Shows
Still CuriousDeep Thinking, Education, and Freedom in an Age of Distraction - Jon Burmeister | S4E5What does it mean to think deeply and live freely in an age of distraction? Philosopher Jon Burmeister reflects on his journey from analytical rigour to embodied integration, exploring whole-person education, the history of ideas, and reclaiming attention in a fragmented world.Conversation ThemesWhole-person education as liberation: How liberal arts education fosters curiosity, creativity, and self-knowledge while encouraging openness to change and growth.Deep thinking and the attention economy: Why reclaiming focus isn’t just about resisting distractions, but about preserving our capacity to care about what truly matters....2024-12-071h 23
Still CuriousMessage Received: how authentic communication helps us find our voice and share our story - Kendra Fee-McNulty | S4E4Kendra Fee-McNulty, founder of Raveloe+Co, leads an empathy-driven marketing consultancy that helps mission-driven organisations find their voice and share their stories authentically. We discuss effective storytelling and how to balance creativity and commerce without compromising your values.Conversation ThemesKendra’s personal journey, including her experience as an adopted child and how it influenced her need to belong and excel, shaping her communication skills and career choices.Empathy as a Superpower: The ability to empathise deeply with others by understanding their thoughts, fears, and barriers.Misunderstanding and Connection:...2024-08-061h 23
Still CuriousEmbrace your inner outlier: going full desert weirdo with Brittany Cole Houston | S4E3Brittany is a silversmith, non-traditional educator, and the creative force behind Full Desert Weirdo. Together we rethink the edges of normalcy, illuminating how our quirkiest traits not only shape an ever-changing personal identity but also hold the potential to remake the world around us.Conversation ThemesThe Value of OutliersSocial Norms and ConformityAutism and NeurodivergencePersonal Identity and ReclamationMutability and ChangeLinks and ResourcesFull Desert Weirdo websiteApplied Behaviour Analysis and Ivar LovaasFull Show NotesVisit the Grokkist podcast hub for a full...2024-05-111h 25
Still Curious“I was so undecided”: navigating personal fulfilment and professional purpose - Christopher Schoenwald | S4E2Christopher hosts and produces the internationally-awarded "Life as A.." podcast, helping people find professional career ideas and business pathways by exploring jobs from around the world. We discuss the interplay between career and identity and the pursuit of purpose-driven work.Christopher's story in briefChristopher didn’t have a Plan A. He was a high-achiever who had the grades, but not the roadmap for his future.Studying sociology without a clear direction, he simultaneously worked in Canadian Customs and Immigration, where he gained an early appreciation for how our jobs can shape who we...2024-01-3050 min
Still CuriousCalibrate your inner compass with a sense of gratitude for the peculiar - Lawrence Yeo | S4E1Lawrence Yeo is a writer, illustrator, storyteller, and the creator of 'More To That', an illustrated long form blog that delves deeper into the things that make us who we are. We discuss the role of confidence, gratitude, uncertainty and many other practicalities of pursuing a creative life.Lawrence's story in briefLawrence grew up feeling abundant despite growing up poor, and always had a strong sense of curiosity and abundance.He pursued a career in finance but knew it wasn't his true passion, so he quit his job to pursue music but eventually...2024-01-091h 16
Still Curious27 gifts of life-changing learning and one radical conclusion - an audio essay | S3E9If you could gift someone a life-changing learning experience, what would it be and why? We discuss the combined wisdom of 27 of my podcast guests and what it means for how we approach the practice of education.Where, when, and how do moments of truly life-changing learning actually happen?What do they look like?When have you had a learning experience that actually changed your life?If you think back through all the classes you’ve taken, the certificates you’ve earned, the books you’ve read, the films you’ve seen, th...2023-11-2941 min
Life as a..EP103_Curiosity Unleashed: Navigating the Journey of a Social Entrepreneurship-Life as a Social Entrepreneur-
Join us for a captivating conversation with Danu Poyner, a mission driven social entrepreneur and founder of an organization called Grokkist.
Delve into Danu's journey of walking away from conventional paths to build a global online community for the curious and enthusiastic.
Learn about the inception of Grokkist which was driven by Danu's profound questions about preserving curiosity in adulthood and reimagining education to ignite the soul.
