"Be careful of the question you ask because you're going to get a response, and you need to do something with it." - Jimmy D. SmithSmith is currently serving in dual-CEO roles. In April 2023, Smith started “Smith Advisory Consulting” after retiring as a member of the Senior Executive Service after 32 years at the Department of the Navy. A year ago, Smith joined Pacific Engineering Incorporated, a Nebraska composite material design and manufacturing company.  In 2019, Smith served as the Small Business Director for the Department of the Navy. There, he was the chief advisor to the Secretary of the Navy on all small business matters. In 2017, Smith served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Expeditionary Programs & Logistics Management. In 2013, Smith served as the Director for Integrated Nuclear Weapons Safety and Security within the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs. He was charged with the safekeeping of nearly 70% of the Nation’s nuclear arsenal. Smith has held other notable positions for both the Ohio Class Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN) Program and the Virginia Class Submarine Program.Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University. He has completed extensive graduate-level studies and possesses four executive leadership certificates. Smith has championed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs for grade school students and is a strong advocate for furthering the academic pursuits of college students through scholarships and student employment opportunities.Smith shares his inspiring career journey from an aspiring pilot to a guardian of the nation's nuclear arsenal, highlighting the importance of persistent inquiry, mentorship, and community engagement. He discusses his unique work habits and strategies for career advancement and introduces the 'Talk Backwards' methodology for relationship building. Smith also emphasizes selflessness, integrity, and his initiatives in STEM programs, particularly with HBCUs, providing scholarships, internships, and job opportunities. Personal anecdotes and life lessons from his mentor, Vice Admiral Paul Sullivan, are woven throughout, encouraging listeners to question, grow, and help others succeed.This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.Keep questioning!Episode Notes[01:13] Smith's Early Career and Achievements[04:36] Learning to Fly at 14-Years-Old[10:35] Capitalizing on opportunities[13:12] Mentorship and Career Growth[25:59] The Importance of Asking Thoughtful Questions[27:12] How The Submarine Community Asks Questions[29:07] Non-verbal Communication and Digging Deeper[34:49] Listening to Make Decisions[43:30] Developing High EQ Through Active Listening[56:19] Embracing Friction for Progress[58:57] Building Culture Intentionally[01:09:04] A Mentorship Masterclass[01:14:26] Coaching, Mentoring, and Advocating[01:21:41] Strategies to Capitalize on Opportunities[01:25:37] TALK Backwards Explained[01:28:54] Investing in STEM and HBCUs[01:39:39] Final Thoughts and Encouragement Resources MentionedMr. and Mrs. DragooEastern AirlinesBrown Flying SchoolVice Admiral Paul SullivanNaval Sea Systems CommandPEO SubmarinesMr. Jack Evans (SES)Lie To MeVice Admiral Terry BenedictMITPenn State Applied Research LabAnthony MartinJimmy's email address: jsmith@smithadvisoryconsulting.comBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?What do you want to be when you grow up?Can you tell me how your mentoring started?Why did an engineer put that valve there?What was your process for developing questions?How would you interrogate this particular example?What kind of questions would you ask of yourself to get through?What were some expanding questions that the Admiral asked you?What just happened?how did you get to that point?Are you getting someone looking in your eye?Are they doing the eyes up and to the right?How do you know when you need to keep asking questions?Can you believe what you're being told?How did you get here?Did they do what they were supposed to do when they gave me that response?Did they behave the way I thought they were going to behave?Is the answer a logical, thoughtful answer?Do you have any particular processes or favorite questions you have used in relation to making decisions?If this were the case, would that answer still be what you think it should be?If that broke, and that broke, and that broke, do we lose lives?Did you ever struggle with the notion that if I ask a question, I'm going to look stupid?How did you develop your EQ consciousness?If you ever got into a situation where you had a concern come up like this scenario, who would you go talk to?How have you used questions to inspire the organizations that you've led?How do you use friction strategically?Why are we doing this?How do you differentiate between coaching, mentoring, and advocating?What are you doing now?What are you doing to give back?

