Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity-logo

Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity

Education Podcasts

Curiosity sits at the intersection of creativity, effective human interactions, problem-solving and purposeful change. Unfortunately, the pace of life — at home, work, and school — often sidetracks our natural curiosity. So, let’s see the familiar from a different angle or something new as a possibility to consider.

Location:

United States

Description:

Curiosity sits at the intersection of creativity, effective human interactions, problem-solving and purposeful change. Unfortunately, the pace of life — at home, work, and school — often sidetracks our natural curiosity. So, let’s see the familiar from a different angle or something new as a possibility to consider.

Language:

English


Episodes

302: Beavers—the Industrious Rodent at the Intersection of Everything

3/19/2024
Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver. Summary This discussion highlights the beaver’s role as a keystone species, an organism crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Beavers create ponds and wetlands, benefiting numerous species and providing vital services like water purification, flood control, and wildfire mitigation. Historically, unregulated trapping nearly decimated beaver populations in North America, causing dramatic ecological decline. In Yellowstone National Park, for instance, the absence of wolves led to elk overgrazing, destroying beaver habitat. Beaver reintroduction efforts in the 1980s significantly improved the ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of coexisting with beavers and wolves. Non-lethal solutions like "beaver deceivers" can mitigate property damage, while the ecological benefits (fish habitat, flood control) far outweigh minor inconveniences. The future of beaver management lies in learning to share our environment, not removing these valuable ecosystem engineers. Social Media / Referenced Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/ X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb Books: Crossings https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890 Eager https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

Duration:00:36:54

301: How to Sell from the Customer's Perspective

3/12/2024
Guest Katie Mullen is the founder of MMS Consulting, which specializes in sales training and consulting and has helped Fortune 500 companies from all over the country increase sales, improve performance, and create more customer trust. MMS Consulting was founded on a several-year research project on the topic of how customers want to be treated. Hundreds of customers were interviewed on pet peeves, likes, dislikes, etc, and the answers were aggregated into data points that are now used during the training and consulting offered by MMS Consulting. Before founding MMS, Katie Mullen spent fifteen years selling into diverse industries, including medical devices, online media, fundraising, and event planning. Katie hosts the “Golden Rule of Selling” podcast and is the author of The Sales Tightrope: A Research-Based Guide to Not Annoying Customers and Still Being a Top Performer. Summary Focusing on qualities essential for success in sales, such as curiosity and adaptability, Katie emphasizes the importance of building rapport and understanding customers individually. Her approach combines scientific research with personalized presentations tailored to each client, prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term gains. By employing discovery questions and addressing root issues, she ensures a mutually beneficial fit, fostering trust and loyalty for future opportunities. Social Media / Referenced kmullen@mms-consulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefmullen/ https://www.tiktok.com/@katiemullen_goldenrule

Duration:00:41:36

300: Shifting the Education Landscape: Moving Beyond Knowledge Acquisition

3/5/2024
Guest John Camp (he goes by Camp) is Head of Teaching & Learning at the New England Innovation Academy, where he oversees the development of systems to recruit, hire, support, and evaluate teachers. He also supports teachers in developing and implementing the curriculum. He's been a leader and a teacher at various schools throughout his 29-year career. His experience includes English and writing classes and interdisciplinary courses such as “The Art and Physics of Time Travel.” At St. Mark’s School, which bestowed him with The Trustees Chair and the Kidder Faculty Prize, Camp served as the Director of Experiential Learning and Associate Director of The Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning. His pedagogical mantras include, “I aim to teach what cannot be Googled” and “I expect you to work hard, so I work hard.” Summary Our conversation examined how the New England Innovation Academy is shifting the landscape of 6-12 education toward integrating various learning styles and innovative teaching methods. Competency-based assessment was discussed as a promising alternative to traditional tests, emphasizing gauging students' mastery of skills and practical knowledge. The conversation went beyond academics, highlighting the growing importance of student-centered learning and fostering social-emotional development as crucial aspects of education. We also explored the practicalities at the New England Innovation Academy, delving into student workload, school policies, and their innovative practices. A central theme emerged: education is no longer solely about knowledge transmission. Instead, it is vital to nurture well-rounded individuals and promote personal growth through student-centered instructional approaches. This discussion provided valuable insights into the evolving education landscape, where innovation and student success are the driving forces shaping the future of learning. Social Media / Referenced New England Innovation Academy - https://neiacademy.org/

