Choose to be Curious
Lynn Borton
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.
Now syndicated and available via Pacifica RadioNetwork.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 16, 2019 • 5min
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 51: Know Where You Are
Dive into the fascinating role maps play in our understanding of the world! Discover how they can ignite curiosity and transform our perspective on the environment. Cartographer Alison Davis-Holland shares insights on engaging with spaces through mapping. Alonso Abugattas emphasizes the importance of being present and aware of our surroundings. Let your curiosity lead the way as you explore the hidden stories in the places you navigate!

Apr 16, 2019 • 29min
Ep. #78: Putting Curiosity on the Map with Cartographer Alison Davis-Holland
Join cartographer Alison Davis-Holland, an expert in using maps to tackle issues like civil justice and renewable energy, as she explains the enchanting connection between curiosity and cartography. Discover how modern mapping and GIS technology are revolutionizing data analysis and promoting inclusive storytelling. Alison highlights the importance of map literacy and the adventure of exploring diverse mapping resources. She even shares an amusing analogy that likens curiosity to hunger, blending humor with insights into the art of mapping.

Apr 3, 2019 • 7min
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 50: Walkabout
Celebrate the joys of walking while exploring Arlington and a vibrant farmers market. Discover how wandering enriches health and fosters community bonds through personal stories. Delve into the fascinating sounds and silences encountered on a Saturday morning stroll, highlighting the importance of being present. Uncover hidden details in your surroundings that spark curiosity and deepen connections.

Apr 2, 2019 • 28min
Ep. #77: Taking Curiosity in Stride
In celebration of National Walking Day, two explorers share their adventure of walking every street in their county. They discuss the joys of walking versus driving, uncovering local history and hidden gems along the way. The conversation delves into walking etiquette and the unique interactions that arise during strolls. Urban soundscapes also take center stage as they reflect on how different noises shape their experiences. The episode highlights the importance of curiosity and community in creating memorable journeys.

Mar 20, 2019 • 28min
Ep. #76: Curiosity on the Menu, with Noobtsaa Vang
Noobtsaa Vang, founder of Foodhini, is on a mission to connect immigrant chefs with their cultural roots through food. She shares heartfelt stories about the powerful link between meals and family, emphasizing storytelling as an integral part of dining. Vang discusses the challenges of scaling her food business and the role of curiosity in keeping creativity flowing. She also highlights the transformative effect of the 'five whys' technique on decision-making and how curiosity can lead to innovative solutions within social enterprises.

Mar 20, 2019 • 5min
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 49: Human Connections
A fascinating exploration of how food fosters human connections shines through in this discussion. It highlights a restaurant that bridges immigrant and refugee communities via authentic culinary experiences. The episode emphasizes storytelling's crucial role in enriching these dining moments. Caroline Kish's insights into empathy add depth, revealing the importance of curiosity in nurturing meaningful relationships.

Mar 6, 2019 • 6min
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 48: Listen Like Our Lives Depend On It
Palma Strand and Ellen Fox explore the transformative power of curiosity in understanding diverse perspectives. They emphasize the need for deep engagement with information to enrich personal and community well-being. The discussion also tackles the challenges of incorporating varied viewpoints in the legal system, highlighting how curiosity can foster creativity and conflict resolution. Listening, they argue, is not just a skill but a vital necessity for our lives and communities.

Mar 6, 2019 • 27min
Ep. #75: Curiosity and the Law, with Palma Strand
In this engaging conversation, Palma Strand, a law professor at Creighton University and co-founder of Civiti, discusses the role of curiosity in the legal profession. She examines how rigid legal systems stifle inquisitiveness and creativity while marginalizing diverse voices. Strand emphasizes that curiosity is essential for effective conflict management and community engagement. Through playful analogies, she illustrates how curiosity fuels creativity, urging a shift in legal education to prepare future lawyers for complex relational dynamics.

Feb 20, 2019 • 29min
Ep. #74: Neuroscience Eyes Curiosity, with Jacqueline Gottlieb, PhD
Jacqueline Gottlieb, a neuroscientist from Columbia University, explores how curiosity influences our cognitive processes and decision-making. She discusses the intricate neuroscience behind curiosity, including its definitions and measurements. Gottlieb shares fascinating insights on how curiosity drives humans and animals to seek information, even when it seems irrelevant. Using playful analogies, she likens curiosity to bubblegum, highlighting its transformative role in learning and inquiry. The conversation delves into the complexities of curiosity, encompassing technology's role in emulating human inquiry.

Feb 20, 2019 • 6min
Curiosity to Go, #47: Nothing is Lost
Explore the fascinating link between curiosity and neuroscience, as experts dive into how curiosity fuels exploration and personal growth. Discover how understanding neural networks can enhance not only individual learning but also professional networking. The conversation draws on personal experiences, including anecdotes from Puerto Rico, and emphasizes the importance of asking better questions to deepen inquiry and connection.


