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No Stupid Questions
No Stupid Questions
Stephen Dubner (co-author of the Freakonomics book series) and research psychologist Angela Duckworth (author of Grit) really like to ask people questions, and came to believe there’s no such thing as a stupid one. So they made a podcast wh
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Episodes
163. Does Your DNA Determine Your Weight?
How much control do you really have over your body? Could understanding genetics help combat fat-shaming? And why is Mike’s life coach so happy all the time?
163. Does Your DNA Determine Your Weight?
How much control do you really have over your body? Could understanding genetics help combat fat-shaming? And why is Mike’s life coach so happy all the time?
27:38
17 Sep 23
162. How Can You Be Kinder to Yourself?
How do you practice self-care if you don’t have time for a break? Is it weird to talk to yourself? And does Mike need a bag of Doritos — or just a hug?
162. How Can You Be Kinder to Yourself?
How do you practice self-care if you don’t have time for a break? Is it weird to talk to yourself? And does Mike need a bag of Doritos — or just a hug?
39:40
10 Sep 23
161. How Effective Are Ultimatums?
How final is a final offer, really? Does anonymity turn nice people into jerks? And should you tell your crush that you dreamed about marrying them?
161. How Effective Are Ultimatums?
How final is a final offer, really? Does anonymity turn nice people into jerks? And should you tell your crush that you dreamed about marrying them?
37:09
3 Sep 23
160. How Do You Like Me Now?
Why would a successful person feel the need to stick it to the little guy? Is Angela a name-dropper? And why do rappers grab their crotches?
160. How Do You Like Me Now?
Why would a successful person feel the need to stick it to the little guy? Is Angela a name-dropper? And why do rappers grab their crotches?
39:45
27 Aug 23
159. How Much Personal Space Do You Need?
How do you deal with a close talker? Is Angela drinking too much water? And why can’t Mike keep his phone out of his bedroom?
159. How Much Personal Space Do You Need?
How do you deal with a close talker? Is Angela drinking too much water? And why can’t Mike keep his phone out of his bedroom?
33:53
20 Aug 23
158. Bigger Fish, or Bigger Pond?
Is it better to be the best player on the worst team or the worst player on the best team? How did Angela cope with her extremely impressive freshman dorm mates? And why won’t Shaquille O'Neal let Charles Barkley have an onion ring?
158. Bigger Fish, or Bigger Pond?
Is it better to be the best player on the worst team or the worst player on the best team? How did Angela cope with her extremely impressive freshman dorm mates? And why won’t Shaquille O'Neal let Charles Barkley have an onion ring?
29:15
13 Aug 23
157. How Can You Get Closer to the People You Care About?
How well do you know the people in your life, really? Are you stuck having surface-level conversations? And should we all be in couples therapy?
157. How Can You Get Closer to the People You Care About?
How well do you know the people in your life, really? Are you stuck having surface-level conversations? And should we all be in couples therapy?
39:11
6 Aug 23
156. How Do You Connect With Someone You Just Met?
How vulnerable should you get with your coworkers? What’s the benefit of telling strangers about your relationship with your mother? And why did Mike’s childhood home burn down — twice?
156. How Do You Connect With Someone You Just Met?
How vulnerable should you get with your coworkers? What’s the benefit of telling strangers about your relationship with your mother? And why did Mike’s childhood home burn down — twice?
41:09
30 Jul 23
155. How Do You Deal With Big Life Changes?
What’s more stressful, divorce or jail? Are you in the middle of a “lifequake”? And should we all be taking notes from Martha Stewart?
155. How Do You Deal With Big Life Changes?
What’s more stressful, divorce or jail? Are you in the middle of a “lifequake”? And should we all be taking notes from Martha Stewart?
44:11
23 Jul 23
154. Why Is There So Much Social Pressure Around Alcohol?
Why do people drink? Why do people not drink? And why specifically do Angela and Mike not drink?
154. Why Is There So Much Social Pressure Around Alcohol?
Why do people drink? Why do people not drink? And why specifically do Angela and Mike not drink?
30:14
16 Jul 23
153. Should You Spend More Time in Nature?
Is a walk through the city as good as a walk through the woods? Who’s most likely to die while taking a selfie? And how does Angela protect herself from the beer cans falling onto her deck?
153. Should You Spend More Time in Nature?
Is a walk through the city as good as a walk through the woods? Who’s most likely to die while taking a selfie? And how does Angela protect herself from the beer cans falling onto her deck?
