The Virtual Couch
The Virtual Couch
Tony Overbay LMFT
Genuine Curiosity: Not All Questions Are Equal – Are You Trying to Understand, Defend, Manipulate, or Control?
1 hour 9 minutes Posted Jun 26, 2025 at 5:27 pm.
Introduction and Host Background
Understanding Performative vs. Genuine Curiosity
A Personal Story About Curiosity
The Importance of Genuine Curiosity in Relationships
Self-Regulation and Emotional Maturity
Promoting Genuine Curiosity in Parenting
The Role of Humility in Curiosity
Healthy Ego vs. Defensive Narcissism
The Neuroscience of Decision Making and Emotions
The Power of Slowing Down
Understanding Emotions: Primary, Secondary, and Instrumental
Exploring Anger in Relationships
Trusting Your Gut and Emotional Reasoning
Addressing Men's Emotional Immaturity
Real-Life Examples of Genuine Curiosity
Parenting with Curiosity
Curiosity in Marriage and Workplace
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Tools
Four Pillars of a Connected Conversation
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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1:09:00
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Show notes
Are you truly being curious—or just trying to win the argument? Tony explores the difference between genuine curiosity and performative questions, sharing real-life examples and tools to help you respond with emotional maturity, not reactivity. Learn how curiosity can transform your relationships.
Contact Tony at [email protected] to learn more about his Emotional Architects men's group.
And visit https://julie-dejesus.com/cruise to learn more about Tony and his friend Julie De Jesus's "I See You Living" cruise, a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise from January 24-29, 2026 aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.