Choose to be Curious
Episodes
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 23: Don't Just Walk on By
21 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A dual celebration: the 50th episode of Choose to be Curious and a lovely return to our first anniversary show with Scott Nycum on a theme that comes ...
Ep. #50: Walking the Curiosity Talk
20 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This is my 50th episode of Choose to be Curious and it's dedicated to walking the curiosity talk. In honor of the occasion, I dedicated a weekend -- 5...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 22: Curiosity Is Lying in Wait
07 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A tantalizing idea: answers to all our challenges are hiding in plain sight, if only we can determine where and how to look for them. If only we are c...
Ep. #49: Curiosity, Big Data & the Flu, with Naren Ramakrishnan
07 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Naren Ramakrishnan, director of Virginia Tech's Discovery Analytics Center (DAC), joins me to talk about how he and his colleagues use big data to do ...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 21: Wonder As You Wander
21 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
With spring coming, we're all about the wandering around with our eyes open this week. Elliot Carter, DC Chief Explorer for Atlas Obscura, pays attent...
Ep. #48: Curious & Wondrous Travel with Elliot Carter
21 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
J.R.R.Tolkien wrote "Still round the corner there may wait / A new road or a secret gate" He was writing about an exotic land far from here, but the s...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 20: Oh, Those Rabbit Holes!
07 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week it's all about the thrill of the chase - searching out the hidden histories of ordinary things and wriggling down rabbit holes after fascina...
Episode #47: Transformative Power of Attention with Caetlin Benson-Allott
07 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we choose to be curious about the hidden lives of ordinary things. Georgetown professor Caetlin Benson-Allott joins us to reflect on the "t...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 19: Be Curious and Be Curious Again
24 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Two very different stories with one common theme: searching for truth about who we are and how family fits. Sondra Kolker's search for the father she ...
Episode #46: Sondra's Story - "You Can't Help But Want to Know"
23 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
"It's just an intense curiosity - that desire to know your roots." This is a story about not having a choice in one's curiosity. About the burning ne...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 18: They're Not Afraid to Ask
10 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It's a celebration of "willing, proud and eager confessions of ignorance" with astrophysicist and author Dr. Mario Livio and Arlington teacher, Micael...
Episode #45: What Makes Us Curious - with Dr. Mario Livio
10 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Internationally-known astrophysicist and author Dr. Mario Livio joins me to talk about what makes us curious, why we want kids to ask lots of question...
Episode #44: Curiosity is About Observation with Felonious Munk, Calvin Evans & Odinaka Ezeokoli
29 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Second City's own Felonious Munk, Odinaka Ezeokoli and Calvin Evans talk comedy, curiosity and the power of just paying attention. Their comedy is wic...
C2BC UNCUT - Comedy Is About Observation
29 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The full, unedited, uncut conversation with Felonious Munk, Calvin Evans and Odinaka Ezeokoli - including a riotous few minutes improvising station ID...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 17: Eye of the Beholder
29 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
It's comedy and trauma this morning as we go from the observations of stand-up to the consequences of lock-up. Curiosity as observation and life skill...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 16: Stand in the Place Where You Live
13 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
R.E.M. puts it best : "Now stand in the place where you work / Now face west / Think about the place where you live / Wonder why you haven't before." ...
Episode #43: Oral History with Valeria Gelman
13 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Urban planner Valeria Gelman is about to launch "The Local Shop" on WERA, featuring oral histories from legacy businesses in Arlington - but before sh...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 15: Curiosity By Any Other Name
29 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A tribute to analogies and revisiting the conversation with professor of language and literature Tonya Howe. All the many ways we express and explain ...
Episode #42: #Analogy - A Tribute
27 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We depart from our usual format to pay tribute to the wonderful world of analogies. Did you know the best business strategists rely on them? Thanks t...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 14: Curious, But Cautious
15 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
"Curious, but cautious" was one definition I found for skepticism -- which seemed about right. Keris Myrick helps me unpack some of the finer distinct...
Episode #41: Skepticism, or is it? with Keris Myrick
15 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Are you curious, or skeptical? What's the difference and does it matter? Keris Myrick and I feel our way around the edges and into the depths of two e...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 13: It Started with a Spark
01 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Two artists come at what inspires them from different directions - but both driven by their own curiosity. Artist/entrepreneur Karen Ward and musician...
Episode #40: #mycuriouseyes with Karen Ward
01 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Montreal artist, entrepreneur and curiosity aficionado Karen Ward takes us inside the inspiration for #mycuriouseyes. What happens when we take curios...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 12: The Power of Networks
17 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Executive coach Dana Theus and the executive director of OAR, Inc. (Offender Aid and Restoration) Elizabeth Jones are coupled in this quick lesson in ...
Episode #39: Networking with Dana Theus
17 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Executive Coach Dana Theus helps us reframe networking as a "quest" fueled by curiosity. "As a coach," she says, "Curiosity *is* my technique." Tips a...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 11: "It's About the Journey"
04 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Mohamed Ali reflects on the importance of choosing to be curious in finding one's calling in work and life and Revs. Carolyn Richar and Junsen Nettles...
