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.
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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
5 snips
Jan 30, 2022 • 30min
84. Why Do We Find So Much Meaning in Meaningless Coincidences?
Why are we so captivated by coincidences? The hosts dive into the psychology behind our fascination with seemingly random events, blending humor with intriguing anecdotes. They explore Carl Jung's ideas on synchronicity and discuss how personal connections shape our interpretations. The conversation transitions to how humans seek patterns in chaos, touching on everything from advertising algorithms to sports statistics. A surprising bar mitzvah limbo story adds a delightful twist to their exploration of meaning in the mundane.
7 snips
Jan 23, 2022 • 34min
83. Can You Change Your Mind Without Losing Face?
Admitting when we're wrong can feel awkward, yet it teaches valuable lessons in vulnerability. The discussion explores how intellectual humility fosters open-mindedness and helps us navigate misunderstandings. Changing beliefs doesn't mean losing integrity; it’s a fluid process shaped by personal experiences. From politics to science, the complexity of shifting viewpoints is highlighted through engaging anecdotes. Lastly, the power of constructive dialogue is emphasized as a way to bridge differing opinions and tackle societal changes.
4 snips
Jan 16, 2022 • 28min
82. Which Is More Powerful: Reward or Punishment?
Explore the fascinating dynamics between reward and punishment in shaping behavior. Discover how positive reinforcement can inspire pro-social actions on a national level, like monetarily incentivizing civic engagement. Delve into the nuances of parenting techniques, comparing authentic praise with punitive measures. The discussion touches on Taiwan's quirky dog-poop lottery, showcasing innovative strategies for encouraging better community habits. It's a deep dive into the psychology of motivation and decision-making that enlightens personal and societal implications.
Jan 9, 2022 • 29min
81. Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Money?
Dive into the societal taboos surrounding money conversations and explore how they impact financial literacy. Discover the emotional ties people have to finances and how these affect perceptions of wealth and identity. Hear a surprising story about a teenager taking initiative to understand IRAs. The hosts advocate for breaking the silence around money to combat financial illiteracy and elevate open dialogue, making the topic less daunting for everyone.
Jan 2, 2022 • 30min
80. Is a “Success Hangover” Real?
What happens after you achieve a big win? The hosts discuss the intriguing phenomenon of a 'success hangover,' where accomplishments can bring unexpected feelings of disappointment. They explore psychological concepts explaining why this emotional letdown occurs after victories. Personal stories reveal the complexities surrounding success, highlighting the contrast between initial excitement and post-achievement disillusionment. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and consider coping strategies for navigating these emotional highs and lows.
Dec 26, 2021 • 36min
79. Why Do We Root for Underdogs?
Discover the psychology behind our love for underdogs, exploring how emotional stories resonate with personal aspirations. Learn why consumers often favor small businesses over corporations and the deeper societal values at play. Delve into the challenges of balancing podcast structure with audience engagement, as hosts consider simplifying their format. Enjoy some fun facts while they address past inaccuracies, including a quirky origin tale of 'Three Dog Night.' Join in on this engaging conversation about resilience and community dynamics.
Dec 19, 2021 • 38min
78. Why Do We Put Things Off Until the Very Last Minute?
The hosts dive into the fascinating psychology of procrastination, exploring why tasks often get pushed to the last minute. They mix personal anecdotes with scientific insights to unpack the planning fallacy and time management challenges. Shifting gears, they discuss how names can shape our identities and perceptions, introducing amusing aptonyms that cleverly match professions. With humor and depth, they also cover naming trends and cultural significance, wrapping up with intriguing linguistic tidbits and historical connections to punctuality.
4 snips
Dec 12, 2021 • 38min
77. How Can You Avoid Boredom?
Dive into the intriguing psychology of boredom and interest as the hosts share personal tales and strategies to combat monotony. Discover how boredom can propel us toward engaging activities while exploring mindful techniques for finding focus. Learn about the elusive 'flow state' and how to enhance productivity amid less stimulating tasks. The discussion also takes a thoughtful turn, examining perceptions of COVID risk across age groups and how media narratives shape our fears. It's a blend of humor, insight, and practical advice!
Dec 5, 2021 • 39min
76. Why Can’t Baby Boomers and Millennials Just Get Along?
Dive into the generational misunderstandings between Baby Boomers and Millennials, as the hosts emphasize empathy and mutual understanding. Explore how technology, particularly phone cameras, shifts our experiences at live events, sparking debates on distraction versus presence. Discover the balance between fully engaging in moments and documenting them, and laugh along with quirky fact-checking tales about marshmallows and Olympic myths. Each topic invites listeners to rethink their connections with both technology and each other.
Nov 28, 2021 • 36min
Why Do We Seek Comfort in the Familiar? (NSQ Ep. 30 Replay)
This conversation dives into why we cling to familiarity during tough times, highlighting the psychological benefits of routines and comforts. Listeners share experiences of finding solace in media during the pandemic, balancing the urge for comfort with the growth found in discomfort. It also humorously addresses unsolicited advice and explores the Dunning-Kruger effect, where those less informed often overestimate their abilities. The chat encourages self-reflection on knowledge and competence, making for a thought-provoking yet fun discussion.
