Choose to be Curious

Adam Segel-Moss, a community engagement manager and avid hiker, shares his transformative experience of thru-hiking over a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. He reflects on the humor and emotional connections formed along the way, emphasizing nature’s power to inspire clarity and personal growth. The conversation explores the significance of tree rings, the joys of disconnecting from daily distractions, and how curiosity can enhance everyday life. Adam's journey is not just about hiking—it's about finding wonder and purpose in nature.

Maggie Jackson, an award-winning author and journalist known for her insights on social trends and technology, dives deep into the rich terrain of curiosity and uncertainty. She encourages listeners to see uncertainty not as a weakness, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation. The discussion touches on how discomfort can foster resilience, the role of intentional pauses for creativity, and practical ways to embrace unpredictability. Jackson’s perspective transforms uncertainty into a catalyst for exploration, inviting a flexible mindset in an ever-changing world.

Leland Ko, a talented cellist selected by Yo-Yo Ma for the Music-Art-Life program, dives deep into the art of music and curiosity. He discusses how curiosity shapes not just performance but interpretation, particularly in classical pieces like Bach. Leland shares insights on connecting with audiences through eye contact, enhancing emotional experiences during live performances. He also explores the transformative power of music in fostering personal growth and community, encouraging listeners to embrace their own curiosity through creative analogies.

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.

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.