31:57
9 Jul 23
152. What’s the Worst Kind of Regret?
Is it worse to regret something you’ve done, or something you haven’t done? What’s the upside of rejection? And which great American short-story writer convinced Angela to quit driving?
152. What’s the Worst Kind of Regret?
Is it worse to regret something you’ve done, or something you haven’t done? What’s the upside of rejection? And which great American short-story writer convinced Angela to quit driving?
32:56
2 Jul 23
151. Is It Okay to Be Average?
Must one always strive for excellence? Is perfectionism a good thing? And can Mike have two bad days in a row?
151. Is It Okay to Be Average?
Must one always strive for excellence? Is perfectionism a good thing? And can Mike have two bad days in a row?
45:49
25 Jun 23
150. Why Do People Get Scammed?
What makes a con succeed? Does snake oil actually work? And just how gullible is Angela?
150. Why Do People Get Scammed?
What makes a con succeed? Does snake oil actually work? And just how gullible is Angela?
37:30
18 Jun 23
149. Is It Harder to Make Friends as an Adult?
How do friendships change as we get older? Should you join a bowling league? And is Angela more important to Mike than Mike is to Angela?
149. Is It Harder to Make Friends as an Adult?
How do friendships change as we get older? Should you join a bowling league? And is Angela more important to Mike than Mike is to Angela?
40:06
11 Jun 23
148. What Is Fun, Exactly?
Why does time fly when you’re having fun? How do you teach rats to play hide and seek? And what does all this have to do with Anne Boleyn?
148. What Is Fun, Exactly?
Why does time fly when you’re having fun? How do you teach rats to play hide and seek? And what does all this have to do with Anne Boleyn?
35:18
28 May 23
147. Is Nudging Enough?
Is it enough to toss a soda can in the recycling? Why is Maria obsessed with Nobel Prize lectures? And wait — is that a news alert or a tiger?
147. Is Nudging Enough?
Is it enough to toss a soda can in the recycling? Why is Maria obsessed with Nobel Prize lectures? And wait — is that a news alert or a tiger?
39:33
21 May 23
146. How Do You Avoid Freezing Under Pressure?
Should you visualize success or failure? How do you bounce back from a mistake? And will Maria hustle Angela into a poker game?
146. How Do You Avoid Freezing Under Pressure?
Should you visualize success or failure? How do you bounce back from a mistake? And will Maria hustle Angela into a poker game?
39:13
14 May 23
145. Do You Have a Scarcity Mindset or an Abundance Mindset?
Are highly effective people quicker to share credit? What does poverty do to your brain? And how did Stephen's mother teach him about opportunity costs? Plus: an announcement about the future of the show.
145. Do You Have a Scarcity Mindset or an Abundance Mindset?
Are highly effective people quicker to share credit? What does poverty do to your brain? And how did Stephen's mother teach him about opportunity costs? Plus: an announcement about the future of the show.
49:19
7 May 23
144. What Should Be the Eighth Deadly Sin?
We asked you to nominate the worst sins of the modern age. Which one do Stephen and Angela think belongs on the list? And which does Angie struggle with the most?
144. What Should Be the Eighth Deadly Sin?
We asked you to nominate the worst sins of the modern age. Which one do Stephen and Angela think belongs on the list? And which does Angie struggle with the most?
44:08
30 Apr 23
143. How Sinful Are "No Stupid Questions" Listeners?
What does the Seven Deadly Sins survey tell us about the people who listen to this podcast? Are we more afflicted by sloth or by lust? And what does Angela mutter under her breath? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
143. How Sinful Are "No Stupid Questions" Listeners?
What does the Seven Deadly Sins survey tell us about the people who listen to this podcast? Are we more afflicted by sloth or by lust? And what does Angela mutter under her breath? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
41:39
23 Apr 23
142. Is Pride the Worst Sin?
Is pride an emotion? Where’s the line between self-esteem and hubris? And what does Stephen have against peacocks? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
142. Is Pride the Worst Sin?
Is pride an emotion? Where’s the line between self-esteem and hubris? And what does Stephen have against peacocks? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
44:28
16 Apr 23
141. Is Greed Good?
Who’s greedier — gamblers or casinos? What’s the difference between betting on sports and entering a charity raffle? And does Angela know the name of her city’s football team?Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
141. Is Greed Good?
Who’s greedier — gamblers or casinos? What’s the difference between betting on sports and entering a charity raffle? And does Angela know the name of her city’s football team?Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
