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
Aug 1, 2021 • 40min
62. How Can You Escape a Drama Triangle?
Dive into the drama triangle and uncover how to escape its traps of blame and victimhood. Explore the cultural implications of participation trophies versus competitive spirit. Discover the complex relationship between awards, motivation, and self-worth. Hear personal stories that highlight kindness in competition and the pitfalls of external validation. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted award for the best podcast friend and some fun listener engagement segments!
Jul 25, 2021 • 34min
61. Should We Just Ignore Our Weaknesses?
The discussion delves into whether to focus on strengths or weaknesses for personal growth. Interesting insights are shared on enhancing signature strengths through positive psychology. They explore the rigidities in education that stifle individual talents, while also recognizing the importance of balancing strength development with overcoming weaknesses. Personal tastes, like the newfound love for smooth jazz, reveal how familiarity can shift our preferences. Statistical insights into jazz popularity add a humorous twist to the conversation!
Jul 18, 2021 • 32min
60. Why Do We Complain?
Explore the psychology behind why we complain and how it shapes our social interactions. Discover the balance between genuine grievances and minor annoyances. Delve into the excuses we make about time, questioning the difference between having free time and choosing how to spend it. Analyze time management strategies, revealing how perceptions of time shift post-pandemic. Plus, uncover the health debates surrounding sugar substitutes and enjoy a humorous dive into public feedback art.
Jul 11, 2021 • 39min
59. Do Dreams Actually Mean Anything?
Dive into the mysteries of dreams and whether they hold any true meaning. Explore the evolution of dream interpretation from Freud's controversial theories to modern psychological insights. Discover how music shapes adolescent identity and evokes nostalgia. Learn about the powerful connection between music, memory, and learning, and how certain songs define personal moments. Reflect on the lasting impact of high school music and the symbolic meanings behind dreams, all while enjoying personal anecdotes and insights.
Jul 4, 2021 • 35min
How Can You Stop Comparing Yourself With Other People? (Ep. 13 Rebroadcast)
This conversation delves into the psychology of social comparison, especially how it affects mental health in our social media era. It examines the paradox of using others as benchmarks for self-worth while cautioning against insecurity. The discussion also explores the narrative fallacy in life stories, revealing how misleading causal connections can distort our understanding. Additionally, insights into the complexities of causality prompt reflection on evidence and uncertainty in both personal and social contexts.
Jun 27, 2021 • 37min
58. What’s So Gratifying About Gossip?
Dive into the captivating world of gossip, exploring why celebrity stories grip our attention. Discover the emotional pull of gossip and its societal implications, balancing connection with guilt. Delve into the dark side of gossip's impact on self-image and public perception. The conversation shifts to small talk, highlighting its surprising role in building community and fostering deeper relationships. With personal anecdotes, the speakers shed light on how these interactions vary across cultures and personalities.
Jun 20, 2021 • 37min
57. Which Incentives Are Best at Boosting Vaccination, and Why?
Discover unique strategies to boost vaccination rates, from personalized alerts to the psychology behind incentives. Dive into how personal connections shape decisions, and enjoy a light-hearted debate on the ethics of superpowers. Which would you choose: the thrill of flight or the intrigue of invisibility? The show also fact-checks common medical myths and explores how literature influences our understanding of health and desire. It's a blend of humor and insight that makes you ponder both vaccines and your ultimate superpower.
Jun 13, 2021 • 39min
56. Why Is Academic Writing So Bad?
Explore the perplexities of academic writing, where convoluted prose meets the need for clarity. The hosts humorously contrast this jargon-filled world with everyday life, even likening it to a dentist's sugary pitch. In a lighter vein, they share what a 'perfect day' looks like to them, balancing productivity with spontaneity. The discussion dives into the paradox of work and happiness, revealing how often career success does not equate to true fulfillment. It's a delightful blend of insight, humor, and relatable personal stories!
Jun 6, 2021 • 38min
55. What Changes Will Stick When the Pandemic Is Gone?
The discussion explores the lasting impacts of remote work on productivity and company culture post-pandemic. There's a deep dive into confirmation bias, revealing how it's shaping decision-making and hiring practices. Personal stories highlight the quirks of bias in real-life situations. The hosts humorously tackle the complexities behind first impressions and the potential benefits of reducing such biases. Plus, a fact-checking segment clarifies fascinating historical misconceptions, including the origins of the 'Spanish flu' and Machiavelli's reputation.
May 30, 2021 • 37min
54. Do You Really Need a Muse to Be Creative?
The podcast delves into the nature of creativity, questioning whether true inspiration comes from a muse or from discipline. It emphasizes the importance of consistency in creative practices over relying solely on fleeting moments of brilliance. Listeners explore the perils of shortsightedness in decision-making and how focusing too much on immediate rewards can cloud judgment about future consequences. Additionally, the discussion touches on the psychological nuances of prospection, revealing how our ability to envision future scenarios affects relationships and choices.