"I always knew from that point on that a good question could get you to the most powerful person on earth." - Cal FussmanCal has lived an exciting and passionate life in which questions have played a key role. His experiences place him at the top of the list of the most interesting of people. He has either been there and done that himself, or hung out with those who have.Cal grew up in Long Island, New York, and attended college in Missouri. He went from writing sports articles and having drinks with the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, to worldwide wanderer for ten years, to writing for Esquire magazine and interviewing Muhammad Ali, Mikhail Gorbachev, Serena Williams, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and other icons of the last 75 years, to a decade of eating daily breakfast with communications master, Larry King, to hosting the Big Questions Podcast and speaking about how to harness the power of questions.  Cal shares anecdotes from his experiences, such as the impact of writing to President Lyndon B. Johnson at seven, his path through journalism school, and his unique interviewing style that emphasizes curiosity and connection. From interviewing world leaders and celebrities to teaching corporate workshops on communication, Cal explains how thoughtful questioning can build trust, foster belonging, and elicit profound insights. He also reflects on his travels and the importance of understanding core human stories. The conversation underscores the transformative power of questions in shaping lives and careers.This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.Keep questioning!Episode Notes[02:28] The Inaugural Question: A Childhood Curiosity[09:05] From Childhood to Journalism: The Evolution of a Questioner[13:25] Breaking into Sports Journalism: A Pivotal Moment in Nebraska[23:37] The Art of Asking: Crafting Questions with Impact[28:28] Creating Comfort in Conversations[29:40] The Evolution of Questions[31:12] Traveling the World with No Money[35:52] Interviewing World Leaders and Celebrities[37:26] Connecting in the Age of Remote Work[39:45] The Power of Vulnerability in Storytelling[44:58] Different Interview Styles[51:11] The Power of Personal Stories[56:00] Conclusion and Contact Information Resources MentionedCal FussmanHunter S. ThompsonMuhammad AliMikhail GorbachevSerena WilliamsJeff BezosRichard BransonBig Questions PodcastTim FerrissJohn F. KennedyLyndon B. JohnsonUniversity of MissouriUniversity of NebraskaTom OsborneNew York YankeesGeorge SteinbrennerMiami HeraldSt. Louis Post DispatchJohnny DeppInside SportsJimmy CarterDonald TrumpJack WelchLarry KingBiq Questions Episode Larry King: The Great FarewellCharlie RoseOprah WinfreyBarbara WaltersDerek SiversBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedHow has your use of questions changed, but also remain the same through these various chapters in your life?What's this guy feeling right now?How does he feel?Is he happy to be the president?Is he sad to be the president because he's only the president because of the assassination?How did your questioning technique evolve as you got older?Hey, if I want to do what you do, where do I go?Is this Kramer Hall?Are you using that press pass right now?How could you possibly prepare for what happened?Why is it that no one else asked that question?What goes into your preparation to format the question so that it's easier to receive and still gets at the heart of the matter?So, is your intuition/insight into being able to get to that based on research that you do?Is that true that you're using questions as a form to create belonging or foster belonging?Is that like a list of five questions that you always use, is that a heart posture of worldview?What kind of structure are you putting around that?You think it'd feel that way if the person worked next to you and you knew that your kids went to the same elementary school, and you went down the elevator and talked about commonality?An encouragement for folks to find a style that works for you and just keep playing with that and honing that style. Is that a fair conclusion?Who's the first person that comes to mind, being most successful?Have there been any particular questions that you have carried with you through your life?Who is this person?What made this person?What are the events that shaped that person's life?Have there been any other instances where you found your research paid off in such rich dividends?

"We're very much unprepared to meet another life form because we're unprepared to meet ourselves." - Nikki GiovanniMs. Nikki Giovanni is a titan of American poetry, activism, and education. With a career spanning over five decades, her powerful voice has shaped literature, inspired generations, and challenged societal norms. Ms. Giovanni has established herself as one of the most influential figures in American literature and the Black Arts Movement, fueled by her participation in the 1960s Black Power movement. Her work explores race, gender, sexuality, and the Black American experience.Nikki has published dozens of volumes of poetry, essays, illustrated children’s books, and edited anthologies. Her list of nominations and awards is exhaustive and spans the written word, music, culture, and film. She is an Emerita Professor at Virginia Tech, where she taught for 35 years in the Department of English. The 2023 award-winning documentary Going To Mars combined her biographical story with her deep love of space.The conversation explores Nikki's reflections on the significance of the power of words, influential librarians, and growing up Black in America. Giovanni shares impactful moments and discusses age, curiosity, societal challenges, and learning philosophies. The dialogue delves into her deep understanding of history, human nature, black women's significance, and space exploration. Giovanni's personal anecdotes and poems provide a rich narrative on societal issues, the beauty of nature, joy, curiosity, and the importance of chosen relationships over familial ties.Episode NotesDiscovering the power of words [2:17]Reflections on Aging and Health [5:56]Human Evolution and Environmental Concerns [10:16]Social Issues and Personal Beliefs [16:05]An American racial snapshot [23:25]The Role of Teachers and Librarians [26:10]Teaching