Duration:00:46:49

299: Using Stories to Highlight Team Dysfunction and Bring Mission Clarity

2/27/2024
Guest Bennett (Ben) Bratt helps leaders and their teams create the transformative, inclusive, and enduring changes in their team effectiveness that fuel their most deeply desired outcomes. He is the founder and principal at Team Elements, a consulting and coaching organization that helps identify and resolve issues holding teams back from achieving their desired goals. Ben is the author of The Team Discovered (BMI Publishing 2020). Summary A number of factors will contribute to team ineffectiveness, including: • insufficient resources and training, • unrealistic expectations, • poor organizational culture, • lack of psychological safety and emotional intelligence, and • lack of conflict resolution tools. Often, underlying all of these reasons is a lack of clarity around team goals and individual roles, which contributes to a lack of trust among team members. Social Media / Referenced LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennettbratt TikTok: @bennettbratt Website: Team Elements

Duration:00:46:38

298: Spark! Let's Develop More Student-Centered Schools

2/20/2024
Guest Dr. Donya Ball is a leader, author, and keynote speaker. She currently serves as superintendent of schools in California. Dr. Ball is a professor of both educational leadership and teacher education and is passionate about studying, writing, and speaking about overcoming leadership hardships. She published her first book of the leadership series, Adjusting the Sails: Weathering the Storms of Administrative Leadership, in 2022, followed by Against the Wind: Leadership at 36,000 Feet in December 2023. Summary Dr. Donya Bell’s journey from studying communications to discovering her passion for education was sparked by her curiosity, cultivated through tutoring with the America Reads program. This experience led her to prioritize people development over technical skills in school leadership, emphasizing the significance of listening and inviting input to build trust and involvement. Donya highlighted the evolving purpose of education, advocating for personalized learning experiences beyond standardized tests. She also underscored the benefits and challenges of connecting with diverse perspectives, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and growth through exposure to varied viewpoints across industries and communities. Social Media / Referenced LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donya-ball-ed-d-314bb011/ X- @SuptDonya Instagram - @dr__d__ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SuptDonya Lyle Kirtman - 7 Competencies of Highly Effective School Leaders

Duration:00:47:15

297: You’re Dead. How Do You Want to Be Remembered?

2/13/2024
Summary “Getting Unstuck” host Jeff Ikler reflects on recent messages of remembrance that prompt him to consider life's impermanence of life and how he wants to be remembered. The Universe sends us messages to consider and, if we’re open to them, to act upon. Facing the task of decluttering after his sister's passing, Jeff embraces "death cleaning" to downsize personal effects. Cherishing artifacts from his parents, Jeff displays them as a tribute, shifting his perspective on imperfections and upbringing. The impermanence of life becomes evident, leading to a contemplation of how objects and memories shape one's legacy. Meaningful items, like a metal cup from wilderness adventures, hold sentimental value, prompting thoughts on how he'll be remembered. Jeff's experiences at Quetico Provincial Park in Canada significantly influenced him, inspiring the naming of his coaching company after the place. Referenced Jane Duncan Rogers – Before I Go: The Essential Guide to Creating A Good End-of-Life Plan Margareta Magnusson – Dostadning: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

Duration:00:11:35

296: It's All Invented – What's the Life Story You're Telling Yourself?

2/6/2024
Guests In this episode, I was deeply fortunate to sit down with two amazing guests: Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander. Ben is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Youth Orchestra. Rosamund was a therapist and an accomplished painter and sadly passed away in September 2023. They are the authors of The Art of Possibility – a life-change book if you adopt its twelve practices. Roz was the author of a follow-up volume, Pathways to Possibility. Summary Some readers and listeners may have the tendency to place these two books in the category of “self-help.” But as the authors point out early on in The Art of Possibility, “the practices presented in this book are not about making incremental changes that lead to new ways of doing things based on old belief, and they are not about self-improvement.” The practices are more transformational. This is not about playing better in old constructs, it’s about playing in new constructs of our own making. As you listen How might Roz and Ben’s respective roles – Roz as a therapist who listens for the stories that clients tell and Ben as a conductor who helps musicians break through barriers – apply to the roles that educational leaders and teachers play? How people live in what they think is reality when it’s really just their interpretation. It’s an invention. Why living with a spirit of possibility has to be created and practiced. Ben’s and Roz’s explanation of one of the practices, “The giving of an A.” In the book they write, “This A is not an expectation to live up to, but a possibility to live into.” The ownership of the “A” shifts from the traditional bestower, the teacher, to a co-created relationship with the student. How might this apply to education in our schools? What “Being a contribution” is dependent on. How Ben defines “leadership.” What leaders who follow the practice “Lead from any chair” believe in. How “Being the board” eliminates the need for blame.

