If you’d like to check it out, you can find this episode on Spotify. It’s also on Apple Podcasts and on our podcast landing page

Podcast Summary: The Courage to Be Curious and Discover

In Season 3, Episode 4 of the augustwenty Podcast, hosts DJ Daugherty, Mary Kaufmann, and Beth Shaheen continue their discussion on courage by exploring the power of curiosity and lifelong learning. The episode is inspired by a conversation with DJ’s brother-in-law, who emphasized the mindset of asking “What if?” and “Why not?” —a perspective that helped him land a new client within his first three weeks at a job.

Key Themes:

1. Curiosity and Learning as a Path to Growth

   • True learning requires courage — the willingness to ask questions, embrace the unknown, and take risks.
   • Staying curious opens up new opportunities and perspectives.
   • A fresh perspective can lead to innovative solutions, as shown in DJ’s brother-in-law’s simple yet effective idea of using color-coded labels to improve shipping efficiency.

2. Personal Stories of Learning and Overcoming Challenges

   • Mary Kaufmann shares how learning to drive a manual transmission car as a teenager was a metaphor for life—learning new skills provides freedom and confidence.
   • Beth Shaheen discusses how traveling alone pushed her out of her comfort zone, reinforcing the idea that if you can read and seek knowledge, you can figure things out.
   • DJ Daugherty talks about his experience moving from a developer to a business owner, constantly learning and adapting. He also shares how his high school English teacher encouraged personalized learning, igniting his passion for reading.

3. Encouraging Others to Learn and Innovate

   • Effective teaching involves tailoring explanations to individuals and helping them see their own potential.
   • Learning is not just about acquiring information but about applying knowledge and sharing it with others.
   • Curiosity-driven learning can drive personal and professional success — DJ’s experience with an autonomous vehicle course illustrates this.

4. Balancing Curiosity with Action

   • While asking “What if?” and “Why not?” sparks creativity, it’s important to avoid analysis paralysis.
   • Learning should be structured but flexible, allowing for both discovery and execution.
   • Fast learning can be valuable, but not everyone learns at the same pace—effective leaders recognize and adapt to different learning styles.

Conclusion:

The courage to be curious leads to continuous growth, innovation, and success. The hosts emphasize the importance of staying open to learning, applying knowledge, and encouraging others to do the same. By embracing curiosity and taking action, we can build valuable things and make a lasting impact.

If you’d like to check it out, you can find this episode on Spotify. It’s also on Apple Podcasts and on our podcast landing page