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
7 snips
Apr 25, 2021 • 39min
49. How Does Facing Death Change Your Life?
Explore how near-death experiences can transform perspectives on life and mortality. Discover the intriguing concept of post-traumatic growth versus stress, revealing how trauma can spark positive change. Delve into the complexities of risk assessment and decision-making in everyday life. Learn about 'Black Swan' events and how they skew our perception of risk. Finally, understand how facing mortality reshapes priorities and relationships, unlocking a deeper appreciation for life.
Apr 18, 2021 • 39min
48. Do Good Deeds Invite More Bad Ones?
Dive into the lighthearted chaos of decision-making at fast-food joints, where even simple choices spark laughter. Discover the 'poop angels'—those who clean up after careless pet owners—exploring the thin line between altruism and enabling bad behavior. Journey through the pivotal choices in life, from partners to parenthood, all served with a side of humor. Unpack the complexities of technology's role in our lives and its impact on democracy, showcasing the importance of personal choices in shaping happiness.
Apr 11, 2021 • 33min
47. Is Laziness Real?
Is laziness a real thing, or just a guilt-driven illusion? The hosts dive deep into personal stories, exploring how environment and motivation shape our productivity. They challenge common misconceptions about laziness, urging listeners to consider individual circumstances and values. The conversation shifts to the contrast between loneliness and solitude, emphasizing that being alone can be fulfilling. With humorous insights into dining solo and the societal stigma around being alone in public, they highlight the hidden joys of solitude and connection.
6 snips
Apr 4, 2021 • 38min
46. How Can You Stop Feeling So Irritable?
The hosts dive into the connection between irritability and personal perception, especially in tough times like winter. They explore the nuances of impatience, emphasizing its potential upsides and how upbringing shapes our attitudes. Communication dynamics take center stage, discussing the art of interruption and 'cooperative overlapping' in conversations. Personal anecdotes and science intertwine, providing strategies for managing emotions while highlighting irritability’s role in setting boundaries and signaling injustices.
Mar 28, 2021 • 38min
45. How Much Better Do You Really Want to Be?
Explore the drive to excel and the impact of comparing ourselves to others. Discover how our aspirations shape personal identity and the psychological dimensions of competition. Delve into the nuances of communication, including the pitfalls of excessive filler words and the art of clear expression. Uncover the role of verbal tics in speech, the cultural variations in using fillers, and the biases in speech perception. It’s a fascinating discussion on how we communicate and how our speech patterns evolve over time.
Mar 21, 2021 • 36min
44. Is Empathy in Fact Immoral?
Dive into the complex morality of empathy, revealing its potential pitfalls in fostering fairness. Discover how empathy can bias moral decisions, leading to unexpected dilemmas. The conversation explores the balance between spontaneity and structured goals in life, showcasing personal stories that reflect both approaches. Unpack the brain's role in creativity and self-reflection while examining personality types like Myers-Briggs. Finally, uncover fascinating research on empathy's influence on altruism and social behaviors.
Mar 14, 2021 • 37min
43. What Do We Really Learn From Failure?
Explore the value in failure and the tough choice of when to let projects go. Discover the art of balancing live podcasting with quality recordings. Teasing takes center stage as it reveals its dual role in relationships, all dependent on context. Learn how teasing dynamics shift across social hierarchies and the impact of status. Finally, dive into the relationship between comedy and politics, highlighting memorable moments that merge satire with serious discourse.
Mar 7, 2021 • 39min
42. How Does When You Are Born Affect Who You Are?
The timing of your birth can shape your personality and life outcomes. The hosts delve into how cultural beliefs like the Chinese zodiac impact our trajectories. Funny coffee quizzes reveal personal taste quirks and a no-sugar challenge adds a playful twist. Exploring food preferences, they uncover how childhood memories and mindfulness influence what we like. Plus, the conversation touches on luxury coffee production and the surprising effects a mother's diet has on her child's flavor preferences.
Feb 28, 2021 • 36min
41. Why Are We So Attracted to Fame?
Explore the evolution of celebrity culture and its profound impact on identity. Delve into the paradox of fame, revealing its darker sides like obsession and stalking. The discussion shifts to personal influences, highlighting how unseen factors shape who we are. Memory's role in shaping identity is examined, especially the influence of childhood figures. Finally, the podcast traces our enduring fascination with fame through history and social media, mixing insightful reflections with humorous anecdotes.
Feb 21, 2021 • 36min
40. Have We All Lost Our Ability to Compromise?
The discussion kicks off with the waning art of compromise in politics and society. They delve into how social media fuels ego protection, affecting our ability to admit mistakes. Insights from Charlie Munger spotlight the challenges of originality and the flaws in our education system. Cognitive biases take center stage, explaining how they influence decision-making and creativity. The hosts also tackle misconceptions like the flat Earth theory, emphasizing the joy of understanding diverse perspectives and the importance of critical thinking.
