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Curated Questions

Celebrating The Power Of Questions

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#67 Matthew Pridgen: When Cognitive Dissonance Breaks Open

"You can only live with so much cognitive dissonance in your life." - Matthew Pridgen

Matthew Pridgen joins Ken Woodward for a raw, wide-ranging conversation about how questions can crack open denial and move us toward truth, repentance, and reconciliation.

Matthew shares his dramatic journey from addiction and a near-fatal suicide attempt to a decades-long pursuit of faith, justice, and historical honesty. His pivotal moment was when an eight-year-old girl asked, “Why did you take my church down?” after a tent revival in Charleston’s historically Black East Side, which became the question that launched his racial awakening.

Together, they explore how American “mythology” hides the realities of slavery, Jim Crow, and modern dog whistles, and how the Black church has sustained a prophetic witness against oppression.

The episode highlights the personal cost of cognitive dissonance, the freedom of living without lies, and a central challenge for today: are Christians willing to abandon Christian nationalism and follow Jesus’ actual teachings?

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

Be sure to subscribe to the weekly Curated Questions Dispatch newsletter for more fun with questions and curiosity! (https://substack.com/@curatedquestions)

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, Matthew Pridgen, The Sins of Our Fathers, cognitive dissonance, racial reconciliation, confronting American history, systemic racism, truth and accountability, historical honesty, difficult conversations, racial awakening, justice and repentance, questioning national myths, reconciliation and repair, Black church prophetic witness, faith and justice, unpacking white supremacy, American mythology, moral courage, social change through questions, listening across difference, truth telling, personal transformation, race religion and politics, empathy and responsibility, documentary storytelling, hard truths, meaningful dialogue
categories: Community, Community Service, Social Impact, Connection, Education, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Civil Rights Movement, Equity, Faith, Justice, Politics
Wednesday 01.21.26
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#66 Ken Woodward: What Happens When A Question Is Asked?

"Questions are not neutral; they're interventions." - Ken Woodward

What actually happens inside us when a question is asked?

In this solo episode of Curated Questions, Ken Woodward explores the neurological, emotional, and psychological impact of being asked a question.

Moving beyond techniques or tactics, Ken examines how questions hijack attention, trigger chemical responses in the brain, open unresolved mental loops, and sometimes activate fear or defensiveness.

Drawing from neuroscience and a powerful encounter during his Washington, D.C. walking project, he reflects on a question that has remained open for years: What real difference are you making?

This episode reveals why some questions feel like relief before they’re answered, why others linger long after they’re asked, and how certain questions don’t just reveal who we are, but actively shape who we become.

Questions, Ken argues, are not neutral requests for information. They are interventions. And understanding their power changes how we ask, how we answer, and how we live with them.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

Be sure to check out the weekly Curated Questions Dispatch newsletter for more fun with questions and curiosity! (https://substack.com/@curatedquestions)

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, questions, power of questions, neuroscience of questions, curiosity, attention, cognitive science, psychology, self reflection, identity, emotional intelligence, leadership development, critical thinking, inquiry, decision making, personal growth, meaning making, asking better questions, listening, awareness, learning, behavior change, mindset, reflection, social neuroscience, amygdala hijack, default mode network, curiosity research
categories: Community, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Personal Growth, Imagination, Mentoring, Parenting, Questions, Strategy
Wednesday 01.14.26
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#65 Mitchell Osmond: Everything Is Hard - Choose Your Hard

"Literally everything in life is hard. The question is, what cost are you willing to pay? And you pay that willingly and happily because you value it." - Mitchell Osmond

In this episode of Curated Questions, Ken Woodward sits down with Mitchell Osmond, founder of Dad Nation Co., and host of the Dad Nation Podcast (Top 5% globally), to explore a hard but liberating truth: everything in life is difficult; the question is which difficulty we choose.

Mitchell shares the moment a single question at a funeral, “Are you living a life worthy of imitation?” forced him to confront his health, marriage, finances, and legacy. From that reckoning emerged a framework for growth rooted in discomfort, integrity, and honest self-inquiry.

Together, Ken and Mitchell examine why confidence is built through keeping promises, how avoiding hard questions quietly shapes our futures, and why legacy is forged at home as much as at work.

The conversation challenges the myth of ease, reframes struggle as a signal of alignment, and invites listeners to define success on their own terms. Ultimately, this episode is a call to stop outsourcing meaning, and to choose the hard that leads to a life worth living.

