Choose to be Curious

James Danckert, Ph.D., from the University of Waterloo, discusses the intriguing relationship between boredom and curiosity. He explains how boredom can serve a purpose, drive exploration, and play a vital role in prompting action. The discussion delves into personal experiences, examples, and analogies to highlight the significance of embracing curiosity and combating boredom for personal growth.

Tojo Thatchenkery, a professor at George Mason University, discusses Appreciative Intelligence, highlighting the importance of finding generative potential in the present. They explore reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, emphasizing curiosity, resilience, and self-efficacy in driving innovation. The conversation delves into effective knowledge sharing in organizations and reframing to boost employee engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Princeton professor, Christina León, explores teaching American minorities, Latinx identity, and the value of complexity in culture. She discusses the violence of curiosity and the ethical implications of transparency in a thought-provoking conversation.

Actor, director, educator, and executive coach Carol Cadby discusses the impact of tone of voice on conveying curiosity. The conversation explores the motivation behind asking curious questions, authenticity in conversations, and the difference between genuine enthusiasm and false confidence in public speaking. The podcast also delves into how cultural norms influence the perception of female and male voices, with a call for listener submissions of dragonfly analogies.

Philosophy professor Perry Zurn and co-editor of a curiosity anthology talk about the inception of curiosity studies, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, the impact of curiosity on human behavior, and the connection between baking bread and curiosity.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, brain scientist and author, discusses resilience and bravery. She explores the roles of left and right brain hemispheres in managing stress, the power of choice in being brave, and navigating uncertainty during a health crisis. Curiosity is highlighted as a tool for enhancing self-awareness and openness to new possibilities.

Arlington Presbyterian Church pastor Ashley Goff discusses (re)creating community through humble inquiry, focusing on neighborhood engagement and intentional design choices. The role of soundscapes in building community bonds is highlighted, along with interactive analogies and a call to cultivate curiosity.

NOVA students participating in the State Department's Community College Initiative discuss how curiosity has influenced their year abroad, highlighting the importance of diverse college communities and offering advice to future participants. A fascinating conversation on exploring new perspectives and embracing cultural differences.

Dani Bassett, a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in network science and complex systems theory, discusses how network theory can help us understand and connect our curiosity dots. They share insights on the intersection of basic science, engineering, and clinical medicine, emphasizing the importance of embracing curiosity for knowledge building and sparking innovation.

Bob Mitchell, founder of a bipartisan leadership program, discusses the power of listening well and seeking opportunities in politics. Embracing diversity in bipartisanship, exploring curiosity through marshmallows and bamboo growth, and fostering collaboration are key topics.