college students about slavery [36:52]Contemplating the Galaxy and Space Exploration [42:24]Appalachian Hospitality [44:30]The Role of the Supreme Court and Civic Education [45:42]Appalachian Culture and Historical Significance [47:07]Names, Words, and Personal Identity [51:02]The Language of Dogs and Human-Dog Relationships [54:54]The Significance of Spirituals and Folktales [58:38]Reflections on Family and Love [1:02:01]The Concept of Safety [1:11:42]Interactions with Wildlife [1:16:15]Finding Balance in Life's Challenges [1:21:00]The Yellowjacket, Ego Trippin, and The Wisdom of Black Women [1:29:58]Engagement with the Civil Rights Movement [1:38:08]Exploring the Universe and Beyond [1:45:12]Culinary Aspirations and Final Thoughts [1:53:02] Resources MentionedJoe BidenQueen ElizabethKing CharlesPrince PhillipDr. Robert J. Baker University of TexasLeaf-Nosed Bat named for Nikki GiovanniCaitlin ClarkBillie Jean KingBobby RiggsRosa ParksRon DeSantisA Library by Nikki GiovanniMrs. Long (librarian)Sister Althea (teacher)Flora Alexander (teacher)Rachel CarsonAndrew CarnegieCharles DarwinKwame AlexanderThe Door of No Return by Kwame AlexanderBeloved by Toni MorrisonViola LiuzzoThe Isley BrothersCarol JenkinsThe GodfatherMario PuzoMarlon BrandoI Married My Mother (poem) by Nikki GiovanniWillie MaysTitanicElmer GantryDonald TrumpThe Yellow Jacket (poem) by Nikki GiovanniEgo Trippin (poem) by Nikki GiovanniPullman PortersLouis ArmstrongThurgood MarshallNat King ColeNikki-Rosa (poem) by Nikki GiovanniDr. Charles BoldenBobby FlayBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?How do you use questions in your creative process?Why did somebody say this?Why do we think this way?Why do we do something right now?How have your questions changed over the decades?What are we missing?What is the life in the rest of the galaxy?What does it mean to be alive?Has that changed for you over the years?Have you been wrestling with some of these [questions] for a while?Are there any particular questions you carry with you and revisit?What is the constitution by which we live?What are we seeking to go forward to?How do you see any intersection with questions in the spirituals?What does it mean to pray?Why would I intrude?How come grandmother never goes to the market?How do you think of the term courage?What kind of slave owner would you be?Don't you know that hurts?How do you use questions to bring to bear the wisdom of black women?How long will it take her to recognize that buying this car was not a good idea?

Derek Sivers, an entrepreneur and author known for his thought-provoking TED Talks, dives into the art of questioning assumptions and reframing perspectives. He discusses the transformative power of journaling and how asking the right questions can fuel personal growth. Cultural differences in decision-making are explored, alongside reflections on minimalism and living abroad. Derek shares inspiring anecdotes about confronting discomfort and embracing new realities, encouraging listeners to challenge their beliefs for a more examined life.

"Connection is the sharing of one person's experience, that leaves both people better" - Brian FretwellBrian, the Founder of Finding Good, is on a mission to transform conversations. His unique methodology, rooted in the science of connection, has the power to turn listening from a transaction into a transformation. It's a beacon of hope for those seeking more meaningful interactions.  Brian has explored how listening can be the most effective tool for change when we use the right questions. He also touches upon the concept of 'experience vs projection,' highlighting how our own experiences can sometimes cloud our understanding of others. As a teacher in juvenile corrections, he saw how better questions influence behaviors. As a facilitator and consultant in mining, oil, and gas companies, he helped people see how better listening can help save lives. Today, he works with individuals, entire school districts, and large organizations to develop stronger connections through the power of questions. His TEDx talk has over 2.5 million views, and his social media posts have also garnered millions of views.Brian weaves together how neuroscience, community, and our stories form the bonds of connection with those we choose to engage. During a portion of the conversation, he uses the Success Mapping framework to understand Ken's motivation for this podcast. He then introduces the 'blueberries' analogy, a metaphor for personal experiences, and explains how genuine curiosity about these experiences is critical to real connection and a path toward addressing loneliness.This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.Keep questioning!Episode Notes:Setting up the anchoring point for this conversation format [2:45]The importance of story [4:55]The vulnerability of sharing what we are proud of [6:52]A changed view in how to use questions through the context of connection [14:15]Experience vs projection [16:43]Success Mapping [19:21]The experience that kicked off the podcast that includes hope and gratitude [21:16]Following the results of the Success Map [36:43]Blueberries and how our brains are wired [38:10]Leading with self-interest [41:25]Intentional listening [46:54]The four stages of interactions [48:26]Deep connection with those you care about [52:51]A practical example of a mutual value exchange [57:16]Daily connection opportunities [1:01:00]Ken sees a throughline [1:04:40]Loneliness, identity, and finding connection in others story [1:08:09]Connection, even across the political divide [1:14:53]Zoom call conversations [1:17:54]Changing organizational culture [1:20:37]How else questions might be used [1:21:49]The best places to find Brian [1:24:53] Resources MentionedFinding GoodThe Soul of Shame by Curt ThompsonBrené BrownAustin GraffTogether by Vivek MurthyMatthew LiebermanNaomi EisenbergerPhilippa Pham HughesThe Phillips CollectionRonald Reaganhttps://www.findinggood.com/the-basics/  promo code (CURATEDPERKS2024)Check out other resources here:  https://www.findinggood.com/linksBrian's contact info:brian@findinggood.comTikTokInstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhat do you mean?Which one is less dangerous?Where did you feel success?What day would you pick that kicked off the podcast?But what would you