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
Sep 27, 2020 • 33min
20. Should We Separate the Art From the Artist?
The podcast dives into the heated debate of whether we can separate an artist from their art, using figures like Michael Jackson as prime examples. It tackles the implications of cancel culture on our appreciation of art, prompting listeners to reflect on their own moral compass. Additionally, it explores existential dread and the quest for meaning in life, blending personal anecdotes with philosophical reflections. The conversation also examines how technology impacts our ability to confront deep questions and the legacy of controversial figures.
Sep 20, 2020 • 34min
19. Is There Such a Thing as Good Estrangement?
Dive into the intriguing complexities of family estrangement, where personal growth and toxic ties intersect. The hosts humorously debate when distancing might actually be healthy. They navigate the idea of family beyond blood relations, especially in the queer community, emphasizing commitment over genetics. Plus, they tackle the Big Five personality traits and their implications, shedding light on self-awareness and emotional change. Cultural attitudes toward familial obligations are also examined, revealing stark differences between the U.S. and China.
9 snips
Sep 13, 2020 • 30min
18. How Do You Raise a “Likable” Kid?
Explore how childhood behavior shapes adult personalities and social success. Discover the delicate balance of parenting styles impacting emotional growth and likability. The significance of friendship is emphasized, revealing its profound influence on happiness over wealth. The dynamics of relationships, including the principle of homophily, highlight the necessity of connections in our lives. Delve into historical parenting insights and the complexities faced by caregivers, all while unearthing fascinating statistics that add depth to the discussion.
10 snips
Sep 6, 2020 • 32min
17. How Can We Get More Virtue and Less ‘Virtue Signaling’?
Dive into the intriguing world of 'virtue signaling' versus genuine altruism, exploring how our distance from social issues shapes our motivations. Discover the dynamics of personality types: thinkers, doers, and charmers, and their influence on success. The discussion also tackles the art of writing, emphasizing the blend of skills needed for effective communication. Finally, they critically examine virtue signaling against historical perspectives, shedding light on the complexities of altruism.
9 snips
Aug 30, 2020 • 32min
16. What’s the Downside to Being Goal-Oriented?
Gabrielle Hamilton, the acclaimed chef behind Prune and author of 'Blood, Bones & Butter,' discusses the pitfalls of being overly goal-oriented. She explores how this mindset can overshadow life’s simple pleasures and lead to dissatisfaction. The conversation dives into balancing productivity with personal relationships, and the emotional challenges that come with culinary leadership. Hamilton shares personal anecdotes on navigating personal growth, the complexities of creativity, and even culinary trivia that reveals deeper life regrets.
10 snips
Aug 23, 2020 • 36min
15. How Much of Your Life Do You Actually Control?
Dive into the intriguing world of control and how it shapes our lives. Explore the dual nature of locus of control, highlighting the balance between internal empowerment and external influences. Uncover the evolution of psychological theories that redefine agency and motivation. Delve into the roots of procrastination, revealing the emotional hurdles that lead to task avoidance. Enjoy humorous anecdotes from famous procrastinators while learning practical strategies to boost productivity and embrace those quirky delays.
24 snips
Aug 16, 2020 • 24min
14. Are You a Maximizer or a Satisficer?
Explore the intriguing differences between maximizers and satisficers in decision-making styles, showcasing how these approaches affect happiness and choices. Delve into effective job interview strategies, emphasizing the importance of structured questions and logical assessments. Discover the biases in traditional hiring methods through insights from Kahneman, while gaining a fascinating fact-check on historical anecdotes and scientific concepts, including quirky calculations about extraterrestrial life. It's an enlightening mix of psychology and practical advice!
17 snips
Aug 9, 2020 • 34min
13. How Can You Stop Comparing Yourself With Other People?
The harmful effects of comparing yourself to others take center stage, shedding light on its emotional toll. The conversation dives into the psychology behind social comparisons, especially in our tech-driven world. Biographical narratives reveal the complexities of interpreting life stories, while the narrative fallacy shows how we oversimplify realities into neat tales, ignoring luck's role. Lastly, the discussion about money's influence on success challenges common beliefs, highlighting media's transformative power in society.
11 snips
Aug 3, 2020 • 33min
12. Does “As If” Thinking Really Work?
Explore the transformative power of 'As If' thinking, which suggests that pretending to adopt positive traits, like extroversion, can elevate mood and social dynamics. The conversation highlights the placebo effect, showcasing how our beliefs can significantly influence emotional and physical health. Listeners will enjoy personal stories that demystify how mindset impacts recovery and pain perception. Balancing optimism with realism, the insights encourage applying positive thinking while staying grounded in genuine emotions.
16 snips
Jul 27, 2020 • 36min
11. Are Ambitious People Inherently Selfish?
The discussion starts with the intriguing link between ambition and self-interest, probing if ambitious people can truly be altruistic. Historical examples illustrate how personal pursuits often intertwine with broader societal values. Habituation is explored, revealing how we often take life's simple pleasures for granted. The conversation encourages mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of appreciating everyday joys. Finally, the interplay between ambition and social responsibility is examined, suggesting success can be a force for good.
