Choose to be Curious

Change can be daunting, but understanding our history is crucial. The discussion reveals the painful legacy of lynching in America, emphasizing the importance of curiosity to confront these dark truths. The hosts share personal reflections that connect emotionally with listeners. Valeria Gellman highlights how oral histories from local businesses can inspire community transformation. Ultimately, embracing curiosity is portrayed as a compelling force for growth and overcoming societal challenges.

In this engaging discussion, award-winning historian Susan Strasser teams up with poet Marcia E. Cole, who advocates for literacy through the arts. They tackle the complex history of lynching in the U.S., emphasizing the need for curiosity to confront uncomfortable truths. The duo explores how art can shape our understanding of historical violence and the importance of remembering past injustices to avert their recurrence. They also share compelling analogies that highlight curiosity's transformative power in understanding both history and contemporary society.

Miriam Gennari is a multifaceted advocate, business owner, and filmmaker, known for her work on sustainability. She shares her journey from curiosity about environmental issues to passionate advocacy against Styrofoam waste. Listeners learn about the challenges posed by expanded polystyrene and the need for better consumer practices. Gennari also discusses her YouTube channel, 'The Sustainable Scoop', and reflects on how curiosity fosters community engagement and inspires action on pressing environmental concerns.

Dive into the environmental impact of Styrofoam as experts discuss its challenges and the need for responsible disposal practices. Discover how curiosity plays a crucial role in understanding global issues and promoting personal growth. Learn why stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing diverse perspectives is essential for cooperation and a better world. All of this is packed into a quick six-minute journey!

Dive into the power of curiosity in healthcare ethics, where patient narratives and diverse perspectives reshape decision-making. Discover how Dr. Ellen Fox advocates for moving from paternalism to partnership between doctors and patients to enhance empathy. Plus, explore the art of listening in narrative medicine with Dr. Raya Kheirbek, emphasizing the importance of truly hearing each other. All these insights come wrapped in just six minutes!

Dr. Ellen Fox, a healthcare ethicist and chief architect of the Veterans Administration's integrated ethics model, shares her insights on navigating ethical dilemmas in healthcare. She emphasizes the vital role of curiosity in decision-making, particularly when faced with sensitive issues like elder care. Ellen discusses how effective communication between medical professionals and families can align healthcare decisions with patient goals. Plus, she creatively likens curiosity to potato chips, showing its importance in understanding complex ethical landscapes.

Celebrate the joy of discovery and community exploration in a milestone reflection. Dive into the importance of curiosity in fostering trust and meaningful relationships. Embrace a mindful approach, encouraging questions and presence to inspire deeper connections. This episode is a heartfelt reminder to slow down, savor experiences, and cherish the journey of curiosity.

In a weekend dedicated to curiosity, the host embarks on a whirlwind adventure filled with tornadoes and local brew tastings. They share a passion for weather forecasting, revealing its complexity and connections to childhood experiences. Mindfulness takes center stage as they explore historical sites and community narratives. The dialogue shifts to inclusivity within veteran organizations, aiming to bridge generational divides and foster connections. Celebrating curiosity leads to community engagement through art, encouraging listeners to embrace exploration every day.

Dive into the world where curiosity and data intersect! Discover how understanding diseases, like the flu, requires detective-like questioning of big data anomalies. Listen as experts reveal how answers to our challenges often lie in plain sight, waiting to be uncovered. Unleash your inner sleuth and learn to find unexpected insights in the most overlooked places!

Naren Ramakrishnan, director of Virginia Tech's Discovery Analytics Center (DAC), joins me to talk about how he and his colleagues use big data to do things like predict flu epidemics using decidedly non-medical information like Tweets and restaurant reservations. Curiosity + big data = fascinating results! Join us next time when we celebrate our 50th episode: a whole weekend of walking the choose to be curious talk...