Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction to Curated Questions[01:05] Meet Chad Littlefield[02:57] Chad's Journey with Questions[05:14] The Impact of Powerful Questions[05:40] World in Conversation[08:22] The Essence of Connection[11:31] The Role of Intention in Questions[12:16] Chad's Origin Story[20:17] The Power of Conversations[25:50] Intentional Connections[38:55] The Power of Clear Intentions[39:42] Genuine Curiosity in Networking[40:22] Exercises for Building Connections[41:35] Responding to Spam with Value[47:18] The Magic of a Second Question[49:08] Creating Connection Tools[53:03] The Right Now Question[57:33] The Connector Summit Experiment[01:02:21] Social Accountability Through Questions[01:02:40] Final Thoughts and Encouragements Resources Mentionedwww.weand.meConnection Toolkit™Will WiseHow to Make Virtual Engagement EasyAsk Powerful Questions: Create Conversations that MatterChad Littlefield YouTube ChannelConnectors SummitWorld in ConversationPatch Adams Movie with Robin WilliamsTEDx Talk by Chad LittlefieldPeter Block: Connection Before ContentSimon SinekMark LevyUniversity of New Mexico Mentoring InstituteDerek SiversSeth GodinNikki GiovanniEric Tyler High School TeacherBlake LaGrangeMastering.comThis is StrategyKim (Chad's Chief of Staff)Chad Littlefield (The Other One)Chris KyleBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Are you ready for your life to change?How did it impact the other students?Who is this guy?What is life teaching you right now?Are you doing this out of social obligation or do you actually care?Are you interested?Is your intent other-centric as opposed to me-centric?Where do you trace your roots back to some variation of what you'd consider connection?How did you get into this business or this world?Where would I be at?Was that Hollywood or can connection actually heal people in some way and mend relationships, even extending to physical ailments?How much do you charge to speak?How did Will view questions?Did he have any unique perspectives on questions or how they might be used, or how he used them?What do I do?What's going on right now for you?What is something you would like to do more ofIn my future, is this possible?Are you looking at your schedule and thinking that, or are you carrying this into the conversation with the folks at the coffee shop?How are you living this?What do you think that we often get wrong about connection?Any guesses to how many questions kids ask per day?When do you need me home? What should we eat tonight? Want me to pick up subs?Why have we stopped asking?Why do we ask so few questions if we know so little about most things?How are you?What's good about it? What's fine about it?Have you ever been asked this question before?How did you come up with that list?What could I just put in between these two people and make that go better?What questions are you working with right now?What's taking up lots of your brain space right now?How honest do I want to be?How vulnerable do I want to be?What is the highest amount of value that you can give to a person or a group in the shortest amount of time for the most amount of money?Anybody want to come?When would you like to have that done?When would you like to send me that first draft answer by?Do you have any other thoughts or encouragements about questions that we haven't necessarily explored that you were looking forward to being able to talk about as we came in?Where's the best place for folks to catch up with you, and see what you're excited about and learn more about you?What is something you would like to do more of?

Episode Notes[03:47] Seth's Early Understanding of Questions[04:33] The Power of Questions[05:25] Building Relationships Through Questions[06:41] This is Strategy: Focus on Questions[10:21] Gamifying Questions[11:34] Conversations as Infinite Games[15:32] Creating Tension with Questions[20:46] Effective Questioning Techniques[23:21] Empathy and Engagement[34:33] Strategy and Culture[35:22] Microsoft's Transformation[36:00] Global Perspectives on Questions[39:39] Caring in a Challenging World Resources MentionedThe Dip by Seth GodinLinchpin by Seth GodinPurple Cow by Seth GodinTribes by Seth GodinThis Is Marketing by Seth GodinThe Carbon AlmanacThis is Strategy by Seth GodinSeth's BlogWhat Does it Sound Like When You Change Your Mind? by Seth GodinValue Creation Masterclass by Seth Godin on UdemyThe Strategy Deck by Seth GodinTaylor SwiftJimmy SmithJimmy Smith Curated Questions EpisodeSupercutsPriya ParkerTechstarsSatya NadellaMicrosoftSteve BallmerAcumenJerry ColonnaUnleashing the Idea Virus by Seth GodinTim Ferriss podcast with Seth GodinSeth Godin websiteBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?What do you do to get under the layer to really get down to those lower levels?Is it just follow-up questions, mindset, worldview, and how that works for you?How'd you get this job anyway?What are things like around here?What did your boss do before they were your boss?Wow did you end up with this job?Why are questions such a big part of This is Strategy?If you had to charge ten times as much as you charge now, what would you do differently?If it had to be free, what would you do differently?Who's it for, and what's it for?What is the change we seek to make?How did you choose the questions for The Strategy Deck?How big is our circle of us?How many people do I care about?Is