42:52
9 Apr 23
140. Is Envy Healthy?
What does social media do to our self-esteem? How is envy affecting our politics? And should you go to your high school reunion? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
140. Is Envy Healthy?
What does social media do to our self-esteem? How is envy affecting our politics? And should you go to your high school reunion? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
41:28
2 Apr 23
139. Why Do We Get Angry?
What’s the difference between anger and indignation? What’s Angela’s problem with turkey sandwiches? And why wasn’t a No Stupid Questions listener angry at the men who assaulted him? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
139. Why Do We Get Angry?
What’s the difference between anger and indignation? What’s Angela’s problem with turkey sandwiches? And why wasn’t a No Stupid Questions listener angry at the men who assaulted him? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
40:53
26 Mar 23
138. Why is Everyone Having Less Sex?
Are we too busy watching Friends? Is porn driving us apart? And why did New Yorkers stop vacationing in the Catskills?Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
138. Why is Everyone Having Less Sex?
Are we too busy watching Friends? Is porn driving us apart? And why did New Yorkers stop vacationing in the Catskills?Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
29:53
19 Mar 23
136. Is Sloth a Sin or a Virtue?
How can we distinguish between laziness and patience? Why do people do crossword puzzles? And how is Angie like a combination of a quantum computer and a Sherman tank? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
136. Is Sloth a Sin or a Virtue?
How can we distinguish between laziness and patience? Why do people do crossword puzzles? And how is Angie like a combination of a quantum computer and a Sherman tank? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
38:48
5 Mar 23
135. What Should You Do on Your Birthday?
Birthdays! Why do Americans prefer Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July to theirs? Why do they make Stephen think of molasses and chicken feed? And is “Happy Birthday” the worst song ever written?
135. What Should You Do on Your Birthday?
Birthdays! Why do Americans prefer Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July to theirs? Why do they make Stephen think of molasses and chicken feed? And is “Happy Birthday” the worst song ever written?
32:33
26 Feb 23
134. Will You Live to Be 100?
How far would you go to extend your life? What’s the best way to stay sharp as your brain ages? And does Keith Richards deserve a Nobel Prize?
134. Will You Live to Be 100?
How far would you go to extend your life? What’s the best way to stay sharp as your brain ages? And does Keith Richards deserve a Nobel Prize?
35:39
19 Feb 23
133. Can You Really Work on an Airplane?
Are those travelers on their laptops just showing off? Why does V8 taste better at 35,000 feet? And why won't Angela chat with her seatmate?
133. Can You Really Work on an Airplane?
Are those travelers on their laptops just showing off? Why does V8 taste better at 35,000 feet? And why won't Angela chat with her seatmate?
37:36
5 Feb 23
132. Is It Wrong to Enjoy Yourself While the World Is Burning?
Are things as dire as they seem? How big is your moral circle? And should Angela spend time with her kids or answer her emails?
132. Is It Wrong to Enjoy Yourself While the World Is Burning?
Are things as dire as they seem? How big is your moral circle? And should Angela spend time with her kids or answer her emails?
39:52
29 Jan 23
131. Why Do We Cry?
Is sobbing a survival tactic? What happened when Angela wept in front of her boss? And what do sauerkraut and sadness have in common?
131. Why Do We Cry?
Is sobbing a survival tactic? What happened when Angela wept in front of her boss? And what do sauerkraut and sadness have in common?
35:39
22 Jan 23
130. Why Is It So Hard to Resist Temptation?
Why are people so inconsistent? Is there such a thing as character? And did Stephen once have the world's longest chain of gum wrappers?
130. Why Is It So Hard to Resist Temptation?
Why are people so inconsistent? Is there such a thing as character? And did Stephen once have the world's longest chain of gum wrappers?
30:34
15 Jan 23
129. Why Do We Cheat, and Why Shouldn’t We?
Is there such a thing as a victimless crime? In an unfair system, is dishonesty okay? And are adolescent vandals out of ideas?
129. Why Do We Cheat, and Why Shouldn’t We?
Is there such a thing as a victimless crime? In an unfair system, is dishonesty okay? And are adolescent vandals out of ideas?
39:42
8 Jan 23
128. How Can You Give Better Gifts?
How many bottles of wine are regifted? What’s wrong with giving cash? And should Angela give her husband a subscription to the Sausage of the Month Club?
128. How Can You Give Better Gifts?
How many bottles of wine are regifted? What’s wrong with giving cash? And should Angela give her husband a subscription to the Sausage of the Month Club?