miss?What was different about that day?How do you know you were looking for hope?What was driving you to look for hope?What is it that you had that allowed you to seek the hope?Were there things you did unintentionally to develop strength of gratitude?Who's one person whose life is better because you have this strength?What did that person end up with more of?Have you ever thought about the story in that way?What can you do with it here?Have you ever thought about your story in this way?How interested did you feel I was?how many times did you think to yourself, I'm talking too much?How are you?What was the best part of your day?Can you tell me one good thing that happened to you today?What part of my story you're interested in today?What's the muscle that lets that happen?How do I find myself in the other person's story?Are you saying that we can even do that across the political divide?What went well in the last week?Any other thoughts or encouragement about how questions might be used that we haven't touched on already?Where's the best place for folks to engage with you and learn more about what you're excited about?

"My biggest transition was going from asking questions from a knowledge-focused perspective to asking questions from an understanding perspective." - Steffanie Easter Steffanie Easter grew up in Durham, North Carolina, and is a proud alumnus of North Carolina State, where she earned her chemical engineering undergraduate degree and, later, from the Catholic University of America, a master's degree in engineering. The latter portion of her illustrious 34-year career as a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian includes positions such as executive director of the Navy's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology and the first civilian director of Navy staff for the Chief of Naval operations.  Steffanie was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) in 2002. She has been recognized with multiple awards including the Presidential Rank Award, the Secretary of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the Army Exceptional Civilian Service Award, and the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award. She also received the 2010 Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement and the 2009 Women of Color Award for Managerial Leadership.Since 2020, Steffanie has shifted to the private sector and served as a strategy executive and board member, helping companies work with the government.Steffanie recounts learning through asking questions while growing up and her early career as a US Navy civilian. She explains mentors' impact in shaping her inquisitive leadership style, what taking risks looks like, and how to lead with transparency. Additionally, Steffanie discusses navigating power structures as a minority woman decision-maker, how one can be an ally through effective leadership, and her current pursuit of improving as a listener and practicing self-care.Episode Notes:Steffanie explains how she learned half an inch makes a difference on something as big as an aircraft carrier [2:20]Defining the role of a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian [3:55]Curiosity and questions growing up [5:30]Understanding the power of questions [7:16]Using questions to lead and put people at ease [8:07}Mentors that modeled asking questions [9:50]Taking risks and persisting [12:50]Transitioning from doer to leader of doers and from knowing to understanding [23:20]Coming to grips with not knowing everything and having to ask questions [26:30]Leading with transparency [31:30]Navigating the halls of power as a minority woman [34:30]Building confidence is a continual process while remaining true to self [38:45]How to be an ally to minorities [43:50]The consistency between government and industry [48:05]What people should know about the DoD [49:02]Favorite questions [49:37]Getting better at asking questions [53:00]Questions at home [54:49]Life as a beginner in self-care and listening more closely [59:00]Additional question application [1:03:18] Resources MentionedDepartment of Defense CivilianVice Admiral John LockhardAdmiral Mark E Ferguson IIINAVSEANAVAIRSteffanie Easter on LinkedInBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhat did you learn about the difference a half an inch makes on an aircraft carrier?What is the role of a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian?Were curiosity and questions a part of your childhood, and how so?Where's the best place for folks to engage with you and learn more about what you're excited about?Were your parents open to the difficult questions?When did you learn the power of questions?Did you have any mentors to model the use of questions?What do you think you want to do?Did you immediately add these tools to your toolbox?How are you taking risks?How do you persist?What is your process for evaluating risk?How did your questions change as you made that transition from doer to leader of doers?How is your day going?What was the internal talk when you thought that you should know the answer?Why do I have to be the one to always ask?I understand that to mean this; is that what you are talking about?What does your product do?As a black woman, how did you use questions to mitigate potential stereotypes in a field where few looked like you?Am I missing anything?What things could I [as a White male} do or do you think would be helpful?How have questions changed between the government and industry?What would you like people to know about the DOD?What questions do you enjoy asking?What does that look like for you?How have you strengthened your question-asking game?Does your family encounter your curiosity and questions at home or is it reserved only for work?Will you just stop asking so many questions?Why do you have to know everything?What happened today at school?What questions did you use to draw out details from your kids?Who would you invite if we did something at the house?What area of your life are you a beginner?What is your metric for knowing you are getting better at listening?When are you gonna start doing what you're saying?Any other thoughts or encouragements about how questions might be used that we haven't touched on?Where is the best place for folks to engage with you?Would you be open to doing this?

