Choose to be Curious

We all have a curiosity origin story. What’s yours? CEO, author and marketing exec Tyler Chisholm’s happens to involve a pool cue. Enriched by his experience in strategic growth-oriented marketing and as host of not one but two podcasts, Tyler polishes that first little nugget into robust guidance for leaders everywhere in his new book Curious as Hell, We focused on the wonderfulness of rapport, self-curious leadership, mirroring and matching in podcasting as in life, the feeling of active listening and expansive questions, framing challenges as collaborative adventures, the power of story & metaphor — and why we should all be keeping curiosity journals on our bedside tables. Tyler Chisholm: https://tylerchisholm.com Theme music by Sean Balick; “The Summit” by K2, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Mónica Quesada Cordero, co-founder of el Colectivo 506 and an award-winning photojournalist, shares her insights on solutions journalism. She discusses how curiosity drives journalistic integrity and tackles the challenges of changing reader habits in Costa Rica. Mónica dives into complex reporting on issues like water access and emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to foster honesty in interviews. Her engaging analogies illustrate curiosity's significance in both journalism and life, making for an enlightening conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Mary Whatley, an assistant professor of psychology at Western Carolina University, dives into the intriguing relationship between curiosity and aging. She explores how state curiosity can actually rise with age, presenting a surprising U-shape trend. Hear her insights on the balance of trait versus state curiosity, the motivational aspects of learning, and practical ways to enhance curiosity for well-being. Reflective practices, social learning, and even playful analogies make her research both enlightening and relatable.

Creativity strategist Natalie Nixon, the CEO of Figure Eight Thinking and author of Move, Think, Rest, dives into productivity reimagined. She discusses the importance of joyful movement and strategic pauses to enhance creativity. Her innovative MTR framework—Move, Think, Rest—links physical activity, deep thinking, and rest as essential components of curiosity. She also introduces her 66-day challenge, emphasizing the value of community and playful analogies in exploring curiosity. It's a thought-provoking conversation on nurturing our creative instincts!

In this lively discussion, dating coach Tim Molnar, author of Date Smarter, dives into the art of modern dating. He highlights how curiosity can transform dating experiences, sharing insights from his 'me-search' in social science. Tim discusses practical strategies like setting a personalized date number and embracing rejection as data. He emphasizes small experiments to enhance connections and even reveals why an interest in green smoothies can be surprisingly attractive, showing us that curiosity is key in love!

Join neuroscientist Matthias Gruber, a professor at Cardiff University's Motivation and Memory Lab, as he unpacks the fascinating science behind curiosity. He discusses how curiosity fuels learning and enhances memory retention in young people and adults. The conversation highlights groundbreaking studies linking curiosity to cognitive mapping and classroom engagement. Gruber also explores the relationship between stress tolerance and curiosity, revealing its impact on exploration and educational practices. Prepare for a mind-expanding exploration of how curiosity shapes our learning experiences!

Lisa Kristine, a humanitarian photographer and fine artist, sheds light on the power of storytelling through photography. She discusses how curiosity fuels both her work and personal experiences, encouraging deeper connections with the subjects she captures. Lisa addresses the transformative impact of her craft in raising awareness about human trafficking and the importance of genuine relationships with marginalized communities. The conversation also delves into redefining narratives and celebrates presence as a vital component in both art and life.

Venkatesh Murthy, a renowned Harvard molecular biologist, dives into the fascinating world of smell and curiosity. He explores how our olfactory system shapes our behaviors and memories, shedding light on why this sense is often overlooked. The discussion unveils an innovative experiment with mice that demonstrates their natural curiosity through scent trails. Murthy also reflects on the evolution of olfaction and its implications during the COVID-19 pandemic, making a case for why understanding smell is vital for grasping our sensory experiences.

Dan Evon, Senior Manager of Education Design at News Literacy Project and former Snopes.com writer, dives into the world of misinformation. He discusses how curiosity can shield us from falsehoods and shares practical tips like lateral reading and reverse image searches to discern truth. The conversation also tackles the pitfalls of social media and the importance of robust fact-checking in journalism. Through creative analogies, Evon emphasizes nurturing curiosity to combat misleading information effectively.

Laura Zigman, a seasoned author and ghostwriter, dives into the art of capturing authentic voices in storytelling. She emphasizes the delicate balance between curiosity and nosiness, sharing anecdotes about the ethics of interviewing. Highlighting the trust essential in her work, Zigman discusses how compassion and sensitivity pave the way for true storytelling. The conversation also explores the transformative power of curiosity in creative processes, using imaginative analogies to illustrate its importance in building connections.