Podcast cover
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher · Education

No Stupid Questions

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.

Episodes

Episode cover

186. Do You Need a Routine?

10 Mar 2024
38m
AI processed

This podcast episode dives into the concept of quasi-non-negotiable routines as a flexible framework for organizing life while promoting key aspects. It discusses the difference between habits and routines, emphasizing the importance of both for optimizing brain function. The episode also introduces habit stacking as a...

Episode cover

185. Do You Need Closure?

03 Mar 2024
38m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the psychological phenomenon of the Zeigarnik effect, which explains how unfinished or incomplete tasks linger in our minds more persistently than resolved ones. The implications of this effect are examined in various aspects of life, including relationships, where unresolved conflicts ...

Episode cover

184. Are You Doing Too Much?

25 Feb 2024
40m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the nuances between high achievers and overachievers, emphasizing the significance of striking a balance between striving and perfectionism. It delves into the negative impacts of excessive pursuit, highlighting examples from extreme bodybuilding and the dangers of "jumping the shark." The...

Episode cover

183. Does Free Will Exist, and Does It Matter?

18 Feb 2024
41m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the complexities of free will, exploring arguments against its existence from a philosophical and neuroscientific perspective. The speakers discuss the idea that our actions may be heavily influenced by external factors, leaving us to question the validity of free will. By examining dif...

Episode cover

182. Is It Good or Bad to Keep Secrets?

11 Feb 2024
40m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the nature of secrets, examining both their positive and negative aspects. It emphasizes the catharsis of revealing personal secrets and considers the impact of both disclosing and hiding positive and negative information. Real-life stories and research findings are utilized to highlight t...

Episode cover

181. What’s So Great About Meritocracy?

04 Feb 2024
34m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of meritocracy, fostering a thought-provoking exploration of societal and economic disparities. It delves into the arguments against a purely meritocratic system, considering the rise in inequality, depression, and suicide. It also explores the negative impact meritocrac...

Episode cover

180. What Makes Some Objects Feel Special?

28 Jan 2024
38m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores our emotional connections to physical objects, delving into the significance of family heirlooms, the role of sentimentality in our lives, and the value we assign to objects based on their history, associations, and personal connections.

Episode cover

179. Can You Really “Manifest” Success Through Positive Visualization?

21 Jan 2024
36m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the concepts of manifestation, visualization, setting goals, and taking action to achieve success. It emphasizes the importance of positive thinking, self-belief, and planning while acknowledging the need to overcome obstacles and work towards goals. The discussion explores the psycholo...

Episode cover

178. Do Kids Need More Independence?

14 Jan 2024
36m
AI processed

This podcast episode highlights the importance of granting children independence and the key role it plays in their development and mental well-being. It delves into parental involvement, discussing the potential negative effects of overprotectiveness and intrusive parenting while advocating for a balanced approach tha...

Episode cover

177. What Does Success Look Like?

07 Jan 2024
37m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the multifaceted concept of success, challenging societal definitions and emphasizing personal fulfillment and intrinsic motivation. It delves into the PERMA theory of a happy and fulfilling life and discusses the importance of setting personal goals and striving for continuous growth rath...

Episode cover

63. How Contagious Is Behavior? With Laurie Santos of “The Happiness Lab.” (Replay)

31 Dec 2023
36m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the intriguing phenomenon of mirroring accents and mannerisms in multicultural environments, exploring the natural tendency to connect with others through shared speech patterns. It also delves into the multifaceted concept of behavioral contagion, discussing examples such as fish schoo...

Episode cover

176. Why Is It So Hard to Make Decisions?

24 Dec 2023
40m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the phenomenon of analysis paralysis, where individuals struggle to make decisions due to excessive analysis. The discussion covers topics such as choice overload, satisficing, the tyranny of choice, and the emotional impact of having multiple options. The hosts provide strategies for over...

Episode cover

175. Why Is Astrology So Popular?

17 Dec 2023
37m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the burgeoning fascination with astrology and the occult, exploring psychological phenomena that shape our beliefs, the Barnum effect's influence, and the relationship between beliefs and expectations. Takeaways • The Barnum effect describes the tendency to believe general and vague st...

Episode cover

174. What’s the Point of I.Q. Testing?

10 Dec 2023
35m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the complexities of IQ testing, delving into its benefits and controversies, limitations, and potential biases. It challenges the traditional reliance on IQ scores for identifying gifted and talented children, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes socioeconom...

Episode cover

173. How Important Is Your Choice of Words?

03 Dec 2023
35m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of semantics, priming, and their captivating applications. It explores how language subtly shapes our thoughts, actions, and perceptions, emphasizing the significance of carefully chosen words in communication and branding. From the curious world of magic and mentalism t...

Episode cover

173. How Important Is Your Choice of Words?

03 Dec 2023
35m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the influence of language, particularly priming and word choice, on human thoughts and actions. It explores the concept of priming and its impact on decision-making, emphasizing its role in shaping people's choices and behaviors. The discussion also explores the controversies surroundin...

Episode cover

149. Is It Harder to Make Friends as an Adult? (Replay)

26 Nov 2023
52m
AI processed

This podcast episode discusses the complexities of friendship, particularly in adulthood, and explores the factors that contribute to building and maintaining meaningful relationships. The speakers emphasize the importance of defining what constitutes a good friendship, investing time and effort in fostering friendship...

Episode cover

172. Is Marriage Worth It?

19 Nov 2023
36m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the complexities of long-term romantic relationships, addressing the idea that they can trigger mental health issues and emphasizing the importance of relationship quality. It also delves into the changing landscape of marriage in the United States, including declining marriage rates and t...

Episode cover

171. Where Is the Line Between Exaggeration and Lying?

12 Nov 2023
34m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the nuances of language, particularly the usage and evolution of words like "literally" and "figuratively," as well as the concept of intensifiers. It discusses the consequences of using exaggeration and fabrication in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and emotional trut...

Episode cover

170. Are We Getting Lonelier?

05 Nov 2023
30m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the complex issue of loneliness and explores its relationship with aloneness and solitude. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between loneliness and solitude, emphasizing that solitude can be a fertile ground for creativity and self-discovery, while loneliness is a distressi...

Page 8

Follow this podcast in Podwise

Sign in to get AI summaries, transcripts and mind maps for any episode, including new ones.

Open in Podwise