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.
This podcast episode explores the concept of isolation and its psychological effects on individuals. It discusses various examples, including the movie Castaway, solitary confinement, and the experiences of Nelson Mandela. The conversation highlights the distinction between involuntary and voluntary solitude, emphasizi...
This podcast episode explores the significance of touch in human interaction, highlighting its cultural diversity and impact on well-being. Touch varies across cultures, with research showing that all cultures have touch rituals but the amount and types of touch differ. A study reveals that society's attitude towards t...
This podcast episode explores the concept of ultimatums and their effectiveness in various contexts, including romantic relationships and business negotiations. The hosts discuss the complexities of communication and relationship dynamics, emphasizing the importance of considering the context and potential consequences...
This podcast episode explores the concept of embracing discomfort and the significance it holds for personal growth and finding meaning in life. It discusses the balance between discomfort and progress, the challenges of teaching failure, the comfort crisis, the value of experiencing discomfort in various aspects of li...
This podcast episode explores the concept of positive fantasies and the reasons behind our tendency to indulge in them. The speakers discuss the enjoyment and pleasure derived from fantasizing about unlikely but desirable outcomes, as well as the value of fantasizing as a source of fun and connection. However, they als...
This podcast episode explores the distinction between sympathy and empathy in relationships and decision-making processes, highlighting the value of understanding and connecting with others on an emotional level. It delves into the limitations of empathy and the potential risks associated with prioritizing emotions ove...
This podcast episode discusses the principles of gathering and the psychology of group dynamics. It explores the importance of creating meaningful and intentional gatherings, the power of exclusivity in fostering group membership and cohesion, and the significance of long-term commitment in maintaining strong groups. T...
This podcast episode explores the concept of coolness and how it is perceived in society. The speakers discuss the evolution of the definition of cool, the role of signaling in coolness, the power of brand association, and the transition from niche cool brands to mass cool brands. They also delve into the importance of...
This podcast episode explores the ethics and complexities of parenting by lying, discussing the practice of deceiving children to influence their emotions or behavior. The hosts share personal experiences and debate the morality of perpetuating childhood myths. They delve into the differentiation between "good" lies an...
This podcast episode explores the influence of environment on talent and achievement, featuring an interview with Angela Duckworth, author of "Grit." Duckworth emphasizes the power of our surroundings and challenges the belief that talent is solely innate. She shares her personal journey of transitioning from pre-med t...
This podcast episode explores the concept of neuroticism and its relationship to personality traits. The speakers discuss how personality can change and evolve over time, highlighting the concept of emotional stability and habituation. They delve into the intricacies of emotional well-being, the factors that contribute...
This podcast episode explores the relationship between personality traits, such as agreeableness, and various factors such as geographical location, conflict resolution, giving and self-respect. The hosts discuss the influence of location on agreeableness, the importance of healthy conflict and the drawbacks of excessi...
This podcast episode explores the concepts of extroversion and introversion, questioning societal perceptions and highlighting the fluid nature of these personality traits. The speakers discuss their personal experiences, the research on extroversion and introversion, and the impact of these traits on happiness and wor...
This podcast episode explores the concept of conscientiousness, one of the Big Five personality traits. The hosts discuss whether grit is a form of conscientiousness, and share their own scores on conscientiousness. They delve into the different facets of conscientiousness such as orderliness and explore the benefits o...
This podcast episode explores the concept of openness to experience, focusing on aesthetic sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, exploration, and sampling. The speakers discuss the importance of being open to new experiences and ideas, as well as the trade-off between exploration and exploitation. They emphasize the ben...
This podcast episode explores the concept of personality and how it changes over time. The hosts discuss the Big Five personality traits and the factors that influence personality changes. They debunk the idea of the "end of history illusion" and highlight that personality continues to evolve throughout life. The episo...
This podcast episode explores the concept of nostalgia, its complex nature, its role in coping with stress and trauma, its relationship with well-being, its negative aspects, its universality and positive effects, its connection to our narrative personality, and its power to provide perspective during stressful times. ...
This podcast episode explores the question of whether intuition can lead us astray, specifically in the context of trusting one's gut when making decisions. The speakers discuss personal experiences and stories from listeners, highlighting the complexities and challenges of relying on intuition. They explore the role o...
This podcast episode explores the issue of grade inflation in higher education, discussing its prevalence in colleges and high schools. The hosts analyze the potential causes of grade inflation, including pressure on professors and the desire of students to secure good graduate school placements or job opportunities. T...
This podcast episode delves into the complex role of fear as a driving force and motivator. It highlights that even high achievers can be motivated by fear of failure and that courage resides in confronting fears rather than denying them. The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing all emotions, including fear, ...
Follow this podcast in Podwise
Sign in to get AI summaries, transcripts and mind maps for any episode, including new ones.
