Choose to be Curious

Mikel Herrington is a veteran of both AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. We explore curiosity as the underpinning that brings people into civil service, reciprocal curiosity across cultural and experiential divides, humility, humor, how service allows room for listening, and why someone might carry a pecan for years... Theme music by Sean Balick; "Home, Home at Last" by Warmbody, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Shawkat Toorawa, a Professor of Arabic language and literature at Yale, brings a wealth of curiosity to the discussion. He shares insights from his Dr. T Project, which highlights 'three things worth knowing' weekly. The conversation navigates the critical divide between 'should know' and 'worth knowing,' promoting a voluntary approach to learning. Toorawa emphasizes the role of cultural references in evoking nostalgia and the joy of connecting diverse interests. With playful analogies, he invites listeners to explore curiosity in their own lives.

What happens to intellectual freedom when libraries come under attack? What happens to curiosity? Librarian and director of the Department of Libraries in Arlington, VA, Diane Kresh joins me to explore the long and storied history of bad-ass librarians, book bans and book sanctuaries, the "curiosity paradox" of such bans, what makes libraries a center for community, and how curiosity is like an insatiable puppy. "The library can be a great refuge, if you will, for people who are questioning." ~ Diane Kresh Theme music by Sean Balick; "4 Point Path" by The Bulwark, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Silvia Villacampa, managing director of Liberty Language Services, shares her expertise in translation and interpretation. She highlights the critical role of curiosity in effective communication and navigating cultural nuances. Dive into bilingualism's impact on connecting diverse backgrounds and the joys of engaging with multiple languages. Silvia also discusses the ethical aspects of interpreting in sensitive settings and uses plant names as a fun analogy to illuminate the deeper insights that curiosity can foster.

Anthony Zador, Allie Davis Harris Professor of Biology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, advocates for the importance of curiosity-driven research. He discusses how genuine curiosity can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, highlighting its distinction from applied science. Zador shares fascinating anecdotes, such as the unexpected success of Gila monster venom in obesity treatment. The conversation also addresses current challenges in funding scientific research and the critical role of public engagement in nurturing curiosity and innovation.

Rabbi Nancy Flam, a trailblazer in contemporary Jewish communal life and co-founder of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, dives into the rich tradition of curiosity in Judaism. She discusses Moses' encounter with the burning bush and the Jewish value of sakranut, emphasizing questions as a pathway to deeper understanding. Highlighting the Passover Seder's four questions, she explores how curiosity fosters inclusive dialogue and enriches faith. Flam encourages reflection on curiosity as a vital spiritual pursuit, bridging ancient texts with modern relevance.

Discover the origins of a curiosity-driven journey that emphasizes personal and professional growth. Dive into the World Peace Game, a political simulation that enhances critical thinking and cooperation among students. Explore real-world applications of curiosity in conflict resolution, particularly a success story from Afghanistan. Unpack how active listening and meaningful questions can transform interactions and open new doors. This insightful conversation offers practical strategies for embracing curiosity in everyday life.

Monique Bryant, Executive Director of Challenging Racism and founder of Boldly Inspiring Change, discusses the vital role of curiosity in fostering open conversations about racism. She shares insights on navigating diverse perspectives and maintaining core values while exploring uncomfortable truths. The importance of celebrating Juneteenth is highlighted, alongside the ongoing struggles for equity faced by marginalized communities. Monique emphasizes how bravery and curiosity can transform dialogues about race, advocating for compassion and understanding.

Join Kevin Kelly, Senior Maverick at Wired and co-chair of the Long Now Foundation, as he dives into the power of radical optimism. He shares how cultivating curiosity creates opportunities and fosters an abundance mindset. Kelly discusses innovative 'lighthouse parenting,' promoting independence while providing guidance. The conversation also highlights the importance of exploring unfamiliar topics and how curiosity can deepen relationships. Discover reasons to embrace imagination and self-discovery in this engaging discussion.

Dale Zhou, a postdoctoral scholar at UC Irvine, specializes in understanding how our brains process and connect information. In this discussion, he introduces a unique kinesthetic framework for curiosity, categorizing styles into busybody, hunter, and dancer. Zhou explores the interplay between art and science, and how curiosity shapes decision-making. He also dives into browsing behaviors on Wikipedia, addressing privacy issues and algorithms' influence on knowledge access. The conversation concludes with creative analogies that illustrate the unpredictable nature of curiosity.