39:38
25 Dec 22
127. How Can You Be a Better Communicator?
How do you express yourself when you're not sure what you want to say? What’s the number one way to get people to listen to you? And why are letters to advice columns always well-written? Plus: An update to the NSQ drinking game.
127. How Can You Be a Better Communicator?
How do you express yourself when you're not sure what you want to say? What’s the number one way to get people to listen to you? And why are letters to advice columns always well-written? Plus: An update to the NSQ drinking game.
38:12
18 Dec 22
126. Why Do People Love Horror Movies?
When are negative emotions enjoyable? Are we all a little masochistic? And do pigs like hot sauce?
126. Why Do People Love Horror Movies?
When are negative emotions enjoyable? Are we all a little masochistic? And do pigs like hot sauce?
36:36
11 Dec 22
125. Should We Replace Umpires With Robots?
What do gamblers and referees have in common? When do machines make better decisions than people? And has Stephen been replaced by a computer?
125. Should We Replace Umpires With Robots?
What do gamblers and referees have in common? When do machines make better decisions than people? And has Stephen been replaced by a computer?
39:53
4 Dec 22
124. How Do You Stop Grinding Your Teeth?
How can you break a bad habit if you’re not aware that you’re doing it? Does Barack Obama grind his teeth? And is Angela’s dentist a crook?
124. How Do You Stop Grinding Your Teeth?
How can you break a bad habit if you’re not aware that you’re doing it? Does Barack Obama grind his teeth? And is Angela’s dentist a crook?
38:20
27 Nov 22
123. What’s Wrong With Coveting?
What’s the difference between schadenfreude and sadism? Can envy be put to good use? And how do you teach a kid to punch a clown?
123. What’s Wrong With Coveting?
What’s the difference between schadenfreude and sadism? Can envy be put to good use? And how do you teach a kid to punch a clown?
37:48
20 Nov 22
122. Is Family Overrated?
If you’re frustrated with your family, should you cut ties with them? Who’s more likely to break with relatives over politics, liberals or conservatives? And what would it take for Stephen to buy a baby elephant?
122. Is Family Overrated?
If you’re frustrated with your family, should you cut ties with them? Who’s more likely to break with relatives over politics, liberals or conservatives? And what would it take for Stephen to buy a baby elephant?
34:06
6 Nov 22
121. How Good Are Your Snap Judgments?
How much can you tell about someone from the first few seconds of a Zoom call? What did Stephen think of Angie when he first met her? And: a special message to babies from the future.
121. How Good Are Your Snap Judgments?
How much can you tell about someone from the first few seconds of a Zoom call? What did Stephen think of Angie when he first met her? And: a special message to babies from the future.
37:38
30 Oct 22
120. Why Are Rich Countries So Unhappy?
How does comparing yourself to others affect your well-being? What do you do when there’s no one left to blame? And should we all just move to Finland?
120. Why Are Rich Countries So Unhappy?
How does comparing yourself to others affect your well-being? What do you do when there’s no one left to blame? And should we all just move to Finland?
37:25
23 Oct 22
119. J***s C****t, Angela, Why Are You Such a F***ing Potty-Mouth?
What’s the purpose of profanity? Why is cursing on the rise? And will Angela finally swear off swearing?
119. J***s C****t, Angela, Why Are You Such a F***ing Potty-Mouth?
What’s the purpose of profanity? Why is cursing on the rise? And will Angela finally swear off swearing?
37:35
16 Oct 22
117. What’s Wrong With Holding a Grudge?
How do you let go of resentment? Do apologies even work? And what grievances have Stephen and Angela been nursing for years?
117. What’s Wrong With Holding a Grudge?
How do you let go of resentment? Do apologies even work? And what grievances have Stephen and Angela been nursing for years?
37:27
2 Oct 22
116. Do People Pay Attention to Signs?
Do highway warnings save lives or cost lives? How do you keep men from peeing on the floor? And what’s Angela’s plan to get more people washing their hands?
116. Do People Pay Attention to Signs?
Do highway warnings save lives or cost lives? How do you keep men from peeing on the floor? And what’s Angela’s plan to get more people washing their hands?
37:28
25 Sep 22
115. Are You Having a Midlife Crisis?
How is aging different today than it was in the past? What do young people get wrong about happiness? And what does it mean if you impulsively decide to get your ear pierced in an unusual place?
