Curiosity Continuum

The Need For Unified Social Contagion

This conversation explores the changing dynamics of social contagion in the context of entertainment choices. It discusses the impact of streaming services on the collective viewing experience and the fragmentation of social currency. The need for unified social contagion is highlighted, drawing comparisons to past television phenomena like MASH and Who shot JR?. The conversation also touches on the cadence of broadcast television and the challenges of maintaining social currency in a fractured media landscape.

takeaways

• Streaming services have changed the dynamics of social contagion in entertainment, leading to a more fragmented viewing experience.
• In the past, shows like MASH and Who shot JR? created a unified social contagion, with large groups of people following along and discussing the episodes.
• The cadence of broadcast television, with its seasons and breaks, allowed for anticipation and collective viewing experiences.
• Finding common ground and social currency in a fractured media landscape requires alternative ways of connecting beyond traditional topics like sports.

 

Chapters

00:00Setting up the microphone

00:45The need for unified social contagion

04:00Who shot JR?

04:19The pits

05:23Fractured social currency

06:18Breaking Bad and climactic breaks

07:18Recapturing social currency

09:20The horse may be out of the barn

10:01Finding other ways to connect

10:17Thirsty for more

Presently Focused

In this conversation, Josh and Brian discuss the relationship between happiness, awareness, and ignorance. They explore the idea of being present in the moment and focusing on what is important to find joy. They also touch on the role of anxiety and how it can hinder curiosity and happiness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding anchor points in life and having support from others.

 

 

What Is Old Is New Again

The conversation explores the cyclical nature of fashion, music, and generational perspectives, as well as the impact of technology on societal connections. It delves into the concept of nostalgia and the desire to tap into the past for understanding and experience. The discussion also touches on creativity, constraints, and the value of simplicity in design and life.

More Than Meets The Eye: Epiphanies and Loose Ends

This conversation delves into the nostalgia of 80s cartoons, particularly the Transformers, and the value of revisiting childhood interests to gain a deeper understanding. It also explores the concept of epiphany and the importance of filling in gaps of knowledge to gain clarity and continuity in life.

How You Dune? A Sci-Fi Reflection

In this conversation, Brian and Josh discuss the science fiction epic 'Dune' and its impact on the genre. They explore the themes, characters, and world-building of the Dune universe, as well as its influence on real-world technology and creativity. The conversation delves into the appeal of science fiction and its ability to engage the imagination and inspire innovation.

ENCORE: Lessons from a Thrift Shop

Don't let the term "thrift" throw you. Undiscovered treasures abound in the overlooked corners of second-hand stores. Just because someone no longer places importance on something does not mean someone else finds it irresistible. And, it creates entirely new economies. What's the best thing you discovered in a thrift store?

ENCORE : Necessity of Boredom Part 2

How does boredom affect you? How do you rest? Do the dreams you have change when you have adequate fallow mental moments? How do you solve it?

Paralysis of Choice

In this conversation, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of the paralysis of choice, particularly in the context of streaming services and dating apps. They explore how the abundance of options can lead to indecision and a lack of commitment. They also discuss the importance of making a choice and taking the first step to overcome the paralysis of choice. The conversation highlights the need for limits and constraints to drive action and focus. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of actively choosing and exploring different options to avoid being overwhelmed by the abundance of choices.

• The abundance of choices in streaming services and dating apps can lead to indecision and a lack of commitment.
• Making a choice and taking the first step is crucial to overcome the paralysis of choice.
• Limits and constraints can help drive action and focus in decision-making.
• Actively choosing and exploring different options is important to avoid being overwhelmed by the abundance of choices.

Chapters

00:00Introduction: Europe and the Paralysis of Choice

00:43The Overwhelming Choices of Streaming Services

03:28Taking an Active Approach in Decision-Making

04:01The Need for Limits and Constraints

06:23The Cheesecake Factory Menu as an Example

07:33The Paralysis of Choice in Society

08:39The Importance of Making a Choice

10:13The Flip-Flopping of Roles in Society

11:17Choosing Constructs and Focusing Life

12:12Taking the First Step to Overcome Paralysis of Choice

13:07The Importance of Consistency and Action

14:05Freeing Mental Resources by Making a Choice

15:14Finding Quality Connections Outside of Dating Apps

16:03Conclusion: Taking the First Step

Encore: The Rise of the Generalist

Many employers and schools target specific skills for jobs. But what about the people who can understand how things fit together, not just how each piece should function? This meta layer is where the Generalist lives, and they are always asking questions that makes their creativity thrive.