the change we're making contagious?Are there other ways to gamify the use of questions?Any other thoughts on how questions might be gamified?How do we play games with other people where we're aware of what it would be for them to win and for us to win?What is it that you're challenged by?What is it that you want to share?What is it that you're afraid of?If there isn't a change, then why are we wasting our time?Can you define tension?What kind of haircut do you want?How long has it been since your last haircut?How might one think about intentionally creating that question?What factors should someone think about as they use questions to create tension?How was school today?What is the kind of interaction I'm hoping for over time?How do I ask a different sort of question that over time will be answered with how was school today?Were there any easy questions on your math homework?Did anything good happen at school today?What tension am I here to create?What wrong questions continue to be asked?What temperature is it outside?When the person you could have been meets the person you are becoming, is it going to be a cause for celebration or heartbreak?What are the questions we're going to ask each other?What was life like at the dinner table when you were growing up?What are we really trying to accomplish?How do you have this cogent two sentence explanation of what you do?How many clicks can we get per visit?What would happen if there was a webpage that was designed to get you to leave?What were the questions that were being asked by people in authority at Yahoo in 1999?How did the stock do today?Is anything broken?What can you do today that will make the stock go up tomorrow?What are risks worth taking?What are we doing that might not work but that supports our mission?What was the last thing you did that didn't work, and what did we learn from it?What have we done to so delight our core customers that they're telling other people?How has your international circle informed your life of questions?What do I believe that other people don't believe?What do I see that other people don't see?What do I take for granted that other people don't take for granted?What would blank do? What would Bob do? What would Jill do? What would Susan do?What happened to them? What system are they in that made them decide that that was the right thing to do? And then how do we change the system?How given the state of the world, do you manage to continue to care as much as you do?Do you walk to school or take your lunch?If you all can only care if things are going well, then what does that mean about caring?Should I have spent the last 50 years curled up in a ball?How do we go to the foundation and create community action?

This episode dives into the significant political question posed by Ronald Reagan during the closing moments of his 1980 presidential debate with Jimmy Carter: 'Are you better off than you were four years ago?'Ken Woodward explores the context of the 1980 political climate, marked by economic difficulties, high inflation, unemployment, and international issues such as the Iran hostage crisis and concerns about U.S. global standing and nuclear threats. Reagan's question, which became iconic in U.S. political discourse, was noted for its simplicity, personal relevance, emotional resonance, and strategic timing. The question invited voters to reflect on their circumstances rather than abstract policies, ultimately contributing to Reagan's landslide victory.The episode details six crucial lessons for crafting influential questions, emphasizing audience perspective, engagement, simplicity, timing, self-reflection, and a call to action. Listeners are encouraged to consider how such questions have shaped their decisions and to apply these insights in personal and professional contexts.This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com. Keep questioning! Episode Notes[01:58] Setting the Stage: The 1980 Presidential Debate[04:24] Reagan's Memorable Question[06:01] Impact and Aftermath of the Debate[06:45] Analyzing the Rhetorical Question[13:06] Lessons from Reagan's Question[16:05] Modern Applications and Reflections[18:04] Conclusion and Call to Action Resources MentionedRonald ReaganJimmy CarterBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedAre you better off now than you were four years ago?Is it easier for you to go and buy things in the stores than it was four years ago?Is there more or less unemployment in the country than there was four years ago?Is America as respected throughout the world as it was?Do you feel that our security is as safe, that we're as strong as we were four years ago?Where do you feel it in your body?What emotions come to the surface?What pictures race through your mind?Would it kill you to stop chewing your food with your mouth open?What is your number seven?What comes to mind?Did you feel the knee-jerk need to answer right away when your politician asked?Did you actually do the homework to determine what factors were most important to you, then look at data vice depending on emotion?Is it any easier to see why someone in a different circumstance may answer differently than you?How did the question affect your answer when the opposing politician asked it?Did you use the same metric for the candidates or give your preferred candidate extra leeway?What famous questions continue to pop up in your world?

