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
Dec 19, 2021 • 38min
78. Why Do We Put Things Off Until the Very Last Minute?
The hosts dive into the fascinating psychology of procrastination, exploring why tasks often get pushed to the last minute. They mix personal anecdotes with scientific insights to unpack the planning fallacy and time management challenges. Shifting gears, they discuss how names can shape our identities and perceptions, introducing amusing aptonyms that cleverly match professions. With humor and depth, they also cover naming trends and cultural significance, wrapping up with intriguing linguistic tidbits and historical connections to punctuality.
4 snips
Dec 12, 2021 • 38min
77. How Can You Avoid Boredom?
Dive into the intriguing psychology of boredom and interest as the hosts share personal tales and strategies to combat monotony. Discover how boredom can propel us toward engaging activities while exploring mindful techniques for finding focus. Learn about the elusive 'flow state' and how to enhance productivity amid less stimulating tasks. The discussion also takes a thoughtful turn, examining perceptions of COVID risk across age groups and how media narratives shape our fears. It's a blend of humor, insight, and practical advice!
Dec 5, 2021 • 39min
76. Why Can’t Baby Boomers and Millennials Just Get Along?
Dive into the generational misunderstandings between Baby Boomers and Millennials, as the hosts emphasize empathy and mutual understanding. Explore how technology, particularly phone cameras, shifts our experiences at live events, sparking debates on distraction versus presence. Discover the balance between fully engaging in moments and documenting them, and laugh along with quirky fact-checking tales about marshmallows and Olympic myths. Each topic invites listeners to rethink their connections with both technology and each other.
Nov 28, 2021 • 36min
Why Do We Seek Comfort in the Familiar? (NSQ Ep. 30 Replay)
This conversation dives into why we cling to familiarity during tough times, highlighting the psychological benefits of routines and comforts. Listeners share experiences of finding solace in media during the pandemic, balancing the urge for comfort with the growth found in discomfort. It also humorously addresses unsolicited advice and explores the Dunning-Kruger effect, where those less informed often overestimate their abilities. The chat encourages self-reflection on knowledge and competence, making for a thought-provoking yet fun discussion.
5 snips
Nov 21, 2021 • 39min
75. How Do You Deal With Intrusive Thoughts?
The hosts dive into the fascinating world of intrusive thoughts, sharing personal anecdotes and emphasizing their commonality. They discuss mindfulness and acceptance as effective ways to cope with these tricky thoughts. The conversation then shifts to the intriguing relationship between confidence and success, illustrating how they're interdependent yet can become a vicious cycle. Finally, the exploration of concepts like self-efficacy and historical reflections adds depth, making the discussion both enlightening and entertaining.
Nov 14, 2021 • 37min
74. Does Reverse Psychology Really Work?
Explore the intriguing dynamics of reverse psychology and its cultural impact. Discover how our desire for autonomy can lead to oppositional behavior in the face of control attempts. Dive into the significance of family history and how understanding our roots shapes personal identity. The conversation also touches on the emotional journeys tied to genealogy and the importance of documenting family stories. With expert insights and personal anecdotes, this discussion enriches our understanding of psychological principles and heritage.
Nov 7, 2021 • 33min
73. Is It Okay to Engage in “Social Loafing”?
Join Rory McIlroy, the insightful professional golfer, as he explores the concept of social loafing in group dynamics. The conversation dives into why individuals may contribute less in teams, with references to popular culture like HBO's Succession. Rory shares his personal experiences from the Ryder Cup, highlighting the emotional connections among players and the bittersweet nature of teamwork. Discover how hope plays a crucial role in recovery and how it influences athlete performance, all while unpacking the deeper impact of collective experiences.
Oct 31, 2021 • 38min
72. If Everyone Hates Meetings, Why Do We Have So Many of Them?
Why do meetings persist despite widespread annoyance? Explore the complexities of participation dynamics and the surprising effects of group size. The conversation shifts to the struggles of navigating your 20s, highlighting the clash between societal expectations and personal experiences. Unpacking the neurological shifts during this decade, the hosts emphasize growth through uncertainty. Also, discover how breaking the cycle of self-absorption can foster better mental health. It's a deep dive into communication and self-discovery!
Oct 24, 2021 • 29min
71. Why Is Pig Milk the One Milk We Don’t Drink?
Why don't we drink pig milk? The hosts dive into the quirky history of milk consumption and the unique challenges of milking pigs. Personal food preferences take center stage, with hilarious tales of unconventional delicacies like insects and natto. The discussion embraces the notion of 'disgusting' foods and celebrates surprising culinary joys, from durian to gefilte fish. They challenge norms and invite listeners to rethink their views on what makes a dish truly delightful.
23 snips
Oct 17, 2021 • 37min
How Much Do Your Friends Affect Your Future? (NSQ Ep. 31 Replay)
Friendships play a crucial role in shaping personal success and happiness. The discussion explores how social circles influence life choices and outcomes, highlighting concepts like emotional contagion. Listeners learn about the impact of different career paths on mental health and job satisfaction. The dialogue also addresses how happiness correlates with work performance, emphasizing job crafting as a way to enhance fulfillment. Finally, the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences for career success is underscored.
