Choose to be Curious

Join John Muir Laws, a naturalist and educator at the forefront of nature journaling, as he explores the art of observation. He discusses how journaling deepens our connection to nature by slowing us down and enhancing our curiosity. John introduces his practice of 'I notice, I wonder, it reminds me' to fuel creative exploration. He also shares insights on how different forms of expression—drawing, writing, and numbers—can unlock new perspectives. Plus, he offers tips to find beauty and wonder, even in winter's stillness.

In this light-hearted conversation, the co-host, an advocate for curiosity and playful learning, joins Lynn to explore the realm of analogies. They dive into the art of spotting metaphors in nature, discussing hope and new beginnings. With the 'Big Jar of Wannabe Analogies,' they engage listeners to connect everyday objects to curiosity, likening it to a powerful tool, like a hammer. They challenge everyone to think of curiosity as fog—inviting thoughtful responses. The session wraps up with delightful insights and a sense of wonder.

Ashley Kirsner, founder of Skip the Small Talk, is on a mission to combat loneliness through deep conversations. She shares her journey of creating structured events that encourage vulnerability and meaningful dialogue. Discover how crafting intentional questions leads to richer exchanges and enhances self-discovery. Ashley discusses the hopefulness of social interactions, especially in a world filled with negativity bias. With practical mindfulness techniques, she empowers people to navigate conversational discomfort, making every interaction an opportunity for connection.

Join renowned playwright Stan Lai, a luminary in contemporary Asian theatre, as he introduces his coining of 'Creativitry'—a blend of creativity and curiosity. He passionately argues that curiosity fuels artistic expression, using Einstein as an example. Stan discusses the wisdom needed in creative practice and shares a pivotal failure that taught him about limitations. The conversation dives into how actors harness curiosity to delve into character motivations, and the idea of an 'inspiration warehouse' for creative connections is unveiled. A unique analogy game caps off this insightful dialogue!

Join Qudsiya Naqui, a blind law professor and disability advocate, as she delves into the intersections of curiosity, disability, and community. She shares her journey discovering tandem cycling and adaptive sports, emphasizing the power of teamwork and empathy. Qudsiya redefines disability and promotes values of interdependence and collective access. Through her lived experiences, she encourages curiosity about our own bodies and the importance of listening. This insightful conversation opens up dialogues on social design and the diverse expressions of disability.

Brian Fretwell, a Connection Curiosity Champion and former juvenile corrections teacher, dives into the power of questions over advice. He emphasizes how to learn from successes rather than mistakes. Using metaphors like blueberries, he illustrates how connection boosts confidence and memory. The discussion includes his FIRES model, which links feelings to strengths, and how storytelling shapes group dynamics in achieving shared goals. Fretwell's insights serve as a guide for effective communication and building connections.

Join Matthew deBardelaben, a seasoned PechaKucha curator, and Lila Honaker, a key member of the curation team, as they dive into the unique format of PechaKucha. They discuss how the 20x20 constraint fosters concise storytelling and sparks connections within the Knoxville community. Matthew shares insights on how personal stories cultivate empathy, while Lila explains the process of selecting engaging presenters. They also highlight the impact of hosting free events that prioritize community without sponsorship, making knowledge accessible for all.

In this insightful discussion, Cat Fribley, the Executive Director of Birdability and an accessibility advocate, dives into making birding inclusive for all. She highlights Birdability Week's virtual events and accessible outings designed for individuals with disabilities. Cat emphasizes the importance of curiosity, sharing practical ways to connect with nature while respecting personal limits. Discover how birdsong promotes well-being and mindfulness, and learn about the BirdAbility map that helps assess accessibility at birding sites.

Haru Yamada, a sociolinguist and author of "Kiku: The Japanese Art of Good Listening," shares her insights on listening with empathy. She explores the concept of listening through multiple channels, emphasizing the difference between hearing for information and listening for identity and context. Haru discusses the role of curiosity in listening, balancing predictability and surprise. She offers practical steps for entering someone's listening space, promoting deeper connections. Listen for a light-hearted analogy linking curiosity to breakdancing!

In this conversation with Sam Furness, the Founder of Creative Quests and author of The Quester's Guide, curiosity is celebrated as the key to creativity. Sam shares the origins of his community-driven quests, emphasizing the power of structured creativity within playful frameworks. He introduces practical exercises like 'throwing paint at the wall' to spark ideas and highlights the importance of communal experiences in fostering vulnerability and innovation. Join Sam in exploring how curiosity can lead us to unexpected and joyful creative journeys!