Episode #38: Finding One's Calling with Mohamed Ali
04 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is a show about curiosity in work and life - and in this episode we combine the two. How might curiosity help us find our calling? My friend Moe ...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 10: Feeling at Home
20 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What makes something feel like home? Laine Coates is taking to the road in a 37' RV with her husband and two cats in search of a place to call home --...
Episode #37: RV Curious?
20 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Laine Coates is living the dream. She and her husband are quitting their jobs, hitting the road - and choosing to be curious about this great big coun...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 9: On Listening Well
06 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Building all sorts of bridges in these five short minutes - across political, ideological, geographic and life divides. Vivek Patil, Stacy Snyder and ...
Episode #36: Building Bridges with Vivek Patil
06 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
"Let's have a conversation," said then County Board candidate Vivek Patil. It was more than a campaign slogan. He's made it a central part of his lif...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 8: Curious about the World Around Us
24 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How to be a better and smarter citizen of the world in one easy lesson from two terrific sources. Radio host and producer Bunmi Akinnusotu on getting ...
Episode #35: What in the World? with Bunmi Akinnusotu
23 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Bunmi Akinnusotu, producer and host of "What In The World?" - also of WERA-LP 96.7FM - explores what curiosity brings to world affairs. We ponder the...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 7: Curiosity is Ageless
09 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We're all born curious -- and with a little effort, we can all stay curious. Marjorie Varner of Encore Learning and my own beloved parents weigh in on...
Episode #34: Curious and Not Old with Marjorie Varner
09 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Does curiosity take different forms as we age? Does it keep us from feeling "old"? Marjorie Varner, executive director of Encore Learning, explores th...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 6: Placemaking and the Market
26 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you choose to be curious about the places and spaces you inhabit? Artist and self-described radical pedestrianist Graham Coreil-Alle...
Episode #33: Curiosity & Placemaking with Graham Coreil-Allen
26 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Artist and self-described radical pedestrianist Graham Coreil-Allen produces participatory projects and leads social initiatives in the service of ped...
Curiosity to Go Ep. 5: Of Eve, Milton & Nancy Drew: Exploring & Describing the Nature of Curiosity
14 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the nature of curiosity -- from its scientific origins to the language we use to describe this uniquely human trait. In a preview of this we...
Episode #32: Is Curiosity Feminine? with Tonya Howe
12 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
It started as a converstaion about the language we use to describe curiosity and became so much more! Marymount University's Dr. Tonya Howe explores h...
Curiosity to Go Ep. 4: Entrepreneurs, Intrapreneurs and Finding Inspiration
29 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A preview of our show with Phone2Action co-founder and President Ximena Hartsock on curiosity and the entrepreneurial spirit -- and a revisit of the c...
Episode #31: Curiosity & the Entrepreneurial Spirit - with Ximena Hartsock
29 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Co-founder and President of Phone2Action Ximena Hartsock has a lot to say about curiosity and the entrepreneurial spirit in this wide-ranging conversa...
Curiosity to Go Ep. 3: Libraries, Oral History & Challenging Racism
14 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Checking out curiosity at the library - and storytelling in all kinds of forms. A preview of our show with Arlington Public Library's Jennifer Rothsch...
Episode #30: Checking out Curiosity at the Library - with Jennifer Rothschild
14 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
When I was a kid and I was curious, I headed to the library. Jennifer Rothschild of Arlington Public Library tells us all the ways in which libraries ...
Curiosity to Go Ep. 2: 2017.05.31 - Politics & Science
13 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Science + Politics = potent mix! A preview of our show with Arlington potter and Together Virginia PAC founder Stacy Snyder about getting curious acro...
Episode #29: Curiosity Across Political Distance - with Stacy Snyder
31 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
"Be curious, not judgmental," wrote Walt Whitman - it's good advice, especially in times of political discord. Arlington potter and founder of Togethe...
Episode #28: Curiosity & Writing Fiction - with Laura McBride
17 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Author Laura McBride reflects on how curiosity shapes her writing - and our experience as readers. Reviewers describe Laura's new novel 'Round Midnigh...
Curiosity to Go, Ep. 1: Curiosity and the Writer's Life
17 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A debut effort! Combining a preview of our program with author Laura McBride with insights from former CIA counter-terrorism operative turned comic b...
Episode #27: Curiosity & Trust - with Scott Nycum
03 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We celebrated our first anniversary addressing a theme that has come up a lot across the months: Trust. Scott Nycum joins me to reflect on how curiosi...
Episode #26: Curiosity & Challenging Racism, part 2 - with Monique Brown
19 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Racism isn't going to go away by itself. It takes intentionality, effort, help from programs like Arlington's Challenging Racism (challengingracism.or...
Episode #25: Curiosity & Early Childhood - with Kate Graham
05 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Once upon a time we were all curious... We take a trip back to early childhood to explore our innate curiosity as little "aggressive researchers" with...
Episode #24: Curiosity and the Farmers Market
22 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What if you go somewhere familiar and choose to be curious? What more do you see, hear, taste and learn? We find out on this fun visit to Arlington Fa...
