This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Rocky Kolb, the Arthur Holly Compton Distinguished Service Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago. After an inspiring story of how Rocky Kolb became interested in science, this wide-ranging conversation covers topics such as the development of and his work on inflationary cosmology, the Standard Model of particle physics, dark matter, dark energy, Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), the Large Hadron Collider, advice for high-school teachers to ignite a passion for learning in students, and more.This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Passion Principle, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:I. Cool Beginnings - From the local library to CaltechII. Cosmic Inflation - Alan Guth causes a stirIII. Dark Matter - Finally recognized ignoranceIV. Dark Energy - Particularly hard to swallowV. Motivational Insights - The importance of passionAbout Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.