do you think about?Are you studying them beforehand or just going cold?How has that worked out for you so far?In getting to know the people that you're doing this art with, do you use questions at all?Is that a part of any of your routine?What kind of car did you drive when you came from New York to California?How much was gas?Have you encountered stories of how your images have challenged and changed organizations or people?What are some things that we get wrong about prison?What does reconciliation to society look like?How can they best become a thriving member?Have you used questions at all in developing either your trust in your work or your processes for how you see the world through photography?How can I be better?What does that apply to, all ways as far as how you are developing or, working digitally, setting up the shot? Or is it all of that stuff or particular area?Does drinking alcohol fog you?How did you work through recognizing that the way you had been doing things was going away and be able to land on your feet with this new direction?What did that journey look like for you?Did you have that sense at that time that the meaning was missing?How have you known that you were in that space? Was it a physical manifestation?Was it just the confidence or what you were seeing through the lens? How is it that you knew that you're in this flow state?How do you know that?How can we honor their full humanity or their full being just by changing our perspective?What do you think Tao's wrinkles say?What rings true for you at the moment?How can I help?What can I do?What is your right now question?How can I make use of my time on this planet and be more awake?How can I continue to wake up and be here and face this world raw and do whatever it is I can do to contribute to the healing of in life?What resonated with you? Are you taking something from others in your interactions, or are you creating something meaningful together?How does the quality of your attention communicate what you believe about someone's worth?What are they talking about?How can I understand this?When faced with criticism, do you defend your current path or genuinely explore what truth might be hidden in the challenge?What one question, if asked consistently, would most powerfully guide your daily choices and long-term growth?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction to the Junto[00:43] Welcome to Curated Questions[01:04] Setting the Scene: 1727 Philadelphia[01:22] Meet the Junto Members[01:57] The Junto's Impact on Society[04:03] Franklin's Early Life and Influences[04:55] The Formation of the Junto[05:16] The Rules of the Junto[05:35] The Spirit of Inquiry[06:14] The Power of Language[06:54] The Playful Side of the Junto[07:19] The 24 Questions[08:12] Themes of the Questions[08:32] Personal and Intellectual Growth[09:17] Community and Social Awareness[10:22] Civic Engagement and Justice[11:26] Mutual Support and Collaboration[13:30] The Decline of the Junto[14:49] The Impact on Modern Times[18:16] Reclaiming the Lost Art of Conversation[22:25] Final Thoughts and Call to Action Resources MentionedHugh MeredithWilliam ColemanThomas GodfreyJoseph BreintnallBenjamin Franklin's 24 Junto QuestionsEssays to Do Good by Cotton MatherCotton MatherDeclaration of IndependenceLibrary Company of PhiladelphiaHugh RobertsBeauty PillProducer Ben FordPiscataway People Questions AskedWhat if I told you that one antidote to our fractured discourse was invented in a Philadelphia tavern 300 years ago?Have you lately observed any encroachment on the just liberties of the people?Do you know of any deserving young beginner lately set up, whom it lies in the power of the Junto any way to encourage?Have you met with anything in the author you last read, remarkable, or suitable to be communicated to the Junto?What unhappy effects of intemperance have you lately observed or heard? of imprudence? of passion? or of any other vice or folly?What happy effects of temperance? of prudence? of moderation? or of any other virtue?Have you lately heard of any citizen's thriving well, and by what means?Have you lately heard how any present rich man, here or elsewhere, got his estate?Do you know of any fellow citizen, who has lately done a worthy action, deserving praise and imitation, or who has committed an error proper for us to be warned against and avoid?Have you lately observed any defect in the laws of your country, of which it would be proper to move the legislature an amendment?Have you lately observed any encroachment on the just liberties of the people?Hath any body attacked your reputation lately? and what can the Junto do towards securing it?Have you any weighty affair in hand, in which you think the advice of the Junto may be of service?In what manner can the Junto, or any of them, assist you in any of your honourable designs?What benefits have you lately received from any man not present?Do you hear what happened?Is there any difficulty in matters of opinion, of justice, and injustice, which you would gladly have discussed at this time?I mean, when's the last time someone asked you a similar question?When's the last time you felt safe enough to really explore a moral complexity with people who might disagree with you?So, how do we reclaim this lost art?How do we rebuild the capacity for productive disagreement in our polarized world?Have you encountered any information recently that changed how you think about an important issue?What examples of good citizenship have you witnessed lately that others might want to emulate?What problems in your community do you think could be solved by people working together?How has someone outside this group helped you recently, and how might you pay that forward?What's a question about justice or community well-being that you've been wrestling with that this group might help you think through?Do you see anything amiss in the present customs or proceedings of our democracy, which might be amended?The only question is: are we brave enough to try it?What questions will you bring to your own Junto?