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
Sep 12, 2021 • 37min
66. When Is It OK to Tell a Lie?
Dive into the fascinating complexities of lying, where motivations range from simple white lies to deep moral dilemmas. Discover how age and gender affect our honesty and the psychological insights that shape our understanding of deceit. The conversation also tackles the evolving landscape of mental health awareness, weighing its benefits against potential over-sensitivity. Finally, reflect on the historical treatment of homosexuality in mental health, shedding light on past misconceptions and current understandings.
Sep 5, 2021 • 35min
Why Do We Forget So Much of What We’ve Read? (Ep. 24 Rebroadcast)
The podcast dives into why we forget so much of what we read, unraveling the nuances of memory retention and emotional connections. It highlights how our feelings can overshadow facts, especially in the age of digital distractions. The hosts explore the significant impact of kind words versus gifts, emphasizing the power of compliments in building relationships. They also reflect on the complexities of friendships and the evolution of book jackets, revealing strategies to enhance recall and make reading more meaningful.
8 snips
Aug 29, 2021 • 40min
65. What’s the Best Advice You’ve Ever Received?
The hosts dive into the essence of great advice, sharing personal stories that highlight its importance in life decisions. They tackle the intriguing idea of compulsory parenting classes, weighing societal benefits against individual freedoms. A heated debate unfolds over whether parenting should require a license, discussing implications for kids' wellbeing. They also reflect on evolving parenting practices and the role of early childhood education, while fact-checking historical insights and educational statistics that shape current conversation.
Aug 22, 2021 • 33min
Why Do We Buy Things We Never Use? (Rebroadcast From Ep.22)
What drives us to buy things that end up gathering dust? Explore the psychology behind purchasing aspirational items and the disconnect between dreams and reality. The discussion weaves through the spectrum of consumption, from minimalism to hoarding, shedding light on the motivations that lead to both extremes. Delve into the challenges of digital hoarding and the emotional ties to our belongings. A poignant yet humorous look at the complexities of our material obsessions reveals the darker side of accumulation.
Aug 15, 2021 • 38min
64. Are Women Required to Be Nicer Than Men?
This discussion tackles the social expectations of niceness, particularly for women, who often navigate the tightrope between kindness and assertiveness. Gender communication styles are examined, revealing how empathy is becoming an essential trait for both men and women. The episode also dives into the value of reading versus modern media, highlighting the prevalence of unread books and the dynamics of today's media consumption. Humor and personal anecdotes punctuate the conversation, making for a lively exploration of these timely topics.
Aug 8, 2021 • 39min
63. How Contagious Is Behavior? With Laurie Santos of “The Happiness Lab.”
In this insightful chat, Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of "The Happiness Lab," dives into the fascinating world of behavioral contagion. Discover why we mimic accents and mannerisms, and how this shapes our identity. Santos explores the dynamics of social imitation, the 'chameleon effect,' and what it reveals about empathy. The conversation also tackles the complexities of happiness, discussing the hedonic treadmill, emotional resilience, and practical strategies to enhance joy and gratitude in our lives.
Aug 1, 2021 • 40min
62. How Can You Escape a Drama Triangle?
Dive into the drama triangle and uncover how to escape its traps of blame and victimhood. Explore the cultural implications of participation trophies versus competitive spirit. Discover the complex relationship between awards, motivation, and self-worth. Hear personal stories that highlight kindness in competition and the pitfalls of external validation. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted award for the best podcast friend and some fun listener engagement segments!
Jul 25, 2021 • 34min
61. Should We Just Ignore Our Weaknesses?
The discussion delves into whether to focus on strengths or weaknesses for personal growth. Interesting insights are shared on enhancing signature strengths through positive psychology. They explore the rigidities in education that stifle individual talents, while also recognizing the importance of balancing strength development with overcoming weaknesses. Personal tastes, like the newfound love for smooth jazz, reveal how familiarity can shift our preferences. Statistical insights into jazz popularity add a humorous twist to the conversation!
Jul 18, 2021 • 32min
60. Why Do We Complain?
Explore the psychology behind why we complain and how it shapes our social interactions. Discover the balance between genuine grievances and minor annoyances. Delve into the excuses we make about time, questioning the difference between having free time and choosing how to spend it. Analyze time management strategies, revealing how perceptions of time shift post-pandemic. Plus, uncover the health debates surrounding sugar substitutes and enjoy a humorous dive into public feedback art.
Jul 11, 2021 • 39min
59. Do Dreams Actually Mean Anything?
Dive into the mysteries of dreams and whether they hold any true meaning. Explore the evolution of dream interpretation from Freud's controversial theories to modern psychological insights. Discover how music shapes adolescent identity and evokes nostalgia. Learn about the powerful connection between music, memory, and learning, and how certain songs define personal moments. Reflect on the lasting impact of high school music and the symbolic meanings behind dreams, all while enjoying personal anecdotes and insights.