Mitchell is launching a new group coaching program, the High Performance Husband Accelerator! All the details can be found at https://www.dadnationco.com/accelerator

Mitchell is offering The Connection Code as a gift. 50 questions to spark the fun and get the fire back is available at https://www.dadnationco.com/code 

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, Mitchell Osmond, Dad Nation, choosing your hard, life worthy of imitation, power of questions, personal transformation, legacy and integrity, discomfort and growth, confidence through discipline, keeping promises, men and leadership, marriage and meaning, defining success, emotional responsibility, generational cycles, identity and character, hard questions for growth, modern masculinity, purpose and legacy, accountability and honesty, self-inquiry, high performance living, relationships and integrity, resilience and discipline, coaching through questions, intentional living, values-based life, personal growth podcast
categories: Community, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Coaching, Death, Gratitude, Legacy, Podcast, Relationships
Wednesday 01.07.26
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#64 Ken Woodward: What Questions Are You Carrying Forward? Reflections on 2025

"What are the questions you will be carrying into the year, such that it will be a celebration of your becoming?" - Ken Woodward

This year-end Curated Questions episode is a reflective curation of the questions that shaped several conversations throughout 2025. Rather than offering a rapid recap of every episode, Ken highlights a handful of moments that reveal how intentional questioning can clarify purpose, interrupt unhelpful patterns, and guide meaningful becoming.

Across stories from entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and personal reflection, the episode explores questions that ask us to define the change we seek to make, consider who we are becoming, and choose where to place our attention. Along the way, listeners are reminded that good questions often emerge only after many imperfect ones, that perspective shapes dignity and connection, and that small mental reframes can act as powerful resets.

As the year closes, the episode becomes an invitation: to name the questions that mattered most in 2025, to carry one forward with intention into 2026, and to trust that a better world is built by those willing to keep questioning.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

Ensure to subscribe to the Curated Questions Dispatch weekly newsletter on Substack.

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, power of questions, reflective questions, year in review podcast, questions for personal growth, becoming who you are, intentional living, end of year reflection, questions that matter, thoughtful living, curiosity practice, podcast about questions, meaning and purpose, self reflection podcast, asking better questions, personal development questions, reflective practice, questions and becoming, inquiry and growth, intentional questioning, thought provoking podcast, curiosity and leadership, reflective storytelling, questions for 2026, annual reflection episode, stillness and reflection, podcast about curiosity, questions for life, mindful inquiry
categories: Community, Social Impact, Connection, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Listening, Mentoring, Relationships, Year End
Wednesday 12.31.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#63 Ken Woodward: The Inquisitive Almanack: 2026

"Direction often emerges not from knowing what you want, but from finally admitting what you don’t." - Ken Woodward

The Inquisitive Almanack: 2026 Edition closes the year with something Curated Questions has never quite done before—an affectionate, slightly irreverent, and deeply thoughtful almanack for the inner life.

Inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack, this episode blends dry wit, invented bureaucracy, and hard-won wisdom to offer forecasts not for the weather, but for the heart, mind, and questions we carry.

You’ll hear interior weather reports, proverbs for the asking class, arbitrary rules of inquiry, lunar phases of curiosity, and predictions for the questions most likely to surface in 2026—across leadership, relationships, parenting, teams, and personal life.

Released intentionally as the final episode of the year, this Almanack isn’t a recap or a resolution guide. It’s a pause. A breath. A lighter place to rest before the calendar turns and begins asking new things of us.

Come curious. Leave rested. And carry one good question forward.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, Inquisitive Almanack 2026, year end reflection, questions for the year ahead, curiosity practice, reflective inquiry, personal growth questions, leadership questions, end of year reflection, self reflection podcast, thoughtful questions, inner life reflection, uncertainty and curiosity, annual reflection ritual, wisdom through questions, asking better questions, philosophy of inquiry, curiosity podcast, reflection and rest, intentional living questions, meaning and purpose, leadership reflection, slowing down practice, contemplative podcast, questions for leaders, questions for life, annual traditions, inquiry based living
categories: Community, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Personal Growth, Coaching, Creativity, Gratitude, Mentoring, Parenting, Year End
Wednesday 12.24.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#62 Haru Yamada: Flashlights, Lanterns, and the Way We Listen

"Not being a hundred percent sure all the time is a weird strength." - Haru Yamada

In this episode of Curated Questions, Ken Woodward is in conversation with Dr. Haru Yamada, a sociolinguist, intercultural communication scholar, and author of Kiku: The Japanese Art of Good Listening, to explore what it really means to listen. Haru traces her early understanding of questions back to age four, when she moved from Tokyo to New York and had to use questions as a tool for language, belonging, and survival.