Encore: Real Money Monopoly

Monopoly money - We all know it's not real money. But, what if you played with REAL money? Listen to the recap of eventful game of Monopoly that Brian played with his children, ages 13 and 11, and how using real money changed their own gaming behavior and inspired real-life learning.

Notes:

Listen to the TedX talk that inspired our own curiosity:

When money isn’t real: the $10,000 experiment | Adam Carroll | TEDxLondonBusinessSchool

Micro Moments, Macro Impact

In this conversation, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of micro moments of influence and how small actions can have a significant impact on others. They emphasize that even though these moments may seem insignificant to the person initiating them, they can be life-changing for the recipient. The hosts also highlight the importance of being aware of the influence we have on others, especially younger individuals who look up to us. They conclude by reminding listeners that every action matters and can contribute to the greater good.

Takeaways

• Micro moments of influence can have a macro impact on others.
• Small actions can be life-changing for the recipient, even if they seem insignificant to the initiator.
• Being aware of the influence we have on others, especially younger individuals, is crucial.
• Every action matters and can contribute to the greater good.

Chapters

00:00Micro Moments of Influence

03:42The Impact of Small Actions

06:03The Ripple Effect of Influence

07:27The Power of Unperceived Moments

08:27The Importance of Being Mindful

The Need for a Palate Cleanser

Does the heaviness of life drag on you? How do you cope with those feelings and take a break? Brian and I (Josh) discuss this and the human need to sometimes switch modes to fully understand our life situations.

Encore: The Value of Friendship

Why is friendship important? Do you have any lifelong friends? In today's world, friendship is even more critical in an ever increasing digital world that can be isolating from real relationships.

Encore: Why The Center Matters

If there are edges, there's a middle. What's your center? Why is it important?

The Continued Value of Friendship

Take a journey with us down memory lane as we recount our very first episode. In this special recording we ( Brian and Josh ) recount the first episode of Curiosity Continuum , The Value Of Friendship. We talk about how its the same and different than today and how we use this knowledge to look into the future of CC. Join us for this riveting discussion!

Encore: The Importance of the Box

 

 

Why should we always "think outside the box?" Is the box inherently bad? We discuss what "The Box" is, its meaning, and its importance.

Encore: Limited Resources

Limited resources force you to focus your creativity and resourcefulness. The best innovations often come when lack of time, money, and tools - because if it already existed, it would not be innovative. How have limits uncapped your unlimited imagination?

The Humorous Brings Serious Thoughts

This conversation explores the importance of humor and satire in drawing attention to serious issues and promoting understanding. It emphasizes the need to explore different perspectives and challenge fixed mindsets. The concept of planting seeds of thought is discussed as a way to initiate meaningful conversations and promote change. The conversation also highlights the need for a common goal in political discussions and the dangers of constant arguments without understanding. Overall, the conversation encourages open-mindedness and the use of humor to foster dialogue and progress.

• Humor and satire can be effective tools for drawing attention to serious issues and promoting understanding.
• Exploring different perspectives and challenging fixed mindsets is crucial for meaningful conversations.
• Planting seeds of thought can initiate change and promote open-mindedness.
• In political discussions, it is important to have a common goal and seek understanding rather than constant arguments.

Chapters

00:00The Importance of Humor and Satire

01:14Understanding Satire

03:12Exploring Different Perspectives

05:00Breaking Down Fixed Mindsets

06:28Planting Seeds of Thought

10:52Seeking Understanding in Politics

13:17The Quagmire of Constant Arguments

14:39Conclusion

A Distracted Focus

This conversation explores the power and importance of distractions. We discuss how distractions can pull us away from our focus and the significance of being present in the moment. We talk about reminiscing about the analog experience of video stores and how distractions played a role in discovering new movies. The conversation also delves into the dependency on technology and the need to find balance. Ultimately, Brian and I highlight how distractions can lead to unexpected and meaningful experiences in life.

 

 

Chapters

00:00The Power of Distraction

03:22The Analog Experience of Video Stores

08:26Distractions as an Exercise

10:33Becoming Dependent on Technology

12:06Living Distracted and Finding Focus

13:53Distractions as Opportunities

UnEpisode : Being Present In a Shared Moment

 We discuss the importance of spending time together and the value of wasting time. We explore the concept of shared experiences and presentness, highlighting the difference between passive consumption and active engagement. The impact of devices on shared experiences is also examined, with a focus on the addictive nature of technology. Our conversation concludes with a call to take an active role in managing device usage and reclaiming meaningful experiences.

