Choose to be Curious

XuanJun Gong, an assistant professor at Texas A&M, dives into the intriguing world of media selection and curiosity. He explores how our mood influences the media we choose and why curiosity drives us to either explore new content or stick with familiar favorites. XuanJun also discusses the impact of generational views on film and the rising trend of preprints in academia, highlighting their role in accelerating information sharing. A fascinating look at how curiosity shapes our media experiences awaits!

Tomora Wright Swann, the Public Art Projects Manager for Arlington County, collaborates with Aurora Robson, an artist known for her environmental works using plastic debris. They explore the role of public art in fostering community engagement and enhancing everyday spaces. Discover innovative projects that address historical narratives and local ecosystems while encouraging curiosity. With discussions on iconic walking tours, they highlight the transformative power of art in promoting awareness and personal growth within the community.

In this engaging discussion, journalist and photographer Andy Isaacson shares his insights on curiosity and connection. He emphasizes the significance of meeting people where they are, blending empathy with rigorous investigation. Through personal stories, he illustrates how urban exploration can spark curiosity and nurture understanding. Isaacson also highlights the power of storytelling as a currency, fostering connections across diverse communities. His reflections on curiosity’s multifaceted nature invite listeners to deepen their own engagement with the world.

Igor Grossmann, Ph.D., leads the Wisdom and Culture Lab at the University of Waterloo, studying how people interpret the world through cultural lenses. He discusses how curiosity influences wisdom, emphasizing the importance of intellectual humility and openness to diverse perspectives. The conversation delves into the complexities of wisdom across cultures and how context shapes its expression. Grossmann also explores playful analogies for curiosity, showcasing its creative and unexpected dimensions, reflecting on the deeper connections between curiosity and wisdom.

Sulma Arias is the Executive Director of People's Action and has two decades of experience advocating for immigrant rights and economic justice. She discusses deep canvassing as a transformative approach centered on listening and building rapport rather than conventional persuasion. Sulma highlights how curiosity facilitates understanding in divisive conversations, fostering genuine connections. She also explores creative analogies that illustrate the joy and unpredictability of curiosity, emphasizing its power to enhance personal growth and community dialogue.

Join orca experts Sara Shimazu and Jeff Friedman as they dive into the fascinating world of these marine mammals. Sara, a whale watch captain with a lifelong passion for orcas, and Jeff, who journeyed from Cleveland to the San Juan Islands for his love of whales, share captivating tales about orca behavior and social structures. They discuss the intelligence of orcas, their complex communication, and the ethical approach to observing them. Throughout, the duo playfully likens curiosity to hiking trails, emphasizing its vital role in ecotourism and our connection to nature.

Rosie Stephenson-Goodknight, a dedicated Wikipedia editor and co-founder of the Women in Red project, dives into the impact of volunteer contributions on knowledge and representation. She emphasizes the importance of reliable sourcing to combat misinformation and improve coverage on women’s biographies. The discussion also explores the evolving nature of knowledge, highlighting how collaboration fosters constructive debate and curiosity. Rosie shares imaginative analogies that illustrate curiosity's dynamic nature, inviting listeners to reimagine their own understanding.

Deanne Fitzpatrick, a virtuoso rug hooker and artist, brings her vibrant perspective to creativity. She reveals how rug hooking is not just an art but a gateway to curiosity and community. Deanne discusses the balance of mastering techniques and embracing experimentation, turning mistakes into beauty. The conversation highlights the power of solitary crafts, like rug hooking, to foster connection and support creativity. She also shares personal stories that inspire listeners to observe the world around them, enhancing their own creative journeys.

Kimberley Wilson, a chartered psychologist and author focused on brain and mental health, dives deep into the vital link between nutrition and cognitive function. She reveals how our typical diets may fail our brains, impacting overall well-being. Kimberley emphasizes the importance of curiosity in personal growth, advocating for a holistic approach to mental health that includes nutritional awareness. She also explores the fascinating connections between food, behavior, and social fairness, and shares practical tips for fostering curiosity in everyday life.

Loretta Goodwin, an experienced multilingual education specialist, shares her insights from a 100-day journey exploring AI's impact on education. She delves into how curiosity fuels innovative learning environments for underserved youth. The conversation highlights the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining human creativity. Loretta also delights listeners with playful analogies, linking curiosity to everyday experiences. Her passion for fostering agency and equity in education shines through, making for a compelling discussion on the future of learning.