Together, they unpack how culture shapes communication: English often rewards “flashlight” questioning, the precise, content-driven clarity, while Japanese culture tends to favor a “lantern” approach that illuminates context, relationship, and what isn’t said. Haru also shares the harrowing accident that reshaped her understanding of listening as a health practice, linking felt-heard experiences to relational, mental, and even physical well-being.

In a noisy, multitasking world, this conversation reframes listening as an active, life-giving skill, and a compass for navigating each other with empathy.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, Haru Yamada, Kiku, Japanese listening, art of listening, intercultural communication, listening skills, active listening, cultural context, feeling heard, uncertainty, asking better questions, lantern and flashlight metaphor, communication across cultures, sociolinguistics, deep listening, empathy, listening and health, communication theory, questioning mindset, cultural intelligence, human connection, leadership listening, curiosity, dialogue, listening beyond words, power of questions, relational listening
categories: Community, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Belonging, Relationships, Teachers
Wednesday 12.17.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
Comments: 2
 

#61 Rob Walker: The Art of Noticing: How Asking Better Questions Changes What We See!

"If all you do is pay attention to what everyone else is paying attention to, then  by definition you're not likely to innovate anything or create anything very original or different or surprising." - Rob Walker

Writer and cultural observer Rob Walker joins Ken to explore how questions and noticing reshape the way we move through the world. Rob traces his origin story back to discovering journalism at 18—a framework that gave a shy, introverted kid permission to ask questions on behalf of others.

They dig into his book and newsletter The Art of Noticing, talking about everyday noticing assignments, why “what am I missing?” is a powerful self-question, and how small acts of attention can mark time and make life more memorable.

Rob shares the story behind the Significant Objects project and why story—not price tag—creates real value in the objects we keep. From New Orleans as a “conversational city” to his teaching on point of view and manifestos, Rob reflects on questions as both agency and responsibility, in democracies, organizations, and personal life. Be sure to subscribe to Rob's Substack The Art of Noticing newsletter at https://robwalker.substack.com/

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, Rob Walker, Art of Noticing, questions, curiosity, noticing, intentional noticing, asking better questions, cultural criticism, journalism, Significant Objects, storytelling, meaning and value, overlooked details, attention economy, listening, agency through questions, creative inquiry, design thinking, mindfulness, observation, narrative value, curiosity mindset, New Orleans culture, icebreaker questions, newsletter Substack, Point of View class, School of Visual Arts, Project Object
categories: Community, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Personal Growth, Creative Thinking, Imagination, Innovation
Wednesday 12.10.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#59 Ken Woodward: The Insight Pause: When a Single Truth Rewrites Your Story!

"The Insight Pause is sitting in the rubble of your shattered worldview before clearing a single stone." - Ken Woodward

In this solo episode, Ken Woodward introduces The Insight Pause—a five-step framework for navigating the moments that crack open our worldview. Through his own story of confronting the hidden history behind the Indigenous names and artifacts that shaped his childhood landscape, Ken explores how insights arrive fully formed, unsettle our identities, and demand more than quick fixes or defensive reactions.

He walks listeners through the foundational skills that prepare us for these moments, the instant of recognition, the sacred pause that follows, and the slow work of integrating unsettling truths into a new, liberated worldview.

Whether you're rethinking long-held beliefs, noticing contradictions you can’t ignore, or sensing that something in your life no longer fits, this episode offers a practical and compassionate guide for holding discomfort without collapsing into denial or overreaction.

Discover how the Insight Pause can transform the questions you carry—and the person you’re becoming.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, insight pause, worldview shift, personal transformation, cognitive dissonance, uncomfortable truths, belief deconstruction, identity change, American history myths, indigenous history, psychological resilience, emotional growth, holding space, sacred uncertainty, self-awareness, internal resistance, transformative questions, truth processing, cognitive breakthroughs, narrative reconstruction, myth shattering, personal insight, emotional intelligence, processing implications, growth mindset, hard questions, internal shifts, worldview reconstruction, existential reflection
categories: Community, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Belonging, Coaching
Wednesday 11.26.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#58 Frank Sesno: How Bridge-Building Questions Cross Divides!

