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
14 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.
62 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!
87 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 33min
47. Is Laziness Real?
The hosts dive deep into the concept of laziness, exploring whether it's a genuine trait or influenced by context. They discuss how grit can make one selectively lazy and provide tips to reframe tasks from obligations to enjoyable activities. Shifting gears, they tackle the discomfort of being alone in public, revealing how dining solo can signal social inadequacy while contrasting it with the joys of solitude. Engaging with strangers and exploring solo can enhance social experiences, challenging common misconceptions about loneliness.
256 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 38min
46. How Can You Stop Feeling So Irritable?
Hosts delve into the causes of irritability, sharing personal stories and exploring internal versus external triggers. They discuss emotional regulation strategies, including situation modification and the importance of self-awareness. The conversation shifts to impatience, examining its roots in childhood and its implications on social interaction. Strategies for managing interruptions in conversations are suggested, alongside insights into the evolutionary purposes of irritability. It’s an engaging exploration of emotions and how to navigate them.
91 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 38min
45. How Much Better Do You Really Want to Be?
The hosts discuss the preference for relative versus absolute success, revealing how ego plays into social comparisons. They explore the benefits of surrounding ourselves with high-achieving peers, boosting performance in various fields. A fascinating debate arises about whether virtues can spread like skills among friends. Additionally, they delve into the role of filler words in speech, examining their impact on perceived intelligence and authority. The conversation wraps up with a call for clear communication while embracing each other's unique speech patterns.
112 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 36min
44. Is Empathy in Fact Immoral?
The hosts dive into whether empathy can be harmful, discussing studies that link empathy to bias and injustice. They explore Paul Bloom's critique, highlighting how empathy may fuel partiality over fairness. Conversations also touch on the balance between emotional instinct and rational thought. The idea of switching from empathy to broader compassion for systemic change is introduced. Additionally, spontaneous versus goal-directed living is debated, with insights on personality types and creativity in finding balance.
122 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 37min
43. What Do We Really Learn From Failure?
Discover the lessons learned from failure, as hosts dive into the challenges behind a live show's cancellation. They discuss the importance of knowing when to stop and how to balance risky and safe projects. Teasing takes center stage, exploring its social functions and dynamics in relationships, especially how status shapes interactions. The hosts analyze the nuances of teasing in romantic contexts and the complications of doing it over video calls. Tune in for insights on how humor can connect us, even amidst discomfort!
114 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 39min
42. How Does When You Are Born Affect Who You Are?
What impact does your birth timing have on your life? The hosts dive into how cultural beliefs, like the Chinese zodiac, shape parental choices. They discuss the Pygmalion effect, where expectations can mold destinies. Explore the biological factors related to season of birth and why relatively older kids often excel in sports and school. Plus, Angela shares her journey on a no-sugar coffee challenge, highlighting mindfulness techniques and surprising outcomes. It's a blend of intriguing science and personal anecdotes!
118 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 36min
41. Why Are We So Attracted to Fame?
The allure of fame takes center stage as hosts delve into its historical roots and personal reflections on recognition. They discuss the paradoxes of celebrity culture, examining the dangers and public scrutiny that accompany intense fame. Insights into parasocial relationships reveal why fans feel a false intimacy with celebrities. The conversation shifts to how we often misidentify our true influences and the cognitive challenges in recalling our past. They also explore the tension between local and global fame, questioning its social value.
157 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 36min
40. Have We All Lost Our Ability to Compromise?
The hosts delve into why the art of compromise seems to be fading, exploring psychological factors and even trying a lighthearted coffee experiment to gain new perspectives. They tackle the debate of being 'not wrong' versus actually being right, highlighting cognitive biases and creative thinking. The conversation critiques standardized testing for prioritizing conformity over creativity, suggesting that education can stifle original thought. Join them for a fascinating exploration of compromise, creativity, and the tensions of being right!