115. Are You Having a Midlife Crisis?
How is aging different today than it was in the past? What do young people get wrong about happiness? And what does it mean if you impulsively decide to get your ear pierced in an unusual place?
39:06
18 Sep 22
114. Can You Learn to Love Hard Work?
Can exercising your body boost your brain's stamina? Are some people just born lazy? And why did Angela stop reading “Us Weekly”?
114. Can You Learn to Love Hard Work?
Can exercising your body boost your brain's stamina? Are some people just born lazy? And why did Angela stop reading “Us Weekly”?
36:32
11 Sep 22
113. How Can You Improve Your Mental Endurance?
Why do some activities tire your brain more than others? How exhausting is poverty? And could most of the world’s problems be solved with a sandwich?
113. How Can You Improve Your Mental Endurance?
Why do some activities tire your brain more than others? How exhausting is poverty? And could most of the world’s problems be solved with a sandwich?
34:44
4 Sep 22
112. Is It Okay to Hate Highbrow Culture?
Are Europeans more sophisticated than Americans? What’s wrong with preferring Taylor Swift to Puccini? And is Steve Levitt “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob”?
112. Is It Okay to Hate Highbrow Culture?
Are Europeans more sophisticated than Americans? What’s wrong with preferring Taylor Swift to Puccini? And is Steve Levitt “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob”?
35:32
28 Aug 22
111. Would You Be Happier if You Lived Someplace Else?
Will Angela finally break up with Philadelphia? Is New York really the unhappiest city in the U.S.? And are there trash tornadoes in the metaverse?
111. Would You Be Happier if You Lived Someplace Else?
Will Angela finally break up with Philadelphia? Is New York really the unhappiest city in the U.S.? And are there trash tornadoes in the metaverse?
33:31
21 Aug 22
110. Why Is Angela Stepping Down as C.E.O. of the Nonprofit She Founded?
Are you a problem solver or an opportunity seeker? Why is it so hard to find a good leader these days? And could you be Angela’s next boss?
110. Why Is Angela Stepping Down as C.E.O. of the Nonprofit She Founded?
Are you a problem solver or an opportunity seeker? Why is it so hard to find a good leader these days? And could you be Angela’s next boss?
33:32
14 Aug 22
109. What Is the Purpose of Embarrassment?
What’s worse: shame, guilt, or humiliation? Does Angela have psychopathic tendencies? And where’s the worst place to sit at a magic show?
109. What Is the Purpose of Embarrassment?
What’s worse: shame, guilt, or humiliation? Does Angela have psychopathic tendencies? And where’s the worst place to sit at a magic show?
34:41
31 Jul 22
108. Should You Try to Be Less Angry?
What is the purpose of negative emotions? Why do we engage with things we know will upset us? And how does Angie deal with rejection?
108. Should You Try to Be Less Angry?
What is the purpose of negative emotions? Why do we engage with things we know will upset us? And how does Angie deal with rejection?
37:27
24 Jul 22
107. Is It Worth It for Charities to Harass Their Donors?
Is it O.K. to bother people for a good cause? Why do people donate to charity in the first place? And do those personalized address labels actually make people get out their checkbooks?
107. Is It Worth It for Charities to Harass Their Donors?
Is it O.K. to bother people for a good cause? Why do people donate to charity in the first place? And do those personalized address labels actually make people get out their checkbooks?
37:10
17 Jul 22
105. Should You Give Kids an Allowance or Make Them Get Jobs?
How do kids learn about money? What’s the big problem with education? And who made "Raiders of the Lost Ark?"
105. Should You Give Kids an Allowance or Make Them Get Jobs?
How do kids learn about money? What’s the big problem with education? And who made "Raiders of the Lost Ark?"
34:47
26 Jun 22
104. How Simple Is Too Simple?
Why are humans so eager for magic-bullet solutions? Can you explain how a pen works? And how does Angela feel about being forever branded “the grit lady”?
104. How Simple Is Too Simple?
Why are humans so eager for magic-bullet solutions? Can you explain how a pen works? And how does Angela feel about being forever branded “the grit lady”?
34:58
19 Jun 22
103. Should Toilets Be Free?
Why do Americans tip so much? What happened when Angie eliminated grading in a college course? And why did almost every pay toilet in the U.S.A. vanish between 1970 and 1980?
103. Should Toilets Be Free?
Why do Americans tip so much? What happened when Angie eliminated grading in a college course? And why did almost every pay toilet in the U.S.A. vanish between 1970 and 1980?