Episode #23: Curiosity & News Literacy - with Patricia Hunt
08 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Wakefield High School's US and Virginia government teacher Patricia Hunt joins me in a thoughtful conversation about what it takes to build news liter...
Episode #22: Curiosity & Immigration - Anderson Escobar & Mariami Shengelia
22 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A refreshing conversation with two young immigrants about how curiosity helps in acclimating to a new place -- and feeds their hunger to learn ore. Ge...
Episode #21: Curiosity & Evaluation - with Carlisle Levine
08 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How do we know what actually works? Join international development, peace building and advocacy evaluator Carlisle Levine as we explore the power of c...
Episode #20: Curiosity & Gender Indentity - with Evie and Sarah Priestman
25 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Evie and Sarah Priestman offer a master class in gender identity and familial respect. "Don't be afraid to be curious... and be curious again" suggest...
Episode #19: Curiosity & Adolescence - with Kate McCauley & Michael Swisher
11 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
So much to love about adolescence. No, really! Kate McCauley and Michael Swisher make the case for why curiosity in adolescence is so important -- and...
Episode #18: Curiosity & Conflict Resolution - with Dr. Megan Price
28 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Curiosity and conflict resolution have some fascinating - and maybe surprising - commonalities. Dr. Megan Price of George Mason University's Insight C...
Episode #17: Curiosity - with Lynn Borton & Kevin Sampson
14 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin Sampson turns the focus around and interviews me - host, Lynn Borton - about the wild and wonderful path that led me to "Choose to be Curious" a...
Episode #16: Improv & Curiosity with Jesse Robinson
30 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
By day Jesse Robinson coordinates a radio station, by night he takes to the stage. In this episode he reflects on the role of curiosity in performing,...
Episode #15: Curioisty & Challenging Racism - with Monique Brown & Marty Swaim
16 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Challenging racism takes center stage in this provocative conversation about curiosity and race. Marty Swaim and Monique Brown bring their own insight...
Episode #14: Curisoity & Narrative Medicine - with Dr. Raya Kheirbek
02 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Just in time for Veterans Day! Dr. Raya Kheirbek loves her work in geriatric and palliative and her all of her time spent at Washington DC's V.A. Medi...
Episode #13: Science, Research & Curiosity with Kelly Falkner
18 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Are scientists more curious than the rest of us? National Science Foundation's Kelly Falkner explores curiosity and the scientific mindset -- and make...
Episode #12: Curiosity & Leadership with Scott Nycum
05 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Nycum offers a wealth of insights on the hot topic of leadership. In a conversation both practical and inspiring, Scott explores the role of cur...
Episode #11: Curiosity, Trauma & Incarceration - with Elizabeth Jones
21 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Elizabeth Jones, executive director of Offender Aid and Restoration of Arlington County (OAR), brings her incredible warmth to a conversation about wh...
Episode #10: Curiosity & Empathy - with Bradon Charles
07 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Brandon Charles hosts "Breaking Boundaries", a radio program about living with disabilities, and happens to be blind. He joins me to talk about the im...
Episode #9: The Case of the Curious Detective - with Det. Sara Bertollini
24 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Arlington Detective Sara Bertollini explores the role of curiosity in law enforcement, dispels some popular myths (sorry, folks!) and revels in the my...
Episode #8: Curiosity, Body Awareness & Yoga - with Jenn Seiff
10 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jenn Seiff shares her deep well of curiosity and insights drawn from the yoga tradition. We talk body awareness and listening to what our bodies are t...
Episode #7: Curiosity, Comics & the CIA - with Tom King
27 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tom King, comic book writer and ex-CIA operative, talks curiosity, Kierkegaard and the Caped Crusader. Is Batman curious? Is writing really weaponized...
Episode #6: More and More Beautiful Questions - with Beth Flores
13 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
An exploration of how we can learn to craft more --and more beautiful-- questions. Drawing on techniques such as design thinking and active listening,...
Episode #5: Curiosity & Creativity - with A.J. Smith
29 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A musical exploration of curiosity and creativity with songwriter, musician and performer AJ Smith. Are you a hungry caterpillar? Be sure to join us...
Episode #4: Curiosity, Spirituality & Faith - with Revs. Carolyn RIchar and Junsen Nettles
15 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A rich, thoughtful and thought-provoking conversation with Rev. Carolyn Richar and Sengha leader Junsen Nettles about the interplay of curiosity, spir...
Episode #3: This is Your Brain on Curiosity with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
01 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A show all about how curiosity works in our brains - featuring Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, author of "My Stroke of Insight" and of TED Talk fame. Jill join...
Episode #2: Curiosity & Journalism - with Drew Costley
18 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation all about curiosity and journalism. We explore different types of curiosity and how -- or whether -- they show up in journalism. Drew t...
Episode #1: Curiosity and Learning - with Micaela Pond
04 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Our debut show! Introducing "Choose to be Curious" - a show all about curiosity and learning. In this first episode, we look at what research tells u...