S8 E11: What Gets in the Way of Curiosity (Part 2)

In part two, Dr. Megan Cuzzolino, Dr. Lauren Hodges, and Jessica Billiet dig into what prevents curiosity in our kids, our workplaces, and ourselves. From the neuroscience of dopamine and threat response, to how schools and organizations are designed for speed over exploration, the conversation gets practical. What does it take to protect the margin where curiosity lives? And what can leaders do to model and cultivate it? Part 2 of 2. 00:00 Intro 02:02 Neuroscience of Curiosity 05:39 Aperture Threat and Learning 10:35 Failure Safety and Workplace 21:23 Curiosity Needs Margin 24:14 Awe and Context for Kids 29:00 Patience and Social Safety 31:59 Leader Takeaways and Wrap   LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS Megan - https://pz.harvard.edu/who-we-are/people/megan-powell-cuzzolino Lauren - https://www.performance-on-purpose.com/about Jessica - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabilliet/   RESOURCES Reflection Guide: Making Space for Everyday Awe: https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/websites.harvard.edu/dist/a/108/files/2025/10/Making-Space-for-Everyday-Awe-Reflection-Tool.pdf   Reflecting on Your Learning in the Workplace: https://nextlevellab.gse.harvard.edu/learning-modules/reflecting-on-your-learning-in-the-workplace/   LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast   You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.   CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.   DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own.