"I'm gonna make an appointment with my curiosity." - Frank Sesno

Emmy award-winning journalist Frank Sesno shares how curiosity and strategic questioning shaped his four-decade career covering presidents and world leaders as CNN's Washington Bureau Chief and White House correspondent. From a fourth-grade question about astronauts to interviewing five U.S. presidents, Frank reveals the power of deliberate curiosity and active listening.

Frank breaks down his approach to preparing for high-stakes interviews, explaining how he blocks conversations into thematic acts while remaining flexible. He introduces the "echo question" technique, which is simply repeating a person's emotionally charged word back to them, that transforms surface answers into more profound truths. Frank emphasizes that the best questioners are the best listeners, focusing on what people say and what they don't say.

In "Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change," Frank discusses why bridge-building questions are critical in our polarized moment. He explores how AI makes human curiosity more valuable and shares his practice of "making an appointment with curiosity" to create time to deliberately formulate meaningful questions.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, Frank Sesno, questioning techniques, active listening skills, interview preparation, curiosity practices, journalism skills, communication strategies, bridge building questions, echo question technique, strategic questioning, audience awareness, Ask More book, deliberate curiosity, question preparation, polarization solutions, conversation skills, media literacy, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, empathy development, AI and questioning, fact checking, creative questioning, professional development, leadership communication, conflict resolution, relationship building, student engagement, public speaking, investigative journalism
categories: Community, Social Impact, Connection, Education, Leadership, Listening, Personal Growth, Journalism
Wednesday 11.19.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#56 Garrett Wood: Safety, Burnout, and the High-Achievement Mask!

"The closer you become with these people while you're wearing that mask, the more distant you actually feel from the people around you." - Garrett Wood

In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward engages in a deep conversation with Garrett Wood, a national board-certified health and wellness coach and certified clinical hypnotherapist. Garrett shares his insights on the hidden tolls of high achievement, addressing issues such as perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and burnout. He explores the power of questions and how they can transform our understanding of identity, worth, and achievement.

The discussion dives into the paradox of wearing masks to gain social acceptance, the first signs of burnout manifesting as cynicism, and the importance of creating authentic connections. Garrett also discusses practical strategies, such as non-sleep deep rest, to enhance performance and creativity, as well as the role of self-compassion in maintaining mental health.

This episode offers valuable perspectives on how to navigate and make sense of the world through the power of questioning.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, Garrett Wood, Gnosis Therapy, burnout recovery, executive coaching, sustainable success, non-sleep deep rest, NSDR, workplace wellness, high achiever burnout, cynicism at work, attachment theory workplace, questions for leaders, impostor syndrome, perfectionism burnout, cognitive performance, peak performance, wellbeing leadership, burnout symptoms, executive wellness, leadership development, workplace mental health, professional masking, authentic leadership, stress management executives, hypnotherapy coaching, somatic coaching, nervous system regulation, high performer wellness, success without sacrifice, workplace compassion, executive function coaching, preventive self-care
categories: Community, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Coaching
Friday 11.07.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#54 Jill Reilly: The Permission Paradox & Why Questions Matter More Than Approval!

"The most fundamental relationship in any change process is the one that you have with yourself. It's the questions that you ask yourself first and foremost that are the game changers." - Jill Reilly

In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward is in conversation with global citizen and author Jill Reilly to explore the power of questioning in navigating life’s complexities.

Jill shares her journey from the Midwest to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and beyond, reflecting on her experiences as an aid worker and the lessons that shaped her understanding of change and personal agency.

They discuss the importance of self-permission, processing grief, and the need to adapt amidst societal and technological upheaval. With insights from her new book The Ten Permissions: Redefining the Rules of Adulting in the 21st Century, Jill emphasizes the transformative potential of asking the right questions to unlock personal growth and resilience.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, Jill Reilly, permission, questions, approval, self-permission, personal agency, curiosity, life transitions, career change, South Africa, cultural intelligence, adult learning, mindset shift, breaking patterns, family expectations, authentic connection, willpower, being willful, navigate uncertainty, AI age, future of work, personal growth, self-discovery, questioning techniques, life choices, global citizen, aid worker, The 10 Permissions, transformative questions, personal boundaries
categories: Community, Social Impact, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Personal Growth, Change Management, Problem Solving
Wednesday 10.22.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#53 Ken Woodward: Impactful Questions: Am I My Brother's Keeper?