33:49
12 Jun 22
102. What’s So Bad About Nepotism?
How does the profitability of family firms stack up against the rest? Has nepotism become more taboo over time? And why are 90 percent of adoptees in Japan not children but adults?
102. What’s So Bad About Nepotism?
How does the profitability of family firms stack up against the rest? Has nepotism become more taboo over time? And why are 90 percent of adoptees in Japan not children but adults?
37:37
5 Jun 22
101. Are You Really "Addicted" to Diet Coke?
Where’s the line between an addiction and a bad habit? Why do definitions of mental illnesses change over time? And what’s the most addictive thing in the world?
101. Are You Really "Addicted" to Diet Coke?
Where’s the line between an addiction and a bad habit? Why do definitions of mental illnesses change over time? And what’s the most addictive thing in the world?
38:36
29 May 22
100. Is It Weird for Adults to Have Imaginary Friends?
Why does listening to No Stupid Questions feel like you’re hanging out with your best friends? Why did the whole world take it personally when Princess Diana died? And how do “parasocial relationships” affect your mental health?
100. Is It Weird for Adults to Have Imaginary Friends?
Why does listening to No Stupid Questions feel like you’re hanging out with your best friends? Why did the whole world take it personally when Princess Diana died? And how do “parasocial relationships” affect your mental health?
36:29
22 May 22
99. Do You Mind if I Borrow Your Personality?
Are there downsides to “personality plagiarism”? Why did no one buy the Crayola Crayon Carver? And should Stephen feel bad for copying Angela’s email signature?
99. Do You Mind if I Borrow Your Personality?
Are there downsides to “personality plagiarism”? Why did no one buy the Crayola Crayon Carver? And should Stephen feel bad for copying Angela’s email signature?
36:03
15 May 22
98. Is Having Children Worth It?
Why have fertility rates dropped so dramatically? Do fathers or mothers get more happiness from parenting? And how does birth order affect a child’s future?
98. Is Having Children Worth It?
Why have fertility rates dropped so dramatically? Do fathers or mothers get more happiness from parenting? And how does birth order affect a child’s future?
41:57
8 May 22
97. Are Women Really Less Happy Than Men?
Why are women unhappier than men? What can we do to move the needle? And is it better to be happy or to be good?
97. Are Women Really Less Happy Than Men?
Why are women unhappier than men? What can we do to move the needle? And is it better to be happy or to be good?
37:42
1 May 22
96. Why Is Chick-fil-A Such a Big Deal?
How did Chick-fil-A become the third-largest restaurant chain in the U.S.? Why does it serve salad? And can Angie’s moral compass override her craving for a chicken sandwich?
96. Why Is Chick-fil-A Such a Big Deal?
How did Chick-fil-A become the third-largest restaurant chain in the U.S.? Why does it serve salad? And can Angie’s moral compass override her craving for a chicken sandwich?
29:04
24 Apr 22
95. What’s So Bad About Denial?
Can denial be a healthy way of dealing with the death of a loved one? What do the five stages of grief misrepresent about mourning? And why does Angie cover her eyes when she watches the Rocky movies?
95. What’s So Bad About Denial?
Can denial be a healthy way of dealing with the death of a loved one? What do the five stages of grief misrepresent about mourning? And why does Angie cover her eyes when she watches the Rocky movies?
32:42
17 Apr 22
94. What to Do When Everything Looks Like a Catastrophe?
What is the relationship between “catastrophizing” and anxiety? How did Angela react when her mother came close to drowning? And how can you gain perspective when the worst-case scenario is all you can visualize?
94. What to Do When Everything Looks Like a Catastrophe?
What is the relationship between “catastrophizing” and anxiety? How did Angela react when her mother came close to drowning? And how can you gain perspective when the worst-case scenario is all you can visualize?
32:58
10 Apr 22
93. Does the Early Bird Really Catch the Worm? Or Could the Night Owl Get There First?
How have Angie’s views on sleep changed since she wrote her Harvard application essay? Would starting high school later in the day be worth $8.6 billion? And what should you do if your chronotype doesn’t fit the way society is structured?
93. Does the Early Bird Really Catch the Worm? Or Could the Night Owl Get There First?
How have Angie’s views on sleep changed since she wrote her Harvard application essay? Would starting high school later in the day be worth $8.6 billion? And what should you do if your chronotype doesn’t fit the way society is structured?