Duration:00:57:04

295: Using the Right Words to Improve Student Mental Health

1/30/2024
Guest Dr. Hayley Watson is the founder and CEO of Open Parachute, a Tier 1 K-12 curriculum program that supports the mental health of students, teachers, and parents. She is a Clinical Psychologist and holds a PhD in school bullying interventions. She has been creating and delivering programs for youth and practitioners across the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia for the past 20 years. Dr. Watson is the author of the forthcoming book FINDING THE WORDS: EMPOWERING STRUGGLING STUDENTS THROUGH GUIDED CONVERSATIONS. (Release in mid-March 2024. Summary My conversation with Dr. Watson delved into the critical topic of mental health support for students, exploring its connection to childhood trauma and the need for robust education in schools. Dr. Watson emphasized the neuroscience behind mental health and its impact on both students and educators, highlighting the importance of prioritizing well-being within the educational space. Key to her work is training educators to use words that help draw the limiting stories out of children and provide a space for students to help one another. Our conversation covered practical strategies like mindfulness exercises and self-care techniques that educators can adopt while advocating for broader systemic changes like comprehensive mental health education for children. By bridging the gap between neuroscience, education, and self-care, she provided valuable insights into fostering a healthier and more supportive environment for students and educators alike. Social Media / Referenced Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hayley-watson-2b249a16/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drhayleywatson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhayleywatson/?hl=en Program Website: https://openparachuteschools.com

Duration:00:38:43

294: Cracking the Code of Career Growth With "Executive Presence"

1/23/2024
Guests As the “Connection Counselor,” Joe Kwon’s mission is to help professionals elevate their careers by teaching them how to connect to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. He is the creator of the “Everybody Thrives” program, which is designed to help organizations transcend statistics, increase belonging, and unlock higher performance. He is also the author of three leadership books, including Unlock Your Executive Presence: Feel like a Boss, and the host of several podcasts, including "Diversity Bites." Summary Our conversation focused on the concept of “executive presence,” the ability to command attention and inspire trust through confidence and clarity of voice and behavior. An essential component of E.P. is image – how one presents oneself to others, especially to leadership. But it’s more than mere image; it’s the aura you convey to leadership that you can step into the larger shoes of the next position and make things happen. E.P. gives leadership the confidence to place a bet on “future you” rather than just on “past you.” E.P. is often an essential component of getting promotions when candidates are similar in terms of skill set and track records. Social Media / Referenced Website: https://everybodythrives.podia.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSC7_veHdshx5Y8ukZHQgQ/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectioncounselor/ Path2Promotion - Avoid common career detours and get on the path to promotion by learning how promotions really work and the keys to improving your promotion prospects. It's a program offered either through 1:1 private coaching or through a forthcoming online course. For details, contact Joe via his email:: joe@connectioncounselor.com

Duration:00:37:12

293: What's Happened to Diversity Programs?

1/16/2024
Guests Jason Greer is the Founder and President of Greer Consulting, Inc., a labor management and employee relations consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is a trusted source of the latest race and labor relations news for media nationwide. Summary Jason Greer and I dove deep into the crucial yet turbulent waters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our polarized world. We explored practical ways to nurture diverse and inclusive workplaces and addressed concerns around diversity training. It was all about building bridges and fostering a sense of belonging. Integrating DEI into the very fabric of business practices emerged as a key theme. We discussed facing fear as a hurdle to embracing diverse perspectives and the importance of creating work environments where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique talents. It's not about one-off initiatives but about sustained efforts to build an inclusive culture that celebrates and leverages individual differences. With cultural polarization a stark reality, navigating sensitive topics and fostering productive dialogue across diverse viewpoints became another focus. We talked about addressing concerns surrounding diversity training (36:44) and finding common ground despite differing opinions. Ultimately, Jason Greer and I both gained valuable insights for navigating the complexities of DEI in today's world. By promoting understanding, challenging biases, and building bridges across cultures, we can all contribute to businesses and communities that thrive in a more equitable and inclusive environment. Social Media / Referenced Previous interviews with Jason Connect with Jason LinkedIn

Duration:00:45:48

292: How Do You Teach to Inspire Student Curiosity?

