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

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

From The Learning Geeks Podcast by The Learning Geeks

June 9, 2026 · 40 min · Season 8 · Episode 11

About this episode

The episode explores the barriers to curiosity in various settings and offers practical insights for fostering it.

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…

People in this episode

Guests: Dr. Megan Cuzzolino, Dr. Lauren Hodges, Jessica Billiet

Topics covered

  • curiosity
  • neuroscience
  • education
  • workplace culture
  • leadership
  • exploration

Keywords

  • curiosity
  • dopamine
  • threat response
  • learning
  • workplace safety
  • exploration
  • leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harvard University, Performance on Purpose, LinkedIn

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