Explore the distinctions between social entrepreneurship and traditional business, discover the red thread concept, and unravel the value of...2023-11-2151 min
Still CuriousListening with the heart: how the wisdom of plants helps us remember our connection to the divine - Amanda Nicole | S3E8Amanda is a liriodendress, a human embodiment of the tulip poplar tree. We discuss her journey of reconnecting with nature, listening to the wisdom of plants, and exploring alternative ways of knowing in her pursuit of heart-centred living.Episode SummaryRaised in a conservative Baptist church, Amanda always felt the divinity in the world but questioned the disconnect between the teachings of the church and her own experiences.After experiencing miscarriages and feeling unheard by medical professionals and her preacher husband, Amanda found healing and strength through acupuncture and connecting with plants, which led...2023-10-261h 27
Still CuriousUnlocking the power of purposeful play - Trudi Boatwright | S3E7Trudi is an experiential designer, facilitator, and creative who specialises in play. We discuss how purposeful play fosters connection, innovation, and psychological safety in life and the workplace.Key TopicsThe importance of a playful mindset and its benefits in the workplace, including fostering connection, innovation, and psychological safetyTrudi's squiggly career journey and why she has had 48 jobs, from performing on London’s West End, to working in a bikey bar, and how her diverse experiences have shaped her approach to creativity and communicationTrudi's experience using play in high-stakes situations, such as working with in...2023-07-111h 19
Still Curious“One breath at a time”: daring life, mindfulness, and non-self - Lalith Gunaratne | S3E6Lalith Gunaratne is a parent, entrepreneur, and educator on mindful leadership. We discuss Lalith’s mindfulness journey, his experience starting a solar energy business, and how his approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion training is informed by mindfulness and personal integrity.Key TopicsLalith's mindfulness journey and the benefits of being present and letting go of attachmentChallenges faced by Lalith as an ethical entrepreneur in the renewable energy sector and his transition to training and facilitation around equity, diversity, and inclusionCreating a safe space for conversations through nonviolent communication and mindfulness practicesThe importance of pe...2023-06-221h 20
Still Curious“You don’t need a lab coat”: transforming chemistry education through imagination and play - Colleen Kelley | S3E5Dr Colleen Kelley is a chemist and the creator and founder of Kids’ Chemical Solutions, a comic-book based chemistry curriculum that aims to transform chemistry education through imagination and play. We discuss Colleen's mission to make chemistry more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.Key TopicsHow Colleen is making chemistry more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of perceived math abilities, and the importance of trust and curiosity in unlocking imagination and real learningWhy fear is the number one barrier to learning chemistry, and the importance of understanding chemistry to preserve our worldHow Kids' Ch...2023-06-021h 16
Still CuriousUnconscious Printouts, Threshold Guardians and Dead Man’s Dreams - The Ungoogleable Michaelangelo | S3E4The Ungoogleable Michaelangelo is a multidimensional artist and creator of cosmic, comedic, and contemplative content. We discuss the mysteries of creativity and the disciplined use of psychoactive substances to expand one's understanding of the world.Key TopicsWhy "unconscious printouts" – unexpected creations that arise while doing something else – often end up being the artist's best work because the artist is not interfering with their own creativityMichaelangelo's trajectory as a multidimensional artist, from an early fascination with wildlife, nature, and photography, to pursuing music, film, podcasting, and poetry.An unconventional path that includes being a legal...2023-04-111h 30
Still CuriousSitting Power: why the won game is the easiest to lose - John Fawole | S3E3John Fawole is an International Chess Federation master, chess in education lecturer, and founder of Bruvs Chess Media. John shares his journey to becoming a national chess champion in Nigeria, the transformative effects of chess education, and how the game impacts people's lives beyond the board.Key topicsJohn's journey to becoming Nigerian National Chess Champion, US National Master and World Chess Federation MasterWhat chess can teach us about creativity, commitment, patience, and problem solvingThe grassroots advocacy and coaching work John does to advance the state of the game and teach young people important...2023-03-211h 07
Still CuriousPlanning for a Positive Future: Natural Hazards, Risk, and Climate Change Adaptation - Lara Clarke | S3E2Lara is a New Zealand-based planner with over 10 years of experience in the field, working on projects across the public and private sectors. With a background in both government processes and business realities, Lara has a unique perspective on the intersection of policy, science, and community engagement. We discuss breaking down institutional knowledge barriers and public participation in planning.Key topicsUnderstanding the challenges of managing climate risk and adaptation in New ZealandLara's squiggly career and personal growth through exploring different opportunities within the planning professionHow being a grokkist helps Lara break down the...2023-03-041h 16
