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
28 snips
Oct 6, 2024 • 38min
214. What Does It Take to Survive a Scandal?
Dive into the complexities of public scandals and the road to recovery. Explore what makes a public apology effective and how emotional expressions can influence forgiveness. The discussion highlights the disparities in accountability and media coverage, particularly through the lens of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Discover the role body language plays in apologies and the nuances of societal perceptions of remorse. Overall, it’s a fascinating look at reputation management in the public eye.
18 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 33min
Why Do People Love Horror Movies? (Replay)
Why do we find horror films so thrilling? The hosts dive into the psychology behind our attraction to fear, touching on the concept of 'benign masochism'. They engage listeners with a fun quiz about iconic horror movies and reflect on how age influences our taste in intense experiences. The conversation highlights how discomfort can offer a sense of control and provoke positive emotions. With intriguing facts about pigs and spicy food preferences, the hosts unravel the complex relationship we have with unsettling media.
25 snips
Sep 29, 2024 • 39min
213. What Is Evil?
What drives ordinary people to commit horrifying acts? The discussion delves into the influence of environment and intention on our moral compass. Psychological experiments, like the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment, reveal unsettling truths about human behavior. Listeners are prompted to ponder the balance between personal responsibility and situational pressure. Amidst this exploration, the intricacies of evil and the journey to understanding adulthood and morality come to light, encouraging self-reflection and deeper insight.
147 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 39min
212. When Do You Become an Adult?
What truly defines adulthood? The podcast dives into the fascinating evolution of puberty and adulthood, questioning why society marks 18 as the magic number. It discusses the unusual trend of Gen Z bringing parents to job interviews and the implications of delayed life milestones. The hosts explore the relationship between emotional and cognitive maturity, examining how society’s expectations shape our understanding of becoming an adult. With a touch of humor, they also reflect on generational shifts in responsibilities and decision-making.
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!
34 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!
62 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!