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction to Curated Questions[01:49] Introducing Scott Johnson[04:18] The Power of Questions[06:04] Conversations with Strangers[07:43] The Tattoo Conversation Starter[09:23] The Origin of 'What Was That Like?'[12:25] Jennifer Caused a Fatal Accident[16:15] Finding Guests for the Podcast[18:30] Unusual Stories and Listener Engagement[23:47] Creating a Safe Space for Guests[31:05] The Impact of Storytelling[35:46] Outlandish Story: Shiny Ate His Own Foot[41:31] Heart-Wrenching Stories: Laura's Pain Became Her Purpose Episode[43:48] Advocacy and Awareness[46:21] A Fun Episode: Fabiana won The Price Is Right showcase[47:58] Editing Questions for Better Storytelling[49:38] Curiosity from Childhood[52:10] The Birth of the Computer Tutor[53:13] Learning Computer Repair[54:33] Avoiding Ineffective Questions[57:31] Curiosity With Scott's Kids[01:00:13] Empathy: A Divisiveness Hack[01:01:45] Building a Community on Facebook[01:03:10] Engaging with the Audience[01:06:36] Podcasting Rhythm and Collaborations[01:08:32] Meeting Meredith and Chemistry[01:10:36] Personal Growth and Podcast Evolution[01:15:32] Questioning Religious Beliefs[01:19:47] Identity and Religion[01:28:45] Scotts Goto Final Questions[01:31:46] Insights & Takeaways Resources MentionedThe Computer Tutor PodcastWhat Was That Like PodcastMeredith For Real, The Curious IntrovertYou Are Enough hoodieUltra Finishers PodcastSchool of Podcasting with Dave JacksonBuilding A Better Dave PodcastJennifer Caused a Fatal Accident (What Was That Like Episode)James BondThe Rest of the Story with Paul HarveyShiny Ate His Own Foot (What Was That Like Episode)Laura's Pain Became Her Purpose (What Was That Like Episode)Fabiana Won The Price Is Right Showcase (What Was That Like Episode)The Price Is RightBob BarkerDrew CareyBirth As We Know It PodcastWhat Was That Like? - Facebook GroupPriya ParkerGlassbox MediaIOTD365.comMensa SocietyGrammarlyBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?What's your podcast about?How does your curiosity show up that way?What's the history?Why would you get that?What started the show for you?Have you followed up with her at all in the years since to see how she's doing?What's the best kind of podcast to almost ensure growth?Remember so and so, wonder what's happening with him now?You ever talk to him anymore?Any particular primary way you find your guests?Are there any particular stories that are still on that list that you haven't checked off yet?What's the real story here?Do you think it's gonna take 45 minutes to tell the story?How do you go about creating this safe space?Do I really want to go on and talk to Scott about this and tell that story?How do you think about your follow-up questions?How are you working through the story with them in following your curiosity?Who was in your family?Who was in the car with you at the time?How old are your kids?Where were you going?How have you recovered?Have you had therapy?How did you get through it and what are you doing now?What was the question you just asked me again?What was going through your head at that time?What were you thinking?What was that self-talk like?What would I be thinking at that time?What happens inside the human mind when trauma is being introduced?How do you think that this has changed you?Is this person really going to lose someone, or what's really gonna happen?What are a couple of your most outlandish or favorite episodes or at the top of the list of stories that you retell when you're doing conversations like this?What's the weirdest story you've ever done?If you had the opportunity to taste human flesh, and it was legal, ethical, and maybe even healthy, would you do it?Remember that conversation we had?Why am I saying yes or no? Is it a health reason? Is it a moral reason?Is there anything objectively wrong with it?Is it just cultural?Where is our son?Something as precious as your child, how can you just forget them?What were you thinking when that happened?Were you feeling apprehensive?Were you asking a lot of questions as a kid?What's the difference?Can you fix that?Why can't I do it?What are ineffective questions?How do you even answer that question?Who's your wife?What kids do you already have?What did the questions and curiosity look like for them from your perspective as a parent?How do you pronounce everybody's name?Who else is in the story?Who else are we gonna be talking about?Is there any part of the story that you don't want to talk