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
34 snips
Aug 13, 2023 • 29min
158. Bigger Fish, or Bigger Pond?
Explore the intriguing dilemma: is it better to shine in a struggling team or to blend in with stars? Discover Angela's humorous struggles with her freshman dorm mates and the surprising dynamics of personal growth. Delve into basketball legends and the value of individual accolades versus team success. The conversation includes insights on how environments influence personal achievements, all wrapped in funny anecdotes and listener engagement!
54 snips
Aug 6, 2023 • 39min
157. How Can You Get Closer to the People You Care About?
Explore the art of deepening connections with those you care about. Discover how intentional listening and effective communication can transform your relationships. Learn about the importance of vulnerability and sharing personal stories to foster empathy. Dive into the significance of pauses in conversation and how they can enhance intimacy. Plus, hear personal anecdotes about forming friendships through shared experiences. Get ready to take your connections to the next level!
98 snips
Jul 30, 2023 • 41min
156. How Do You Connect With Someone You Just Met?
How vulnerable should you be with coworkers? The hosts discuss the benefits of sharing personal stories, including a heartfelt look at family relationships. They dive into effective strategies for connecting with new acquaintances and explore the emotional ties to cherished possessions and childhood experiences. Playful visions of ideal days filled with adventure and nature add a light-hearted touch, reminding us of the importance of meaningful interactions. Tune in for insights that could transform your next conversation!
92 snips
Jul 23, 2023 • 44min
155. How Do You Deal With Big Life Changes?
What’s more stressful: divorce or jail? The speakers explore the emotional turbulence that comes with major life changes and share personal experiences of navigating these shifts. They offer strategies for rethinking challenges positively, emphasizing the importance of supportive environments. The discussion also addresses the societal pressures surrounding life transitions, all while keeping it light-hearted with humorous anecdotes about Martha Stewart's life. Listener stories add depth, showcasing the community's shared experiences in dealing with life’s uncertainties.
25 snips
Jul 16, 2023 • 30min
154. Why Is There So Much Social Pressure Around Alcohol?
Explore the intricate dance between social pressure and alcohol consumption. Dive into personal stories highlighting why some choose to abstain, while others feel the tug of societal norms. Discover the health impacts of not drinking and the evolving attitudes toward it. A humorous skydiving anecdote reveals deeper thoughts on binge drinking trends. Plus, listeners chime in on personal choices and perceptions of beauty, showcasing the diverse experiences surrounding this common social issue.
26 snips
Jul 9, 2023 • 32min
153. Should You Spend More Time in Nature?
Is a stroll through the concrete jungle just as fulfilling as one in the woods? Tune in as the hosts share hilarious urban adventures while reflecting on nature's healing powers. Discover how perceptions of natural beauty have evolved, and the impact of technology on our outdoor experiences. They also dive into the balance between personal time and social obligations. Plus, a fascinating look at animal color perception keeps the conversation engaging and light-hearted!
30 snips
Jul 2, 2023 • 33min
152. What’s the Worst Kind of Regret?
What’s worse: regretting actions taken or missed opportunities? The hosts dive into the emotional layers of both types of regret. They share humorous personal anecdotes that highlight the pitfalls of social media interactions. Insights from psychological research reveal the lasting impacts of action versus inaction. Plus, hear about the surprising writer who inspired a host to give up driving. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and the lessons learned from embracing both regret and growth.
83 snips
Jun 25, 2023 • 46min
151. Is It Okay to Be Average?
Is striving for excellence necessary, or is being average acceptable? The hosts explore the pressures of success and how personal definitions of fulfillment can vary. They discuss healthy versus neurotic perfectionism and the balance between ambition and contentment. The roles of superstars and rock stars in the workplace are highlighted, along with insights on parenting that prioritize happiness alongside achievement. They also touch on the darker side of trust, revealing clever scams that emphasize caution in financial matters.
14 snips
Jun 18, 2023 • 38min
150. Why Do People Get Scammed?
What makes scams so effective? The discussion dives into psychological factors that lead to gullibility, revealing unsettling personal stories and the emotional fallout of deceit. They also tackle the nature of scams in the age of AI and emphasize the need for awareness. By blending humor with cautionary tales, they explore historical examples like snake oil salesmen and introduce concepts like epistemic vigilance to help distinguish truth from deception. Join in for laughs and lessons on navigating trust in a world filled with manipulation!
54 snips
Jun 11, 2023 • 40min
149. Is It Harder to Make Friends as an Adult?
Friendships evolve as we grow older, with many adults finding it trickier to connect deeply. The impact of the pandemic on socializing is discussed, along with humorous anecdotes about bonding over shared experiences, like outdoor adventures. The role of community spaces and modern technology, including apps like Bumble BFF, is emphasized in fostering new relationships. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of friendships, with a playful look at how important our friends really are to us.