Episode Notes[00:00] Introduction to Right Now Questions[01:58] Chazz Scott: Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges[05:31] Shreyaa and Esha Venkat: Balancing Nonprofit Work and Personal Growth[10:02] Kwame Sarfo-Mensah: Reflecting on Personal and Professional Fulfillment[11:49] Bill Reed: Lifelong Questions and Deep Connections[17:30] Lizabeth Ruiz: A Global Perspective on Venezuela[19:25] EbonyJanice Moore: Exploring Priesthood and African Spirituality[28:00] Amy Herman: Leveraging Experiences for Growth[33:11] Jerry Colonna: Navigating Life Transitions[34:55] Conclusion and Invitation to Participate Resources MentionedChazz ScottSuccess Starts Within: Achieve Your Potential Through Radical Self-Care by Chazz ScottShreyaa VenkatEsha VenkatNEST4USKwame Sarfo-MensahLearning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom by Kwame Sarfo-MensahBill ReedEbonyJanice MooreAmy HermanJerry ColonnaBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford

Episode Notes[00:00] Reflecting on 2024: A Solo Journey[01:29] Shreya and Esha Venkat: Making a Positive Impact[02:17] Jimmy D. Smith: Mentorship and Strategic Friction[03:10] Derek Sivers: Embracing Hard Questions[04:26] Chaz Scott: Radical Self-Care and Personal Growth[05:14] Kwame Sarfo-Mensah: Identity and Cultural Affirmation[06:23] Bill Reed: Engaging with Heartfelt Questions[07:03] Joe Primo: Gratitude and Life's Transitions[08:01] David Pearl: Stretching Imagination with Questions[08:50] Bobby Morgan: Restorative Practices in Education[09:55] EbonyJanice Moore: Honoring Black Women[11:15] Amy Herman: Visual Intelligence and Curiosity[12:18] Jenny Hegland: The Story Behind the Poem[13:04] Austin Graff: Caring Through Questions[14:08] Nikki Giovanni: A Legacy of Conversation[16:21] Cal Fussman: The Art of the Interview[17:33] Brian Fretwell: Transforming Conversations[18:23] Stephanie Easter: Navigating Leadership with Questions[19:15] Jerry Colonna: Deep Questions on Belonging[20:30] Lynn Borton: Choosing to be Curious[21:08] Wrapping Up 2024: Celebrating the Power of Questions[22:10] Looking Ahead to 2025: Enhancements and Community Growth Resources MentionedShreyaa VenkatEsha VenkatNEST4USJimmy D. SmithDerek SiversChazz ScottSuccess Starts Within: Achieve Your Potential Through Radical Self-Care by Chazz ScottKwame Sarfo-MensahLearning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom by Kwame Sarfo-MensahBill ReedJoe PrimoGrateful LivingBrother David Steindl-RastConnecticut HospiceDavid PearlStreet WisdomBobby MorganEbonyJanice MooreAll The Black Girls Are Activists: A Fourth Wave Womanist Pursuit Of Dreams As Radical Resistance by EbonyJaniceSister Citizen by Melissa Harris-PerryAmy HermanVisual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life by Amy HermanJenny HeglandThe Good Listening ProjectUnlimited BoundariesAustin GraffNikki GiovanniJames BaldwinVirginia FowlerCal FussmanMuhammad AliMikhail GorbachevBig Questions PodcastBig Questions Podcast: The Great Farewell for Larry KingLarry KingBrian FretwellFinding GoodSteffanie EasterJerry ColonnaREBOOT: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry ColonnaREUNION: Leadership and the Longing to Belong by Jerry ColonnaLynn BortonChoose to be Curious PodcastBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedHow can I take this forward in a way that works for me, that works for the community, and that benefits the greatest amount of people? Shreyaa VenkatHow do you use friction strategically? Jimmy D. SmithWhat do I want more of? Brian FretwellWhat do I need less of? Derek SiversWhy do I think I need more? Derek SiversIs more the solution? Derek SiversIs less the solution here? Derek SiversWhat habit do I need to let go of so I can show up as my authentic self? Chazz ScottWhat is the origin of my preconceived notions about a particular group of people? Kwame Sarfo-MensahHow are you doing? Bill ReedOne day people will gather to celebrate your life. They'll either have a deep well to draw from, or they'll have to make stuff up. And what do you want them to say is the question? Bill ReedWhat can I celebrate today by seeing it as new rather than something mundane? Joe PrimoReally? David PearlWhat would it look like for Black women to get to live from that place, to create from that place, to imagine from that place, to build new ethic and curriculum and language, and push culture forward from that place? EbonyJaniceHow can I ask the right questions to elicit information from this work of art to change how people look so they, in turn, can see better? Amy HermanWhat is the historical context of the place? Austin GraffWhat is the culture like now? Austin GraffWhat are some of the biggest disappointments or tensions in the area? Austin GraffHow are you taking risks? Steffanie EasterHow do you persist? Steffanie EasterHow have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don't want? Jerry ColonnaWhat is it that I have to give up that makes me feel safe so that the conditions of the world create belonging for everyone? Jerry Colonna