1/9/2024
Guests Andy Stephens was born and raised in a small town in Northwest Washington on the Salish Sea. After 17 years, he traveled to Los Angeles to play college baseball in the sunshine. He taught in the public schools of LAUSD for six years before moving to Boulder, CO, where he now teaches science at New Vista High School and at area colleges. Summary My conversation with Andy revolved around the unique educational philosophy of New Vista High School, where fostering curiosity is paramount, and Andy’s particular teaching style. We discussed innovative science classes designed to ignite wonder, with mixed-age groupings enabling peer learning and deeper engagement. The importance of school purpose and community acceptance in supporting this approach was emphasized alongside equitable teaching methods that cater to diverse student needs. Ultimately, the focus lies on education that sparks a lifelong love of learning, empowered by storytelling and connection – an approach with lessons beyond the classroom walls. Social Media / Referenced New Vista High School

Duration:00:34:23

291: They Can't Take Them Away From Us

1/2/2024
Summary No guest today in what is my first episode of the new year. I promise no New Year’s resolutions except one: to read and digest as many books as I can during the year. Given my interest in books, I was curious to know what some of my colleagues, friends, and family members will read in 2024. So, I contacted more than 40 of them, asking them for a brief bio, their book of choice, and why that title might find its way to their nightstand. I thought that maybe I'd hear from a few, but that many might be too busy to respond, given the fast-approaching holiday. Their responses poured in: Jesse Kohler is the President and Chair of The Change Campaign and also serves as Executive Director of the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice. Going to read Preventing and Healing Climate Traumas: A Guide to Building Resilience and Hope in Communities by Bob Doppelt. Because the climate crisis is widely traumatizing. Promoting support across our society to work through it together is one of the most critical callings of our time. Paul McNicholls is a lay historian and author. Going to read Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918–40 by Richard Dannatt and Robert Lyman. Because what happened to the British Army between the First and Second World Wars explains why they were summarily defeated by the Germans and had to be evacuated from the beaches at Dunkirk in 1940. Frank Zaccari is a best-selling author and CEO of Life Altering Events, LLC. Going to read The Passion Test by Janet and Chris Attwood. Because over my long time on the planet, my passion – or what I thought was my passion – has changed many times. Now, in my semi-retirement, this book will help me focus on finding my next passion where I can make a difference. Neil C. Hughes is a freelance technology journalist, podcast host and engineer, and the producer of "Tech Talks Daily" and "Tech Fusion" by Citrix Ready. Going to read Freedom to Think: Protecting a Fundamental Human Right in the Digital Age by Susie Alegr. Because this title will deepen my understanding of the intersection between technology, privacy, and human rights in the digital age. Melissa Hughes, Ph.D. is a neuroscience researcher, speaker, and author of Happy Hour with Einstein and Happier Hour with Einstein: Another Round. Going to read Misbelief by Dan Ariely. Because the human brain is so incredible and so incredibly flawed (and because I read everything that Dan Ariely writes!) And Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant. Because we all have hidden potential begging to be discovered. Valerie Gordon is a former Emmy-winning television producer who brings the Art of Storytelling for Impact and Influence to audiences and corporate leaders. Going to read Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant. Because I found his previous works to be insightful and helpful in my business as well as in meeting my own goals. I recommend it to anyone interested in the human mind and its impact on realizing our potential. Rich Gassen is a print production manager at UW-Madison and also leads a community of practice for supervisors where we explore topics on leadership and staff development. Going to read Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant. Because I have always sought to improve myself and those around me to achieve more through better processes, incorporating efficiencies, and harnessing strengths. I feel that this book will bring me to another level in being able to do that. Sarah Elkins is a StrengthFinder coach and story consultant, keynote speaker, podcast host, and the author of Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will. Going to read Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Because I’ve become especially sensitive to representation over the past few years, and I talk about wanting to support all people. Reading a book by a person of color and understanding her back story is one...