"Am I my brother's keeper? Is answered in the daily work of showing up, being challenged, getting it wrong, being corrected, and showing up again." - Ken Woodward

In this solo episode, Ken Woodward explores one of humanity's oldest and most challenging questions: "Am I my brother's keeper?" Born from Cain's evasion after murdering Abel, this question continues to shape how we answer fundamental issues about immigration, homelessness, healthcare, and who deserves our care.

Drawing from his 101-week walk through every street and alley in Washington, DC, Ken reflects on how he spent 50 years answering "no" to this question while convincing himself he was answering "yes." He shares powerful conversations with Raymond Coates about the Sugar House in Charleston, encounters with a woman who demanded accountability, and the devastating costs of both saying yes and saying no.

This episode challenges listeners to examine their own complicity, confront inherited assumptions, and honestly assess who they've decided doesn't count as "brother." Ken offers four concrete takeaways to help transform this ancient question from theological abstraction into daily practice.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, am I my brother's keeper, social justice, racial equity, personal transformation, Cain and Abel, biblical questions, Washington DC walk, community responsibility, systemic racism, evangelical deconstruction, faith crisis, complicity, white privilege, brother's keeper meaning, moral responsibility, civil rights, Black Lives Matter, questioning assumptions, Howard Thurman, Isabel Wilkerson, personal growth podcast, difficult conversations, reparations, redlining, Jerry Colonna, accountability, generational change, American history, racial justice, curated questions
categories: Community, Community Service, Social Impact, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Personal Growth, Equity, Faith
Thursday 10.16.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#50 Mike Hilson: Why "Who Do I Say I Am?" Changes Everything!

"Who am I? Was never gonna turn out well. Who do I say I am? Had a chance." - Mike Hilson

Mike Hilson is the Senior Pastor of New Life Church based in La Plata, Maryland. Since 1999, the church has grown under his leadership from a congregation of less than 100 into several churches and video venues. The New Life Network of churches now averages more than 5,000 in regular attendance across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and online.

Mike currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Southern Wesleyan University. He is also a member of the Chesapeake District Board of Administration for the Wesleyan Church. He lives in the D.C. Metro Area with his wife, Tina and their three adult sons.

Mike has written several books, including Napkin Theology, Speak Life, A Significant Impact for Christ, Heart of a Leader: Moses, and a series of books called Coffee with the Pastor.

These successes led to numerous invitations to teach and coach leaders from multiple regions, states, denominations, and nations.

In this episode, host Ken Woodward welcomes Pastor Mike Hilson, senior pastor of New Life Church. They delve deep into how questions shape identity, leadership, and personal growth.

Mike shares his journey, from wrestling with self-identity as a child to leading a thriving network of churches. Key discussions include the necessity of creative boredom, the evolution of the question 'Who do I say I am?', the importance of strategic delegation, and balancing doctrinal adherence with familial love.

The episode addresses how asking the right questions can uncover more profound truths, facilitate effective leadership, and nurture valuable relationships.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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categories: Community, Community Service, Social Impact, Connection, Education, Leadership, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth
Wednesday 09.24.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#49 Naomi Campbell: The Key to Helping Others Find Their Own Questions!

"Questions are an extremely sophisticated thinking skill that everyone can use and practice all the time." - Naomi Campbell

In this episode, host Ken Woodward is in conversation with Naomi Campbell, Director of the Right Question Institute (RQI) Legal Empowerment Program. They delve into the transformative power of teaching people to ask questions, highlighting its impact across various fields, including education, legal practice, and healthcare.

Naomi shares her journey from an inquisitive childhood encouraged by her family and school, through law school at Harvard, to her work in Mexico City advocating for migrant workers. The episode emphasizes the importance of questioning as a sophisticated skill that fosters personal agency and enhances democratic participation. Naomi also discusses RQI's unique methods for teaching this skill and how they support change agents in different communities.