Shreyaa Venkat and Esha Venkat were inspired by their parents model of serving those in need, and founded the non-profit NEST4US, that is N.E.S.T Numeral 4 U.S., as a philanthropic platform built upon kindness, generosity, and social good. With the mission of making the world better through kindness by mobilizing volunteers worldwide to advance progress on societal issues and spark equitable solutions for the greater good. Their work has received significant recognition, including the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award in 2020, which was co-chaired by all four living former presidents. Their year-end 2023 numbers include 7,000 volunteers, 85,000 blessing bags, and over $4.2M of meals donated across 30 countries and six continents.The stats are impressive; what makes this nearly insane is this sibling effort started when they were ages 13 and 10.Shreyaa is now 22 years old, the CEO of NEST4US, and a Global Health accelerated master's student at Georgetown University. She is pursuing a career in health policy, combining her passions for health equity, climate advocacy, and volunteerism to aid marginalized communities worldwide.Esha is 19 years old, the COO of NEST4US, and is at Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Public Policy with a minor in Global Development. Over the past decade, she has contributed over 7000 hours of service, engaging people through a wide array of global service campaigns.The sisters discuss the challenges they faced as young activists, the importance of asking questions, and their efforts to expand the nonprofit's impact both locally and globally. The conversation also touches on their personal development, the significance of self-care, and how community service has shaped their lives. Shreyaa and Esha emphasize the importance of involving young people in sustainable development and the power of simple acts of kindness. The episode encourages listeners to consider how they can make a difference in their communities and impact the world positively. Listen in for lots of questions!This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.Keep questioning!Episode Notes[00:48] Meet Shreya and Isha Venkat[03:27] The Power of Questions[05:37] Travel and Cultural Awareness[08:04] Adapting Service to Local Needs[19:05] Early Beginnings of NEST4US[23:42] Expanding Programs and Community Impact[40:02] Creating a Bond Through Music[41:26] Engaging Volunteers Beyond Service Hours[42:55] Balancing Quantitative and Qualitative Impact[47:35] Adapting to Virtual Platforms During COVID[52:18] Expanding Internationally and Embracing Community[53:55] Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals[01:00:54] Challenges and Growth in Social Impact Work[01:12:20] Reflecting and Adapting for Future Impact[01:17:03] Navigating Challenges and Saying No[01:18:29] Aligning with United Nations SDGs and Managing Programs[01:19:47] Seizing Opportunities and Mentorship[01:29:48] Current Questions and Future Plans[01:34:22] The Role of Martial Arts in Leadership[01:39:45] The Importance of Self-Care[01:45:08] Encouraging Community Involvement Resources MentionedNEST4USNEST BuddiesNEST InspiresNEST NurturesNEST TutorsNEST KaresIntact TechCiscoUnited Nations Sustainable Development GoalsWhole FoodsUnited Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)Beauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Are we there yet?Travel, what, does that look like for you?How, how had questions been a part of travel?Where were some of the places that you went to?How did questions inform some of your experience, either preparation wise or while you were there?How can we bring the ideas and the magic of NEST4US to this country?How can we be able to connect and collaborate with similar organizations that exist globally?What are the questions that you think about in those three buckets for that particular location  to engage with the local communities?How can I bring nest for us to Tanzania in a way that fits the Tanzanian context?Who are we working with?Who are we supporting?What are the needs as said by them?How do we also remain culturally consciousHow can we best listen and learn to the community members there, in order to create the best change possible and a change that really fits well in the context of the country itself?Being aware of targeting or serving the local need, and then listening to what that actual need is, was that learned through mistake?Did you get voices early on in your process of getting things going where you heard that and that became a part of, your work?What is happening?What is the mission?What is the values of the specific organization, group, individual that is doing whatever work that is in that community?What are common bad assumptions folks make?What questions did you consider as you were standing things up as you're developing NEST4US?How can we bring this kind of joy, this kind of passion in a space where other friends, other families and other friends can come together and enjoy it as much as we do?How do we involve young people, families, and different groups of people in a way that allows them to impact the community in a way that they're passionate about?How do we get people to join us?How do we get our volunteers?How do we get people to believe in our mission and help out at all of our events?How do we scale?How do we get more people involved?Am I really making a difference?Is this really having an impact?Why don't we have the opportunity?What are the questions that you work through as you evaluate adding more  of these opportunities or categories?What is the problem?What are the things