Choose to be Curious

Kevin Sampson, a producer and instructor at Arlington Independent Media, flips the script by interviewing Lynn Borton about her journey to curiosity. They discuss how curiosity can transform personal growth and strengthen connections. Lynn shares her insights from two decades at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, emphasizing empathy in mental health. The conversation playfully explores podcasting aspirations, and they invite listeners to engage with their own analogies of curiosity, underlining its importance in everyday life.

Jesse Robinson, a coordinator at WERA and an improv actor, dives into the intersection of curiosity and performance. He discusses the 'yes/and' principle and its importance in both improv and business. The conversation touches on how childhood curiosity, symbolized by dandelions, fosters creativity and spontaneity in everyday life. Jesse also shares insights on the collaborative nature of improv, emphasizing that curiosity can lead to not only joyful but also rewarding experiences outside the stage. Tune in for a mix of humor and wisdom!

Marty Swaim, a longtime educator and co-founder of Challenging Racism, and Monique Brown, a passionate community volunteer, engage in a powerful dialogue about curiosity's role in challenging systemic racism. They discuss how open-mindedness can counter discrimination and the importance of sharing stories to foster understanding. The conversation navigates the complexities of discussing race, advocating for personal responsibility and vulnerability. With insightful reflections on legacy and identity, they inspire listeners to approach conversations about racism with curiosity and compassion.

Dr. Raya Kheirbek is a dedicated VA doctor specializing in geriatric and palliative care, with a passion for narrative medicine. In her chat, she dives into the transformative power of personal storytelling in healthcare, asserting that everyday struggles can be heroic. Kheirbek illuminates how understanding patient narratives enhances empathy and improves health outcomes. She shares touching stories of veterans, emphasizing the emotional connections that foster healing, and explores curiosity's unpredictable nature through creative analogies.

Kelly Falkner, Director of the Division of Polar Research at the National Science Foundation, dives into the intertwined worlds of curiosity and science. She argues that curiosity sparks creativity and is essential for scientific discovery, not just for scientists but for everyone. Falkner discusses how nurturing curiosity is vital, especially for young learners and emphasizes breaking free from societal norms. The conversation also draws imaginative analogies to illustrate curiosity's unpredictable nature and its profound link to love and interpersonal connections.

Scott Nycum, Head of Organizational Effectiveness at CSRA, shares his insights on leadership and the essential role of curiosity. He emphasizes that curiosity is not just a desirable trait but a critical tool for effective leaders. Scott discusses how fostering open-ended questions can spark creativity and enhance team dynamics. He also introduces the 'gremlin and gizmo game' to address team interactions and promote positive transformation. With playful analogies, he highlights curiosity's transformative joy, urging leaders to embrace this vital skill.

Elizabeth Jones, executive director of Offender Aid and Restoration of Arlington County (OAR), brings her incredible warmth to a conversation about what happens to curiosity before, during and after incarceration. We explore the impact of trauma and how to rebuild and redirect curiosity in the process of returning to home and society. Join us next time for a conversation with Scott Nycum on curiosity and leadership.

Brandon Charles hosts "Breaking Boundaries", a radio program about living with disabilities, and happens to be blind. He joins me to talk about the importance of curiosity on the path to empathy and moving forward with understanding one another. What do you think: is it possible to break boundaries without curiosity? Join us next time when we explore the impact of trauma on curiosity before, during and after incarceration.

Arlington Detective Sara Bertollini explores the role of curiosity in law enforcement, dispels some popular myths (sorry, folks!) and revels in the mysteries of Sherlock Holmes. And what of "the curious incident of the dog in the night-time"? You'll just have to listen in... Join us next time for a conversation with "Breaking Boundaries" host Brandon Charles for a conversation about curiosity, empathy and disability.

Jenn Seiff shares her deep well of curiosity and insights drawn from the yoga tradition. We talk body awareness and listening to what our bodies are trying to tell us. Be sure to join us next time when we shift gears to talk with Arlington County Police Department's own Detective Sara Bertollini - curiosity and real life mysteries!