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. Join the Freakonomics Radio Plus membership program for weekly member-only episodes of Freakonomics Radio. You’ll also get every show in our network without ads. To sign up, visit our show page on Apple Podcasts or go to freakonomics.com/plus.
232 episodes transcribedWaitWhat C.E.O. Jeff Berman interviews Angela about “grit-scaling” and her unlikely path to academic celebrity.
Is there any upside to negative emotions? What can comedians teach us about dealing with pain? And why did Angela eat off of a stranger’s plate at a s...
Where is the line between a good guy and a doormat? Do people with sharp elbows make more money? And why did Angela’s mother give away her birthday pr...
What’s the difference between being introverted and being shy? What are extroverts so cheerful about? And does Angela’s social battery ever run out?Ta...
Is it really that important to make your bed? What’s the benefit of hiring a lazy person? And how many cups of spinach can Mike fit in a red Solo cup?...
What do the most creative people have in common? How open-minded are you, really? And what’s wrong with ordering eggs Benedict? Take the Big Five inv...
Are you the same person you were a decade ago? Do we get better as we age? And is your sixth-grade class clown still funny? SOURCES:Aaron (Tim) Beck,...
Is it dangerous to live in the past? Why is Disney remaking all of its classic movies? And why does Angela get sentimental over a cup of soup and a fr...
Does instinct trump expertise? Can playing poker improve your intuition? And why did Angela jump off of a moving trolley car? SOURCES:Tom Brady, forme...
Is grade inflation on the rise? How much does your G.P.A. matter in the long run? And when did M.I.T., of all places, become “the cool university”? SO...
How can you summon courage when you’re terrified? Is hiking more dangerous than skiing? And what is the stupidest thing that Mike has ever done? SOURC...
Would you be more adventurous if you had more structure? Do you multitask while brushing your teeth? And what would Mike’s perfect brother Peter do? ...
What’s the best way to carry out random acts of kindness? What’s wrong with making an “Irish exit”? And why is Mike secretly buying lottery tickets? S...
How can you strive for excellence without overworking yourself? Why is perfectionism on the rise? And is Angela part of the problem? SOURCES:Kristin A...
Does anyone have any real agency? What do McDonald’s and Oxford University have in common? And why did Angela give up on philosophy? SOURCESSam Harris...
Should you shout your sins from the rooftops? How many skeletons are in the average person’s closet? And what has Angela been hiding? SOURCES:Maya Ang...
Do you really deserve the credit for your accomplishments? Should college admissions be determined by lottery? And how did Mike’s contribution to a ch...
Where does sentimental value come from? Why did Angela throw out her childhood journals? And would Mike wear Hitler’s sweater? SOURCES:Jeffrey Galak,...
Is there any scientific basis for the law of attraction? Are people who believe in “cosmic collaboration” more successful? And what happens when you w...
Are modern parents too protective? Why do we worry so much about things that almost never happen? And how did Mike learn about bus stops? SOURCES:Davi...
