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
24 snips
Nov 6, 2022 • 34min
122. Is Family Overrated?
The discussion delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the question of whether cutting ties is justified. It compares the tendencies of liberals and conservatives regarding family estrangement due to politics. Listeners are invited to reflect on evolving family roles and the significance of friendships as alternative support systems. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of chosen family, while intriguing animal behaviors offer parallels to human relationships. The conversation paves the way for a deeper understanding of familial ties and connections.
46 snips
Oct 30, 2022 • 38min
121. How Good Are Your Snap Judgments?
How much can you really gauge from a first impression, especially on video calls? The conversation dives into the nuances of snap judgments influenced by visual cues and biases, such as attractiveness and gender. Personal anecdotes spark reflections on how our perceptions can evolve. The impact of first impressions is highlighted, especially in hiring scenarios, showcasing the potential pitfalls of confirmation bias. Plus, a historical twist on unexpected leaders challenges our understandings of character and invites listeners to share their own revelations.
70 snips
Oct 23, 2022 • 37min
120. Why Are Rich Countries So Unhappy?
Why are wealthy nations facing rising unhappiness? The discussion dives into the surprising trend of midlife crises amid affluence, highlighting the gap between wealth and actual well-being. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection over comparison, while underscoring the need for gratitude and empathy. Historical perspectives on maternal mortality rates and the role of government in societal happiness add depth to the conversation. A light-hearted listener's story on cultural differences wraps up the engaging dialogue.
9 snips
Oct 16, 2022 • 38min
119. J***s C****t, Angela, Why Are You Such a F***ing Potty-Mouth?
The conversation kicks off with an exploration of why swearing is becoming more common today. Humor and offense intertwine as they share anecdotes about the power of curse words. The discussion dives into swearing’s role in intimacy and societal norms, revealing how language evolves with culture. They examine gender perceptions around swearing and share listener stories about coping with seasonal feelings. Finally, personal strategies for handling extreme weather round out the talk, emphasizing comfort and connection in everyday life.
25 snips
Oct 9, 2022 • 34min
118. How Do You Keep Winter From Getting You Down?
Explore how Seasonal Affective Disorder affects mental health, particularly during winter. Discover science-backed strategies like light therapy and the importance of social connections. Delve into personal stories and effective self-care practices to combat the winter blues. Plus, engage with listener experiences about seasonal challenges. There's even a teaser for a future discussion on swearing, adding a fun twist to the mix!
16 snips
Oct 2, 2022 • 37min
117. What’s Wrong With Holding a Grudge?
Explore the psychological intricacies of holding grudges and the challenges of letting go. The hosts share personal stories about grievances they've held onto and delve into how emotions impact our stability. They discuss the transformative power of forgiveness and sincere apologies, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences. Additionally, the complexities of relationships and the importance of communication are examined, alongside insights from recent psychological studies.
38 snips
Sep 25, 2022 • 37min
116. Do People Pay Attention to Signs?
The discussion kicks off with how signage can influence positive behaviors, like hand washing. Listeners learn about the surprising effects of signage on bathroom etiquette and highway safety. From playful designs to serious messages, the psychology behind signs is fascinating. The challenges of promoting hygiene in healthcare are highlighted, including innovative strategies that go beyond traditional methods. They also tackle listener misconceptions about hygiene practices and reflect on personal insights, making for an engaging exploration of everyday choices.
33 snips
Sep 18, 2022 • 39min
115. Are You Having a Midlife Crisis?
Explore how aging has evolved and what younger generations may misunderstand about happiness. Dive into the emotional complexities of midlife, including the balancing act between aging parents and children. Discover how advancements in healthcare have shifted the perception of midlife crises, revealing a trend towards greater life satisfaction. Unique insights into social media's impact on self-perception and the importance of gratitude and personal growth make for a compelling discussion. Listeners share their own experiences for a relatable touch.
98 snips
Sep 11, 2022 • 37min
114. Can You Learn to Love Hard Work?
Can physical exercise actually enhance brain power? The discussion delves into the concept of cognitive endurance and its surprising link to academic success, especially for low-income students. Hear about innovative teaching methods like ropes courses that foster engagement and personal responsibility. The conversation also tackles the idea of whether laziness is innate and explores how brief problem-solving tasks can improve performance. Plus, they touch on the impact of distractions in learning environments.
21 snips
Sep 4, 2022 • 35min
113. How Can You Improve Your Mental Endurance?
Discover why some tasks drain your brain more than others and how poverty impacts mental endurance. Learn about cognitive fatigue and energy management while exploring the surprising idea that a simple sandwich might help solve larger societal issues. The discussion also challenges the theory of ego depletion, emphasizing the importance of metacognition for personal growth. Ultimately, gain insights into enhancing cognitive endurance, especially in educational settings, and rethink how we approach mental effort in our daily lives.