Still Curious“I’m crafting a story to get something done” - Sam Hoffman | S3E1Sam Hoffman is a multidisciplinary creative with roots in copywriting and content creation for Broadway shows and Fortune 500s. For over a decade, Sam has moonlighted as a part-time high school speech and debate coach with one of the nation's top programs, Ridge High School in New Jersey. He specializes in the competitive categories that allow students to craft a persuasive acting performance geared around subjects they are passionate about. We discuss the creative strategy and seduction of authentic storytelling and storydoing.Key topicsSam’s background and journey in corporate advertising, copywriting and co...2023-02-101h 12
Still CuriousFree yourself from external validation: unschooling, outdoor adventure and That Mountain Life - Erich Leidums | S2E13Erich Leidums is the content creator behind That Mountain Life, where he documents his family's outdoor adventures and parenting journey in a small mountain town in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. We discuss the importance of building a fulfilling lifestyle that aligns with your values. Key Topics:The importance of building a fulfilling lifestyle that aligns with your values, freeing yourself from the need for external validationErich’s experiences growing up in Canada and his squiggly career journey through outdoor education, adventure tourism, paramedicine, and becoming a full-time content creator.Being an...2022-09-1555 min
Still CuriousFrom guilt at leaving teaching to designing student wellbeing at scale, with Maria Fernanda Puertas | S2E12A conversation all about what happens when a mingling of interests meets a sudden change in priorities. The moments where you change from being one kind of thing into another, how that happens and how you update your self-understanding along the way. Teaching moments and learning moments – the beating heart of education that enables each of us to reflect on our experiences and capitalise on those reflections in ways we can put into practice and that move us forward.Key Topics:What you lose when you stop being a teacher and reconnecting wi...2022-09-011h 08
Still CuriousLiving life out of sequence, with engagement and experience leader Grace Liaw | S2E11A conversation all about doing things in a different way and order than you’re supposed to. Not doing what you’re told, leaning into life’s sudden twists and turns, feeling behind, and taking flight, all while figuring out adulting and navigating the exciting challenges, complexity and expectations of cultural identity.Key Topics:Having a family at a young age and living life out of sequence with your career-focussed peersStarting undergraduate studies at age 28 and catching upBecoming a public school teacher and chafing against the systemLiving and working in Shanghai, China as a C...2022-08-181h 11
Business Without Bullsh-tEP 107 - New York Sessions # 2 - Nathan Oglesby PhDWelcome to part 2 of our New York Sessions! Recorded on location at the Beekham Hotel in Lower Manhattan, we spoke to Poet, Producer and Professor Nathan Oglesby, also known as Nathanology about his work as conscious rapper and all things education reform, philanthropy right through to his first proper job and how he would fix capitalism. An epic conversation to say the least. Strap in a press play.Check out Nathan Oglesby's book recommendations:"The Still Curious Podcast" with Danu Poyner"Adventures of Ideas" with Alfred North WhiteheadBWB is powered by Oury Clark.2022-07-3056 min
Still CuriousHow we design conscious, creative and caring virtual learning - Seth Fleischauer | S2E10Seth is the President & Founder at Banyan Global Learning, a group of educators who deliver live virtual programs in social and emotional learning (SEL), Digital Citizenship, and Global Citizenship. We talk about what it means to design education that helps us find our place in the world.Key TopicsHow Banyan Global Learning works with schools to help kids find their place in the world by exploring the intersection of language, culture, technology, and social and emotional learningSeth's squiggly career, from wanting to be a vet, to studying psychology, to teaching in high-needs public...2022-06-211h 06
Still CuriousNavigating the passing of a loved one with estate planning lawyer and author Robert Kabacy | S2E9In this episode: Navigating the dynamics of death, grief and loss, from brain fog to finding a sense of control. Arguing over estates and why 70% of people don't make plans for what happens after they die. Explaining the mechanics of probate with a story about picking berries. Being a stage magician and how magic helps with storytelling. What we can learn from near-death experiences. Why patience matters in law as well as in marriage. Swimming and mindfulness.About the Guest: Robert Kabacy has been a lawyer in the estate planning and wealth transfer in...2022-06-071h 03
Still CuriousFrom classroom to corporate with TESOL teacher and instructional designer Diego Boada | S2E8In this episode: Losing your job in the pandemic and reverse culture shock when moving from the US back to Colombia. From English language teaching to instructional design for product managers. Never leaving school and how teachers are more than teachers. Universal design for learning. How teaching expertise is valued in traditional education vs instructional design and edtech and what that means for teachers' freedom and creativity. Filling your cup and finding structure in uncertainty.About the Guest: Diego Boada is an educator, researcher, and instructional designer from Colombia with over 15 years of e...2022-05-241h 03