impacting the problem?Why is this a gap in our community?How can we, who are the people behind the work that's going to be done?What are the challenges and barriers that you might face when you try to work with different people, bring different people together?How can we prepare for that in a way that is equitable, that's fair, and that's not harming anyone in any way?What does success look like?How do we measure that?How do we see it?How do we notice it?How do we document it?How do we replicate it in the future?What are some things similar that we've done in the past?What works or what was some feedback that we thought would might be different?What song do you want to add to the playlist?Are there any questions you use to engage volunteers when they're coming in?Which of these projects are you really feeling like engaging in today?What do you think about this?Is this something you're interested in?How is it different between the in person events versus events that are literally spanning the globe?What are some of the questions that really resonate with you as you look at these goals?How do we bring this to the local level that we were working onWhat is the role of youth in accelerating progress for the [United Nations] Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?How can we engage as many people as possible?How do we harness that power of community to really drive about change and also advance those goals that we have of youth leadership and giving people that opportunity to play a role in something that they've clearly are passionate about?Who are we to stop that?How has it been for you in engaging with these leaders from all over the place?Are there any particular questions that you think are not being asked or do not get the attention that it deserves?What is the role of young people in sustainable development?We need young people, but how?What is meaningful youth engagement?What does 'meaningful' mean?How do we balance addressing urgent needs, like right now, short term needs with building that sustainable long term solutions that we need?Are you just stumbling, fumbling, trying to figure your way through that?What does that look like for you?Is this making an impact?What's going well?What are people telling us?What do we need to edit?What do we need to change?What do we need to keep the sameHow do we ensure that we're still helping and staying true to that mission?What does it look like for you to say no?How do you keep those aligned with the UN SDGs without overstretching our bandwidths as individuals or our volunteers, or settling with just limited surface level engagement?What if we did this and it worked out?What if we did this and it didn't work out?What can we get out of this opportunity?How can we support others?How can we continue to uplift the messages that we are trying to share through NEST4US?Why can't both things be true?What do you think is often misunderstood about those in need?What is your right now question?How can I be the bridge between grassroots work and the policy realm in order to maximize impact in the most equitable and cost effective way?How can we take these words and these questions and turn them into answers that is done in a formalized way?How can we take those policies and make sure they're being translated properly on the ground in order to ensure that everyone has the opportunity and access and quality services that they need most?What is that transition going to look like?How we can bring, that magic of NEST4US to campus?Are there going to be new projects that we're thinking about implementing or old projects that we want to boost up?What has earning black belts taught you?Do you guys ever sleep?What are my priorities at this moment?Is this something I should really be pouring my energy into?Are these the people that I want to pour my energy into?How can we be like that?How can I take this forward in a way that works for me, that works for the community, and that benefits the greatest amount of people?What can we do today to make the world better in the future?What is that one action or that those actions that we can take to actually make a difference in the world?What if all 8 billion of us in the world did one kind act every single day?What if everybody in the world helped just that one person?How do we encourage others to ask better questions themselves?How do we encourage each other to then take action after asking themselves these questions?How do I get involved?

EbonyJanice Moore is the founder and CEO of The Free People Project and The EbonyJanice Project. She has authored several books, and her most recent release is “All The Black Girls Are Activists: A Fourth Wave Womanist Pursuit Of Dreams As Radical Resistance.” Her Spiritual Mentorship Program, entitled “Dream Yourself Free,” is designed to support Black Women in healing intergenerational wounds and prioritizing pleasure.Her talks embody a Hip Hop Womanist perspective. She is the visionary and creator of Black Girl Mixtape, a platform and safe think space that elevates the intellectual authority of Black Women.She founded the All The Black Girls Are Bestsellers Campaign, raising over a million dollars to mass-purchase Black femme books to achieve the coveted status of New York Times Bestseller. This project endeavored to spend most of these funds in small