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
38 snips
Sep 25, 2022 • 37min
116. Do People Pay Attention to Signs?
The discussion kicks off with how signage can influence positive behaviors, like hand washing. Listeners learn about the surprising effects of signage on bathroom etiquette and highway safety. From playful designs to serious messages, the psychology behind signs is fascinating. The challenges of promoting hygiene in healthcare are highlighted, including innovative strategies that go beyond traditional methods. They also tackle listener misconceptions about hygiene practices and reflect on personal insights, making for an engaging exploration of everyday choices.
33 snips
Sep 18, 2022 • 39min
115. Are You Having a Midlife Crisis?
Explore how aging has evolved and what younger generations may misunderstand about happiness. Dive into the emotional complexities of midlife, including the balancing act between aging parents and children. Discover how advancements in healthcare have shifted the perception of midlife crises, revealing a trend towards greater life satisfaction. Unique insights into social media's impact on self-perception and the importance of gratitude and personal growth make for a compelling discussion. Listeners share their own experiences for a relatable touch.
98 snips
Sep 11, 2022 • 37min
114. Can You Learn to Love Hard Work?
Can physical exercise actually enhance brain power? The discussion delves into the concept of cognitive endurance and its surprising link to academic success, especially for low-income students. Hear about innovative teaching methods like ropes courses that foster engagement and personal responsibility. The conversation also tackles the idea of whether laziness is innate and explores how brief problem-solving tasks can improve performance. Plus, they touch on the impact of distractions in learning environments.
21 snips
Sep 4, 2022 • 35min
113. How Can You Improve Your Mental Endurance?
Discover why some tasks drain your brain more than others and how poverty impacts mental endurance. Learn about cognitive fatigue and energy management while exploring the surprising idea that a simple sandwich might help solve larger societal issues. The discussion also challenges the theory of ego depletion, emphasizing the importance of metacognition for personal growth. Ultimately, gain insights into enhancing cognitive endurance, especially in educational settings, and rethink how we approach mental effort in our daily lives.
5 snips
Aug 28, 2022 • 36min
112. Is It Okay to Hate Highbrow Culture?
Dive into the cultural clash between highbrow and lowbrow art! Are Europeans really more sophisticated? Discover the humorous debate over preferring Taylor Swift to Puccini. Explore how socio-economic factors shape our artistic tastes and why context matters. With anecdotes that blend classical music and sports, the conversation turns to the evolution of utilitarianism and its impact on cultural preferences. Plus, reflect on the funny side of rereading series like Twilight while trying to be creative. It's a lively ride through art appreciation!
8 snips
Aug 21, 2022 • 34min
111. Would You Be Happier if You Lived Someplace Else?
The speakers humorously tackle the challenges of urban living, using Philadelphia as a backdrop. They ponder whether city ties can outweigh dissatisfaction, revealing the emotional complexities tied to hometowns. The discussion dives into how environments influence motivation and happiness, even in less desirable places. Delightful anecdotes about Philadelphia’s public service innovations and a quirky Santa story add charm. Lastly, they tease an upcoming exploration of America's lowbrow culture, promoting enjoyment without shame.
6 snips
Aug 14, 2022 • 34min
110. Why Is Angela Stepping Down as C.E.O. of the Nonprofit She Founded?
Explore the intriguing resignations in nonprofit leadership, particularly Angela's departure from her own organization. Delve into the contrasts between problem-solving and opportunity-seeking mindsets in effective leadership. Discuss the complexities modern leaders face, including mental health challenges. Learn what qualities define an ideal nonprofit CEO and how to navigate the socio-political landscape. Plus, a critical look at educational claims and a sneak peek into future discussions on urban dissatisfaction.
6 snips
Aug 7, 2022 • 24min
What’s the Best Advice You’ve Ever Received? (Replay from Ep. 65)
Reflecting on the best advice ever received, the hosts explore why wisdom is often overlooked. They use a fishing trip metaphor to discuss larger goals versus opportunity costs. A listener's dilemma sparks a conversation on trusting intuition versus external advice. Creative contexts, like writing workshops, highlight the nuances of interpreting guidance. The discussion wraps up with humorous behind-the-scenes insights into podcast production, making for an entertaining journey through advice and decision-making.
9 snips
Jul 31, 2022 • 35min
109. What Is the Purpose of Embarrassment?
What defines embarrassment, and how do shame and guilt compare? The hosts share personal anecdotes revealing the humorous side of awkward moments. They dive into the role of embarrassment in teen social dynamics and familial interactions, plus discuss age-related shifts in emotional responses. Intriguingly, a Freudian slip sparks a humorous personal story, while societal norms around embarrassment uncover complex psychological insights. Tune in for a fun exploration of the intricacies of self-conscious emotions!
18 snips
Jul 24, 2022 • 37min
108. Should You Try to Be Less Angry?
Delve into the purpose of negative emotions, especially anger, and explore how they impact our health and relationships. Listeners share unique strategies for managing anger, including exercise and mindfulness. Dive into the complexities of anger in high-pressure situations and the importance of emotional regulation. The hosts also highlight the healing power of laughter and its positive effects on well-being. Personal stories of embarrassment add humor and relatability, revealing that sharing our awkward moments can be cathartic.
