Choose to be Curious

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!

Tyler Chisholm, a CEO and author passionate about curiosity as a leadership tool, shares insights from his book, Curious as Hell. He discusses his intriguing curiosity origin story involving a pool cue, emphasizing the importance of reflection. Tyler explains how building rapport through active listening and mirroring techniques can enhance psychological safety in teams. He also highlights the power of storytelling and metaphors in fostering understanding and collaboration. Don't miss his thoughts on framing challenges as opportunities for shared exploration!

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.