Curiosity Invited

Dr. Daut graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.A. in English and French in 2002 and went on to teach in Rouen, France as an Assistante d’Anglais before enrolling at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2009. Since graduating, she has taught Haitian and French colonial history and culture at the University of Miami, the Claremont Graduate University, and the University of Virginia, where...

In this conversation, host David Bryan speaks with Dr. Tracie Canada about her recent book, which explores the intersection of race, gender, and college football. They discuss the unique experiences of Black college football players, the implications of a Black feminist perspective, and the importance of community and care among players. The conversation highlights the exploitation faced by student-athletes and the broader societal...

In this conversation, David Bryan speaks with Shang Saavedra about the connection between mindset and financial health. Shang shares her personal journey from a frugal upbringing to achieving financial independence and starting her company, Save My Sense. They discuss the importance of mental health in managing finances, the impact of upbringing on money habits, and practical strategies for improving financial decision-making. The ...

Asha Wolf calls herself an animal communicator, a pet psychic, a healer, who works with vibrations and energy. Whether you are  or are not a believer, Asha has a track record of having successfully worked with animal owners, animal sanctuaries, and individuals with concerns about their animals and themselves. 

In this conversation, David and Asha Wolf explore the fascinating world of animal communication. Asha, an animal c...

In this conversation, David Bryan interviews Hilary Braseth, the executive director of OpenSecrets, discussing the organization's mission to promote transparency in political funding. They explore the implications of money in politics, the impact of the Citizens United ruling, the rise of dark money, and the importance of transparency for democracy. Hilary shares insights on how OpenSecrets collects and presents data, the publ...

This was new territory for me. It turns out that so many of the things that so many of the things taught in business school and sales workshops throughout that industry had their origins in the innovations that Mike brought to the industry. Before Mike's work, sales was always seen as "pitching products." Mike simple yet profound  innovation flipped that approach onto its head - successful sellers don't move pro...

In this conversation, Mayor Karen Bass discusses the challenges faced by Los Angeles in the wake of recent wildfires, addressing misinformation, grief, and the city's recovery efforts. She highlights the importance of communication and community support in rebuilding, while also touching on the political landscape and upcoming events in the city.

https://lacity.gov/
https://lacity.gov/residents
https://emergen...

Anne Abel is an author and storyteller. Her first memoir, published in 2024 , “Mattie, Milo, and Me,” about unwittingly rescuing an aggressive dog, was inspired by her Moth StorySLAM win in New York City.

Her second memoir, “High Hopes Bruce Springsteen and Me,” about fighting depression by following Bruce Springsteen’s Australia tour, at the age of 60, even though she hates to travel and hates to be alone, won a Moth Sto...

Jeff Schoep, a former leader of the National Socialist Movement, returns to Curiosity Invited to speak about his latest work and tireless effort to dismantle to seeds of extremism and undo the harm of his past. Jeff shares his experiences of being involved in hate groups for 27 years, the process of leaving that life behind, and the work he does now to help others escape similar paths. 

He emphasizes the importance of educ...

David speaks with Carole Bell, a therapist from Northwestern Wyoming, about her unique background growing up on a ranch, the romanticized notions of ranch life, and the realities of community interdependence. 

They delve into the cowboy culture's emphasis on independence and the stigma surrounding mental health, which often prevents individuals from seeking help. Carol shares her journey to becoming a therapist, influenced by h...

In this conversation, David Bryan speaks with author and scholar Omar Imady, who shares his insights on the complex history of Syria, the impact of the Assad regime, and the effects of the Arab Spring. Imady discusses the shift in power dynamics during the Syrian civil war, the rise of rebel groups, and their governance. He expresses cautious optimism about Syria's future, highlighting the need for economic recovery and the im...

Pippa Jarvis serves as the Managing Director of TLC and Embrace Village, nestled in the vibrant community of Walkerville, Southern Johannesburg. For the past thirty years, she has been privileged to walk alongside the noble mission of TLC, a haven for abandoned babies and children in need.

Pippa holds a bachelor's degree in education and has a heart brimming with compassion. Her journey has been guided by a simple desire to ens...

As the founder of Blink Consulting, Alison Park has partnered with over 100 independent schools, as well as public districts, community-based organizations and nonprofits to advance their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition to her work with clients, Alison has facilitated and keynoted at numerous conferences, including the Asian Educators’ Alliance, Bay Area Directors of Admission Symposium, California Assoc...

In this conversation, David speaks with Lindsey Marie Greeley about her life-journey in bodybuilding and fitness.  Lindsey speaks about  the impact of drug use on competitors as well as the toll the sport takes on competitors: the pressures of competition, and the distortions those pressures can put on ordinary habits of eating, sleeping, and relationships. Lindsey is very candid about the mental health challenges that can arise wi...

Over the past several years, fear and anger have become the dominant forces in American politics. For Japanese elders, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II because of their race, this political climate feels all too familiar. To satisfy their mission, the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation is committed to not only educate about the past, but also help shape the kind of leaders we need for the future.

The Mineta-...

Roy S. Whitehurst is a former CIA analyst and instructor. He spent 30+ years evaluating written information, photos, videos, and other media collected by the CIA and then taught media literacy skills to new CIA analysts. He is the author of the new book, “Teaching Media Literacy with Social Media News: Practical Techniques for Middle and High School Classrooms.” The book, which shows middle and high school educators in civics, Engl...

John Brantingham and Jane Edberg published a unique and delightful book entitled MYDEAD. John's beautiful poetry is accompanied by Jane's vivid art. Neither an illustration nor and illumination, Jane's art adds additional meaning - perhaps even another perspective - to John's words. Their unique collaboration provided the ground for this spirited conversation.

John Brantingham is currently and always th...

Chris Thinnes, career educator and education consultant speaks at length about public versus private education, progressive education, when and why schools fail or succeed in meeting the needs of children and society.
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‭ Chris‬‭ Thinnes,‬‭ Ed.D.‬‭ is‬‭ a‬‭ veteran‬‭ independent‬‭ school‬‭ division‬‭ head,‬‭ experienced‬‭ DEI‬‭ consultant‬‭ and‬‭ facilitator,‬‭ former‬‭ English‬‭ teacher,‬‭ and‬‭ long-term‬‭ collaborator‬‭ ...

David speaks with George Nickle, a candidate for City Council in West Hollywood, CA.

A West Hollywood Public Safety Commissioner  George fought for the rehiring of Sworn Deputies, who had previously been cut by Council majority, at his very first commission meeting. He continues to push for a fully funded and fully staffed West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station to meet the city's growing public safety needs. 

Georg...