about or that I shouldn't ask you about?If go back to a certain point in your life and change something, what would you change?What was the happiest day of your life?Did you start the Facebook group straight away once you started the podcast?How did you two meet?Why don't we do a promo trade?What is your right now question?What really is the truth?If you were wrong, would you want to know about it?Would you want to know that you're wrong?Do you have any other thoughts on questions that we hadn't necessarily touched on at all that you wanted to touch on?What are you always hoping the host will ask, but they don't usually?Is there any part of the story that we haven't talked about that you wanted to mention?Where's the best place for folks to find out all the things that you're excited about and to be able to follow the work that you're doing?Are you asking questions simply to fill conversational space, or are you genuinely prepared to be changed by what you discover in the answers?How could your questions serve not just your own curiosity, but create spaces where others feel safe to be authentically human?What beliefs are you protecting from genuine examination because questioning them might require you to become someone different than who you've always been?What pain might you now be able to recycle into a newfound purpose?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction to Curated Questions[00:32] Meet Dr. Ernest Ponraj[01:29] The Twist: Dentist and Artist[02:01] Tour of the Art Gallery[03:00] First In-Person Conversation[03:10] Understanding the Power of Questions[04:43] Connecting Through Questions[11:12] The Journey to Practice Ownership[12:21] Challenges and Growth in Dentistry[13:48] COVID-19 and a New Beginning[15:40] Combining Dentistry and Art[18:41] Patient Reactions to the Art Space[22:25] The Role of Art in Reducing Anxiety[24:16] Ernest's Artistic Journey[33:01] Reflections on Life and Giving Back[37:47] Reflecting on Small Joys[38:00] The Art of Asking Questions[39:24] Understanding Patient Needs[40:17] Serving the Community[42:16] Balancing Dentistry and Art[42:50] Promoting the Space[43:30] Building the Right Team[44:05] Current Challenges and Goals[45:52] Creating Memorable Experiences[47:24] Connecting Through Art[48:41] Showcasing Local Artists[55:12] Interactive Art Wall[58:31] Personal Art Journey[01:01:32] Highlighting Emerging Artists[01:04:55] Final Thoughts and Takeaways Resources MentionedTECHNE Dental GalleryTechnedental on InstagramJeff WetzlerDr. Cheryl Lee-PowMartin Luther King Jr.El MacEl Obrero by El MacSean TaylorJaden DanielsSalvador DaliBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Am I giving the right answer?Does this make sense?Do I know how to answer these?Did I do well enough on this test?Do you find that even today, you're more curious with your wife in asking questions?Do you find it easy to engage with your wife with questions?Have you always had that?What does that story look like for you?How hard could it be?How could I let this happen?Is this really happening?Am I doing the right thing?How can you really do it?Do I want my work and career to just be something that I do to make income, to support my family?Do you really wanna enjoy what you do and have it be something that when you look back on your life, you're like, you know what, I'm glad I did this?Where do I go from here now?What has been some of that experience been like?Why are you a dentist?Are you seeing that [renewed passion for dentistry] as an extension of art?Where do you go from there?How would you encourage others to think about perhaps merging areas of their life that others may not understand?How have we gone wrong?Did your parents encourage you on in the world of questions, what was that like for you?How can I contribute to give back to them?Do you get a chance to get back to India regularly to meet extended family?Are there any particular questions that you've carried with you, whether it's through seasons or, that you come back to?How many times do you floss a day?How can I serve the community?What is your current how?How do I even let my neighbors right here know that we have this space here?How do I promote this space?What is your right now question?How to balance the dental aspect of things is in terms of doing my day-to-day work?Any other things about questions that we hadn't covered down on that as you were thinking about the conversation?Anything that we didn't touch on?What would make you walk out of this place and want to tell somebody, that was the best experience I ever had?Where's the best place for folks to catch up with you?In doing your creating, in making your art, what does that do for you?For the three that you've got up here, what element is it that resonates with you?How might your own relationship with questions, whether asking or answering them, be limiting your ability to connect authentically with others?What crisis or major life transition might be calling you to stop compartmentalizing different parts of yourself and instead integrate them into something more authentic and fulfilling?What routine questions in your professional life could you redesign to move from information-gathering to story-inviting, creating space for deeper connection and understanding?What hidden aspects of yourself (talents, passions, or experiences) are you keeping separate from your professional identity, and how might sharing them create deeper connections with colleagues, clients, or patients?