MIND
Cultivating Curiosity and Learning to Think Critically
with
Will Reusch
Will Reusch has 16 years of experience as a high school teacher – first in a public school in East LA and now in Private School – a teacher of history, civics, geography, government, and more – his main mission is to teach kids not what to think, but HOW to think. We explore the pitfalls of the current education system, everything from the unnatural environment of fluorescent lights to how curiosity, in the current paradigm, is viewed as disruptive and compliance is what makes a better student. WIll aims to turn that on its head, exploring how we can connect kids to the material they’re learning, help them seek out the why, and develop an open and curious mind. We also dive into how to have conversations as adults in an increasingly polarized political environment, asking how we can build bridges instead of deeper divides. Will’s work on instagram has been to create a space where conversation is welcome and a diversity of ideas and viewpoints are encouraged when looking at some hard-hitting topics. We touch on the place of religion and get curious about the declining belief systems has led to a sort of unmooring and seeking framework for beliefs in political structures instead. We dive into the role grief might play in culture and how our turning away from death and our “disgust” response leads us to shield ourselves from anything. Throughout the conversation, the idea of the importance of Struggle is present, and how, even if its manufactured, struggle is important for creating a sense of purpose.
We also talk about:
- How just looking at things through the lens of “good” and “bad” leaves no room for nuance and complexity
- How we can scale good education in a K-12 model
- Seeking out disconfirmation and its importance in critical thinking
- How meat got vilified and how that conversation is going
Where to Find Will:
Notable Works:
Why K-12 Need Viewpoint Diversity
How to Scale Good Education with Will Reusch and Hollis Robbins
Further Reading:
Ryan Holiday’s Book
How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide by Peter Bhogossian and James Lindsay
John McWhorter’s Work
Resources Mentioned:
Louis CK ‘Kids Asking Why’
Will Reusch on Factory Farming and Slavery
Current Discounts for GW listeners:
- 15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV15
Join the Ground Work Collective:
Instagram: @groundworkcollective
Find a Farm: nearhome.groundworkcollective.com
More: groundworkcollective.com
Podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: groundworkcollective.com/disclaimer
Mind, Body, and Soil
Welcome to Mind, Body, and Soil. Join me, Kate Kavanaugh, a farmer, entrepreneur, and holistic nutritionist, as I get curious about human nature, health, and consciousness as viewed through the lens of nature. At its heart, this podcast is about finding the threads of what it means to be humans woven into this earth. I’m digging into deep and raw conversations with truly impactful guests that are laying the ground work for themselves and many generations to come. We dive into topics around farming, grief, biohacking, regenerative agriculture, spirituality, nutrition, and beyond. Get curious and get ready with new episodes every Tuesday!
Cultivating Curiosity and Learning to Think Critically with Will Reusch
Will Reusch has 16 years of experience as a high school teacher first in a public school in East LA and now in Private School – a teacher of history, civics, geography, government, and more – his main mission is to teach kids not what to think, but HOW to think. We explore the pitfalls of the current education system, everything from the unnatural environment of fluorescent lights to how curiosity, in the current paradigm, is viewed as disruptive and compliance is what makes a better student. Will aims to turn that on its head, exploring how we can connect kids to the material they’re learning, help them seek out the why, and develop an open and curious mind. We also dive into how to have conversations as adults in an increasingly polarized political environment, asking how we can build bridges instead of deeper divides. Will’s work on instagram has been to create a space where conversation is welcome and a diversity of ideas and viewpoints are encouraged when looking at some hard-hitting topics. We touch on the place of religion and get curious about how a declining belief system has potentially led to a sort of unmooring and seeking framework for beliefs in political structures instead. We dive into the role grief might play in culture and how our turning away from death and our “disgust” response leads us to shield ourselves. Throughout the conversation, the idea of the importance of struggle is present, and how, even if it’s manufactured, struggle is important for creating a sense of purpose.
We also talk about:
- How just looking at things through the lens of “good” and “bad” leaves no room for nuance and complexity
- How we can scale good education in a K-12 model
- Seeking out disconfirmation and its importance in critical thinking
- How meat got vilified and how that conversation is going
Where to Find Will:
Notable Works:
Why K-12 Need Viewpoint Diversity
How to Scale Good Education with Will Reusch and Hollis Robbins
Further Reading:
How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide by Peter Bhogossian and James Lindsay
Resources Mentioned:
Will Reusch on Factory Farming and Slavery
Current Discounts for GW listeners:
- 15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV15
Join the Ground Work Collective:
Instagram: @groundworkcollective
Find a Farm: nearhome.groundworkcollective.com
More: groundworkcollective.com
Podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: groundworkcollective.com/disclaimer
Episode Webpage https://groundworkcollective.com/2022/07/26/episode20-will-reusch/
