Choose to be Curious

Political scientist and University of Chicago professor Eric Oliver joins the host to explore the allure and impact of conspiracy theories. They discuss the prevalence of belief in conspiracy theories, the connection between curiosity and uncertainty, and how conspiracy theories relate to understanding oneself. They also draw analogies between curiosity and swimming, and discuss how curiosity can be cultivated and protected.

Dr. Nicole Rochester, healthcare advocate and equity champion, discusses the impact of the last two years on curiosity in medicine and society. They explore the challenges of medical encounters during COVID-19, the broken trust in healthcare, the importance of asking why, addressing vaccine hesitancy and health disparities, and the power of curiosity in fixing broken systems like healthcare and education.

Data visualization consultant Alli Torban discusses the role of curiosity in data visualization and the importance of skepticism when interpreting charts. They explore the concept of data humanism and how visualization can make data more approachable. The chapter also touches on metaphors for curiosity and concludes with acknowledgements and sponsor messages.

Psychologist Todd Kashdan wrote his new book The Art of Insubordination to "elevate the value of curiosity, intellectual humility, and courage in public discourse, and to teach people how to amplify their voices and help others do the same." Todd is intent on cultivating principled insubordination and pushing back against incuriosity. I figured we should talk... Check out Todd's work here: https://toddkashdan.com Theme music by Sean Balick. "Hash Out" by Sunday at Slims via Blue Dot Sessions. This episode first aired on WERA-LP, February 2022. It has been refreshed, May 2023.

Marie von Hafften, a journalist specializing in Solutions Journalism, discusses the role of curiosity in finding and telling stories. They explore the importance of trust and assessment in journalism. They also highlight the impact of Solutions Journalism on perspective and problem-solving, emphasizing the transformative effects of these stories on communities.

This podcast explores the connection between curiosity and mental health, delving into post-colonial property ownership, the boundaries of questioning, and the bias towards answers. The guest shares their journey in building an independent reader-funded mental health journalism platform. They also discuss the curiosity boom in India, the importance of curiosity during the pandemic, and express gratitude for their guest.

Arlington County's restorative justice efforts strive for an equitable, empathetic community that honors the dignity and humanity of all people and creates pathways for belonging, healing, accountability, and growth. Restorative Arlington coordinator Kimiko Lighty explains how central curiosity is to the work. Theme music by Sean Balick. “Turning on the Lights” by Speakeasy via Blue Dot Sessions.

"Architecting Curiosity" turns out to be a pretty fabulous way to think about choosing to be curious. It is also a community and school with which to practice and train our natural muscle of inquiry. I decided to enroll. Architecting Curiosity founders, experience designers all, Pim Schachtschabel, Monica Canfield-Lenfest and Anthony Rocco were my most marvelous teachers and guides. This is but a taste of what time with them is like...  Theme music by Sean Balick. "Slow Lane Lover" by Barstool via Blue Dot Sessions.

This week we visit that uncomfortable place that curiosity can create as we wrestle with the courage of our questions. Social justice music-maker Crys Matthews illuminates the power of music to open hard conversations. And, oh, what a voice! "Exactly Where You Are" used with permission of artist.

How do the stories we read as children inform our curiosity about our environment? How do we "read" our landscapes wherever we are, no matter what age? Choose to be Curious intern Lydia Perry leads this rich conversation with environmental scientist Liam Heneghan. Theme and other music by Sean Balick.