• Spending time together is an important way to build relationships and create meaningful connections.
• Wasting time can be valuable, especially for creative individuals who need downtime to recharge and find inspiration.
• Shared experiences require presentness and active engagement, which is often lacking in the age of technology.
• Taking an active role in managing device usage is crucial for reclaiming meaningful experiences and making the most of our limited time.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Setting

00:57The Importance of Spending Time Together

02:23The Investment of Time

03:21Shared Experiences and Presentness

05:16The Value of Wasting Time

09:00The Impact of Devices on Shared Experiences

10:24Building Single Experiences

13:38The Paralysis of Choice

15:36Taking an Active Role in Device Usage

16:19Conclusion

Together At Last in Real Space & Time .... Again

This conversation explores the importance of being together in the same room and the difference between recording separately and being together. It also delves into the evolution of music recording, the immersive experience of being together and the perceived sound vs. the perfect sound. The challenges of digital conversations and the importance of in-person conversations are also discussed.

• Being together in the same room allows for immediate feedback and a more authentic experience.
• Recording separately can result in a more controlled environment, but lacks the spontaneity and dynamic of real-time collaboration.
• The evolution of music recording has led to a more perfect, curated sound, but may lack the human element and context of playing with other musicians.
• Dolby Atmos provides an immersive audio experience that can enhance the perception of sound.
• The perceived sound is different from the perfect sound, as our analog brains perceive sound in a biological, non-digital way.
• Digital conversations present challenges in maintaining a natural conversation flow and interrupting each other.
• In-person conversations are valuable for building relationships and understanding how others interact.
• Having an earnest conversation in person can lead to a more organic and engaging conversation.

Chapters

00:00The Importance of Being Together in the Room

03:18The Difference Between Recording Separately and Being Together

05:15The Benefits of Real-Time Collaboration

06:12The Evolution of Music Recording

07:41The Immersive Experience of Dolby Atmos

09:07The Perceived Sound vs. the Perfect Sound

10:24The Challenges of Digital Conversations

11:23The Importance of In-Person Conversations

Subject Matter Experts; To SME or not to SME

In this conversation, we discuss the role of subject matter experts and our frustrations with the term. We emphasize the importance of exploring new perspectives and the need to adapt skills and apply them in different contexts. We will also share personal experiences that highlight the importance of understanding customer needs and the limitations of subject matter expertise. Ultimately, we fall on the side of valuing deep level experience over subject matter expertise in most situations. Subject matter experts bring unique perspectives and knowledge to specific topics, but it's important to also explore new perspectives from people with different areas of expertise.

• Adapting skills and applying them in different contexts is crucial for innovation and problem-solving.
• Subject matter expertise should not be the sole criteria for hiring or decision-making; understanding customer needs and providing the desired results is equally important.
• Deep level experience, gained through years of practice and varied experiences, can often be more valuable than subject matter expertise.

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Subject Matter Experts

03:08 Exploring New Perspectives

05:00 Adapting Skills and Applying Them

08:22 The Frustration with Subject Matter Experts

12:13 The Importance of Context and Customer Needs

14:36 Deep Level Experience vs Subject Matter Expertise

Accessing the Creative Awareness

How do you become aware of new creative possibilities? How do you deal with them? What do you do to adapt your expertise when the possibilities intersect with you?

Awareness of the Possibilities

(Slight audio weirdness on this one, but still great content!)

How do you become aware of new possibilities? How do you deal with it?

What do you do to adapt your expertise when the possibilities intersect with you? What do you do with it?

REPLAY: Brian Shun's Korean Exposé: Part 1

Special Edition: Originally a live stream to YouTube and Facebook on February 11, 2024, Brian gets deeply personal on how his first trip back to Korea impacted him.

Brian shares original writings, personal insights, and messages to other adoptees and parents of adoptees.

The livestream happened the same day as Super Bowl LVIII and Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year. Of course, two worlds coming together at once on the same day.

From Brian: Thanks for patiently waiting as we worked out the kinds today! The technical issues made me neglect to address this - Brian, you were solo today. What happened to your co-host, Esther Shin MacIntosh?

We had to change format last minute due to sickness. Join me in praying for a speedy recovery for her. And, fear not! We will plan a reschedule of some kind and let you know. First time/this time - One Korean. Second time/next time - Two Koreans. You all just don't know what you're getting yourselves into

 

Thanks for the love and support today!

 

#korea #koreanadoptee #internationaladoption #identity #ethnicidentity