No Stupid Questions
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
Research psychologist Angela Duckworth (author of "Grit") and tech and sports executive Mike Maughan really like to ask people questions, and they believe there’s no such thing as a stupid one. So they have a podcast where they can ask each other as many “stupid questions” as they want. New episodes each week. "No Stupid Questions" is a production of the Freakonomics Radio Network.
To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books
59 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 36min
57. Which Incentives Are Best at Boosting Vaccination, and Why?
Discover intriguing insights on how specific text messages can dramatically boost vaccination rates. Dive into the psychological nuances behind why 'a dose is reserved for you' proves effective. Explore the balance between nudges and larger incentives, and whether hefty rewards could backfire. The conversation shifts to a playful debate on superpowers, like flight versus invisibility, revealing deeper values and moral dilemmas. They even touch on the art of persuasion and how personal experiences shape our approach to psychology.
175 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 39min
56. Why Is Academic Writing So Bad?
Dive into the mysteries of academic writing as two hosts dissect why it's often perplexing and obscure. They explore whether this complexity is intentional gatekeeping or simply a skill gap. The conversation shifts to strategies for clearer prose, emphasizing the value of simplicity over complexity. Listen in as they share visions of their perfect days, contrasting productivity with relaxation, and examine how daily activities influence happiness. It's a curious blend of intellectual debate and personal insights.
82 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 38min
55. What Changes Will Stick When the Pandemic Is Gone?
Stephen and Angela dive into how pandemic shifts like remote work may linger. They explore the benefits and challenges of working from home, from productivity to unequal setups. The duo discusses changes in social interactions, predicting some habits will persist while others fade. They also ponder the idea of a 'confirmation-bias vaccine,' examining how bias shapes our judgments in hiring and politics. With humor, they reflect on the quirky nature of human decision-making and the lasting impacts of this unprecedented global experience.
126 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 37min
54. Do You Really Need a Muse to Be Creative?
Is creativity born from divine inspiration or cultivated through practice? Discover how routines may foster sustained creativity while formal schooling could stifle it. Dive into the balance between spontaneity and discipline, and learn why forcing creativity can backfire. The discussion shifts to our short-sightedness regarding future goals, exploring emotional prospection and its pitfalls. How can we enhance our decision-making for long-term fulfillment? With practical tips on goal-setting and navigating values, this conversation sparks reflective insights.
160 snips
Dec 21, 2025 • 35min
53. What’s the Secret to Making a Great Prediction?
Explore the art of making accurate predictions, featuring the concepts of superforecasters versus experts and the importance of outside versus inside views. Discover the surprising traits that make superforecasters unique, like diverse sources and probabilistic thinking. The hosts also discuss coping with bad days, emphasizing learning from failure and employing reset strategies for a fresh start. Reflect on how successful people manage their ups and downs, and hear an amusing take on the everyday challenges we all face.
155 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 39min
52. How Much Should We Be Able to Customize Our World?
The hosts dive into the debate of whether society should adapt to individual preferences or vice versa. They reflect on the loss of shared cultural experiences due to personalization. Education gets spotlighted with customized learning methods that enhance student engagement. The discussion expands to personalized medicine and the paradox of too much choice. On multitasking, they reveal the limits of attention and explore strategies to effectively manage tasks. Finally, they touch on how relationship expectations are transformed by dating apps.
117 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 37min
51. What Separates Humans From Other Animals?
Explore the intriguing differences between human cognition and animal intelligence, as Stephen and Angela discuss pigs playing video games and the implications of their findings. They ponder what truly sets humans apart—goal-setting and future planning. The conversation takes a moral turn, considering whether intelligence should impact how we treat animals and the ethics of consuming meat. Finally, they tackle the quirky habit of pacing during phone calls, linking movement to cognitive benefits and stress relief.
253 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 35min
50. Are You as Observant as You Think?
Angela and Stephen dive into the intriguing world of mindfulness, exploring how noticing new things can alter our habits. Angela shares her experience of using mindfulness to savor coffee while cutting down on sugar. They also dissect the differences between mindfulness and meditation, emphasizing the power of present awareness. A deep dive into Angela’s sleep struggles reveals unexpected links between alertness and insomnia, with surprising insights about her mother's calming presence. Strategies for better sleep, including mental tricks, are also on the table.
147 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 39min
49. How Does Facing Death Change Your Life?
The discussion kicks off with a near-death experience, prompting reflection on how such moments can reshape life perspectives. The hosts delve into post-traumatic growth versus PTSD, highlighting how trauma can deepen relationships. They explore why some people don’t have transformative insights after close calls and debate the role of beliefs about the afterlife. The talk shifts to assessing risks, revealing our tendency to focus on rare catastrophic events rather than everyday dangers, and examines how insurance impacts societal risk perception.
82 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 34min
48. Do Good Deeds Invite More Bad Ones?
Dive into a whimsical yet thought-provoking conversation about the implications of doing good deeds, like picking up after pets, and how they might inadvertently lead to moral hazards. Explore strategies for addressing neighborhood issues—do we punish misbehavior or seek practical solutions? The hosts debate the complexities of significant life choices, like marriage and parenting, and emphasize the importance of finding purpose. They even suggest turning dog waste into compost as a market-driven solution. It's a blend of humor, philosophy, and practical insights!