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction: Seeing Through the Myth[01:06] Welcome to Curated Questions[01:28] Ken's Backstory[02:05] Rethinking American History[03:05] Discovering Hidden Truths[03:58] Impact of Redlining and Racism[05:14] The Church's Complicity[06:19] Systemic Inequality[06:52] Influential Authors[08:26] The Reality of White-Body Supremacy & Lynching[12:52] Repentance and Reconciliation[13:24] The Unfulfilled Promises[16:38] The Walk Begins[17:38] Challenges and Conversations[18:34] Physical and Emotional Struggles[19:51] Community Reactions[21:40] Encounters and Reflections[22:26] Privilege and Protection[23:29] Friends and Fears[25:04] Blue-eyed Devil[26:13] Lessons from the Walk[27:10] Confronting Racism[28:23] The Importance of Listening[28:53] Mistakes and Apologies[29:39] The Impact of the Walk[32:56] Building New Communities[34:05] Final Thoughts and Gratitude Resources MentionedAn Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (ReVisioning History) by Roxanne Dunbar-OrtizThe Color of Law by Richard RothsteinSister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America by Melissa Harris-PerryThe Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar TisbyCaste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel WilkersonJames BaldwinNikki GiovanniClint SmithChimamanda Ngozi AdichieChristina SharpeResmaa MenakemC. Vann WoodwardJames W. LoewenToni MorrisonAngela DavisFrederick DouglassOctavia ButlerTa-Nehisi CoatesWilliam Loyd GarrisonIbriam X. KendiMary Turner and the lynching rampage of 1918Emmett TillMalcolm XLorton Prison in VirginiaWagshal's DeliBlack Lives Matter PlazaWashington PostTheresa VargasBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedIf this was the case, and 50% of this book was wrong, what do I do with the 50% that is correct?How is a Black family supposed to build generational wealth when redlining is legal?How would this knowledge would inform my understanding of the lived experiences of the Black women around me?What tendrils might this endorsement of state-sanctioned terror might have in today's sanctuaries?Why didn't Black service members get access to the GI Bill after returning from the World Wars?How is the Republican adoption of the Southern Strategy to disenfranchise Black voters starting in the 1950s still functioning?I questioned, how can this country move forward if we don't embrace the truth?Where did all the people sitting on picnic blankets go?Did we expect the passage of the Civil Rights Act to change all the deep-seated hatred and bigotry?How might this residue coat the rest of our society in both visible and unseen ways?Are you packin'?You think you got something to say, don't you?Are you a racist?What this project would accomplish. How was it going to make a difference in her life?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction: The Power of Questions[01:24] Meet Jeff Wetzler[03:14] The Power of Questions in Childhood[04:38] Encouraging Questions in Families[05:57] The Sacred Invitation of Questions[08:01] Quality vs. Crummy Questions[09:11] Designing Effective Questions[14:08] Listening to Learn[14:43] The Three Languages of Listening[16:07] Practical Exercises for Better Listening[19:02] Question Strategies[23:38] Rediscovering Natural Curiosity[24:00] Breaking Through the Shell of Suppressed Curiosity[24:28] Injecting Curiosity Sparks[25:26] Heart-Centered Curiosity[26:22] Living a Life of Curiosity[27:09] The Importance of Scheduling Space for Curiosity[27:51] Balancing Busyness and Productivity[31:07] Broadening Perspectives Through Diverse Interactions[32:54] Building Bridges Through Empathy[35:15] Living the Questions[36:12] The Overlooked Importance of Reflection[37:51] The Right Now Question[40:14] The Energy of Curiosity[44:20] Awe and Wonder in the Other[46:02] Final Thoughts and Takeaways Resources MentionedAsk: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You, For Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life by Jeff WetzlerEmily IrvingAskApproach.comHow to Learn Something from Anyone... (and Why To Try) Jeff's TEDx TalkKevin KellyAction DesignBrian MorganDavid CantorFamily Systems TherapyJenny AndersonChris ArgyrisOrganizational LearningRilkeDiana McLain SmithRishi JaitlyJeff Wetzler on LinkedInBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Why does this happen?How does this work?Why is this going on?Did your parents encourage that, or is that just who you were at that point?When you were growing up, how welcome were questions for you?Were you encouraged or discouraged as a kid?Did she indicate that she's overcome that at all?Can you say some more about how the second Amazing power of questions is they are Relationship Builders a sacred invitation?What are your thoughts on working through and drafting questions for something that you can prepare for?Are you trying to ask a question because you wanna prove a point or look smart or get someone to do something?Are you really asking it because you wanna learn?Does that make sense?Does the other person agree?Is