Choose to be Curious

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.

Dulce Carrillo, Supervisor of Public Engagement for Arlington Public Schools, discusses community engagement and the importance of curiosity. The podcast explores various events and activities for community engagement, the shift to virtual meetings during COVID, and the role of asking questions and constant review. Curiosity is likened to a school bus, leading to new ideas and perspectives.

Coltan Scrivner, researcher investigating our fascination with the darker side of life, discusses morbid curiosity and its advantages. They explore the relationship between horror movies and pandemic resilience, the tension between learning about dangerous topics, and the correlation between horror media and cold-heartedness.

Local author, journalist and historian Charlie Clark joins the host to discuss curiosity and Arlington history. They explore the connections between Arlington and Alexandria, the transformation of Arlington as a tech hub, and the importance of understanding local history. They also engage in a game on analogies for curiosity, discuss life tips, mention historical landmarks, and explore the Stone Wall and sponsors.

Laura Silverman, founder of Booze Free in DC, Zero Proof Nation, & The Sobriety Collective, discusses the concept of 'sober curiosity' and reassessing our relationship with alcohol. They explore the benefits of sobriety, the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, and the power of curiosity. The hosts express gratitude and encourage listeners to follow them and the guest on social media.

Mitch Praver, a close-up magician, discusses the intersection of curiosity and magic. They explore infants' response to magic tricks, the technical aspects of magic, and the pursuit of mastering tricks. They also touch on their experience in Cuba's magic event, the essence of curiosity, and how magic has evolved over time.

Rebecca Kamen, an artist exploring curiosity, discusses the symbiotic relationship between science and art. They explore the role of curiosity in understanding the world, the power of reflection through art, and make analogies between curiosity and a woodpecker and waterfall.

John Green, a man committed to centering curiosity in work and life, discusses the intimate conversations in hair salons and the role of curiosity in conflict resolution. They highlight the importance of exploring different perspectives on curiosity and expressing gratitude to the host for making connections.

Artist, writer, and educator Sushmita Mazumdar joins the host to discuss creativity and community. They explore the creation and impact of Studio Pause, a space that invites people to explore their creativity and share their stories. They also delve into the concept of a Curiosity Enterprise, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in organizations. The podcast includes analogies of curiosity with a lily pond and a caterpillar, and discusses the audience's analogy of curiosity with a tractor. Overall, it highlights the significance of curiosity and questioning in fostering a creative and connected community.