Choose to be Curious

Rachel Kadish, an author and writing teacher, delves into the transformative power of curiosity and empathy. She shares insights from her acclaimed novel, The Weight of Ink, discussing how curiosity enriches storytelling and fosters human connections. Kadish emphasizes the importance of portraying complex characters, promoting understanding across biases. The conversation also touches on the 'Artists for Understanding' initiative, showcasing how creativity can combat hate and encourage dialogue. Ultimately, curiosity becomes a vital tool for both writers and personal growth.

Peder Söderlind, a Swedish author and curiosity theorist, dives into the vital role of curiosity in workplaces. He contrasts Swedish and U.S. cultural norms, particularly the Law of Jante, and how they shape ambition. Exploring 'the art of seeing,' he emphasizes self-awareness and clarity as essential components of curiosity. Peder shares strategies for maintaining curiosity even under stress, encouraging listeners to view challenges as opportunities for growth. His engaging insights make a compelling case for fostering curiosity in organizational settings.

Emily Grossnickle Peterson, Director of the Educational Neuroscience Lab at American University, dives deep into the complexities of curiosity in various fields. She discusses the 'Images of Curiosity' project, highlighting how public contributions enhance scientific understanding. The conversation also explores how curiosity develops in disciplines like STEM and music, revealing that confusion can coexist with curiosity. Dr. Peterson emphasizes the need for supportive environments to foster genuine exploration and reflect on personal experiences with curiosity.

Cassini Nazir is an interaction design and user experience educator at the University of North Texas, specializing in integrating curiosity into design processes. He shares innovative strategies like curiosity journals and bookmarks to enhance user experiences. The conversation explores how curiosity can foster deep connections, especially when empathy falls short. Nazir also highlights the importance of designing for everyday interactions and examines creative analogies that inspire a culture of curiosity and exploration in design.

Join Andréa Seiger, the adventurous founder of Urban Safari and author of '111 Places in Washington that you must not miss.' She shares fascinating travel tips for wandering souls, revealing why graveyards and bus stops can be treasure troves of stories. You'll learn to engage with your surroundings, embrace spontaneous urban explorations, and discover the hidden narratives in familiar places. Plus, she emphasizes the joys of mindful exploration, encouraging curiosity to transform your everyday adventures into extraordinary experiences.

Saul Perlmutter, a Nobel laureate and renowned physics professor, shares his insights on fostering curiosity in today’s complex world. He emphasizes the power of 'third millennium thinking,' advocating for collaboration and optimism in addressing challenges. The conversation explores the importance of balancing confidence with self-doubt, using skiing as a metaphor for embracing uncertainty. Perlmutter encourages playful curiosity, showing how it can dissolve misconceptions and spur innovative thinking.

Warren Berger, a self-described "questionologist" and author of A More Beautiful Question, dives into the transformative power of thoughtful inquiry. He emphasizes how beautiful questions drive innovation and personal growth. Berger discusses the relationship between curiosity and questioning, highlighting that authentic questions stem from genuine curiosity. He also explores how cultivating listening skills can foster deeper connections in our fast-paced world, reminding us that effective questioning is essential for addressing today’s complex challenges.

Janet Coffey, Ph.D., leads the Moore Foundation's Curiosity-Driven Science Initiative, focusing on enhancing public engagement with science. She shares insights on how transformative experiences, like solar eclipses, foster community connections and spark curiosity. The discussion highlights innovative funding practices that support curiosity-driven science and environmental conservation. Listeners are encouraged to partake in the dialogue by crafting their own metaphors for curiosity, making the conversation both engaging and participatory.

Jeff Wetzler, Co-CEO at Transcend and author of 'Ask', shares insights on fostering curiosity and deeper connections. He introduces the 'Ask Approach', a method emphasizing intentional questioning to unlock hidden wisdom. Wetzler discusses barriers to curiosity and the transformative power of reflective listening in conversations. The dialogue highlights how curiosity can enhance collaborative learning, and explores creative analogies, revealing how curiosity acts like a corkscrew, opening up new experiences. Tune in for an uplifting exploration of connection!

Kayla Lightner, a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary, seeks out 'fearless curiosity' in the works she represents. She shares her journey as an agent, emphasizing the thrill of uncovering exceptional writing and supporting authors’ careers. The discussion touches on the balance of courage and vulnerability in storytelling, especially in memoirs, while advocating for diverse narratives. Lightner also encourages adventurous reading, highlighting the joy of exploring varied perspectives and embracing the unpredictable nature of curiosity.