"Our inability to ask better questions of each other, and build proximity, is the reason why we went from larger porches and shorter fences to taller fences and smaller porches." - Bobby MorganBobby Morgan is passionate about education and started his career teaching math in Camden, New Jersey, which was voted one of the most dangerous cities to live in. The students taught him a lot. He is now an assistant principal in New Jersey's Willingboro Township school district outside Philadelphia. As a school district board member, he gains further insight into the inner workings and challenges school districts face.  Additionally, Bobby is a speaker and consultant who builds disruptive educators through culturally responsive teaching, social justice education, and restorative practices. Much of this work is publicly expressed through The Liberation Lab Podcast.Bobby Morgan opens the episode by recounting the realization that his approach to teaching did not inspire the intended results in his students. This realization prompted a process of unlearning while asking questions and listening to the very students he was there to teach. This conversation provides an exhaustive list of questions for students, teachers, parents, and anyone involved with school-aged kids... and we are all students. Bobby provides practical, real-world examples of meaningful ways to serve every aspect of the educational system by building disruptive educators.Episode NotesBobby discusses his experience being a math teacher in Camden, New Jersey, and unlearning negative behaviors [2:10]How we can encourage students to show up in their full humanity to class [9:00]The good news stories are kept from us to maintain a single narrative [11:10]Understanding personal bias and getting curious with one another again [16:00]How questions and power affected curiosity growing up [21:15]Children are by nature curious and how to encourage helpful dialog [24:40]Discovering the power of questions [27:40]Engaging Internet trolls [31:50]Engaging students and parents with questions [32:25]Questions parents should be asking of their schools [36:28]Fostering equity and justice in the classroom [42:10]Engaging the community beyond the school grounds [49:45]Lessons from the movie Mulan [54:05]You can't teach what you refuse to see [56:10]What are you thinking when kids are not asking questions [59:39]Are we conditioning and teaching for the results we want in the future [1:03:55]How teachers can embrace AI in the classroom [1:07:55]Asking questions of myself [1:11:20]Curiosity at home [1:14:10]Engaging parents in difficult conversations [1:15:15]The Liberation Lab [1:17:47]The Liberation Lab Podcast [1:22:25]A radical dream of not being needed [1:25:08] Resources MentionedCaste by Isabel WilkersonMy Liberation Lab websiteMulanJames BaldwinThe Fire Next Time by James BaldwinChatGPTThe Liberation Lab Podcast with Keisha GarrisonDion Sanders (Coach Prime)Bobby Morgan on LinkedInBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedWhat did the kids in Camden teach you?What is a practical example of you coming to your students with the wrong perspective?What does disrespectful, defiant, and disruptive mean to a teacher?Where did the relationship go from there?Were curiosity and questions a part of your childhood?Do the children in your life have free reign to ask you questions on anything and everything?Why do they look like that?Am I hearing you, that you are noticing a difference?Why is that different than how I normally see people?Isn't his skin beautiful?What if that curiosity that the child had was used as a launching point to talk about the beauty in our differences rather than shushing?When did you first understand the power of questions?Why is it that when I see me in a book, there's some violence or something wrong happening?Why wasn't there better representation [in textbooks]?How did [the power of questions] express itself with students and parents?What do the numbers on an assessment mean, and why does it matter?Does your kid really have mastery over this standard?Can they operate with this skill in the real world, and is it something that is transferable?Do they know how to do this thing?Are there standard questions parents should be asking?Can people who are different from you show up and be their authentic selves here?who is most different from you on your team, and how do you make that work in your leadership?When was the last time they reviewed their code of conduct policy, and is it consistent with the current students?What was a time when a teacher on your staff needed instruction or improvement, and how did you support them?What do you do to support teachers who don't meet the mark?How do you ensure there is instructional excellence in your classroom?What does a student's grade really mean?What are the gaps in my child's learning?What are you doing as a teacher to help close the gap?What could I be doing to support at home so that we can fill these gaps?How can we work together to fill any instructional gaps in my child's education?How can we foster equity and justice in the classroom?Do you have adequate Wi-Fi at home?Do you have a place to work quietly at your home?Do you have a space to sharpen your pencils?If grades are about skill, then why am I grading the time in which it came in?Who is supported by this rule, practice, policy, or procedure?Who is left out by this rule, practice, policy, and procedure?Why are they left out by this rural practice policy or procedure?How do I change this rule, practice, policy, or procedure to better support everyone