Duration:00:07:42

290: The Voices You Listened to the Most

12/26/2023
Summary “Getting Unstuck” is somewhat of a rare animal in the world of podcasting. It’s offered timely content focused on change, education, and curiosity for over 5 years and sits in the top 3% of all podcasts. 44% of all podcasts have less than 3 episodes, according to two tracking sources. Most podcasts don't make it past 10 episodes. Conversely, we just passed the 300-episode milestone, which is somewhat of a magic marker for podcasts. As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to thank my listeners and recap 2023 in three parts: 1. the top episodes in terms of downloads, 2. the episode that meant the most to me, and 3 my most popular episode over the life of the podcast. The episodes in 2023 that garnered the most listener attention What follows are the top downloaded episodes for 2023. Not surprisingly, each of the five episodes focused on the major themes I emphasize in the podcast: overcoming personal resistance, recognizing and taking advantage of serendipity, defining a new purpose of education, experiencing the meditative aspect of fly fishing and the natural world, and the power of curiosity. Here, then, is a short description of these five episodes: 250 - How a Life-Altering Event Can Still Mean A Rich Life, Fulfilling Life Rick Locke is an excellent example of someone who literally had to look at life from a different angle. While he was losing his central vision due to macular degeneration, he could still see out of the corner of his eye. And that, as it turns out, was the lens through which he could see – and share – a whole new world of wonder. 249 - How to Become All-in as a Solopreneur April Vokey couldn’t help but look at life from a different angle. From a very early age, April loved fishing and hunting. She decided to shun more traditional work and instead start a business where she would guide, provide instructional courses, write, be a keynote speaker, and host a podcast on all things related to her fishing interests, all while becoming a wife and mother. Her decision also came with the expected challenges — and one challenge that men doing the same work never face. 239 - What is the Purpose of School? In this episode, educator, author, and futurist Rhonda Broussard and I touch on various reasons for our K-12 system of schooling. Is it to prepare students for a career, acquire knowledge and skills, or develop creative thinking and problem-solving abilities? And what about student agency? How much voice and choice should we allow students to determine what and how they want to learn? 246 - Dr. Christian Busch on Connecting Life's Dots Going Forward Steve Jobs famously said, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Today’s guest, Christian Busch, Ph.D., would respectfully disagree. He writes, “Serendipity is not just about a coincidence that happens to us, but it is actually through the process of spotting and connecting the dots that we start to see bridges where others see gaps.” 253 - How Can You Reframe Your Inner Story to Create a Healthier Reality? Valerie Gordon is a 10-time Emmy-winning television producer with over 20 years of developing and overseeing award-winning content. She knows what makes a story meaningful and memorable and the incredible power of stories to engage, educate, and entertain. And she’s detailed how we can tell a healthier personal story – and overcome our inner narrator – in her highly readable book, FIRE YOUR NARRATOR: A Storyteller’s Guide to Getting Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. The 2023 episode that meant the most to me This episode grew from my experience traveling to Berlin and Amsterdam this past fall to immerse myself in local aspects of the Holocaust. Here, I traveled to Wannsee, Germany, a suburb of Berlin, where on January 20, 1942, 15 high-ranking Nazis gathered in a villa to resolve various aspects of the “final solution of the Jewish problem.” As a Jew, standing in...

Duration:00:07:53

289: Challenging the Traditional Educational Model

12/19/2023
Guests Mary Nadeau has worked at Nokomis Regional High as a teacher and administrator for the past 32 years. She has served as the Principal for the past 15 years. Nick Miller is a member of the English department. Summary Our conversation explored how fly fishing, a seemingly unconventional activity in schools, can be woven into the fabric of education. We delved into the significance of the sport, its potential as an English elective, and its role in empowering student voice and choice. The discussion highlighted the innovative approach of a Maine high school that utilizes fly fishing to foster curiosity, personal growth, and a unique learning experience, challenging traditional educational models. Ultimately, it paints a picture of education where passions like fly fishing can become catalysts for deeper learning and holistic development. Social Media / Referenced Nokomis Regional High School K-12Dive article featuring Nic and Mary A River Runs Through It Podcast episode on fly fishing literature

Duration:00:40:43

288: Finding Real Solutions Through Real Stories About the Unsheltered

12/12/2023
Summary Our conversation centered on the need to address the misconceptions surrounding homelessness and the importance of individual and collective action to create positive change. We emphasized the value of education and awareness in dismantling harmful stereotypes and empowering individuals to support those experiencing homelessness. By opening our hearts and minds, we can foster a more compassionate and inclusive society. My Guests Peggy Wilms is the founder of award-winning All Things Wellness, an entrepreneur, author, host of The Coach Peggy Show, and wellness retreat host, educator, and speaker. She is a certified personal trainer, sports performance nutritionist, and personal and executive health, wellness, and life coach for nearly 35 years. Dennis Pitocco is the Founder and Chief ReImaginator of 360° Nation encompasses a publishing enterprise; the award-winning BIZCATALYST 360°, a multimedia enterprise; 360° Nation Studios, and a social enterprise, GoodWorks 360°. Social Media Unsheltered landing page Unsheltered FAQ Interview guide

