Fruitful Curiosity - An Alto Podcast

In this episode, Sam & Andy enter into the realm of self reflection. They begin by trying to nail down a definition before explaining their individual self reflection journeys. After debating what it is and its purpose, the skill development and habit formation component forms a major part of the discussion. This episode intends to provide useful advice for people struggling with their own reflective behaviours.

Books referenced: Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky

In this episode, Sam & Andy discuss the future of work. In particular, they look at the role of work, remote jobs, AI/automation and how companies may operate down the line.

They have a wide ranging discussion which touches on a variety of pertinent topics for the current generation of working professionals.

In this rather peculiar first episode of the new season, Sam and Andy discuss a recent voyage of Sam's,  El Camino de Santiago. They cover its practical aspects, spiritual depth and the lasting impact of such a journey. 

As usual, they manage to delve into tangent topics around living a good life and defining success for yourself.

In our least relevant episode, we explore what is leisure, its history and what is the purpose of it. As usual, we manage to get on to self-awareness, identity and everything else :) 

Enjoy and join the discord if you fancy. 

In this episode, Sam & Andy explore the concept of digital minimalism. What does it mean, how does our current relationship with technology look and how do we strike the right balance of use of technology. 

In parts this turned more into a discussion around the negatives (and positives) of social media. 

Book referenced: Cal Newport Digital Minimalism 

In this episode, we discuss the topic of how to approach learning - how to choose what to learn and then how to optimise the process of learning itself. As usual, the episode is coupled with our divergent discussion into related topics. 

In this episode, we explore the concept of self-awareness, what it is, why we think it is important and how to build it. 

A non-exhaustive list of the external resources mentioned in this episode are:
 - Permission to Feel - Marc Brackett, relates to the RULER emotional intelligence model
 - Harvard Business Review article on how you should ask what not why when reflecting (Google this and it'll turn up) 
 - Daniel Goleman Emotional Intelligence
 - Nick Craig and purpose, he has a book by the name of Leading From Purpose
 - OCEAN Personality Model

In this episode, we discuss being a generalist vs specialist, which we choose and the importance of both types of people at work. One of most informal and divergent discussions exploring roles of universities and education as it relates to generalists and specialists and more. 

Books & papers mentioned:

• Range - David Epstein
• The Structure of "Unstructured" Decision Processes - Mintzberg 1976 research paper

In this episode, we explore systems theory, specifically detailing what a system is first, why we believe viewing things as systems is powerful and then how we use systems thinking on a regular basis as individuals in our personal and professional life. 

We'll caveat with we aren't systems modellers or analysts rather curious individuals who love to learn. 

In this episode, we explore the philosophy of Stoicism and in particular the power of focusing what is in your control. 

We examine different scenarios in which you can apply this philosophy to life with a touch of divergence into emotional intelligence, psychology and evolutionary biology.