Choose to be Curious

Rob Walker, a journalist and author renowned for his insightful work, 'The Art of Noticing,' discusses the power of curiosity and attention. He shares his joy in engaging in themed scavenger hunts, emphasizing the thrill found in everyday details. The conversation delves into how active engagement in our surroundings fosters meaningful discoveries and creativity. Walker encourages playful exploration, likening curiosity to a UFO, and highlights the importance of noticing in transforming mundane moments into opportunities for joy and innovation.

In this engaging discussion, Abby Hsiung, a user experience researcher at Meta, and Alison Adcock, director of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University, explore how curiosity fosters patience in our pursuit of knowledge. They challenge the notion that curiosity demands immediate satisfaction, suggesting instead that slowing down enhances learning. The duo dives into the dynamic nature of curiosity, the role of uncertainty in exploration, and how fostering a curious mindset can lead to greater joy and fulfillment in life.

Marc Abrahams, founder of the Ig Nobel Prizes and editor of the Annals of Improbable Research, shares insights into the delightful world of humorous and quirky scientific achievements. He discusses how these awards celebrate unconventional research that provokes laughter and contemplation. The conversation covers amusing examples, like the unique treatment for hiccups through digital rectal massage, and emphasizes how surprise and humor fuel curiosity, inspiring listeners to embrace the absurdities of life.

What if museums were sticky, stinky, noisy places? What if they were sensational? Psychologist Alison Eardley is on a mission to make museums more accessible and inclusive -- physically and conceptually -- for all audiences. Her work draws on all of our senses, engaging us far more deeply with what's before us. What if museums helped us tap our collective curiosity to co-create our visits? More about The Sensational Museum here: https://sensationalmuseum.org Theme music by Sean Balick; “Micolai” by Wax Museum, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Todd Kashdan, a professor and founder of the Wellbeing Lab at George Mason University, joins to rethink curiosity's role in our lives. He explores how curiosity transforms personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the blend of childlike exploration with strategic inquiry. The discussion critiques the 'publish or perish' mentality in academia and champions meaningful contributions. Todd also highlights the enduring nature of curiosity across our lifespan, debunking myths about its decline and showcasing its vital role in intellectual growth.

In this engaging discussion, Todd Kashdan, a renowned psychologist and expert on curiosity, explores how curiosity evolves across the lifespan and the unique challenges it presents. He shares insights on how past experiences shape our curiosity and how storytelling influences children's understanding of life. Todd encourages embracing unexpected conversations for growth and highlights the importance of linking disparate ideas to foster creativity. Listeners are prompted to navigate their curiosity zones for richer, more meaningful interactions.

Gilda Barabino, President of Olin College of Engineering, is a trailblazer in chemical engineering and advocates for equity in STEM. She discusses Olin's unique educational philosophy, which emphasizes project-based learning and community engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity and diverse perspectives in engineering. Gilda also delves into the necessity of risk-taking in education, fostering innovation and curiosity among students through a supportive environment that encourages ownership of their learning.

Join astrophysicist Mario Livio, former Hubble Space Telescope researcher and bestselling author, as he delves into whether Earth is truly exceptional. He tackles profound questions about the origins of life and the universe, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in scientific inquiry. Livio discusses the collaboration between biochemists and astrophysicists in the search for extraterrestrial life, challenging biases and exploring alternative life models. Prepare for an exhilarating exploration of cosmic possibilities and the mysteries that bind us to the cosmos.

Chris Kolenda, a retired Army colonel and award-winning author, shares riveting tales from his time leading an 800-paratrooper task force in Afghanistan. He reflects on how curiosity can shift adversarial relationships into collaborative partnerships, illustrating this through a powerful narrative of building trust with local communities. Kolenda emphasizes the evolution of military leadership, emphasizing empowerment over direct control, and the critical role of empathy in resolving conflicts. His insights transform how we view relationships in high-stakes environments.

Gregg Potter, a collaboration coach and founder of the International Institute on Collaboration, dives into the vital link between collaboration and curiosity. He outlines five building blocks for effective teamwork, emphasizing that friendly communication and self-awareness are key. Discover how the practice of slowing down can yield clearer insights, much like orcas reflecting before acting. Gregg also shares creative analogies to illustrate collaboration dynamics, showcasing how curiosity can reshape interactions, even in high-stakes environments.