Duration:00:15:46

287: Giving Youth Voice in Their Education

12/5/2023
Guest Andrew Sachs is the CEO and Founder of Nobel Learning. Nobel helps learners get the technical, soft, and leadership skills they need to succeed in work and life in today's quickly changing world. Summary In this episode – which is an update of episode #122 where Andrew and I first talked – we focus on the need to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in school, life, and the ever-changing job market. We discussed the role of technology in education and the value of youth-led projects and collaboration. We also explored the challenges of education reform and the need to find ways to make traditional education more relevant to today's students. One of Andrew's most profound ideas was, “If you want kids to lead, let them learn to make decisions. Let them make decisions. And let them make mistakes.” Social Media/Referenced Nobel Learning

Duration:00:45:08

286: Learning About the Past and Present Through Memorials, Monuments, and Museums

11/28/2023
My Guest Dennis Behnke provides individual and group tours of Berlin and German history, focusing on World War II and the Cold War. Summary / Key Topics My conversation with Dennis focused on the importance of history education, particularly in understanding World War II and its lasting impact. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of teaching history in a way that is both accurate and engaging, and we highlighted the significance of personal stories and memorials in bringing history to life. We also explored the issue of anti-Semitism and its relevance to the Holocaust, emphasizing the need to learn from the past to prevent such atrocities from happening again. Social Media Berlin Storyteller website/tours Dennis’s email

Duration:00:49:07

285: The Empty Library: Fill It!

11/21/2023
The Takeaway In this episode, I travel to Berlin, Germany, and the Bebelplatz, a large square in the city's heart. A university borders one side, a church another, and the opera another. Behind me is one of Berlin’s main libraries. Sitting atop one of the buildings is an outdoor bar with large colorful umbrellas to shield the patrons. As calming as the setting is today, it was anything but on the night of May 10, 1933. There, a mob of Nazis, Nazi-leaning students, and citizens gathered to burn an estimated 20,000 books the Nazi regime had deemed culturally and spiritually unfit. The only visual evidence of that event is a subterranean memorial with enough empty library shelves to hold an estimated 20,000 books. Social Media / References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_book_burnings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empty_Library#:~:text=The%20Empty%20Library%20(1995)%2C,Germany%20on%20May%2010%2C%201933. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bebelplatz

Duration:00:08:50

284: Crossroads: Assessing a Life at the Intersection of This Way or That Way

11/14/2023
Summary This week, something different. As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself in a contemplative mood. So, I’m solo this week, starting what could become a lengthy exercise that will have me unwrapping and considering the package that is my life in 15 crossroad moments. Talk about being curious. Jeff’s Crossroad Topics Punching the clock: newspapers, groceries, and dishes Book of the Month Club Earning my keep at home Neighborhood explorer The U-505: life foreshadowed in a German submarine Montana: killing spiders, stacking wood, and landing on the moon Discovering agency: a sawdust puppet, no more model airplanes, and a road trip The last parking meter Quetico: biting insects, muddy portages, and reflections A vision on a staircase “No” and a box of chocolates Coached Perfection and Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” A conversation in a small café in Vermont Death and Decluttering

Duration:00:11:25

283: Why We Should Cultivate Curiosity in Our Youth

11/7/2023
My Guest Susan Engel is a professor at Williams College, where she teaches courses on developmental psychology and education. Her research interests include children’s curiosity, invention, and ideas. She is currently working on a book about Kindergarten in America. Summary / Key Topics Lifelong learning and curiosity are essential for a thriving society. They allow us to adapt to change, solve problems, and create new opportunities. Yet, curiosity is often overlooked in education, leading to a decline in curiosity among children. There are many ways to foster curiosity in children. One is to create a learning environment that is safe and supportive, where children feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Another is to provide children with opportunities to explore their interests and learn at their own pace. Finally, it is important to model curiosity by showing children we are always learning and growing. Curiosity is valuable in education because it motivates students to learn and helps them to develop critical thinking skills. Curious students are more likely to ask questions, investigate problems, and develop creative solutions. They are also more likely to be engaged in learning and retain information. Education should nurture students' curiosity, helping them to become lifelong learners. This can be done by providing students with opportunities to learn about the world around them, develop their problem-solving skills, and connect with their own interests. Resources / Social Media The Hungry Mind: The Origins of Curiosity The Hungry Mind: Psychologist Susan Engel's Call To Arms | WBUR News / The Intellectual Lives of Children Why Should This Be So? with Susan Engel - CHOOSE TO BE CURIOUS Susan Engel - Psychology https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/28/schools-killing-curiosity-learn https://elimindset.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/engel2011.pdf Neil DeGrasse Tyson George Land study

Duration:00:52:18