31:20
3 Apr 22
92. Is Poor Nutrition a Supply Problem or a Demand Problem?
Is evolution stacked against healthy eating? What policies could increase demand for nutritious food? And does Popeyes count as a cultural icon?
92. Is Poor Nutrition a Supply Problem or a Demand Problem?
Is evolution stacked against healthy eating? What policies could increase demand for nutritious food? And does Popeyes count as a cultural icon?
33:38
27 Mar 22
91. Do You Savor or Gobble?
What’s the difference between people who preserve special things and people who devour them right away? Why do we love to binge-watch? And did Adam really eat an apple?
91. Do You Savor or Gobble?
What’s the difference between people who preserve special things and people who devour them right away? Why do we love to binge-watch? And did Adam really eat an apple?
40:53
20 Mar 22
90. If America Is a Train Wreck, Why Am I Doing Fine?
Why do so many Americans say they’re satisfied with their own lives but upset about the way the country is going? Why don’t other countries experience the same gap? And what do horror movies have in common with Coca-Cola enemas?
90. If America Is a Train Wreck, Why Am I Doing Fine?
Why do so many Americans say they’re satisfied with their own lives but upset about the way the country is going? Why don’t other countries experience the same gap? And what do horror movies have in common with Coca-Cola enemas?
31:56
13 Mar 22
89. How Valuable Is Enthusiasm?
What’s the difference between willpower and eagerness? Is there a lifehack that can make you zestier? And could it help Stephen improve his golf game?
89. How Valuable Is Enthusiasm?
What’s the difference between willpower and eagerness? Is there a lifehack that can make you zestier? And could it help Stephen improve his golf game?
29:48
6 Mar 22
88. Is Self-Improvement Too Selfish?
Is it more important to help society or to help yourself? Does the self-improvement movement do any good for the world? And which podcast episode does Stephen cling to as proof that he’s doing something valuable?
88. Is Self-Improvement Too Selfish?
Is it more important to help society or to help yourself? Does the self-improvement movement do any good for the world? And which podcast episode does Stephen cling to as proof that he’s doing something valuable?
35:25
27 Feb 22
87. What’s So Great About Retirement?
How do you know when it’s the right time to retire? What does a “good” retirement look like? And will Stephen and Angela ever really hang up their hats?
87. What’s So Great About Retirement?
How do you know when it’s the right time to retire? What does a “good” retirement look like? And will Stephen and Angela ever really hang up their hats?
32:10
20 Feb 22
86. Should We All Be Taking More Long Shots?
What’s the difference between dispositional optimism and agentic hope? Are there benefits to taking a long shot, even if it turns out to be an air ball? And how is Angela like an N.F.L. quarterback?
86. Should We All Be Taking More Long Shots?
What’s the difference between dispositional optimism and agentic hope? Are there benefits to taking a long shot, even if it turns out to be an air ball? And how is Angela like an N.F.L. quarterback?
33:02
13 Feb 22
85. Is Emotional Intelligence Really So Important?
Can you quantify emotional intelligence? Who should you hire — someone smart, or someone good with people? And how did Angie do on an online emotional intelligence test?
85. Is Emotional Intelligence Really So Important?
Can you quantify emotional intelligence? Who should you hire — someone smart, or someone good with people? And how did Angie do on an online emotional intelligence test?
32:27
6 Feb 22
84. Why Do We Find So Much Meaning in Meaningless Coincidences?
Why are humans so fascinated by coincidences? What do Carl Jung and an album by The Police have in common? And what did Stephen win in a bar mitzvah limbo contest?
84. Why Do We Find So Much Meaning in Meaningless Coincidences?
Why are humans so fascinated by coincidences? What do Carl Jung and an album by The Police have in common? And what did Stephen win in a bar mitzvah limbo contest?
29:36
30 Jan 22
83. Can You Change Your Mind Without Losing Face?
What is the cost of admitting you’re wrong? How can intellectual humility make you more open minded? And will Stephen finally persuade Angela that rum-raisin is the best flavor of ice cream?
83. Can You Change Your Mind Without Losing Face?
What is the cost of admitting you’re wrong? How can intellectual humility make you more open minded? And will Stephen finally persuade Angela that rum-raisin is the best flavor of ice cream?
33:59
23 Jan 22
82. Which Is More Powerful: Reward or Punishment?
How is “negative reinforcement” different from punishment? Could positive reinforcement encourage prosocial behavior on a national scale? And what’s the deal with Taiwan’s dog-poop lottery?
