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
19 snips
Sep 15, 2024 • 37min
211. Why Do We Listen to Sad Songs?
Why do we gravitate towards sad songs? Exploration of emotional connections reveals that melancholy music can offer therapeutic benefits, helping us process grief and nostalgia. Discussions uncover a surprising link between depression and a preference for sad tunes, showcasing how listeners often find solace in them. The speakers share personal favorites for emotional moments and tease an upcoming karaoke event, inviting listeners to reflect on their own music preferences and the intricate bond between emotion and melody.
73 snips
Sep 8, 2024 • 38min
210. What Makes a Good Sense of Humor?
Explore the evolutionary purpose of laughter and its role in social connections. Discover cultural differences in humor, from Swedish to American perspectives. Learn how humor enhances communication and can be a secret weapon in professional settings. The speakers share personal anecdotes that highlight the dynamics of humor across cultures. Plus, there's a fun listener story as they delve into some quirky fact-checking. Get ready to laugh while unpacking the elements that make humor truly effective!
33 snips
Sep 6, 2024 • 31min
Why Are Stories Stickier Than Statistics? (Replay)
Dive into the fascinating world of storytelling versus statistics! Discover how narratives enhance memory and empathy, making complex ideas more relatable. The discussion also highlights the persuasive power of stories, but with a cautionary note about their potential to distort reality. Using the Kitty Genovese case, the importance of critical evaluation in storytelling is emphasized. Finally, explore how stories shape our understanding of the world, influencing everything from personal experiences to broader societal perceptions.
35 snips
Sep 1, 2024 • 35min
209. Why Do We Settle?
Why do we cling to outdated systems like the QWERTY keyboard and Fahrenheit scale? Explore the quirky ways traditions shape our decisions, from Sweden's driving switch to the curious impact of a coin flip on life choices. Delve into the psychological phenomenon of status quo bias, revealing how comfort can hold us back from better options. With humor and personal stories, get ready to rethink what it means to settle for less and embrace the potential for change!
58 snips
Aug 25, 2024 • 36min
208. Can A.I. Companions Replace Human Connection?
What if AI companions became more empathetic than humans? The discussion raises questions about the authenticity of friendships formed through technology. Can robot therapists genuinely save lives? The potential for AI to alleviate loneliness is explored, alongside ethical dilemmas in emotional support. Listeners share personal stories reflecting on AI's impact on self-perception. As technology evolves, the podcast delves into the future of human connections, advocating for AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, meaningful interactions.
43 snips
Aug 18, 2024 • 36min
207. How Clearly Do You See Yourself?
How do you view yourself compared to how others perceive you? This conversation dives deep into the quirks of self-awareness and the value of 360-degree feedback for understanding our own traits. The team humorously shares their mutual disdain for fishing while linking it to the challenges of self-clarity. The disparity between self-assessment and external opinions sparks discussions on honest feedback and its role in personal growth. Plus, intriguing insights into identity shifts during retirement keep the dialogue engaging!
4 snips
Aug 11, 2024 • 35min
Why Do People Get Scammed? (Replay)
Dive into the intriguing world of scams and the psychology behind why people fall prey to them. Discover the emotional toll of scams through poignant personal stories, alongside humorous anecdotes about everyday deceit. Explore the delicate balance of trust and skepticism, and learn about the psychological traits that make us vulnerable. Delight in the historical tales of notorious con artists and their outrageous schemes, while reflecting on how awareness and understanding can arm us against deception.
33 snips
Aug 4, 2024 • 38min
206. When Is It Time to Step Aside?
The discussion kicks off with the complexities of mandatory retirement ages in government roles. They dive into the pressure of legacy and the struggle to maintain identity in retirement. Personal stories highlight how transitioning can redefine relevance and purpose. An inspiring tale of an ex-lawyer and Olympic athlete showcases finding new meaning post-career. Friendship and selflessness emerge as vital components in personal growth. The conversation rounds off with reflections on values and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
54 snips
Jul 28, 2024 • 42min
205. Where Do Values Come From?
Explore the intriguing roots of personal values, from familial influences to cultural backgrounds. Discover how agricultural practices in China shape social behaviors and self-esteem. Uncover the tension between corporate values and real-world practices through engaging anecdotes. Delve into the resilience of core beliefs amidst societal pressures, and enjoy a humorous take on marketing's personalization struggles. This lively conversation invites reflection on how our values evolve over time.
31 snips
Jul 21, 2024 • 40min
204. What Happens When You’re Cut Off From All Human Contact?
What happens to our brains when cut off from human contact? The hosts explore the profound psychological effects of isolation versus solitude, using real-life stories like a climber's 500 days in a cave. Can baby monkeys serve as therapists for social recovery? They delve into the harrowing experiences of historical figures like Alexander Selkirk and the importance of reintegration into society. The conversation highlights how connection shapes our identity and mental health, raising intriguing questions about our need for social interaction.
