Have you ever noticed how often we talk about curiosity… but rarely stop to explore what it really means? What it looks like in our everyday lives? Or how it quietly shapes the way we connect, learn, and grow?

Over the years, as a student, a teacher, and now a parent, I’ve come to see curiosity as more than just a trait. It’s a mindset. A way of being. A quiet, steady force that keeps us open to ideas, to people, to possibility.

In this episode, I dive into what it means to be curious. I share stories from my own learning journey – moments when curiosity helped me shift my perspective, deepen a connection, or simply slow down and notice something I might’ve missed. We’ll explore why curiosity matters more than ever in the way we teach, parent, and show up in the world.

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Curiosity is more than a fleeting thought. It’s a mindset, a spark that invites us to learn, explore, and connect. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the questions and being willing to follow where they lead. At a neurological level, curiosity literally rewires our brains to learn more deeply and remember more clearly. And while curiosity often lives alongside awe and wonder, they’re not the same. Awe is what we feel in the presence of something vast and humbling – like standing at the edge of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Wonder is that wide-eyed delight in the everyday – the kind kids seem to find effortlessly in puddles, bugs, and cracks in the sidewalk. Curiosity, though, is what happens when we notice a gap in our knowledge and feel drawn to close it. It’s what turns a beautiful glass heart on a desk into a doorway to an artist’s story, a deeper connection, and a new way of seeing. Curiosity opens the door to meaning. It helps us notice more, learn more, and connect more deeply with the world around us.

Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions. It’s how we grow, connect, and make sense of the world around us. It helps us challenge our assumptions, see beyond our own perspectives, and build empathy. I’m often reminded of Adam Grant’s idea that lifelong learners believe they can learn something from everyone they meet. That mindset came to life for me at Pearson College, where I studied alongside students from nearly 90 countries. It showed me how curiosity can unite people across cultures and create space for deeper understanding. Over the years, this podcast has also become a powerful source of curiosity for me – fueling meaningful conversations and inspiring new ways of thinking. Curiosity opens the door to empathy, growth, and connection and when we stay open to learning from others, we all move forward together.

Even though curiosity is a powerful force, it doesn’t always come easily. Sometimes we assume we already know enough, worry about looking silly, or simply don’t slow down long enough to wonder. One of the biggest barriers? The instinct to be critical before we’re curious – to judge before we ask. But when we start with questions instead of conclusions, we open the door to deeper learning and connection. Misinformation and echo chambers, especially online, can make this even harder by narrowing our view of the world. It takes intentional effort to step outside our comfort zones, to listen to different perspectives, and to stay curious even when it’s uncomfortable. But that’s where the growth lives – in the messy middle, where curiosity, openness, and kindness help us build bridges instead of walls. Curiosity isn’t always easy, but choosing to ask before assuming can lead to greater understanding, deeper relationships, and more meaningful conversations.

Embracing a learner mindset means leading with curiosity, not certainty. It’s about showing up to conversations and experiences with the question, “What can I learn here?” instead of assuming we already know it all. The most inspiring experts I know aren’t the ones with all the answers. They’re the ones who stay open, ask great questions, and listen deeply. Being intentional about who we learn from matters, too. Surrounding ourselves with diverse voices and perspectives helps us stretch our thinking and grow in ways we couldn’t on our own. And listening – truly listening – is one of the most powerful tools we have for expanding understanding. Every moment we choose curiosity over assumption is a moment we move closer to growth, connection, and insight. Curiosity creates space for growth. When we lead with questions and stay open to learning, we uncover possibilities we might have otherwise missed.

Curiosity doesn’t have to be grand. It can show up in the tiniest, everyday moments. Whether it’s asking someone in line at the grocery store what they’re cooking for dinner, chatting with a fellow traveler, or sparking laughs at the dinner table with a game of “Would You Rather,” curiosity opens doors to connection. These small, intentional questions send a powerful message: You matter. Your story matters. A great example? A simple airplane conversation turned into a beautiful friendship with Juliane Gallant, now the resident conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. You never know where one curious question might lead. Everyday curiosity invites connection and sometimes, a single question can turn a stranger into a friend.

There’s something special about the way kids approach curiosity. When they explore, they dive right into the messy middle of learning. They experiment, try things out, get a little messy, and don’t worry about getting things wrong. It’s all part of the process. As adults, though, we sometimes lose that sense of freedom. We can become more focused on having the right answers or getting things done quickly. But just like when we were kids, there’s a lot to be gained from slowing down, exploring, and allowing ourselves the space to make mistakes along the way. By doing this, we can rekindle that natural curiosity, embrace the journey of learning, and discover new things about the world and ourselves. The more we let go of the pressure to be perfect, the more room we create for real growth and insight.

“Be curious. Before you judge, ask. Before you assume, wonder. Before you answer, listen.”

Curiosity is a powerful tool that brings us closer to understanding and connection. It’s about choosing to ask instead of judge, to wonder instead of assume, and to listen instead of rush to answer. When we embrace curiosity, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, deeper relationships, and endless learning. Remember, everyone you meet holds knowledge you don’t. What a beautiful opportunity to learn from one another. So, the next time you’re faced with a moment of uncertainty or judgment, choose curiosity. You might just be surprised at the insights and connections that follow. Curiosity transforms how we connect, learn, and grow.