Choose to be Curious

Alison Eardley, a psychologist specializing in access and inclusion, dives into transforming museum experiences to be more sensory and engaging. She discusses rethinking traditional museum formats to embrace sensory inclusion, especially for individuals with disabilities. Eardley highlights the importance of co-creating audio descriptions to enhance understanding and visitor engagement. She shares innovative ways museums can spark curiosity, aiming for a deeper connection to culture and promoting wider societal change in representation and accessibility.

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.

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.

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.

In this engaging dialogue, Carolin Sommer-Trembo, a postdoctoral researcher and evolutionary biologist, dives into how curiosity influences biodiversity, especially among cichlid fish in Lake Tanganyika. She discusses the role of animal behavior in evolution and highlights innovative approaches like AI and genetic tools. Carolin also explores how personality traits shape animal decisions and how curiosity can promote ecological awareness. Her passionate plea connects curiosity and biodiversity, suggesting that understanding this link is vital for future conservation efforts.

Kiran Singh Sirah, an award-winning storytelling leader and past president of the International Storytelling Center, shares his powerful insights on curiosity and belonging. He discusses how storytelling fosters deep connections and healing within communities. Kiran highlights the dual responsibility that comes with storytelling, especially in promoting empathy across cultural divides. He creatively explores curiosity through everyday objects, encouraging listeners to harness their own stories for a more interconnected society.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Stubbersfield, a psychology senior lecturer at the University of Winchester, unpacks the fascinating intersection between morbid curiosity and conspiracy theories. He explores how our narratives shape our perceptions and why some people are drawn to alarming tales. The conversation delves into generational differences in curiosity, the impact of misinformation during health crises, and the cultural narratives that fuel conspiratorial beliefs. Joe also invites listeners to reflect on their understanding of curiosity through creative metaphors.