Open + Curious
Great conversation requires true listening and genuine curiosity. I want to show you how to shift from simply having conversations, to actively creating better conversations. Hello đź‘‹ I'm Craig Constantine, and my mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. Interested? https://openandcurious.org/
S2 E18 · Sat, July 06, 2024
How do you end?
How can you effectively and gracefully end a conversation while maintaining its value and mutual appreciation? Understand the balance between leaving a conversation fulfilled and seeking more. "I know I didn't even try to get everything [from a conversation] because I know I can't get everything. So it's somehow finding a balance between: "Okay, my cup is full. I should really move away and just revel in what I have." Finding a balance between that, and just going to the well until the cup comes up empty. I think that's probably the compass for how to find a good ending." ~ Craig Constantine (4:25) Craig and Jesse discuss the complexities of ending conversations, beginning with the idea that most conversations naturally conclude due to external factors like time constraints. Craig notes that in many casual interactions, such as those at events or in public spaces, the end is often dictated by circumstances rather than a conscious decision. Episode notes and resources: How do you end? ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S2 E17 · Mon, July 01, 2024
Once awakened
What role does dialogue play in fostering a sense of connection and transformation within individuals and communities? Can dialogue itself be more important than the decisions it leads to? "So then I have to ask myself, how do I have to be in the world so that I can create more moments like that for myself? And for others? And what [for] the spaces that I create? When I'm creating spaces for groups? Or when I'm entering into spaces that already exist for groups? What can I do to bring that feeling? …that dialog? …that awakeness?" ~ Jesse Danger (11:30) In this conversation, Craig and Jesse explore the concept of dialogue and its transformative power within communities. They begin by discussing a quote from the book "Dialogue" by Isaac, which suggests that once people experience genuine dialogue, they do not revert to superficial interactions. Episode notes and resources: Once awakened ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S2 E16 · Thu, June 20, 2024
Depth versus aliveness
What defines a deep conversation, and how can one recognize or evaluate its depth? Is the depth of a conversation defined by content or the experience? "I feel like it only can be deep if it if it was deep for both of us. Like can you have a conversation— I guess anything's possible. [But,] does it seem realistic to have a conversation where one person thought it was deep? Because I'm saying to myself, yeah, obviously it's possible. But what happens if both people thought it was deep versus [only] one person thought it was deep?" ~ Craig Constantine (4:18) Craig Constantine and Jesse Danger explore the nature of deep conversations, focusing on the distinction between superficial and meaningful exchanges. Jesse begins by considering what makes a conversation real, emphasizing the unique contributions of each participant and the specific moment. Craig reflects on the term "deep" and questions whether it might sometimes be the wrong word, as some people avoid deep conversations due to discomfort. They both ponder if a deep conversation is characterized by newness or if it can occur without discussing novel topics. Episode notes and resources: Depth versus aliveness ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S2 E15 · Sat, June 15, 2024
Why do we keep talking?
Why do we keep talking, and when should we stop? Join Craig and Jesse as they challenge the urge to keep talking and explore the value of silence. "I find that when I can't shut up, it's usually because […] I'm trying to provide more and more and more and more and more and more context. […] it's really a lot about hiding— So I find when I can't shut up, It's because I'm uncomfortable, or I'm afraid." ~ Craig Constantine (0:55) Craig Constantine and Jesse Danger explore the reasons behind why people keep talking. Episode notes and resources: Why do we keep talking? ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S2 E14 · Fri, June 07, 2024
Hearing multiple things
How can we effectively handle conversations where multiple topics or threads are presented simultaneously, ensuring a balance between active listening, addressing key points, and maintaining conversational flow? Craig Constantine and Jesse Danger explore navigating multiple topics gracefully, leveraging listening as a tool, and the nuanced dance of giving and receiving information. "I often signpost. So Jesse says 'a' and 'b' and 'c' and throws all these things at me, and then I grab 'b' and I start talking about it. I often try to end with, "and I think I missed a lot of other things that you threw at me, Jesse." I'll at least raise a semaphore [that] I'm aware that I only did one, sorry. I think that may go a long way just because that's the same type of behavior—or it comes from the same type of intention—as listening." ~ Craig Constantine, 3:40 Craig and Jesse discuss the intricacies of handling conversations that veer into multiple directions simultaneously. They ponder the challenges and strategies involved when participants in a conversation introduce several topics at once, emphasizing the importance of active listening as a critical response in such scenarios. Episode notes and resources: Hearing multiple things ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S2 E13 · Thu, May 30, 2024
Without purpose or agenda
Are you heading toward what you already understand or toward your unknown? In a conversation exploring the depths of dialogue and presence, Craig and Jesse delve 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. "I Think that there's a beautiful edge of curiosity here, around looking at the unknown, which is the utter willingness to show up, like dumbfounded, or stupid." ~ Jesse, 12:59 "[…] leaning into the asking-as-a-five-year-old, or asking-for-a-friend-meme. I also think [our] challenge needs to contain, letting go of the urge to control the result. [When] asking as a five-year-old, I'm not hiding from the possibility that people are going to respond, "that's stupid, Craig." I'm not hiding from that. I'm asking as a five year old because it challenges me to ask the simplest question." ~ Craig, 13:41 Episode notes and resources: Without purpose or agenda ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S2 E12 · Mon, May 27, 2024
Adversity and challenge
What is the difference between adversity and challenge in the context of conversations, and how can one navigate these dynamics to foster curiosity and deeper understanding? Exploring the fine line between adversity and challenge can transform the nature of our conversations. "I agree with everything you're saying. I think from Errol's quote, my first reading, I was like: Well, of course, there are adversarial interviews. But as soon as I thought about it more, then I came to this idea of adversity versus challenge. [The next] thought I had was, you know, alright, what's the opposite of adversity? […] And I feel like the opposite of adversity should be challenge." ~ Craig Constantine 2:30 In the dialogue between Craig Constantine and Jesse Danger, the conversation kicks off with a contemplative inquiry into the nature of conversations themselves, particularly the nuanced differences between adversity and challenge. Craig introduces this theme by reflecting on a quote from documentary filmmaker Errol Morris, sparking a discussion on the dynamics of adversarial interviews versus those driven by genuine curiosity. The duo delves into the observation that adversarial interactions, often characterized by a gladiatorial theater, tend not to be fruitful in learning or uncovering new insights. This discussion underscores a mutual agreement on the importance of fostering conversations that are alive with exploration and inquiry rather than contention. Episode notes and resources: Adversity and Challenge ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E11 · Mon, January 01, 2024
