
Choose to be Curious
Choose to be Curious is a show all about curiosity. We talk about research and theory, but mostly it's conversations about how curiosity shows up in work and life.
Now syndicated and available via Pacifica RadioNetwork.
Latest episodes

Jan 12, 2023 • 28min
Ep. #186: Natural Curiosity & Indigenous Perspectives of Inquiry, Alysse Kennedy & Aleksa Nitsis
Guests Alysse Kennedy & Aleksa Nitsis discuss incorporating indigenous perspectives in environmental education. They explore the importance of honoring ancestors, decolonization, and embracing relationships with nature. The podcast delves into the ongoing nature of curiosity and its transformative impact on personal growth.

Dec 28, 2022 • 28min
Ep. #185: The Human Library, with Ronni Abergel
Ronni Abergel, Co-founder of The Human Library, discusses the significance of connecting with strangers and breaking down prejudices through dialogue. They explore the power of curiosity and courage in fostering empathy. They emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives and finding common ground. The episode concludes with gratitude towards the guests and invites listeners to share their 'dinner out' analogy.

Dec 16, 2022 • 28min
Ep. #184: Curiosity in Apes, with Sofia Forss
Sofia Forss, an evolutionary biologist, discusses the curiosity of apes and its influence on their behavior. She challenges assumptions about primate curiosity, explores ethical considerations in studying apes, and compares human and ape curiosity. Additional topics include curiosity exercises, analogies, and the intentional parenting style of curious apes.

Nov 30, 2022 • 28min
Ep. #183: Curiosity & Geocaching Goodness, with Sonny Portacio
Sonny Portacio, host of The Podcacher Podcast, discusses the adventure of geocaching, a GPS treasure hunt game. They cover the various types of geocaches, educational resources, and connecting with new people. They explore curiosity practices and habits of geocachers and draw analogies comparing curiosity to taking a shower and fire.

Nov 18, 2022 • 28min
Ep. #182: Be an Askable Adult, with Ashley Blowe, Siobhan Grayson & Scotney Young
Learn what it means to be an Askable Adult in Arlington, Virginia. Ashley Blowe, Siobhan Grayson, and Scotney Young discuss the importance of non-judgmental resources for youth and the significance of building trust. Creating safe spaces for youth engagement, empowering young people, and the need for multiple askable adults in their lives are also highlighted.

Nov 3, 2022 • 28min
Ep. #181: The Right Questions for Legal Empowerment, with Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell, Director of RQI's Legal Empowerment program, discusses the role of curiosity in legal empowerment, the importance of teaching the skill of question formulation, and the transformative effects it can have. The podcast also explores the significance of reflection in learning and delves into the complexity of curiosity through analogies.

Oct 25, 2022 • 28min
Ep. #180: Urbanism and Seeing with Fresh Eyes, with Luca Gattoni-Celli
Luca Gattoni-Celli, a local housing advocate, discusses urbanism and the importance of viewing the world with fresh eyes. They explore the impact of urbanism on housing expenses and transportation access, as well as the contagious nature of curiosity. The podcast also touches on the intersection of urbanism, curiosity, and climate change, emphasizing the need for sustainable lifestyles.

Oct 4, 2022 • 27min
Ep. #179: Apprenticeship as a Curiosity Practice, with Rich Maxham, Danny Smith & Katy Clune
Rich Maxham and Danny Smith engage in an apprenticeship partnership in the luthier craft, where they both learn and teach from each other. The podcast explores curiosity in apprenticeship, the sensory experience of traditional arts, the relationship between curiosity and the violin, and the enlightening experience of learning from Danny. A joyful and insightful conversation.

Sep 20, 2022 • 28min
Ep. #178: Curiosity, Science & Humor Walk into a Bar..., with Kasha Patel
Kasha Patel is a triple threat: scientist, journalist and stand-up comedian, the perfect person to join me for a conversation about the rich alchemy of leaning into all three.
Kasha Patel is the deputy weather editor for the Capital Weather Gang at The Washington Post, covering weather, climate change and the environment. Before joining The Post, she produced news stories, videos and features about the Earth sciences, climate change and satellite research for NASA. And, she's a stand up comedian. Funny, smart, with a vision for how curiosity, science and humor can help us all, wherever we are.
Kasha Patel: https://www.kashapatel.com
Antidote for partisanship? In science, curiosity seems to work: https://news.yale.edu/2017/01/26/antidote-partisanship-science-curiosity-seems-work
Center for Media & Social Impact, Yes...And Laughter Lab & GoodLaughs:
https://cmsimpact.org
Our theme and other music are by Sean Balick.

Sep 16, 2022 • 5min
Curiosity to Go 2022.09.16 - Postcards from Rotterdam
The speaker explores Rotterdam's diversity and recounts a failed visit to a floating farm. They delve into the diverse language landscape and the influence of translation on perceptions. The chapter also discusses the speaker's geocache adventure, reflecting on Rotterdam's history and the importance of curiosity and imagination.