Still CuriousTikTok teaching and activism with philoso-rapper Nathan Dufour Oglesby aka 'Nathanology' | S2E7In this episode: What's involved in being an artist, academic and activist on YouTube and TikTok. Musical influences from Bob Dylan to Public Enemy. Why make songs and videos about the history of words and ideas? Getting naughty for nature. Performing rap on tap. Teaching as performance. Meditations on the self and social media. BONUS: Nathan and Danu collaborate on a song about the history of school.About the Guest: Nathan Dufour Oglesby (aka 'Nathanology') is a poet, producer and professor based in Brooklyn, NY who has built a distinctively didactic approach to h...2022-05-101h 13
Still CuriousFrom hating math to being a data analyst - Cristina Huidiu | S2E6In this episode: Journey from a humanities background in libraries to technical integrations specialist for a global corporate. Building a chatbot and losing everything in a server crash. Importance of communication and soft-skills when working on technical projects. A love of problem solving and an avoidance of boredom.About the Guest: Being forever curious about how things work has taken Cristina Huidiu from various roles within the library to technical roles in the corporate environment, where she now works as an Integrations Consultant at Elsevier. Cristina has discovered her biggest passion is to h...2022-04-2650 min
Still CuriousFrom Player to Educator: Embracing Games in Education - James Birt | S2E5James Birt is an Associate Professor of Computer Games in the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University, Australia. We discuss how gaming shaped James’ career in education, and the value of games in learning and fostering innovation.Episode SummaryJames' passion for computer games and technology began at a young age, leading him to pursue a career in the field. He was captivated by the immersive and interactive nature of games, which sparked his curiosity and set him on a path to explore the potential of games as a medium for education an...2022-04-121h 12
Still CuriousWhy I refuse to sacrifice my curiosity for the sake of passing a test - Danu Poyner | S2E4In this solo episode, Danu discusses how his own squiggly career is animated by his troubled personal relationship with education, and reflects on the traits that people who are 'still curious' have in common.Curiosity, love of learning, and privilegeWhy Front Row and Back Row are useful categoriesHow we can recognise people who are 'still curious'Learning as a superpowerDanu's squiggly career and troubled relationship with educationRecorded 29 March 2022Episode SummaryVisit the Grokkist podcast hub for a full digest of this episode including highlights and links to stuff we discussed: https://grokk...2022-03-2924 min
Still Curious"How good are you willing to allow your life to get?": what happens when we set transformational goals – Ann Collins | S2E3Ann Collins is an Executive and Leadership Coach who helps senior leaders to get clarity on their next career steps and transition into new roles with confidence and ease. We discuss the importance of setting expansive goals, understanding one’s values, and letting go of limiting beliefs.Key topicsWhat happens when executives and senior leaders start receiving coaching.Moving from 'to-do list' goals to transformational goals.Volunteering adventures from providing care in a rest home to advising on education policy in Nepal.Moving to France and starting an English language school.Starting and ab...2022-03-151h 03
Still CuriousMy job title doesn't define me: finding joy in diverse interests - Amanda Young | S2E2Amanda Young is a former linguist now working on risk mitigation and problem solving. We discuss the importance of trying new things, embracing mistakes, and finding joy both inside and outside of work.Key TopicsAmanda's focus on finding joy both inside and outside of workThe importance of trying new things and embracing mistakesAmanda's mix-and-match approach to learning new skillsThe values of openness, adaptability, and continuous learning that Amanda embodiesDetours and TangentsOur mutual dislike of book editions with 'Now a Major Motion Picture' coversAmanda's mixed-race Australian identity and...2022-03-011h 02
Still CuriousStill Curious – Trailer1-minute trailer showcasing what the Still Curious Podcast is all about. [Updated 25 May 2022]Website: grokk.ist/stillcuriouspodcast | Email: podcast@grokk.ist | Socials: @grokkistMusic: Kleptotonic Swing by Tri-Tachyon2022-02-2500 min
Still Curious"I'll give that a crack": a squiggly story of science leadership - Maxine Bryant | S2E1Maxine Bryant is an experienced team leader, project manager, and research management professional with fifteen years experience in the tertiary sector, specialising in operations management, system development, and policies and process. We talk about having an unplanned career and what's involved in leading science teams.Key topicsThe business of science, why research management isn't anybody's Plan A, and what happened when Maxine decided to step off the treadmill of life as a scientist.How Maxine follows what interests her while going with the flow, and how opportunities arise from others recognising her abilities...2022-02-151h 01
Still Curious“I just need to know them very well”: connecting with young special needs students - Travis Yuan | S1E11Travis is a special education teacher who trained as an early childhood educator. We talk about building relationships with special needs kids and what Travis learned by migrating from Taiwan to New Zealand.Key topicsWhat happens in a special needs classroom and why every day is about both careful planning and also throwing the plan away most daysHow Travis helps kids learn and grow through play and how he gets to know them by exploring their interests togetherWhat Travis has learned by migrating from Taiwan to New Zealand and why he made sure...2021-12-021h 01