Episode Summary"If all you do is pay attention to what everyone else is paying attention to, then  by definition you're not likely to innovate anything or create anything very original or different or surprising." - Rob WalkerWriter and cultural observer Rob Walker joins Ken to explore how questions and noticing reshape the way we move through the world. Rob traces his origin story back to discovering journalism at 18, a framework that gave a shy, introverted kid permission to ask questions on behalf of others.They dig into his book and newsletter The Art of Noticing, talking about everyday noticing assignments, why “what am I missing?” is a powerful self-question, and how small acts of attention can mark time and make life more memorable.Rob shares the story behind the Significant Objects project and why story, and not a price tag, creates real value in the objects we keep. From New Orleans as a “conversational city” to his teaching on point of view and manifestos, Rob reflects on questions as both agency and responsibility, in democracies, organizations, and personal life. Be sure to subscribe to Rob's Substack The Art of Noticing newsletter at https://robwalker.substack.com/Be sure to check out the weekly Curated Questions Dispatch newsletter for more fun with questions and curiosity! (https://substack.com/@curatedquestions)This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.Keep questioning!Episode NotesResources MentionedConsumed column in the New York Times MagazineThe Art of Noticing by Rob Walker (book)Buying It by Rob Walker (book)Significant Objects ProjectLynn Borton of Choose to Be CuriousLaurie Anderson United States Live (album) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Live)Pacifica radio station (Houston)Brooklyn Academy of Music / BAMJourney (band)Foreigner (band)University of TexasHand Grenade (cocktail)Anne RiceDave Isay Sound PortraitsNew Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCA)The Art of Noticing (newsletter)The American Lawyer (publication)Am Law 100Martindale-Hubbell (legal directory)Karen DillonSharpieFast CompanyStarbucksCracker Barrel Logo ControversyAustin KleonWaking Up Meditation AppJoshua GlennMeg CabotWilliam GibsonProject ObjectLost ObjectsLost Objects Book by Rob WalkerIgnorance by Stuart Firestein (book)Inconspicuous Consumption newsletter by Paul LucasJerry ColonnaDavid WhyteSchool of Visual Arts in New YorkPoint of View Class at SVAProducts of DesignRob Walker Substackrobwalker.netHypothetical Development OrganizationProducer Ben FordBeauty Pill