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
Oct 10, 2021 • 36min
70. In a Job Interview, How Much Does Timing Matter?
Discover how timing impacts job interviews, with insights on the pros and cons of being first or last. Gain practical advice based on cognitive psychology, including how hunger and weather influence hiring decisions. Explore the fascinating dynamics of audio versus visual perception and how it shapes social interactions. Uncover the brain’s mechanisms behind facial recognition and its biases, while enjoying light-hearted references. Plus, enjoy a rigorous fact-checking segment that clarifies misconceptions and enriches understanding.
Oct 3, 2021 • 38min
69. How Can You Convince Someone They’re Wrong?
Dive into the art of persuasion while navigating the tricky waters of rejection. Discover the nuances of effective communication, emphasizing the need for humility and rapport. Explore the complexities of vaccine hesitancy and the psychological barriers that come with it. Unpack the emotional impacts of rejection sensitivity and learn how mindset shapes our responses. With personal anecdotes and research insights, this discussion offers practical strategies for handling rejection and fostering open dialogues on contentious topics.
Sep 26, 2021 • 36min
68. Why Do We Want What We Can’t Have?
Delve into the psychology of longing for the unattainable and its ties to envy and self-doubt. The discussion reveals how ambition intertwines with admiration through personal anecdotes and ancient parables. Explore the complexities of tribalism in modern society, addressing feelings of exclusion and social hierarchies faced by minority communities. Insights into human nature reveal how our evolutionary past shapes contemporary interactions, emphasizing self-acceptance to counteract divisive group dynamics.
6 snips
Sep 19, 2021 • 39min
67. How Can You Escape Binary Thinking?
Explore the pitfalls of binary thinking and its oversimplifications in politics and healthcare. Discover how embracing a spectrum of choices can enhance decision-making, especially in mental health. Delve into the intriguing world of transactional utility and how perceived discounts influence our happiness and spending habits. Through personal anecdotes, uncover the complex relationships between frugality, identity, and value perception. Finally, enjoy a playful take on expressing non-binary ideas, reflecting the shades of complexity in everyday life.
Sep 12, 2021 • 37min
66. When Is It OK to Tell a Lie?
Dive into the fascinating complexities of lying, where motivations range from simple white lies to deep moral dilemmas. Discover how age and gender affect our honesty and the psychological insights that shape our understanding of deceit. The conversation also tackles the evolving landscape of mental health awareness, weighing its benefits against potential over-sensitivity. Finally, reflect on the historical treatment of homosexuality in mental health, shedding light on past misconceptions and current understandings.
Sep 5, 2021 • 35min
Why Do We Forget So Much of What We’ve Read? (Ep. 24 Rebroadcast)
The podcast dives into why we forget so much of what we read, unraveling the nuances of memory retention and emotional connections. It highlights how our feelings can overshadow facts, especially in the age of digital distractions. The hosts explore the significant impact of kind words versus gifts, emphasizing the power of compliments in building relationships. They also reflect on the complexities of friendships and the evolution of book jackets, revealing strategies to enhance recall and make reading more meaningful.
8 snips
Aug 29, 2021 • 40min
65. What’s the Best Advice You’ve Ever Received?
The hosts dive into the essence of great advice, sharing personal stories that highlight its importance in life decisions. They tackle the intriguing idea of compulsory parenting classes, weighing societal benefits against individual freedoms. A heated debate unfolds over whether parenting should require a license, discussing implications for kids' wellbeing. They also reflect on evolving parenting practices and the role of early childhood education, while fact-checking historical insights and educational statistics that shape current conversation.
Aug 22, 2021 • 33min
Why Do We Buy Things We Never Use? (Rebroadcast From Ep.22)
What drives us to buy things that end up gathering dust? Explore the psychology behind purchasing aspirational items and the disconnect between dreams and reality. The discussion weaves through the spectrum of consumption, from minimalism to hoarding, shedding light on the motivations that lead to both extremes. Delve into the challenges of digital hoarding and the emotional ties to our belongings. A poignant yet humorous look at the complexities of our material obsessions reveals the darker side of accumulation.
Aug 15, 2021 • 38min
64. Are Women Required to Be Nicer Than Men?
This discussion tackles the social expectations of niceness, particularly for women, who often navigate the tightrope between kindness and assertiveness. Gender communication styles are examined, revealing how empathy is becoming an essential trait for both men and women. The episode also dives into the value of reading versus modern media, highlighting the prevalence of unread books and the dynamics of today's media consumption. Humor and personal anecdotes punctuate the conversation, making for a lively exploration of these timely topics.
Aug 8, 2021 • 39min
63. How Contagious Is Behavior? With Laurie Santos of “The Happiness Lab.”
In this insightful chat, Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of "The Happiness Lab," dives into the fascinating world of behavioral contagion. Discover why we mimic accents and mannerisms, and how this shapes our identity. Santos explores the dynamics of social imitation, the 'chameleon effect,' and what it reveals about empathy. The conversation also tackles the complexities of happiness, discussing the hedonic treadmill, emotional resilience, and practical strategies to enhance joy and gratitude in our lives.
