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
5 snips
Nov 21, 2021 • 39min
75. How Do You Deal With Intrusive Thoughts?
The hosts dive into the fascinating world of intrusive thoughts, sharing personal anecdotes and emphasizing their commonality. They discuss mindfulness and acceptance as effective ways to cope with these tricky thoughts. The conversation then shifts to the intriguing relationship between confidence and success, illustrating how they're interdependent yet can become a vicious cycle. Finally, the exploration of concepts like self-efficacy and historical reflections adds depth, making the discussion both enlightening and entertaining.
Nov 14, 2021 • 37min
74. Does Reverse Psychology Really Work?
Explore the intriguing dynamics of reverse psychology and its cultural impact. Discover how our desire for autonomy can lead to oppositional behavior in the face of control attempts. Dive into the significance of family history and how understanding our roots shapes personal identity. The conversation also touches on the emotional journeys tied to genealogy and the importance of documenting family stories. With expert insights and personal anecdotes, this discussion enriches our understanding of psychological principles and heritage.
Nov 7, 2021 • 33min
73. Is It Okay to Engage in “Social Loafing”?
Join Rory McIlroy, the insightful professional golfer, as he explores the concept of social loafing in group dynamics. The conversation dives into why individuals may contribute less in teams, with references to popular culture like HBO's Succession. Rory shares his personal experiences from the Ryder Cup, highlighting the emotional connections among players and the bittersweet nature of teamwork. Discover how hope plays a crucial role in recovery and how it influences athlete performance, all while unpacking the deeper impact of collective experiences.
Oct 31, 2021 • 38min
72. If Everyone Hates Meetings, Why Do We Have So Many of Them?
Why do meetings persist despite widespread annoyance? Explore the complexities of participation dynamics and the surprising effects of group size. The conversation shifts to the struggles of navigating your 20s, highlighting the clash between societal expectations and personal experiences. Unpacking the neurological shifts during this decade, the hosts emphasize growth through uncertainty. Also, discover how breaking the cycle of self-absorption can foster better mental health. It's a deep dive into communication and self-discovery!
Oct 24, 2021 • 29min
71. Why Is Pig Milk the One Milk We Don’t Drink?
Why don't we drink pig milk? The hosts dive into the quirky history of milk consumption and the unique challenges of milking pigs. Personal food preferences take center stage, with hilarious tales of unconventional delicacies like insects and natto. The discussion embraces the notion of 'disgusting' foods and celebrates surprising culinary joys, from durian to gefilte fish. They challenge norms and invite listeners to rethink their views on what makes a dish truly delightful.
23 snips
Oct 17, 2021 • 37min
How Much Do Your Friends Affect Your Future? (NSQ Ep. 31 Replay)
Friendships play a crucial role in shaping personal success and happiness. The discussion explores how social circles influence life choices and outcomes, highlighting concepts like emotional contagion. Listeners learn about the impact of different career paths on mental health and job satisfaction. The dialogue also addresses how happiness correlates with work performance, emphasizing job crafting as a way to enhance fulfillment. Finally, the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences for career success is underscored.
Oct 10, 2021 • 36min
70. In a Job Interview, How Much Does Timing Matter?
Discover how timing impacts job interviews, with insights on the pros and cons of being first or last. Gain practical advice based on cognitive psychology, including how hunger and weather influence hiring decisions. Explore the fascinating dynamics of audio versus visual perception and how it shapes social interactions. Uncover the brain’s mechanisms behind facial recognition and its biases, while enjoying light-hearted references. Plus, enjoy a rigorous fact-checking segment that clarifies misconceptions and enriches understanding.
Oct 3, 2021 • 38min
69. How Can You Convince Someone They’re Wrong?
Dive into the art of persuasion while navigating the tricky waters of rejection. Discover the nuances of effective communication, emphasizing the need for humility and rapport. Explore the complexities of vaccine hesitancy and the psychological barriers that come with it. Unpack the emotional impacts of rejection sensitivity and learn how mindset shapes our responses. With personal anecdotes and research insights, this discussion offers practical strategies for handling rejection and fostering open dialogues on contentious topics.
Sep 26, 2021 • 36min
68. Why Do We Want What We Can’t Have?
Delve into the psychology of longing for the unattainable and its ties to envy and self-doubt. The discussion reveals how ambition intertwines with admiration through personal anecdotes and ancient parables. Explore the complexities of tribalism in modern society, addressing feelings of exclusion and social hierarchies faced by minority communities. Insights into human nature reveal how our evolutionary past shapes contemporary interactions, emphasizing self-acceptance to counteract divisive group dynamics.
6 snips
Sep 19, 2021 • 39min
67. How Can You Escape Binary Thinking?
Explore the pitfalls of binary thinking and its oversimplifications in politics and healthcare. Discover how embracing a spectrum of choices can enhance decision-making, especially in mental health. Delve into the intriguing world of transactional utility and how perceived discounts influence our happiness and spending habits. Through personal anecdotes, uncover the complex relationships between frugality, identity, and value perception. Finally, enjoy a playful take on expressing non-binary ideas, reflecting the shades of complexity in everyday life.