Black and Indie-owned bookstores, giving thousands of books to individuals and organizations nationwide.EbonyJanice earned her Bachelor's in cultural anthropology and Political Science and a Master's of Arts in Social Change with a concentration in Spiritual Leadership, Womanist Theology, and Racial Justice.I have followed EbonyJanice on social media for several years, learned from her worldview, and wanted to create a space for a deeper discussion about how questions have been a companion in her multi-faceted journey.EbonyJanice recounts how her grandmother taught her to question texts early on. She shares insights from her spiritual mentorship program, 'Dream Yourself Free', and discusses her book 'All the Black Girls Are Activists' which delves into Black women's pursuit of dreams as resistance. EbonyJanice elaborates on the power of dreaming from a place of safety rather than resistance and the impact of nurturing Black women in her community. The discussion touches on societal pressures, systemic inequities, and the potential for transformative change when Black women are listened to and supported.This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.Keep questioning!Episode Notes[02:33] The Power of Questions[04:50] Dreaming Beyond Resistance[12:44] Exploring Love and Relationships[20:39] Patriarchy and Society[24:18] Honoring Latresha Gowdy[31:03] The Journey of Self-Discovery[38:12] Faith and Imagination[40:19] Imagination and Faith: Childhood Reflections[44:05] Expansive View of God and the Universe[45:47] Softness and Vulnerability of Black Women[51:09] Listening to Black Women: A Call to Action[01:07:40] Personal Journey: Embracing African Spirituality[01:15:48] Final Thoughts and Encouragement Resources MentionedAll The Black Girls Are Activists: A Fourth Wave Womanist Pursuit Of Dreams As Radical Resistance by EbonyJanice MooreFannie Lou HamerCrush on You video by Lil' KimSomething's Got to Give with Diane Keaton and Jack NicholsonIfá and Orisha initiationTeaching Community a Pedagogy of Hope by Bell HooksKamala HarrisMartin Luther King Jr.Barack and Michelle ObamaAudrey LordeAngela DavisChanequa Walker-BarnesSister Citizen by Melissa Harris-PerrySonya Renee TaylorMahogany L. BrowneZakiyyah Abdul-MateenNikki BlakRoya MarshIfá Yoruba ReligionJames BaldwinJerry ColonnaJay-ZEbonyJanice.comBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?What other questions do you have?Who would I get to be if I got to create my life from a place of dreaming and not always resistance?Can you unpack that a little bit more or talk around what you're seeking to get at with that question?What is the difference between me and my friend?What would it look like if we could all just exist and not be carrying the weight of, a capitalist anti-black white supremacist society on our shoulders at the age of six?What kind of questions currently fuel your imagination?Is there an equivalent in male form of my girlfriends?What would it look like if I radically love myself?Who would I be if I really radically loved myself?What are you going to do for freedom today?Can you please say some more about how she lived this question?How do you even know that?How do you know that you can say that?What happened to spark this?What happened to inspire this for you to even try this for you to even walk in that direction?You know, what about me?What areas of my life have I not given myself the permission to be more EbonyJanice?What areas of my life have I not explored?How the heck did you know this?Where the heck did you get that from?Was I not paying attention during that sermon?Where was that one chapter of the Bible you didn't read?What is God doing on Saturn right now?Why did he name them?What was God thinking to organize the Big Dipper?What does the Big Dipper mean?What does God look like?What does God sound like?What is God doing?What's God doing here?What is God doing over there?What does God do?Why isn't God doing what would be helpful?What questions must we wrestle with to achieve a world in which soft black women thrive?What would it look like for Black women to get to live from that place, to create from that place, to imagine from that place, to build new ethic and curriculum and language, and push culture forward from that place?What is your right now question?what does it mean to be a priest?Do you have any other thoughts or encouragements about questions that we haven't necessarily explored?Is that true?Is that my voice?Do I really believe this?What is my own evidence that causes me to believe this?Is there possible that there are more than one truth?More than one path to this thing, if so, what is the other path?Where's the best place for folks to engage with you, reach out, find out what you're excited about and learn more about you?

In this engaging discussion, Jerry Colonna, a leadership coach and co-founder of Reboot.io, delves into the transformative power of questioning. He shares his journey from journalism to coaching, highlighting how curiosity fuels personal growth. The conversation explores difficult questions of belonging, accountability, and generational trauma. Jerry emphasizes the importance of empathy and reclaiming one's ancestry to foster change. With heartfelt anecdotes, he illustrates how storytelling can deepen connections and promote healing across generations.

