Choose to be Curious

Instagram and TikTok sensation chef Jack Zhang, known as @CookingForLevi, discusses the importance of cultivating a curious palate in children. He shares his experiences of creating visually appealing meals for his son, Levi, and how it has influenced their parenting. They emphasize the value of trying new things and setting an example for children. Gardening is analogized to curiosity, and they explore the joy and challenges of both. Jack expresses gratitude for the support they have received through their Instagram account.

Maybe it was the pandemic. Maybe curiosity is having a moment globally. I’m not sure what it is, but the thirst for learning and the attendant explosion of science communication efforts in India are noteworthy. I sat down with Ruchi Manglunia and Shweata N. Hegde, aka Jigyasa and Utsuka, the charming — and unapologetically curious — co-founders and hosts of India Asks Why, a “science podcast for young minds.” We talked about their inspiration, operation, and hopes for a more curious future. India Asks Why podcast: https://www.indiaaskswhy.org Theme music by Sean Balick; "Glass Beads" by The Balloonist, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Leidy Klotz, UVA Engineering professor and author of Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, discusses the power of subtraction and analogies. He highlights how subtraction is often overlooked and provides examples of its effectiveness. Additionally, he explores how analogies can help challenge entrenched thinking. An intriguing analogy between curiosity and snoring is also presented.

Slovakian educator and author Veronika Darwell shares her journey as a teacher and the importance of curiosity. They discuss the influence of teachers, learning languages, and the process of creating her book. They also touch on representation and the impact of the book on children.

"On Open-Earedness" features Tim McKenry, a spirited advocate for reclaiming our tolerance of the unfamiliar and making music an intentional part of our lives. They discuss the decline of open-mindedness, the role of music in memory formation, cultural cringe in Australia, and the benefits of isolation in nurturing personal curiosity.

Monica Guzman, founder of Reclaim Curiosity and senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels, discusses fearlessly curious conversations in divided times. They emphasize the power of curiosity in bridging divides, understanding values in conversations, and using analogies to describe curiosity. Overall, the podcast explores the importance of curiosity for building connections and understanding different perspectives. Check out Braver Angels for more information.

In this episode, David Pearl, an innovator in business and the arts, discusses 'street wisdom' and the importance of slowing down to truly experience the world. They explore trust, safety, and embracing the unpredictable. They also discuss how curiosity expands our thinking and the upcoming event organized by Street Wisdom.

I first got interested in curiosity as a management tool in my role as chief operating officer at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), a national grassroots nonprofit organization. NAMI had about 80 employees and nearly 1,000 mostly volunteer-led affiliates  when I was there -- and it was basically my job to know everything.  But I became convinced I was better at my role if I didn’t know everything, and came at the work with curiosity instead.  So I made myself a student of the subject. I've been studying it ever since. Do others in comparable roles feel the same way, I wondered? What lessons have they learned? Helen Chamberlin is executive director of the Rehoboth Beach FIlm Society, in Rehoboth Beach, DE. She joins me to consider curiosity at work... More about the Rehoboth Beach Film Society here: https://www.rehobothfilm.com Theme music by Sean Balick. “Jog to the Water” by Duck Lake, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Julie Pham, author of 7 Forms of Respect, discusses the complex nature of respect and its relation to curiosity. Topics include different forms of respect, gaining new perspectives on workplace interactions, exploring disrespect, and the importance of respect, consideration, and attention in interpersonal interactions. The power of slowing down and practicing curiosity is also emphasized.

Jonathan Schooler, Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at UC Santa Barbara, discusses curiosity and creativity, differences between general interest and deprivation curiosity, the transformative power of asking questions, and the value of curiosity practices and mindfulness. Also, an app to increase curiosity and the analogies of curiosity to clouds and postage stamps.