#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.

Keep questioning!

#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.

Keep questioning!

#44 AI Alan Turing: What Machines Can’t Imitate - On Questions, Doubt, and the Discipline of Curiosity

"I suspect beauty comes when a question both sharpens and enlarges your vision." - AI Alan Turing

In this special episode, we step back to a cold December night in 1951 and into the warm, wood-paneled room of The Britons Protection, a historic Manchester pub. Across the table sits Alan Turing, the mathematician, wartime codebreaker, and one of the founding figures of computer science, who is brought to life through an AI simulation.

Best known for his role at Bletchley Park during World War II, Turing devised techniques and machines, including the Bombe, that cracked the German Enigma code and helped shorten the war by years. His groundbreaking 1936 paper on “computable numbers” introduced the concept of the universal machine, and became the theoretical foundation for modern computers. Later, at the University of Manchester, he advanced early computing, explored artificial intelligence, and even pioneered mathematical biology.

Our imagined conversation, grounded in historical detail and Turing’s own writings, delves into his enduring fascination with questions: how to ask them, when to abandon them, and why some are worth carrying for a lifetime. We discuss the interplay between beauty and inquiry, the discipline required to avoid seductive but unproductive lines of thought, and the place of doubt as an essential human strength.

We also revisit his famous “imitation game” — now known as the Turing Test — and consider the boundaries of machine intelligence, the dangers of mistaking simulation for genuine dialogue, and the questions that only humans can keep alive, all while wrestling with the meta question, "Is this machine thinking?"

This episode blends history, philosophy, and imagination while inviting you to consider what it means to think, to doubt, and to remain fully human in an age of advancing machines.

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

Keep questioning!

#39 Scott Johnson: How Asking 'What Was That Like' Creates Extraordinary Connection

In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward engages with Scott Johnson, the creator of the 'What Was That Like' podcast. The discussion examines how Scott's podcast cultivates profound human connections through storytelling. Scott shares insights into his journey from a computer business owner to a podcaster, revealing the meticulous preparation and empathy required to capture extraordinary true stories. They delve into themes like the power of questions, creating safe spaces for sharing trauma, and Scott's personal journey of religious deconstruction. Highlights include profound and outlandish stories from Scott’s podcast, the impact of a supportive community, and using personal pain to create purpose. The episode is an insightful exploration of how curiosity and storytelling can break down barriers and build authentic connections.

#36 Jeff Wetzler: When Every Conversation Holds Possibility

In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward welcomes Jeff Wetzler, a distinguished leader in business and education, to discuss the profound impact of asking quality questions. Jeff introduces his 'Ask' approach and elucidates how curiosity can transform leadership and personal growth. The conversation delves into various strategies for designing impactful questions, leveraging curiosity in conflict situations, and the importance of reflective listening. Jeff also shares practical methods to expand one's natural curiosity, highlighting the role of intentional lifestyle choices in fostering this growth. Together, they explore how fostering genuine curiosity can lead to deeper connections and richer life experiences.

#35 Shelbie Morgan: When You Show Up for Yourself, Your World Changes

In this Curated Questions episode, host Ken Woodward is in conversation with Shelbie, who emphasizes the importance of showing up for oneself, making empowered decisions, and the value of financial literacy. They discuss her upbringing, shaped by strategic parenting and mandatory volunteering, and how these experiences cultivated her confidence, empathy, and strong work ethic. The conversation explores the importance of structured freedom, the power of serving others, maintaining financial awareness, and the impact of manifesting goals and self-belief. Shelbie's insights highlight the vital questions to ask oneself to achieve both personal and financial growth. Tune in for actionable advice on harnessing your full potential and building a successful, balanced life.

#34 MK Palmore: From FBI Interrogations to Corporate Conversations

In this episode of Curated Questions, host Ken Woodward engages MK Palmore, an expert in cybersecurity and leadership, in a holistic conversation about the nuances of interviewing, the significance of psychological safety, and the impact of people-centered leadership. MK, a former FBI special agent, shares the invaluable lessons he's learned from his diverse career spanning the US Naval Academy, the Marines, Silicon Valley, and his own start-up, Apogee Global RMS. He reveals the power of strategic silence in eliciting critical information during interviews, his unique approach to fostering team growth and leadership, and how his constant curiosity has been a driving force in his professional journey. Listeners will gain practical insights on improving their questioning techniques, building trust within their teams, public speaking, and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and learning.

#03 Lynn Borton: Mental Health Compassion and Choosing to Be Curious

"Choosing to be curious is acting on the idea that there's opportunity in the unknown, which becomes an invitation." - Lynn Borton

Lynn Borton is the creator and host of the podcast and Pacifica Network radio show "Choose to be Curious."