it clear to them?Do I understand what you're saying?Do I agree with what you're saying?What's your reaction to that?How does that land with you?How does that sit with you?What does that make you think?How much richer would life be?How are you?What are some elements of listening to learn?What are you listening for?What's the person saying?What are the feelings that they're displaying?What are the feelings that they're expressing?What behaviors are they taking in the conversation?What did I hear the first time around?What might you be missing?How can you start to train yourself to listen for the others?What did the person say?What was the information?What was the content?What were the emotions that were being expressed or displayed?What were the behaviors or actions that they were taking?How could that possibly be demoralizing to him or anybody?How long does it take to get good at this?What are recommendations or ideas for cracking that hard shell that may have grown over our curiosity?What might I be missing?What else could be going on in the situation?How else might someone look at the situation?Can we actually use empathy as a gateway in?Do we surround ourselves with people who think just like us, or do we surround ourselves with people who think differently?Do we surround ourselves with people who have the same general patterns of life experiences, or can we surround ourselves with people who have different life experiences?How do we use our time? What do we read?What do we look at on social media?What movies and TV shows do we watch?Can we use all of that to kind of stretch our imagination of what's true in the world?What's out there in the world, what's possible in the world?How do we use our time in the sense of, are we packing our schedule so tightly that we're just doing, doing, doing, moving on from one thing to the next to the next?Are we making space to just get bored, just to wander, to let our mind make connections?How does one muster the courage to be curious about others?How do we get that courage to really learn to listen?What can I learn here?What can I learn from this person?How do they work?What makes them tick?What do they believe?How is their behavior rational from their worldview?What does that look like for you?How do you live the questions?How do I challenge my thinking?Has there been a section of the book that maybe you think doesn't get as much attention as you thought that it might?What is your right now question?How can I and all of us access curiosity more deeply, more often?Is that fair?How would you define that?What is going on here?Do you have any thoughts or encouragement about questions that we haven't explored yet?Where are the best places for folks to track you down and to learn more about what you're doing?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction: The Power of Showing Up for Yourself[01:04] Curated Questions: A Resource for Personal Growth[01:27] Introducing Shelbie Morgan: A Force for Good[02:46] Shelbie's Early Life and Parental Influence[03:41] The Role of Choices and Freedom in Shelbie's Upbringing[07:12] Volunteering and Its Impact on Shelbie's Life[08:12] The Importance of Giving Back[09:27] Shelbie's Passion for Sports and Extracurricular Activities[11:05] The Value of Education and Continuous Learning[12:17] The Influence of Family on Financial Literacy[19:22] Curiosity and Its Role in Shelbie's Life[20:55] Shelbie's Love for Gaming and Its Connection to Curiosity[23:36] The Hustle, Budget, and Glow Podcast: Mission and Vision[26:10] Shelbie's Journey in Entrepreneurship and Financial Wellness[29:24] The Grind and Money Management[29:31] Interviewing Entrepreneurs[29:48] Talent and Passion in Business[30:23] Developing Grit and Passion[30:37] Managing Your First Dollar[30:55] Corporate America Experience[31:56] Effective Communication and Saving[32:04] Understanding Your Finances[34:09] Subscription Spending[36:36] Monthly Bills and Savings[37:32] Emergency Funds and Investments[38:57] Entrepreneurial Aha Moments[43:55] Manifestation and Vision Boards[52:18] Self-Care and Prioritizing Yourself[55:44] Final Reflections and Takeaways[58:24] Reflections and Insights Resources MentionedHouston Food BankHouston AstrosHead for the Cure for brain cancerMyers-BriggsJim CramerPlant FitnessDave RamseyRobert KiyosakiHustleBudgetGlow on YouTubeGrub It Up vegan bakeryHustleBudgetGlow@gmail.comShelbie Morgan on LinkedInBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?What did that look like as far as your parents encouraging you on in questions?What do you wanna wear today?What do you want for breakfast in the morning?What should I pack for your lunch?How do you think volunteerism has shaped how you're living life today?What might be some questions that might encourage kindness or you think might have informed how you exercise kindness in the world?Anything resonate there at all?What did you get out of it?Did you enjoy it?Did you have a good time? Would you do it again?What are the next steps for these less fortunate people?How are other people gonna show up for them in their lives beyond today?What else can we do next?What else can we do to help this person?How could you help them more, and in what way?Why do they have to live like this?What can we do?Why