in my learning community?Who was harmed by that action?How can we make that right?Do you think that only the student you said it about was hurt by it?Have you ever been mad still after somebody apologized for something they did to you?When somebody apologizes to you, does it always make it right?What if we saw the community around our schools as a strength?What if there were ways the community could teach us how to better serve?What if instead of asking families to come to the school all the time, we showed up in their places of value, of their places, of meeting spaces?What if I didn't have parent-teacher conferences or an event at the school? I instead had it at the community center where they're already showing up. What would that say and communicate to the community if I'm willing to show up on their terms?What if this little task right here is serving such a better purpose, would you be willing to allow me to show you how that works?What goes through your mind when the kids are not asking questions?Who silenced you?Who told you that your voice doesn't belong here?What are you trying to tell me right now?When you raise your voice, do you think I hear you better?How can I do a better job of listening to you when you're talking?Is she really better in class or is it just better for you?Is she alive in your class? Does she feel valued, seen, and supported? Does she feel like she belongs and she's supposed to be here?What are those conditions that we have established for someone to show up?What about the Baldwins in your classroom, whose genius could be seen if we allowed them the creative license to think outside the box? How can we create space for that?Have there been any times when you've been scared to ask questions?Who am I, and what makes me tick?Does your family encounter your curiosity and questions?How do you prepare for meeting with parents and students?Do you have a favorite question to get a breakthrough?If we switched places right now and you were in my seat, what would you do differently or what would you want to be done?Can you trust me in the process? If it doesn't, we could revisit it. Is that all right?What is the changes you're seeking to make with The Liberation Lab?How do we best relate to students when they blow it?What are our code of conduct and our policies, created to do?What is the impact you would like the Liberation Lab to achieve?How might questions be used that we haven't touched on?Where's the best place for folks to engage with you and learn more about what you're excited about?

Jenny Hegland fosters connections and relationships wherever she lands. As a University Community Engagement Relationship Manager, golf instructor, community disaster recovery lead, and listening poet, Jenny pays sincere attention to those she engages. She has two loves; Jenny serves as the Executive Director of The Good Listening Project and co-founder of Unlimited Boundaries.Jenny opens with heroics in Saipan in the aftermath of a typhoon, then recounts how community engagement and outreach fueled activism and making a difference in the community. Jenny explains the role of the listening poet and the impact it has had on her and those she serves. We discussed her parents' role in encouraging questions and how questions can be a pathway to healing. Other topics include community, grief, and loneliness. Jenny also shares two of her listening poet poems and the backstory that inspired them. Episode NotesJenny's story behind founding a disaster recovery start-up following a catastrophic typhoon in Saipan [1:50]Organizing and community activity in Rochester, Minnesota [5:45]Describes the work of a listening poet and the birth of The Good Listening Project [10:30]Why Jenny became a listener poet [14:55]The start of curiosity through Appreciative Inquiry [17:55]How Jenny's mom defended her right to ask questions [20:45]How questions can be a pathway to healing [30:30]The definition of love [36:30]Questions used to listen [37:20]Powerful communications tool [39:40]The movement of emotions is a definition of healing [43:00]A poem for a 13-year-old, "My Family is a Family" [44:45]Co-creation of a poem [48:50]A poem for a Father whose daughter died, "Evermore" [49:26]A discussion on grief [54:00]How the practice of listening can address the specter of loneliness [59:00]Unlimited Boundaries and flipping questions [1:01:55]Focusing on the quality of questions [1:09:09]Emergence and breakthrough through silence [1:09:50]Poem by Mark Nepo [1:12:30]An invitation and where to reach Jenny Hegland [1:13:40] Resources MentionedSaipanUnited for SaipanCARE CNMI SaipanUniversity of Minnesota RochesterVote "No" CampaignThe Good Listening ProjectKay McKeenFrankie AbralandThe Art of Hosting and Harvesting Conversations That MatterAppreciative InquiryDavid Cooperriderangel Kyoto williamsHarvard Sprint to Accelerate Vaccination Equitably (SAVE) in Community and Rural HealthSuzanne FirstenbergSebastian JungerUnlimited BoundariesMark NepoJenny Hegland on LinkedInBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedHow does one go from life in Minnesota to founding a disaster recovery start-up following a catastrophic typhoon in Saipan?What kind of organizing did you do in Rochester, MN?What was the origin of the Vote "No" Campaign?What is a listening poet?What prompted you to join this task (listener poet)?What is harvesting (conversations)?How did your curiosity and care for others start?Is there a pocket of coherence or innovation where things are working?How do you know this is true?Is there anything in your origin story that comes up in the quest of asking questions?What questions do you use to draw people out?What would you like to have a poem about?Tell me more.What was that like for you?When you think about reading this poem, how do you want it to make you feel?What is the story behind the poems?What if time is all we have?Why does this question have this effect on you?Any thoughts on how questions might be used?