Joe Primo is the CEO of Grateful Living, an organization based on the work of Brother David Steindl-Rast — 98 year-old author, scholar, and Benedictine monk who is also known as the “grandfather of gratitude.” In his prior work with dying patients and grieving children, Joe encountered the deep sorrow and always-available joy that permeates our search for meaning. Gratefulness for life, he believes, is foundational to discovering meaning and the only response that is big enough and appropriate for the plot twists, delights, surprises, and devastation we encounter along the way. A student of Brother David since his studies at Yale Divinity School, Joe is committed to advancing their global movement and making the transformational practice of grateful living both accessible to all and integral to communities and places of belonging.  As an international speaker, author, and commentator, Joe has served on numerous boards. He is the author of “What Do We Tell the Children? Talking to Kids About Death and Dying.” He was previously the CEO of Good Grief. Joe recounts his early experiences as a hospice chaplain, highlighting the importance of asking well-crafted, intentional questions to connect with and support grieving individuals. He emphasizes the foundational role of gratefulness in discovering meaning in life and shares stories from his work with children and families facing death. Joe discusses how grief, while universal and normal, is often mishandled due to societal discomfort and lack of understanding. He urges listeners to acknowledge, embrace, and integrate grief to move forward healthily. The conversation also delves into the commercialization of gratitude and how to return to its core essence as a spiritual practice. The episode concludes with Joe's reflections on living a grateful life, making improbable friends, and asking courageous questions to foster deeper understanding and connections. This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com. Keep questioning! Episode Notes[01:09] Meet Joe Primo: CEO of Grateful Living[02:36] The Power of Questions in Grief and Healing[03:31] A Chaplain's Journey: Lessons from Hospice[06:18] The Importance of Presence and Connection[14:39] Personal Reflections on Grief and Loss[20:54] Exploring the Concept of Grateful Living[35:09] The Interconnectedness of Grief and Gratitude[44:34] Anticipatory Grief and Caretaking Challenges[46:15] The Power of Questions in Understanding Grief[46:50] Navigating Grief Bursts and Emotional Roller Coasters[49:00] Insensitive Comments and Their Impact[51:59] The Importance of Showing Up Despite Awkwardness[54:57] Shifting Perspectives on Grief and Support[01:00:10] Embracing Gratefulness and Present Moment Awareness[01:04:42] The Role of Questions in Healing and Connection[01:13:15] Empowerment Through Grateful Living[01:25:31] Final Thoughts and Encouragements Resources MentionedGrateful LivingBrother David Steindl-RastWhat Do We Tell the Children? Talking to Kids About Death and Dying by Joe PrimoGood GriefConnecticut HospiceVictor FrankelJohn Paul LederachYou Are Here by Brother David Steindl-RastRainer Maria RilkeTao Te ChingRabbi Sharon BrousGrateful Grief Course at Grateful LivingGrateful Gatherings Course at Grateful LivingBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?What other secrets did Grandpa have?What's my point in this story?How did he enrich your life?What will you miss most about him?What about him now or at the end of his life really surprised you?What do you wish he understood about you that he didn't?How do I begin this conversation?What are the questions that I need to ask to achieve those goals I named earlier of understandingWhat hopes did you have for baby J while you were pregnant?How did you imagine your life would change as parents?What are the best characteristics you think the other parent would've shared and given to Baby J?What type of life did you envision for him?Can you not see what everybody else is seeing here?What else didn't happen?If you had been able to sit with that 14-year-old self and ask those questions, how do you think that would have changed you?How did that work?Am I alone in this?Are my thoughts ridiculous?Am I a little crazy here?What does this mean?Why is it that there was a draw for you to even be working in that capacity?Why are we here?What is the meaning of all of this?Life is a gift, and what are we to do with it?What is the object in which we give gratitude?Is gratitude itself just sufficient to exist?Does there need to be an object to whom it is the thanks is given?What are some of the ways gratitude has been cheapened?What are ways to intentionally undo that or to get back to the heart of it, instead of the cheap knockoffs that we've been paying attention to?What is misunderstood about grieving?What is grief?Why did this happen?Why did this happen to me?Why did this happen to the person?What is the meaning of this?Where is the meaning in this moment?How will I live my life based on, or despite the events that have occurred?Who do I want to become?How can our questions help us understand what this experience or day is like?How are you saying this to children?Are you kidding me?What questions do you carry with you and often revisit?What does this moment have to offer me right now?What can I celebrate today by seeing it a new, rather than something that is mundaneHow do you think that's changing your relationship or response to those observations or moments?How do we become more alive?What makes us more alive?What happened to you?What do you do with this imperfection?

