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
132 snips
Nov 10, 2024 • 41min
219. How Do You Identify a Narcissist?
Dive into the intriguing world of narcissism, exploring its complex traits and how they manifest differently across ages. Learn how social media influences self-perception and whether this leads to more arrogance or self-consciousness. Discover the historical context of narcissism and its societal implications, especially in younger generations. Personal stories shed light on living with chronic conditions, while listener experiences encourage deeper conversations about narcissism in today’s digital landscape.
37 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 38min
How Can You Give Better Gifts? (Replay)
Explore the quirky world of gift-giving, from the surprising number of regifted bottles of wine to the questionable allure of cash presents. Delve into the psychology behind thoughtful gifting and the emotional responses tied to receiving. Discover the art behind selecting meaningful gifts and the importance of personal touches. With anecdotes, cultural insights, and a dash of humor, this discussion highlights the complexities of making your loved ones feel special through the perfect gift.
27 snips
Nov 3, 2024 • 35min
218. Why Do Parents Overshare on Social Media?
Dive into the captivating world of parental oversharing on social media. Explore how social media taps into our primal instincts and the risks of 'sharenting' for children's privacy. The emotional and ethical complexities of sharing personal stories about kids are dissected, alongside the societal pressures that drive parents. Reflect on the consequences of this behavior as it shapes children's identities in the digital age, and ponder the fine line between expression and privacy in an era of constant connectivity.
25 snips
Oct 27, 2024 • 41min
217. What Happens When You Put on a Costume?
Is stealing Halloween candy ever justified? The hosts explore the fascinating history of Halloween, from its Celtic roots to modern rituals. They dive into the psychology behind anonymous costumes and the impact of clothing on self-perception. The discussion includes how anonymity influences workplace feedback and educational evaluations. Personal anecdotes spark conversations on societal behaviors connected to costume trends, revealing surprising insights into our own identities. Halloween's evolution and its link to psychological accountability add an intriguing twist!
104 snips
Oct 20, 2024 • 38min
216. Why Do We Make Excuses?
Dive into the intriguing world of excuses and justifications. Discover how these concepts shape accountability in both personal and professional realms. Hear about the surprising benefits of excuse-making and how it can enhance decision-making. Explore the delicate balance between accepting responsibility and crafting explanations. The paradox of excuses offers a fresh perspective on personal growth and change, especially in the wake of challenges. Tune in for humorous anecdotes and psychological insights that encourage self-reflection!
93 snips
Oct 13, 2024 • 35min
215. Is It Okay to Do the Right Thing for the Wrong Reason?
Is it okay to do good for the wrong reasons? The hosts dive into the ethics of charitable donations spurred by tax benefits, questioning if these intentions tarnish the act of giving. They explore the fascinating complexity of altruism and public perception, examining whether good actions motivated by self-interest can be deemed virtuous. Additionally, they discuss the nuances of donor recognition, greenwashing tactics, and the moral dilemmas behind seemingly virtuous deeds, urging listeners to reflect on their motivations.
28 snips
Oct 6, 2024 • 38min
214. What Does It Take to Survive a Scandal?
Dive into the complexities of public scandals and the road to recovery. Explore what makes a public apology effective and how emotional expressions can influence forgiveness. The discussion highlights the disparities in accountability and media coverage, particularly through the lens of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Discover the role body language plays in apologies and the nuances of societal perceptions of remorse. Overall, it’s a fascinating look at reputation management in the public eye.
18 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 33min
Why Do People Love Horror Movies? (Replay)
Why do we find horror films so thrilling? The hosts dive into the psychology behind our attraction to fear, touching on the concept of 'benign masochism'. They engage listeners with a fun quiz about iconic horror movies and reflect on how age influences our taste in intense experiences. The conversation highlights how discomfort can offer a sense of control and provoke positive emotions. With intriguing facts about pigs and spicy food preferences, the hosts unravel the complex relationship we have with unsettling media.
25 snips
Sep 29, 2024 • 39min
213. What Is Evil?
What drives ordinary people to commit horrifying acts? The discussion delves into the influence of environment and intention on our moral compass. Psychological experiments, like the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment, reveal unsettling truths about human behavior. Listeners are prompted to ponder the balance between personal responsibility and situational pressure. Amidst this exploration, the intricacies of evil and the journey to understanding adulthood and morality come to light, encouraging self-reflection and deeper insight.
139 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 39min
212. When Do You Become an Adult?
What truly defines adulthood? The podcast dives into the fascinating evolution of puberty and adulthood, questioning why society marks 18 as the magic number. It discusses the unusual trend of Gen Z bringing parents to job interviews and the implications of delayed life milestones. The hosts explore the relationship between emotional and cognitive maturity, examining how society’s expectations shape our understanding of becoming an adult. With a touch of humor, they also reflect on generational shifts in responsibilities and decision-making.