The conversation provides insightful examples of how empowering people to formulate their own questions can lead to meaningful social change and better navigating decision-making systems.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, Naomi Campbell, questioning skills, self-advocacy, empowerment, Right Question Institute, democratic participation, critical thinking, agency, power sharing, civic engagement, social justice, legal empowerment, healthcare advocacy, patient activation, educational reform, community organizing, decision making, micro democracy, question formulation, divergent thinking, convergent thinking, access to justice, immigrant rights, migrant workers, vulnerable populations, systemic change, advocacy training, professional development, leadership development, communication skills, equity
categories: Community, Community Service, Social Impact, Connection, Education, Leadership, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Questions, Teachers
Thursday 09.18.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#48 Ken Woodward The Curated Questions Origin Story: When It All Began!

" Once you have the question, the hard part begins." - Ken Woodward

In this solo episode, host Ken Woodward delves into the origin and development of the 'Curated Questions' project, which began in 2018. Ken shares his personal journey of curiosity, inspiration from Tim Ferriss' podcast, and the influences that led to the creation of his blog and subsequent podcast.

Highlighting notable milestones and influential interviews, Ken discusses the structure and purpose of the Curated Questions website and its various elements, including famous questions and lists. He also reflects on the profound impact of asking meaningful questions, illustrated with personal anecdotes.

The episode encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and engage with the world through the power of well-chosen questions.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, curiosity, questions, personal growth, self-reflection, podcast, Tim Ferriss, questioning techniques, mindfulness, leadership development, social justice, interview questions, mentoring, self-improvement, transformation, Jerry Colonna, Seth Godin, meaningful conversations, life coaching, professional development, workplace culture, diversity and inclusion, personal transformation, business strategy, networking, career development, communication skills, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, philosophy, introspection
categories: Community, Connection, Leadership, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Coaching, Creativity, Podcast, Questions
Thursday 09.11.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#46 Dr. Matt Lampe: Why the Right Question Feels Like an Invitation

"The meaning of your communication is the result you are getting." - Dr. Matt Lampe

With a Doctorate from Alliant International University's California School of Professional Psychology, Matt has dedicated his career to transforming how organizations approach change, leadership development, and workplace agility.

He is currently leading enterprise-wide organizational change efforts as part of Business Oregon's flagship modernization initiative, which focuses on aligning internal systems, strengthening operational infrastructure, and enhancing statewide service delivery to help businesses throughout Oregon.

Sponsored by the non-profit Science For Work, Matt hosts the "Science for Work Podcast," where he explores the science behind creating healthier, more effective work environments through conversations that translate heady scientific research findings into practical action steps.

His consulting practice helps organizations navigate complex transformations through change management, leadership development, strategic planning, and project management—combining data-driven insights with compelling storytelling.

Matt's philosophy centers on creating cultures where people can thrive. He's learned that data alone isn't enough to drive change; it's the combination of solid research with relatable storytelling that truly motivates action and engagement. And if that wasn't enough, he is also a contributing writer to PositivePsychology.com.

In this podcast episode, host Ken Woodward delves into the significance of questions in both professional and personal spheres with Dr. Matthew R. Lampe, an expert in organizational change and leadership development. Highlighting the vital role questions play in verifying communication, navigating change, and building trust, Matt shares insights from his experience in managing organizational transformations and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the deep tradition of yearly trips to Yosemite, offering a unique perspective on how consistent reflection against an unchanging backdrop can facilitate personal growth and evolution. Additional elements include updates about the curated questions community, announcements of new features, and an introduction to the Science for Work Podcast.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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categories: Community, Community Service, Social Impact, Connection, Education, Leadership, Listening, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth
Thursday 08.28.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#45 Dr. Latorial Faison: The Power of Asking "What Do I Do Now?" Instead of "Why Me?"

"When I even think that I wanna give up, I can't because people like this put their life on the line so that I could have better opportunities." - Dr. Latorial Faison

Dr. Latorial Faison is an HBCU and Virginia State University Professor, Poet, Author, Independent Scholar & Senior Military Spouse. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in English and a Doctoral degree in Education. Faison is Chair of the Department of Languages & Literature and Assistant Professor of English at Virginia State University and has authored over sixteen books.

Faison's research study, The Missed Education of the Negro: An Examination of the Black Segregated Experience in Southampton County, Virginia 1950-1970, focused on Riverview High School, a segregated Black High School that existed in Courtland, Virginia, and explores the nuances of Black segregated education during the Jim Crow Era.

