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
107 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.
79 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.
104 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!
107 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!
196 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 37min
39. Is Everybody Cheating These Days?
Cheating's hidden costs take center stage as personal stories peel back the moral dilemmas faced by students and athletes alike. The impact of the pandemic on academic dishonesty reveals troubling trends in online testing. A deep dive into lifelong learning shows how engaging our brains can mitigate aging, sparking joy at any age. The balance of exploring new skills versus mastering familiar ones highlights the importance of persistence in skill acquisition, emphasizing that education can flourish well into adulthood.
231 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 34min
38. What Does It Mean to Be a “Good” Man?
Delve into the messy world of rumination and its mental health impacts. Discover how obsessing over the past connects to depression and gender differences in emotional processing. Explore societal pressures on masculinity and how men can strive for positive ideals. Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of human behavior, biases, and mental resilience. It’s a nuanced look at how compassion and negative thoughts coexist, offering insights for emotional healing and well-being.
189 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 40min
37. How Do You Know if People Don’t Like You?
The hosts dive into the tricky dance of self-perception and how it shapes public opinion. They tackle the psychological hurdles that prevent people from embracing change, especially during uncertain times. A thoughtful critique of self-help books sparks questions about their actual effectiveness in personal growth. The conversation also navigates the complexities of advice-giving and receiving, examining how authenticity affects our relationships. Join them for insights that challenge your views on change and self-improvement!
