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
98 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 36min
34. Are Humans Smarter or Stupider Than We Used to Be?
The hosts dive into the intriguing question of whether humans are getting smarter or not. They discuss rising global literacy and IQ scores, revealing the Flynn effect's complexities. Curiosity takes center stage as they compare adult inquisitiveness to childhood wonder, highlighting how self-consciousness can stifle it over time. The conversation shifts to reading habits, emphasizing the pitfalls of superficial engagement. Finally, they fact-check terms like 'curiosity killed the cat' while exploring the connections between language, genetics, and curiosity.
139 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 39min
33. Is Optimism a Luxury Good?
Dive into the fascinating world of optimism and its surprising relationship with realism. Discover how cultural differences shape our outlook on life. The discussion also tackles the common fear of public speaking, offering practical strategies to conquer anxiety. Personal anecdotes add depth to the exploration of glossophobia, highlighting the importance of preparation and gradual exposure. Plus, a humorous comparison between animal outlooks sheds light on societal biases in optimism, making for an engaging conversation!
177 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 34min
32. Which Gets You Further: Talent or Effort?
Explore the tug-of-war between talent and effort in mastering skills, with entertaining anecdotes that showcase how dedication fuels growth. Dive into the humorous chaos of acronyms and initialisms, highlighting the struggles and social pressures they create in workplaces. Discover the evolution of shorthand in journalism, balancing practicality with clarity. Finally, unpack the emotional nuances of effort versus talent amid the rise of artificial intelligence, ensuring the conversation stays engaging and insightful.
158 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 37min
31. How Much Do Your Friends Affect Your Future?
Friendships have a profound impact on personal success and happiness, shaping our futures in unexpected ways. The contagious nature of behaviors, like obesity, emphasizes the importance of curating social circles. Exploring careers, the discussion highlights the link between supportive relationships and job satisfaction. Certain professions attract happier individuals, while job crafting can enhance workplace fulfillment. Regional personalities add another layer, revealing how location influences emotional traits.
194 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 35min
30. Why Do We Seek Comfort in the Familiar?
Dive into the reasons we cling to familiar books, movies, and music when life gets tough. Explore how emotional fatigue leads us to seek comfort over novelty, and the internal conflict it creates. Discover the risks of having too little or too much knowledge, with humorous insights on overconfidence and its quirks. The Dunning-Kruger effect takes center stage, revealing how our self-perception often skews reality. It’s a witty and thoughtful discussion on balancing comfort, growth, and the pitfalls of expertise.
271 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 32min
29. How Do You Know When It’s Time to Quit?
This discussion dives into the fine line between perseverance and quitting, exploring the sunk cost fallacy. Personal anecdotes illustrate the emotional struggle of knowing when to let go or push forward. The unpredictability of success is also scrutinized, shedding light on why we often overestimate outcomes in various aspects of life. Moreover, the role of support systems in fostering growth and the capabilities of AI in decision-making are examined, offering a fresh perspective on navigating life's complex choices.
123 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 29min
28. Why Do We Hoard?
Delve into the intricate mind of hoarding, where personal stories reveal the emotional struggles of letting go. Discover the fascinating world of digital hoarding and its psychological implications. Explore how our focus on the past, present, or future shapes our well-being and behaviors, influenced by Zimbardo's research. Learn the emotional toll of nostalgia and its ties to happiness. Clarifying misconceptions about hoarding, the conversation sheds light on the roles of disposal companies and the complexities behind this psychological disorder.
65 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 38min
27. How Should You Ask for Forgiveness?
The art of asking for forgiveness takes center stage, highlighting how sincerity is key to effective apologies. Delve into the transformative power of gratitude letters and their impact on personal relationships. Explore cultural perspectives on forgiveness, particularly during Yom Kippur, and discover practical approaches to admit faults in everyday life. The podcast also tackles the complexities of behavior change with insights from public health strategies, emphasizing that understanding our actions can lead to meaningful personal growth.
140 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 34min
26. Do Checklists Make People Stupid?
Dive into the intriguing world of checklists and their surprising impact on critical thinking in high-stakes situations. Discover how these tools balance efficiency with the need for human judgment, especially in professions like surgery. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about the quirks of summer in New York City, including its infamous trash and odor season. Finally, explore the shifting migration patterns from urban to suburban life post-pandemic, and reflect on the contrasts between bustling city living and tranquil country life.
246 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 31min
25. Is Hedonism Better Than Self-Control?
Dive into the fascinating debate on hedonism versus self-control and how pleasure-seeking can enhance happiness. Explore how high self-control does not preclude enjoying life's pleasures and the importance of aligning desires with actions. The discussion shifts to pandemic fatigue, revealing emotional numbness and compassion fatigue influenced by prolonged crises. Lastly, understand the concept of value function in human behavior and how it shapes our responses to gains and losses during tough times.