Amy Herman is a recovering lawyer and the founder and president of her company, The Art of Perception. Amy combines her litigation background with her training as an art historian to help a diverse clientele sharpen observation, analysis, and communication skills through a four-step framework of Assess, Analyze, Articulate, and Act. The roots of this work began while she was serving as the head of education at The Frick Collection in New York City. She took medical students out of their clinical setting and brought them to an art museum to teach them how to analyze works of art so that when they returned to the hospital in the clinical setting, they would be better observers of their patients. Amy subsequently adapted the program for a wide range of professionals and leads sessions for the New York City Police Department, the FBI, the French National Police, the Department of Defense, Interpol, the State Department, Fortune 500 companies, first responders, retailers, and the military. In her highly participatory presentation, she demonstrates the necessity for astute visual literacy and how analyzing works of art affords participants an innovative way to refresh their sense of critical inquiry and skills necessary for sharper performance and effective leadership. The program has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The CBS Evening News, and Smithsonian Magazine. Her 2018 TED talk, A Lesson on Looking, has amassed nearly 1M views. Ms. Herman holds an A.B., a J.D., and an M.A. in art history. Her May 2016 book, Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life, was on the New York Times and Washington Post best sellers’ lists. Her second book, Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem-Solving, was published in December 2021, and her third book, smART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain, was published in October 2022. Amy shares her experiences from law and art history, emphasizing how questioning can broaden knowledge and improve problem-solving skills. Additionally, her expertise underscores the significance of effective communication, human connections, and shared experiences across personal and professional contexts. The conversation touches on themes of situational awareness, self-reflection, and the growth that comes from embracing imperfections, drawing on real-life examples and anecdotes, like learning from a retired prison guard and understanding trauma through the art of kintsugi. This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com. Keep questioning! Episode Notes[00:48] Meet Amy Herman: Lawyer Turned Art Historian[02:16] The Power of Questions in Art and Life[04:44] Art and Observation: Transforming Perspectives[06:36] Personal Stories and Reflections[10:29] Engaging with Art and Humanity[21:06] The Importance of Clear Communication[31:12] Finding Common Ground Through Art[40:50] The Unique Perspective of Art Guards[41:50] Engaging with Art Through Questions[43:24] Personal Stories and Art[47:42] The Power of Situational Awareness[51:29] The Importance of Asking Hard Questions[55:16] Learning and Unlearning Through Questions[01:13:29] The Mandate to Share Experiences[01:14:50] Final Thoughts and Encouragements Resources MentionedThe Art of PerceptionThe Frick CollectionVisual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life by Amy HermanFixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem-Solving by Amy HermansmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain by Amy HermanHelen McKenzieMee ShimMetropolitan Museum of ArtMrs. Hannah Winthrop by John Singleton CopleyNicolaes Ruts by RembrandtDr. Edgar MunhallMonica, son's babysitterPhilip Seymour HoffmanHirshhornJohannes VermeerFaith RinggoldMrs. Kate Moore by John Singer SargentCobalt Blue Dress by Amoako BoafoPhilippa Pham HughesKintsugiAmy Herman on InstagramBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?Do you have any art exercises that I could do with my kids?how can we ask better questions of looking at art?In your training as a art historian, are questions an equal part of a foundation of understanding?How can I ask the right questions to elicit information from this work of art to change how people look so they, in turn, can see better?how was your son's growing-up experience different as a result of your work?How did I miss this?What else am I missing?What does that balance look like?What are some consistencies you found regarding the kinds of questions these experts in these various disciplines have adopted?Am I clear?Am I being clear?Do they really mean to say what they're saying?Is this really what I want to say?Is this what I want to communicate?Is this what I don't want to say?How do you make sure you don't trip over a mahogany table?Anything I need to know before we go into the operating room?How do we ensure we don't miss what's hiding in plain sight?Anything here I'm missing?Anything I do not see here?How did he die?How did you find out?How would you use questions to get yourself to default to your humanity?How are you using questions to help you regulate yourself?What's the best thing that happened to you so far today?What's something wonderful that happened to you that you couldn't see coming?What do you think of this?What do you see here?What's your favorite piece here?Do you have a favorite piece?Is there something you like in this room more than others?What do you like here?What is your process for coming up with your questions as you look at a piece of art?Who thought to put these two together?Who put these together?What does the artist look like?How did they come up with the two of these?What were the curators thinking?How does that lay the groundwork for how we're going to see the rest of this exhibition?Do they know that it's being exhibited here?How do I see it?How do other people see it?Where am I?How did I get here?How do I get out of here safely?How do I communicate to others where I am?Where am I in this painting?Did the artist include me in the painting?Am I shut out of the painting?Do I identify with the subject?Do I not identify with the subject?How can they ask better questions?How do they ask the difficult questions?How did I get here?How did it take me so long?What got us here?How do we get out of this?What is the call to action to change how we got here?What is your process for helping folks reckon with whatever got them there?How do we  look at ourselves as that piece of art?What am I relying on  for this behavior?Why do I do this?How can I leverage this experience to make life better for me, those I care about and the people I work with?How can I take this experience and make it better?Why can't you just accept the experience for what it is?Do you have any other thoughts or encouragements about questions that we haven't explored?How are you?