Open + Curious

Can dialogue itself be more important than the decisions it leads to? This article is based on an episode from the Open + Curious podcast. To listen, please read more about how to purchase the podcast episodes. In this conversation, Craig and Jesse explore the concept of dialogue and its transformative power within communities. They begin…

Our common desire for understanding We must bootstrap our self-awareness and use that to work on our humility and curiosity. Everyone wants to be better understood. I know I do. You know you do, and from you and I it’s easy to extrapolate to saying “everyone.” But don’t take my word for it, ask people.…

Is the depth of a conversation defined by content or the experience? This article is based on an episode from the Open + Curious podcast. To listen, please read more about how to purchase the podcast episodes. I feel like it only can be deep if it if it was deep for both of us. Like…

Experimenting, observing, and reflecting on your conversations I believe we must move beyond studying, into active practice. Every time I think perhaps I should begin to work on a book about conversation, I find another book. I’m always waffling between being convinced that I do have something original to contribute, and being convinced that I’ve…

Join Craig and Jesse as they challenge the urge to keep talking and explore the value of silence. This article is based on an episode from the Open + Curious podcast. To listen, please read more about how to purchase the podcast episodes. I find that when I can’t shut up, it’s usually because […] I’m…

Preparation and practice before the dive lead to better outcomes Are we envisioning play and the joy of discovery, or work and struggle? Our ability to go deep depends on our preparation. In the moment before the dive, of course, it matters how much energy we are expecting to need. It also matters how and…

Craig Constantine and Jesse Danger explore navigating multiple topics gracefully, leveraging listening as a tool, and the nuanced dance of giving and receiving information. This article is based on an episode from the Open + Curious podcast. To listen, please read more about how to purchase the podcast episodes. Craig and Jesse discuss the intricacies of…

Don’t give the impression you want an answer Revealing your questions in such a way points to the shape of the knowledge you are seeking. It’s important to imagine how what we say will be interpreted. Our conversations are able to move to a deeper level once you see how to reveal a question, without…

In a conversation exploring the depths of dialogue and presence, Craig and Jesse get into the intriguing parallels between Quaker meetings and Gurdjieff groups, revealing how these practices foster a deeply present state of mind, akin to a slow, thoughtful game of chess. This article is based on an episode from the Open + Curious…

Acting as the expedition leader A good conversationalist is capable of leading people on a mutual expedition toward understanding. The common ways to imagine guiding a conversation are to ask questions, invite stories, or to generally encourage others to share with you. You can expand your conversational flexibility by finding less usual ways. Intentionally trying…