Episode 204

full
Published on:

12th May 2026

Curiosity: What Heals or Kills

Hydrogen is the lightest, most abundant element in the universe — and the force behind nuclear fusion in the sun. In Part 4 of the "You're in the People Business" series, I explore hydrogen's relational equivalent: curiosity.

First come the questions we ask ourselves. We only develop self-awareness to the degree we ask ourselves honest, deep questions — and answer them at the base level. Stopping at surface-level observations ("I won't do that again") without understanding why only increases the chance of repeating the pattern.

Knowing and being known is complicated. We have a pushmi-pullyu relationship with self-knowledge and vulnerability — drawn toward it and afraid of it at the same time. Curiosity requires courage on both fronts.

Curiosity + Empathy = Relational Intimacy. Just as hydrogen and oxygen form water, curiosity fused with empathy creates something new: genuine relational security and intimacy. Without empathy, curiosity becomes data-mining — and data can become a weapon.

Curiosity without good motives causes destruction. We should be honest about why we're seeking to know someone, and we don't owe everyone unlimited access to our story.

This Week's Challenge

  1. Get curious about yourself — dig to the base level of the Communication Pyramid. What do you really believe about your rights and responsibilities?
  2. Get curious about someone close to you — ask one or two deeper questions about their upbringing, dreams, or a goal they've set aside.
  3. Before asking others to be vulnerable, earn that right by being trustworthy with what you already know — and by going first.

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Godly Impact.

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spiritual

#emotionalhealth

#relationships

#family

#familylife

#moms

#dads

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#humanbehavior

#humandesign

#curiosity

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Godly Impact

About the Podcast

Godly Impact
Grow good intentions into godly impact
You want to be the best possible person, parent, or spouse. Yet sometimes it can be confusing how to do this. The "Godly Impact" podcast helps you grow your good intentions into godly impact. Your good intentions are like seeds that need soil, water, and sunshine. You will cultivate rich soil by learning how God designed people through Biblical principles and modern research. You will discover good insights on how to apply this knowledge to your specific situations.
You have an immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable impact. The "Godly Impact" podcast will help you make it count for good. You will appreciate the combination of depth and winsomeness, authority and vulnerability of your host, Stephanie Smith. A wife, mom, mother-in-law, and Nana, Stephanie is a speaker and writer who loves helping others flourish.
Learn more at her website, https://www.stephaniepresents.com/

About your host

Profile picture for Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith

Stephanie knows from experience good intentions aren't enough to be spiritually strong, emotionally healthy, and relationally smart--or to raise kids who are. She shares powerful Scriptural principles and science-backed insights into human behavior to equip people to grow good intentions into godly impact.

Stephanie's authenticity creates immediate connection with audiences both virtual and on the stage, while gracious authority provides clarity and confidence for listeners. Her leadership experience includes being a certified Primal Question coach, Christian school founding board member and teacher, homeschool cooperative founder, and Teen Theater Director.

Stephanie is a wife, mother of five grown sons, mother-in-law of four, and Nana to a growing tribe of awesome grandkids. She is committed to Psalm 17:17-18, proclaiming God's power to generations through wisdom forged in real life.