Choose to be Curious

Todd Kashdan, a psychologist and professor at George Mason University, shares insights on the complexities of curiosity. He discusses the 'full bandwidth' of curiosity, emphasizing its dual nature, particularly how it relates to anxiety and personal growth. Todd also highlights the role curious exploration plays in the workplace and how it fosters openness. Through engaging analogies and his metaphor of elasticity, he encourages listeners to embrace their curiosities, illustrating how this mindset enhances creativity and learning.

Award-winning filmmaker Robin Hauser discusses her powerful documentary on unconscious biases. She shares her personal journey of self-discovery and the crucial role of awareness in our decision-making. The conversation dives into how curiosity can help de-bias our thoughts and improve our understanding of societal challenges. Hauser also highlights the impact of bias on artificial intelligence and emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity to cultivate empathy and build stronger communities.

Dive into the world of unconscious bias and its impact on our societies. Explore how curiosity can be a powerful tool to challenge sexism, racism, and ageism. Discover personal anecdotes that illuminate the importance of nurturing curiosity to bridge gaps in understanding diverse experiences. With insights from a filmmaker and a film critic, learn how asking questions can lead to deeper connections and equitable decision-making in both personal and professional realms.

Curiosity is explored as a political force that demands attention to overlooked stories. The discussion highlights historical injustices, particularly lynching, urging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths. By embracing curiosity, we can amplify marginalized voices and foster empathy through history. This thought-provoking conversation challenges us to reflect on our roles in addressing societal issues and encourages a mindset that champions awareness and understanding.

Perry Zurn, a philosophy professor at American University, passionately argues that curiosity is inherently political. He discusses how curiosity can challenge societal norms and power structures, particularly in movements for prison reform and transgender rights. Zurn emphasizes the necessity of diverse voices in education to foster genuine change. He also portrays curiosity as a catalyst for social justice, advocating for innovative practices in learning that empower students. With engaging metaphors, he encourages listeners to see curiosity as a dynamic force in their lives.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Zealand from the Arlington Public Library shares insights from their Big Book Club’s journey through Tolstoy’s 'War and Peace'. The lively team transformed a reading project into a collaborative podcast, emphasizing the joy of curiosity and community in literature. They delve into the complexities of audience engagement on social media and highlight the humor and unpredictability found in group discussions. Through their collective experience, they underline the timeless nature of sibling relationships and the value of shared literary exploration.

Dive into the intersection of literature and comedy, as insights from Russian classics meet candid discussions on racism. Explore how curiosity can fuel social change and challenge societal norms, all while grappling with America’s complex history. Listen as a historian and poet encourage re-evaluating narratives to combat stereotypes. Discover the emotional ties to history that inspire creativity and foster human connection, reminding us that embracing uncomfortable truths can lead to joyful discoveries.

Shane McCarty, Ph.D., Executive Director of CORE Foundation, is on a mission to improve school climates through student engagement. He discusses transformative student-led research projects that deepen critical thinking and creativity among high schoolers. Shane emphasizes the impact of mental health awareness and the importance of diverse perspectives. He also addresses the challenges of bias in psychological research, while empowering students to navigate complexities and build confidence as future scientists through hands-on experiences.

Explore the wisdom of youth through engaging conversations about curiosity-driven research and its impact on school communities. Hear how students empower themselves and foster pro-social growth. Discover the transformative power of curiosity as former immigrants share their college experiences and the connections they've made. Spoiler alert: curiosity is the secret ingredient for personal growth and meaningful relationships!

Dean Rogers, an entertainment news journalist and founder of The Rogers Revue, dives into our fascination with celebrities. He explores how this curiosity connects to empathy and social understanding. The dual worlds of celebrity culture and entertainment journalism are dissected, revealing their economic and cultural impacts. Rogers discusses the psychological allure of celebrities, including voyeurism and personal stories behind the fame. Engaging analogies illustrate the significance of curiosity, encouraging deeper community connections.