Curiouser and curiouser
Intentionally engaging until we find it interesting "I can see that my digging into things that didn't seem interesting at first glance, has yielded terrific results: Learning, surprise, and happiness to name just three. And not just for myself, but for others too." It's surprising how many things become interesting once I spend enough time digging in. Often, other people's clear interest is an indicator that digging in will be fruitful. "What do they see, that I don't?" is a question that creates within me an energizing tension. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E10 · Wed, October 25, 2023
Without purpose or agenda
Choosing a direction towards what you don't know "We want to avoid being drawn toward what we understand. In that direction lies the temptation to summarize and finish." In a conversation we can feel the urge to have a purpose in the form of a goal we are trying to reach, and we can feel the urge to know the path to that goal in the form of questions or topics to explore. These urges arise because we believe if we begin unprepared, our conversations would be rambling messes, and a complete waste of everyone's time. These urges arise because we feel we would be wandering. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E9 · Tue, August 01, 2023
Roles
An actions-based perspective "When something feels off, we can consider which roles are present in the moment. Am I being a mover, and my guest a follower? Or are they perhaps being an opposer?" During a conversation we sometimes sense that it could be better. We might be aware that we are confused, disappointed, or that there's something we should shift to talking about, and yet we cannot figure out what to change. In short, we're thinking, "this conversation feels off." We're only human and a vague sense may be all we notice in the live moments of a conversation. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E8 · Thu, July 13, 2023
Having an open posture
What intention might you try setting for your next conversation? "I don't simply day-dream about my intentions when it's convenient. I consider different intentions, choose explicitly, and then work to carry that intention into a conversation." Our urge to hide influences us in subtle ways. If we feel we can't control another's thinking (in truth we can't, and we know we can't) then our instinct may be to hide. This can appear as body language, and it can affect the thoughts we have. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E7 · Tue, June 20, 2023
Resources of others
In conversation we can help others be their best selves. "Focusing on these small things frees me from trying to imagine what is the big picture we're creating." There are so many things we could pursue in any conversation: Learning, discovery, helping our partner, even fame. So it's wise to pick something to use as a guide. What we pick, we can then hold quietly in mind as we are listening and thinking about what we might say next. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E6 · Wed, June 14, 2023
Being genuine
Releasing preconceptions can lead to delight. "We have little chance of being creative if we know, or think we know, where things are headed." In conversation we find tension within ourselves from our competing desires to lead and to follow. For genuine connection to develop, we must release our preconceptions of who the other person is, and where the conversation may lead. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E5 · Tue, June 06, 2023
Power of vistas
Encountering vistas changes us. " “What do we want to create together?” presents a vista. We figuratively stand here and now with our partner, and we look forward to the future." We can change ourselves and our partners in conversation by presenting a vista. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E4 · Wed, May 31, 2023
Generous silence
Silence can be an active process of giving. "When we choose silence, we're giving the other person our own time to process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without feeling rushed or judged." Silence is not simply waiting to speak; it can be an active process of giving. There is so much that can be conveyed by silence, and yet so many of us blow right past the opportunities. At a time when many are in need of personal connection, we're still filling up too many chances for silence in which to grow. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E3 · Tue, May 23, 2023
Normal conversations too
Getting better at conversation is not just for special conversations. "My goal is simply to make every conversation I have better than yesteryear-me would have done with it." To improve, we have to decide first how we'd like our conversations to be different. Improving our (and those we converse with's) sense of connection is a great place to start. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
S1 E2 · Wed, May 17, 2023
Profound silence
How do we decide which silences to fill? "We should sit with the silence for a few beats when we find ourselves admiring something profound. Profound silence is too rare." It's important to understand what's appearing in our conversation as it happens. We can have a flow of thought between us, or we can have an abrupt stop when something profound is said. A conversation can repeatedly shift between those two things, but it cannot be both flowing and profound at the same time. Read the article… ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
Trailer · Fri, May 12, 2023
What is Open + Curious
Hello, I’m Craig Constantine 👋 Welcome to Open + Curious. I believe that great conversation requires true listening and genuine curiosity. We talk with others every day, but how often do we intentionally practice the art of conversation? I want to show you how to shift from simply having conversations, to actively creating better conversations. I hope you will discover what "better" means for your conversations. …and I promise to do my best to illuminate the art of conversation, without overwhelming you with information. I promise to encourage you to reflect, so you can learn what works for you. I promise to remain open-minded, to listen to your ideas and your challenges, and to let curiosity be our guide. I appreciate your time and attention and I don't take for granted. Thanks for listening! ɕ ------ What is Open + Curious ? You talk with others every day, but how often do you intentionally practice the art of conversation? By sharing my thoughts here, I hope to ignite your passion for creating great conversations. Open + Curious is about discovering what better means for your conversations. You can read, listen and discuss at, https://openandcurious.org/ Hello 👋 I’m Craig Constantine. My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
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