aren't people helping them like somebody do something?How does curiosity work into your life?How does that show up for you?When's the last time you played your game?What questions are not asked often enough about money?What are you spending your money on that you're not using?What are my bills?What am I spending each month on my bills?How much money do I have every two weeks?What do I have left to allocate at the end of each week, end of each month?What can I do with those funds?Why do I wanna save and invest this money?What does that overlap look like for you?How do I envision my life once I achieve these things?Is it gonna be more or less what you thought it would be?How are you gonna embody those things?There's so much beauty in this world, why not go see it?Were there any pivotal questions, whether it was mentors asking you or any questions that you asked yourself specifically, that helped you get to where you are today?Does this add value to my life?Does this bring peace?Do I feel like my nervous system goes into shock when I'm around this person or in this environment or doing this thing, or, do I feel joy and happiness and calm?When's the last time you betted on yourself?Where are the best places for folks to track you down and learn about the things that you're interested in?How can you create structured choice opportunities in your relationships or work to help others develop confidence and decision making skills?What consistent service commitment. Could you establish to stay connected to your community and maintain perspective on your own blessings?In what areas of your life are you still holding back from, showing up as your complete authentic self? And what would change if you did?What am I spending money on that I'm not using?What are my actual monthly bills and expenses?How much do I have left to allocate towards saving and investing?Why do I want to save and invest this money - what's the purpose?What is one essential question you could ask yourself weekly to maintain awareness and accountability in the areas of your life that matter most, whether that's finances, relationships, health, or personal growth?

Episode Notes[00:00 The Secret to Effective Interviewing01:08 Introduction to Curated Questions01:29 MK Palmore's Background and Career03:09 Joining the FBI: Initial Expectations03:59 The Importance of Interviewing Skills in the FBI05:08 Military Background and FBI Training05:55 Diverse Skills Program and Military Influence09:39 Practical Interview Training at the FBI15:12 Creating Psychological Safety in Interviews20:17 Building Trust and Effective Communication24:26 Developing Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome27:36 Public Speaking: Preparation and Mindset29:23 Engaging the Audience: Techniques and Strategies32:57 The Role of Questions in Professional Settings41:05 Leadership and Cybersecurity41:28 The Prevalence of AI in Conversations41:46 Challenges of Leadership in Tech42:03 The Impact of Poor Leadership42:44 Leadership Development in Companies43:15 The Importance of Investing in People44:19 Conversations with Small to Medium-Sized Organizations45:17 The Future of AI and Leadership46:08 AI as a Force Multiplier46:40 AI in Learning and Development47:42 Adopting AI in Business Processes48:51 The Disruption of AI in Various Industries55:27 Curiosity and Professional Growth58:52 People-Centered Leadership01:07:04 The Role of Reflection in Leadership01:12:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections01:16:12 Reflections and Insights Resources MentionedApogee Global RMSFederal Bureau of InvestigationUS Marine CorpsOcean VuongThe Daily episode with Ocean VuongMalcom GladwellHughes Network SystemsDwarkesh PatelKevin KellyMK Palmore on LinkedInLeadership Student NewsletterBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Do you know what you were brought in for, or what specialty skills you brought to the table?What's on the ticket for this week?What's on the ticket for today?How many cases do I have?Were there any particular courses or books that the FBI uses to train the agents?What did some of that training look like?What were some of the ways that you kept that even keel?What are you doing internally to keep your cool?What set you apart, or why do you think that you were successful?What is the motivation that you have for leaning into the uncomfortableness?When did that process and that confidence start?What are a couple of components or examples of mind talk, or any of your other strategies?Any thoughts on the question that I just posed?Do you run through your CV before you give a talk so people know who you are?Do you just jump right into the topic to make sure that you grab them?How might you use questions in your preparation for a talk that you're gonna be doing or something that you're pulling together?What are they here to hear about?What do they think is going to be presented to them?What's the pain point that you have around this particular issue?Any particular questions that you found helpful or lines of thinking with questions that you found helpful in your conversations with folks?Can you help us figure that thing out?Is this something that you experience in your own organization?Who are the cybersecurity folks in the roomWhere's all of this going?What