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
Jul 4, 2021 • 35min
How Can You Stop Comparing Yourself With Other People? (Ep. 13 Rebroadcast)
This conversation delves into the psychology of social comparison, especially how it affects mental health in our social media era. It examines the paradox of using others as benchmarks for self-worth while cautioning against insecurity. The discussion also explores the narrative fallacy in life stories, revealing how misleading causal connections can distort our understanding. Additionally, insights into the complexities of causality prompt reflection on evidence and uncertainty in both personal and social contexts.
Jun 27, 2021 • 37min
58. What’s So Gratifying About Gossip?
Dive into the captivating world of gossip, exploring why celebrity stories grip our attention. Discover the emotional pull of gossip and its societal implications, balancing connection with guilt. Delve into the dark side of gossip's impact on self-image and public perception. The conversation shifts to small talk, highlighting its surprising role in building community and fostering deeper relationships. With personal anecdotes, the speakers shed light on how these interactions vary across cultures and personalities.
Jun 20, 2021 • 37min
57. Which Incentives Are Best at Boosting Vaccination, and Why?
Discover unique strategies to boost vaccination rates, from personalized alerts to the psychology behind incentives. Dive into how personal connections shape decisions, and enjoy a light-hearted debate on the ethics of superpowers. Which would you choose: the thrill of flight or the intrigue of invisibility? The show also fact-checks common medical myths and explores how literature influences our understanding of health and desire. It's a blend of humor and insight that makes you ponder both vaccines and your ultimate superpower.
Jun 13, 2021 • 39min
56. Why Is Academic Writing So Bad?
Explore the perplexities of academic writing, where convoluted prose meets the need for clarity. The hosts humorously contrast this jargon-filled world with everyday life, even likening it to a dentist's sugary pitch. In a lighter vein, they share what a 'perfect day' looks like to them, balancing productivity with spontaneity. The discussion dives into the paradox of work and happiness, revealing how often career success does not equate to true fulfillment. It's a delightful blend of insight, humor, and relatable personal stories!
Jun 6, 2021 • 38min
55. What Changes Will Stick When the Pandemic Is Gone?
The discussion explores the lasting impacts of remote work on productivity and company culture post-pandemic. There's a deep dive into confirmation bias, revealing how it's shaping decision-making and hiring practices. Personal stories highlight the quirks of bias in real-life situations. The hosts humorously tackle the complexities behind first impressions and the potential benefits of reducing such biases. Plus, a fact-checking segment clarifies fascinating historical misconceptions, including the origins of the 'Spanish flu' and Machiavelli's reputation.
May 30, 2021 • 37min
54. Do You Really Need a Muse to Be Creative?
The podcast delves into the nature of creativity, questioning whether true inspiration comes from a muse or from discipline. It emphasizes the importance of consistency in creative practices over relying solely on fleeting moments of brilliance. Listeners explore the perils of shortsightedness in decision-making and how focusing too much on immediate rewards can cloud judgment about future consequences. Additionally, the discussion touches on the psychological nuances of prospection, revealing how our ability to envision future scenarios affects relationships and choices.
May 23, 2021 • 35min
53. What’s the Secret to Making a Great Prediction?
Explore the art of making predictions and the emotional biases that can lead to missteps. Learn about the traits of successful forecasters, the value of diverse perspectives, and strategies for improving accuracy. Delve into the reality of bad days for high achievers, uncovering the myth of constant positivity. Discover how to embrace setbacks as growth opportunities and utilize techniques like journaling and self-affirmation. Reflect on lessons learned from past challenges and find healthier ways to recover from tough moments.
May 16, 2021 • 39min
52. How Much Should We Be Able to Customize Our World?
Explore the intriguing world of customization and its impact on our lives. The discussion reveals both the benefits and pitfalls of personalized experiences in education, relationships, and culture. Dive into the complex nature of multitasking, where human cognitive limits are contrasted with our tech-driven expectations. Discover the risks of multitasking in high-stakes situations and how nostalgic habits can help us manage multiple tasks better. This engaging dialogue raises critical questions about the balance between individual desires and community needs.
May 9, 2021 • 37min
51. What Separates Humans From Other Animals?
Explore the fascinating differences between human and animal intelligence, including pigs mastering video games! Dive into the ethical dilemmas of dietary choices and laugh at humorous insights on cognitive abilities across species. Discover how pacing during phone calls can actually help reduce anxiety and boost focus. Plus, a discussion on the shift from phone conversations to video calls reveals intriguing impacts on communication. Enjoy a fun fact about octopus plural forms while reflecting on Tolstoy's wisdom regarding happiness and consumption.
May 2, 2021 • 35min
50. Are You as Observant as You Think?
Listeners are challenged to sharpen their observational skills and reflect on mindfulness in everyday life. Personal anecdotes reveal how intentional awareness enhances appreciation. The struggle with insomnia takes center stage, with humorous tales and strategies for better sleep. The conversation dives into cultural narratives surrounding sleep and productivity, ultimately leading to a quirky exploration of counting sheep and the evolution of inclusive language. It's a fun mix of relatable experiences and thought-provoking insights!