Faison's latest work, Nursery Rhymes in Black was released in June of 2025 and blends tradition, memory, and resistance through a reimagination of familiar childhood rhymes through the lens of Black history and lived experience. This volume just received a Pulitzer Prize nomination.

Not one to rest on her laurels, her next work Blood at the Root, will be released in the coming months, which speaks directly to the historical and ongoing violence, erasure, and resilience that define the African American experience.

In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Latorial Faison, a professor, poet, and scholar. Dr. Faison shares her journey from growing up in a small town in Virginia, being raised by her grandparents, to becoming a notable academic and author.

Through discussing her work, research, and dedication to teaching, Faison emphasizes the importance of memory, resilience, and the power of storytelling. The episode also touches on her latest book, 'Nursery Rhymes in Black,' her role in the Wintergreen Women's Writers Collective, and her vision for fostering a supportive community for her students. A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the transformative power of questions, both in personal growth and in understanding one's purpose.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, Dr. Latorial Fascion, spiritual journey, HBCU education, black poetry, family legacy, grandmother wisdom, military spouse, organizational psychology, storytelling power, ancestral responsibility, rural Virginia, segregated education, Jim Crow history, resilience building, community healing, memory preservation, pain transformation, cultural identity, educational equity, Nikki Giovanni, Wintergreen Writers, grief processing, purpose discovery, racial representation, intergenerational trauma, black church tradition, southern roots, academic leadership, creative writing, social justice education, Dr. Latorial Faison
categories: Black Women, Community, Community Service, Legacy, Poetry, Social Impact
Thursday 08.21.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#43 Dr. Jemayne King: The Scholar Who Sees Literature in Sneakers, Hip-Hop, and Gaming

"It is much safer to be vulnerable than you might think." - Ashley Kirsner

Ashley is the founder and director of Skip the Small Talk, and believes in the efficacy of high-quality person-to-person interaction for improving psychological health. She has conducted research with professors at prestigious organizations such as Cornell University, the Harvard Decision Science Lab, and the Harvard Business School, on social and clinical psychology topics ranging from decision-making and implicit biases to facial expressions in borderline personality disorder patients.

Ashley gained hands-on therapeutic experience as a suicide hotline phone responder and as a peer counselor at Cornell. Ashley received her B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University and turned down acceptances to doctorate programs in order to devote her time to Skip the Small Talk. She received a fellowship from the Harvard Divinity School for individuals who have demonstrated a social impact in the domain of creating meaningful communities. Skip The Small Talk events are regularly held internationally, as well as an online options.

In this engaging episode of 'Curated Questions,' host Ken Woodward sits down with Ashley Kirsner, the founder and director of 'Skip the Small Talk.' They explore the transformative power of meaningful conversations, the science behind vulnerability, and the surprising benefits of structured social interactions.

Ashley shares her experiences from the suicide hotline, her inspiration for starting 'Skip the Small Talk,' and how intentional question design can foster deeper human connections. The conversation also delves into the physiological benefits of social interactions, ethical considerations in community building, and the importance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability. Tune in to learn how these insights can help you build stronger, more authentic relationships in your own life.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

Keep questioning!

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tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, Dr. Jemayne King, sneaker culture, hip hop studies, academic innovation, literature analysis, cultural studies, HBCU education, Virginia State University, authentic vs inauthentic culture, southern hip hop, southern literature, OutKast, video game literature, Red Dead Redemption, RDR2, pedagogical change, English education reform, urban culture scholarship, street knowledge, academic gatekeeping, cultural legitimacy, postmodern literature, sneaker collecting, hip hop culture evolution, gaming narratives, educational accessibility, cultural authenticity, scholarly inclusion, nontraditional literature, pop culture academia, cultural criticism, interdisciplinary studies
categories: Community, Personal Growth, Social Impact, Creative Thinking, Innovation, Justice, Leadership, Legacy, Education
Wednesday 08.06.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#42 Ashley Kirsner: Want Connection? Skip The Small Talk

"It is much safer to be vulnerable than you might think." - Ashley Kirsner

Ashley is the founder and director of Skip the Small Talk, and believes in the efficacy of high-quality person-to-person interaction for improving psychological health. She has conducted research with professors at prestigious organizations such as Cornell University, the Harvard Decision Science Lab, and the Harvard Business School, on social and clinical psychology topics ranging from decision-making and implicit biases to facial expressions in borderline personality disorder patients.