"When you're someone's guest, one of the best ways to connect is to ask them questions and have this model of curiosity you carry about you." - Austin GraffAustin Graff has seen much of the world. Born to American parents, he grew up in Russia and Kazakhstan and returned to the United States for college in Michigan. He has lived in Washington, DC, for nearly 20 years and is married with a seven-year-old daughter.Austin has spent his entire career in social media and digital marketing. He started at non-profits, then shifted to larger companies such as Coca-Cola and, until recently, the Washington Post. In 2022, Austin launched Curiosity & Connection, which combines media consulting and travel guides. His family joins him on adventures as he explores and writes about DC's 131 neighborhoods and various global destinations.Austin shares deep insights into raising inquisitive children with high emotional intelligence, planning and executing worldwide travel with care for the local community, living a designed lifestyle, and describing what is necessary for a level 10 community. This journey is characterized by Austin's humility, love for people, and insatiable curiosity.Episode NotesAustin's obsession as a Local Guide for Google Reviews [2:10]Growing up in Tatarstan, Russia as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) [3:05]Being the outsider fosters curiosity and questions [5:19]Appreciation for local cultures [8:36]Appreciation for Washington DC's culture [10:10]Nuance and noticing the details of the local area and people [11:44]Writing comprehensive Washington DC neighborhood travel guides [14:15]Using curiosity and questions in a marriage [17:25]Avoiding pain by asking relational questions [19:55]Raising a child with high emotional intelligence [22:30]The healing that comes from being a parent [25:20]Learning with an inquisitive child [28:25]Fearless travel through nearly 100 countries and desired destinations [30:45]How Austin's daughter chooses her travel destinations [32:40]Questions to ask when evaluating travel destinations [35:10]Caring for local businesses and knowing when to tell the stories or not [38:30]Diving into social media and influencer marketing [42:45]Career highlights [45:40]Odyssey planning and designing a desired life [47:52]Community, how it is defined, developed, and lived [51:45]Friendships take time [59:30]Asking questions of social media (1:04:30]Asking questions and cultivating space for the answers [1:07:18]Where to follow Austin Graff [1:10:52] Resources MentionedCuriosity and ConnectionFancy Nancy Goes to ParisInternational Justice MissionCoca-ColaWashington PostDesigning Your LifeOdyssey PlanningBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford Questions AskedRussia and Kazakhstan are not the standard zip codes for an American child; can you fill in the details for those who have not heard the story?How did this growing-up experience foster curiosity and questions?Has appreciation for local cultures grown out of not belonging?What does your practice of asking questions with your wife look like?What were the high/low points of your week?Where do you see ourselves and family in 5/10 years?What are your disappointments?What was it like growing up in your family when you were at the age of seven?How do you handle a very inquisitive daughter's questions coming at you?How many countries have you visited?What is at the top of the list of places you haven't visited yet?What filters does your daughter use as she chooses a travel destination?What questions do you ask when considering destinations?What is the context we are stepping ourselves into?What did it feel like for this country's masses during this time?What is the historical context, and what is the culture like now?What are some of the biggest joys you have seen in the people there?What are some of the biggest disappointments or tensions in the area?How can we be responsible travelers?What is better for the earth?Is it better to stay in a hotel or Airbnb?Should we use public transit?If using a tour guide, are they ethical or local? Do they give back to the community?Asking local non-profits in the area about local social issues.How do you find hidden places?Do you want your story told?What shifted you from Non-profit companies to Coca-Cola and the Washington Post?How often do you and your wife discuss the Odyssey plan?How do you intentionally become part of developing a community?What have you done to foster the community where you live?Do you like McDonald's French fries or Burger King's french fries better?What kinds of questions do you wrestle with in a deep level of community?What is stopping you from having this conversation with your friend?What questions about social media are we not asking?What question am I not asking that I should be?How am I being authentic but also true to the privacy of my life?How am I giving grace to the people I am following?How is [media] affecting our culture and mental health through comparison?Do you have any thoughts or encouragement about questions and how we might use them that we haven't touched on so far?What else?Asking of AI: What questions should I ask to get to know them better?

