Choose to be Curious

I see clear curiosity overtones in the ways we think about wisdom -- the meta-cognition processes of wisdom -- including intellectual humility, openness to others’ ideas and insights, even the search for constructive conflict resolution. So I wondered: is anyone thinking about wisdom through a curiosity lens? Igor Grossmann, Ph.D. leads the Wisdom and Culture Lab at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario. He’s passionate about how people make sense of the world -- and how cultural forces shape behavior and societal change.  We talk about those meta-cognitive characteristics of wisdom, how our idea of "curiosity" influences how it might contribute to wisdom, situational adaptations, how wisdom is expressed across cultures -- and embracing intellectual humility when our assumptions about those presumed cultural differences prove to be all wrong. Igor Grossmann: https://igorgrossmann.com Theme music by Sean Balick; "The Envelope" by Aeronaut, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Sulma Arias is the Executive Director of People's Action and has two decades of experience advocating for immigrant rights and economic justice. She discusses deep canvassing as a transformative approach centered on listening and building rapport rather than conventional persuasion. Sulma highlights how curiosity facilitates understanding in divisive conversations, fostering genuine connections. She also explores creative analogies that illustrate the joy and unpredictability of curiosity, emphasizing its power to enhance personal growth and community dialogue.

I have the good fortune of living in a place that values public art -- art that anyone can see at any time of night or day-- and that, with its very presence, invites just a little curiosity in a way that you might imagine would appeal to me. So I was delighted when Tomora Wright Swann, Public Art Projects Manager of Arlington County (Va.) reached out -- and propelled me to connect with contributing artist Aurora Robson. When I visit other cities, one of the things I look for is iconic walking tours – the cisterns of Istanbul, the passages couverts of Paris, the murals of Philadelphia, New Orleans’ Garden District. What a pleasure to talk with two people behind Arlington County's own art walking tours! Aurora Robson: https://www.aurorarobson.com Check out Arlington public art: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Public-Art/About/Self-Guided-Public-Art-Tours Theme music by Sean Balick. Hickory Interlude, Lemon and Melon, Sunday Lights, Town Market and Tuck and Point by Onesuch Village via Blue Dot Sessions.

Join orca experts Sara Shimazu and Jeff Friedman as they dive into the fascinating world of these marine mammals. Sara, a whale watch captain with a lifelong passion for orcas, and Jeff, who journeyed from Cleveland to the San Juan Islands for his love of whales, share captivating tales about orca behavior and social structures. They discuss the intelligence of orcas, their complex communication, and the ethical approach to observing them. Throughout, the duo playfully likens curiosity to hiking trails, emphasizing its vital role in ecotourism and our connection to nature.

I believe journalist, photographer and all-around producer Andy Isaacson has found ways to lean into his own curiosity, creating vehicles for the rest us to come along for the ride – in one case, literally. For him a good day sparks his curiosity -- a thought that came to him for the first time in this conversation. (Hurrah for asking about what makes for a good days!) We talk about why it's so important to meet people where they are; the intersections of respect, fairness, empathy and rigorous investigation; resourcefulness; and why stories are a form of currency. Andy Isaacson: https://www.andyisaacson.net Theme music by Sean Balick;“Union Hall Melody" by Union Hall via Blue Dot Sessions.

Rosie Stephenson-Goodknight, a dedicated Wikipedia editor and co-founder of the Women in Red project, dives into the impact of volunteer contributions on knowledge and representation. She emphasizes the importance of reliable sourcing to combat misinformation and improve coverage on women’s biographies. The discussion also explores the evolving nature of knowledge, highlighting how collaboration fosters constructive debate and curiosity. Rosie shares imaginative analogies that illustrate curiosity's dynamic nature, inviting listeners to reimagine their own understanding.

Deanne Fitzpatrick, a virtuoso rug hooker and artist, brings her vibrant perspective to creativity. She reveals how rug hooking is not just an art but a gateway to curiosity and community. Deanne discusses the balance of mastering techniques and embracing experimentation, turning mistakes into beauty. The conversation highlights the power of solitary crafts, like rug hooking, to foster connection and support creativity. She also shares personal stories that inspire listeners to observe the world around them, enhancing their own creative journeys.

Kimberley Wilson, a chartered psychologist and author focused on brain and mental health, dives deep into the vital link between nutrition and cognitive function. She reveals how our typical diets may fail our brains, impacting overall well-being. Kimberley emphasizes the importance of curiosity in personal growth, advocating for a holistic approach to mental health that includes nutritional awareness. She also explores the fascinating connections between food, behavior, and social fairness, and shares practical tips for fostering curiosity in everyday life.

Loretta Goodwin, an experienced multilingual education specialist, shares her insights from a 100-day journey exploring AI's impact on education. She delves into how curiosity fuels innovative learning environments for underserved youth. The conversation highlights the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining human creativity. Loretta also delights listeners with playful analogies, linking curiosity to everyday experiences. Her passion for fostering agency and equity in education shines through, making for a compelling discussion on the future of learning.

In this engaging discussion, David Trigaux, Director of Programming and Development at the Washington Urban Debate League, shares how high school debate cultivates critical thinking and empathy in students. He celebrates a decade of debate education, reflecting on its transformative impact and the importance of exploring diverse viewpoints. David emphasizes the role of curiosity in fostering creativity and innovation. Anecdotes illustrate how embracing opposing perspectives leads to personal growth, making curiosity a powerful tool for debate.