Ashley gained hands-on therapeutic experience as a suicide hotline phone responder and as a peer counselor at Cornell. Ashley received her B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University and turned down acceptances to doctorate programs in order to devote her time to Skip the Small Talk. She received a fellowship from the Harvard Divinity School for individuals who have demonstrated a social impact in the domain of creating meaningful communities. Skip The Small Talk events are regularly held internationally, as well as an online options.

In this engaging episode of 'Curated Questions,' host Ken Woodward sits down with Ashley Kirsner, the founder and director of 'Skip the Small Talk.' They explore the transformative power of meaningful conversations, the science behind vulnerability, and the surprising benefits of structured social interactions.

Ashley shares her experiences from the suicide hotline, her inspiration for starting 'Skip the Small Talk,' and how intentional question design can foster deeper human connections. The conversation also delves into the physiological benefits of social interactions, ethical considerations in community building, and the importance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability. Tune in to learn how these insights can help you build stronger, more authentic relationships in your own life.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

Keep questioning!

Read more

tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, Ashley Kirsner, Skip The Small Talk, vulnerability, meaningful conversations, suicide hotline, active listening, human connection, loneliness epidemic, social anxiety, open-ended questions, community building, authentic relationships, emotional safety, conversation starters, deep sleep benefits, social psychology, Cornell University, Harvard research, mental health, depression support, anxiety relief, interpersonal connection, question prompts, vulnerability gym, stranger conversations, empathy skills, social skills training, conversation techniques, relationship building, emotional intelligence, social isolation
categories: Listening, Community, Connection, Gratitude, Relationships, Belonging, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Social Impact
Wednesday 07.30.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

#41 Robert Sturman: The Question of Beauty: A Photographer's Pursuit

"I realized that paying attention is a form of a question." - Robert Sturman

Robert Sturman is a seeker and visual storyteller. Driven by an unshakeable belief that beauty exists everywhere. He has pursued this vision as an Official Artist of the Grammy Awards and the FIFA World Cup, and as a globally recognized photographer who captures the healing power of humanity through yoga. After studying art at UC Santa Cruz and Memphis College of Art, he discovered that his life itself, was art, and needed to become a masterpiece.

Robert has mastered finding profound beauty in unexpected places - from the streets of Manhattan to San Quentin Prison, from Kenyan orphans to breast cancer survivors bearing their scars. His philosophy is rooted in Rumi's words: "I can't stop pointing to the beauty."

Through his lens, Robert demonstrates that everyone belongs and vulnerability becomes strength. His approach reveals that the most potent questions aren't about technique, but about trust, connection, and helping people recognize their own light. He seeks beauty where others see difficulty because he understands transformation happens when we're willing to look deeper.

The most heartfelt title he answers to is Dad to Otis the Handsome Hound, an 85-pound English American Redtick Coonhound who was rescued following animal testing. Otis has nearly 7K Instagram followers and is an advocate for cruelty-free testing. 

In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward converses with renowned visual storyteller Robert Sturman. Robert, celebrated for his profound and inclusive photography, shares insights on capturing the healing power of humanity through his lens. The discussion explores Robert's journey from photographing idyllic beach yogis to documenting yoga practice in diverse and challenging settings, including maximum security prisons and amongst war veterans. Through his lens, he celebrates vulnerability, trust, and beauty in unexpected places. Robert also delves into his advocacy work with his rescued animal companion Otis, highlighting the critical issue of cruelty-free product testing. Throughout the episode, recurring themes focus on the transformative power of paying attention, the courageous response to criticism, and the continuous pursuit of personal and artistic growth.

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

Keep questioning!

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tags: Ken Woodward, Curated Questions, Robert Sturman, photography, beauty, questions, yoga, San Quentin, prison, healing, mindfulness, visual storytelling, human connection, meditation, vulnerability, street photography, documentary, art therapy, social justice, inclusion, diversity, military veterans, animal rights, Polaroid, digital photography, perspective, attention, presence, transformation, consciousness, awakening, compassion, humanity
categories: Listening, Community, Connection, Gratitude, Relationships, Art, Belonging, Creativity, Mental Wellness, Personal Growth, Social Impact
Wednesday 07.23.25
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 
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