"Choosing to be curious is acting on the idea that there's opportunity in the unknown, which becomes an invitation." - Lynn BortonLynn Borton is the creator and host of the podcast and Pacifica Network radio show "Choose to be Curious." Lynn is a facilitator—of conversations and transformation—with more than 30 years of experience in strategic governance and change management in the non-profit sector. Combining science, organizational learning, and leadership development, Lynn is working to synthesize the study of curiosity into something we can all appreciate: an exciting path to greater personal well-being, professional success, and life satisfaction.What started as a curious investigation into a startup radio station in Arlington, Virginia, developed into a weekly show with guests from across the globe and over 200 episodes.We talk about Lynn's childhood and how her parents influenced her curiosity, her career fighting for the rights of those experiencing mental illness, and the transition to exploring curiosity via a radio show/podcast. Curiosity was just the right topic to cover during this Curated Questions relaunch episode.Episode NotesLynn recounts how her parents fostered curiosity [2:25]Lynn describes when she first understood the power of questions [5:15]Asking questions out of care [8:15]National Alliance on Mental Illness – the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization [9:20]Realization it is better to ask questions than know everything [12:00]Lynn's favorite book [14:00]Discussion on mental health and checking in on people [15:55]Mental illness is not a casserole illness [18:00]The wellness community mindset doesn't apply to mental illness [20:20]Complex PTSD [22:20]Living and working with those who have mental illness and having intentional conversations [25:15]The birth of Choose to be Curious [28:55]Morbid curiosity and leaning towards what makes you uncomfortable [32:15]The real power is in learning to craft your own questions [36:03]Curiosity mentors [37:50]Defining and cultivating a curiosity practice [40:50]Respecting curiosity [42:50]Itchy fingers and life as a beginner urban sketcher [46:50]Investigating Choose to be Curious podcast episodes [50:15]Where to follow Lynn Borton [53:05]****************************************************************Mentioned ResourcesChoose to be Curious PodcastNAMITrust, with Scott NycumThe Phantom Tollbooth by Norton ChesterSeek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott ShigeokaMorbid Curiosity, with Coltan ScrivnerThe Art of Noticing by Rob WalkerThe Right Question InstituteValerie Hunter (Organizational Development)Awareness by Anthony De MelloWhat is a question, with Lani WatsonThe Right Questions Institute, with Andrew MiniganThe right questions for legal empowerment, with Naomi CampbellA double take on lynching, with Susan Strasser and Marcia E ColeBeauty PillProducer Ben Ford****************************************************************Questions AskedWas curiosity and questions a part of your childhood?When did you first understand the power of questions?What's going on?How are you?Are you absorbing the lessons?What questions are we not asking about mental health?What makes you come alive?What might we do to change the stigma around mental illness, such that in conversations, it would be treated like any other illness?What would you like me to know?If it starts to go sideways for you, what would you like me to know and how can I be helpful?What would NOT be helpful?What was the draw to all things curiosity?What curiosity conversations were surprising?What system infrastructure and communications need to be in place for a zombie apocalypse?What is a question?What makes a question a question?Who have been your mentors who modeled curiosity?How can one cultivate curiosity?What's even the least bit interesting to me around me?What are the ways large and small people bring curiosity into their lives?What area of your life are you a beginner?What should someone start with your Choose to be Curious podcast?Where is the best place to engage with you?