kind of position do we need to be in to protect against stuff that's gonna happen in the future?Does your technology work?What examples do you have of it working for other people?Can it be helpful to me?What questions are not being asked often enough in the cybersecurity world?How much of it can we ship?How much of it can we sell?How much of it can we make?What step would you encourage folks to take in understanding that element better?How has Curiosity played a role in delivering you to where you are today?Can I learn this?Can I then take what I've learned and then provide some learning to other people about it?Do you think curiosity is a skill that you can improve?What is a nuance that most people miss about people-centered leadership?What am I going to get done with this group of people that I have here?How comfortable do you think people feel in their current work environments to have those kinds of very transparent conversations with their bosses?What's next for me?What can I do to help you get there?What roles do questions and inquiry play in that process of leadership development?I had a rough interaction with someone. What role did I play? Or my baggage or my, positioning in that scenario, what role did I play in that?Do you go back and review your journals, and what is your process for how you use them?How do I reconcile my decision to do something really hard with what my reality is on the ground?What is your right now question?Have I done enough to go venture off on my own?Am I prepared?Have I done enough?Am I ready to put out my own shingle and do my own thing?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction and Career Advice[01:04] Host Introduction and Show Purpose[01:25] Tony Kennedy's Football Journey[02:47] Transition to Professional Football[04:05] Experiences with the Dallas Cowboys[06:32] First Impressions and Rookie Challenges[08:42] Memorable Moments and Regrets[11:59] Lessons from the NFL[15:00] Mentoring Young Athletes[17:27] Guiding Athletes Beyond Sports[18:36] Successful Transitions Post-Sports[20:10] Kennedy Sports Group Philosophy[20:35] Heartfelt Representation and Jerry Maguire[22:32] Overcoming Jealousy in Sports[23:47] Dealing with Career Transitions[25:35] Finding Confidence After Sports[27:29] Advice for New Athletes[28:24] The Reality of Professional Sports[29:25] Starting a New Career Path[29:43] Financial Planning for Athletes[30:51] Defining Success Beyond Wealth[31:56] The Importance of Leaving a Legacy[32:29] Mentorship and Vision[33:54] The Crab Bowl: A State All-Star Game[35:01] RX Sports: Pain Management Solutions[39:09] Final Thoughts and Reflections[40:36] Summary and Takeaways Resources MentionedKennedy Sports GroupRXSports.netDallas CowboysWashington CommandersMoneyball (Film)Jerry RiceEmmitt SmithMichael JordanKareem Abdul-JabbarShaquille O'NealMagic JohnsonJamal MashburnAlbert KingLarry BirdBarry SandersStudent Athlete Compensation NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness)Maryland Crab BowlHarriet Tubman MuseumUnder ArmourCannabidiol (CBD)Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)Red EffectBlue MajicBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Were there any particular questions that kind of shaped that journey for you or might have been impactful for you during those, various pivots or phases?What happens here?What happens there?What are we supposed to do when you are supposed to go from fifth round to whenever?What am I supposed to do?How are we supposed to act?What time we supposed to be here? Where do we live?What was that moment like for you?Why me?Why this time?Why did I go to one of their best teams in history, as far as how deep they were, the players?Were you in the headspace to even have that conversation?What are we going to do afterwards?What kind of questions are you using with these athletes as they're coming up?Can they run on the field?What questions might you be using to position yourself so that you are caring first and foremost for the athlete with the right mindset?Why am I doing this?Why am I waking up?Why am I calling this many people?Why am I here?Are you really happy for that person?Are you jealous that he made it?How did you work through that jealousy?Was it an issue for you?How did you get to that level of confidence?What might be some questions that you think athletes should be asking, whether this is early on or later on in a career?What do I wanna do?What is success?When you leave this earth, did they name a park after you? Did they name a school? Did they name a ward after you?How many people did you touch when you were here?Were there any mentors or coaches that used any particular questions with you that have stuck with you over the years or those are, might have been pivotal moments?Was there any particular questions that you used in evaluating these different opportunities?What do you see as the opportunity for folks with RX Sports?Do you have any other thoughts or encouragement about questions that we haven't necessarily explored?Who do you hang with?How can you apply the "What are we going to do afterwards?" question to a milestone in your life?What basic "Why" questions would it be helpful to revisit?What unresolved personal disappointments are sabotaging your service to others?