Courageous Curiosity: Find Answers Where Everyone Else is Afraid to Look

by Travis Cournoyer

Travis Cournoyer almost quit in graduate school. The weight of it all broke him down, and he was ready to walk away. Then he asked one stupid question. It was messy, awkward, and small, but it kept him moving. That question changed everything. It gave him the courage to stumble forward and keep asking, and somehow those questions carried him through an education, career, and parenting journey he never thought he'd reach.

Travis holds a PhD in chemistry, but he often forgets about that credential behind the raw, human work of asking scary questions when staying quiet feels safer. His writing carries the kind of awkward humor that makes Brene Brown's stories so relatable, the clear-eyed practicality you're likely to see from Adam Grant, and the deep reflection Eckhart Tolle is known for. The result is a conversation full of surprising turns, laugh-out-loud moments sure to make you smile, and tearful reminders that the questions we try so hard to swallow may very well be the ones most able to light our way forward.

188 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2025

Reviews

[Graeme Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both insightful and inspirational, the main takeaway from this book is honesty - Travis openly shares his experiences and emotions without holding back about his defeats and triumphs. But most importantly, he challenges us to be honest with ourselves to find the courage to ask those supposedly "stupid" questions we keep inside and may be fearful to find the answers that are holding us back.

The only shortcoming is in some parts I found myself wanting further details and asking, "Travis, tell me more!" But then perhaps in doing so, the author achieved his purpose...

A very enjoyable read and told in a friendly, conversational manner. Here's hoping the author follows this up with further writings on this topic.

[Jake Rabinowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartfelt and engaging story walks through the author's growth as a scientist/engineer with origins, feelings, thrills, and disappointments that anyone can relate to. Pivotal moments in his life are catalyzed by simple questions, ones that we are encouraged to ask without shame or fear.

We learn how the concept of "stupid" questions is deeply connected to our sense of vulnerability. By sharing his own vulnerability behind the the ups and downs of his personal journey, the author explains how communicating with each other and asking questions with "ignorance" and without polish or sugar-coating is not something to scoff at - it's an empowering tool to overcome challenges, build confidence, and heal our inner child.

After reading this book, I will be more courageously curious and I know I will be better for it!

[Joe Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courageous Curiosity is both a memoir (about navigating a chemistry PhD program and industry in engineering) and a self help book about dealing with shame when you need help. has good sets of guidelines for communicating with people about what you need to know to be successful, and helpful anecdotes to give the reader and idea of how to apply the principles. very open about the struggle and emotional toll this took on the author, and you can really see how the ideas in the book came to being.