82. Which Is More Powerful: Reward or Punishment?
How is “negative reinforcement” different from punishment? Could positive reinforcement encourage prosocial behavior on a national scale? And what’s the deal with Taiwan’s dog-poop lottery?
28:25
16 Jan 22
81. Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Money?
What’s the connection between conversations about money and financial literacy? Could the taboo against talking about your salary be fading? And why did Angie’s teenage daughter call Vanguard to learn about I.R.A.s?
81. Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Money?
What’s the connection between conversations about money and financial literacy? Could the taboo against talking about your salary be fading? And why did Angie’s teenage daughter call Vanguard to learn about I.R.A.s?
29:28
9 Jan 22
80. Is a “Success Hangover” Real?
Why are great accomplishments often followed by disappointment? Is it better to win and feel bummed out than to never have won at all? And where was ping-pong invented?
80. Is a “Success Hangover” Real?
Why are great accomplishments often followed by disappointment? Is it better to win and feel bummed out than to never have won at all? And where was ping-pong invented?
29:34
2 Jan 22
79. Why Do We Root for Underdogs?
Also: Angela proposes an upgrade to the show.
79. Why Do We Root for Underdogs?
Also: Angela proposes an upgrade to the show.
35:47
26 Dec 21
78. Why Do We Put Things Off Until the Very Last Minute?
Also: what does your name say about who you are?
78. Why Do We Put Things Off Until the Very Last Minute?
Also: what does your name say about who you are?
38:28
19 Dec 21
77. How Can You Avoid Boredom?
Also: are we getting any better at assessing COVID risk?
77. How Can You Avoid Boredom?
Also: are we getting any better at assessing COVID risk?
38:11
12 Dec 21
76. Why Can’t Baby Boomers and Millennials Just Get Along?
Also: how do phone cameras affect the way we experience live events?
76. Why Can’t Baby Boomers and Millennials Just Get Along?
Also: how do phone cameras affect the way we experience live events?
38:33
5 Dec 21
75. How Do You Deal With Intrusive Thoughts?
Also: how much does confidence really matter?
75. How Do You Deal With Intrusive Thoughts?
Also: how much does confidence really matter?
39:10
21 Nov 21
74. Does Reverse Psychology Really Work?
Also: does knowing your family history affect your identity?
74. Does Reverse Psychology Really Work?
Also: does knowing your family history affect your identity?
37:25
14 Nov 21
73. Is It Okay to Engage in “Social Loafing”?
Also: why is it so great to be part of a team, even when you lose?
73. Is It Okay to Engage in “Social Loafing”?
Also: why is it so great to be part of a team, even when you lose?
32:50
7 Nov 21
72. If Everyone Hates Meetings, Why Do We Have So Many of Them?
Also: why do so many people feel lost in their 20s?
72. If Everyone Hates Meetings, Why Do We Have So Many of Them?
Also: why do so many people feel lost in their 20s?
38:21
31 Oct 21
71. Why Is Pig Milk the One Milk We Don’t Drink?
Also: what’s a food you love that seems disgusting to everyone else?
71. Why Is Pig Milk the One Milk We Don’t Drink?
Also: what’s a food you love that seems disgusting to everyone else?
28:34
24 Oct 21
70. In a Job Interview, How Much Does Timing Matter?
Also: why is it smart to ignore what your podcast hosts look like?
70. In a Job Interview, How Much Does Timing Matter?
Also: why is it smart to ignore what your podcast hosts look like?
35:58
10 Oct 21
69. How Can You Convince Someone They’re Wrong?
Also: what’s the best way to handle rejection?
69. How Can You Convince Someone They’re Wrong?
Also: what’s the best way to handle rejection?
37:49
3 Oct 21
68. Why Do We Want What We Can’t Have?
Also: why are humans still so tribal?
68. Why Do We Want What We Can’t Have?
Also: why are humans still so tribal?
36:01
26 Sep 21
67. How Can You Escape Binary Thinking?
Also: why is it so satisfying to find a bargain?
67. How Can You Escape Binary Thinking?
Also: why is it so satisfying to find a bargain?
38:55
19 Sep 21
66. When Is It OK to Tell a Lie?
Also: is obsessing over your mental health bad for your mental health?
66. When Is It OK to Tell a Lie?
Also: is obsessing over your mental health bad for your mental health?
36:56
12 Sep 21
65. What’s the Best Advice You’ve Ever Received?
Also: why don’t you need a license to become a parent?
65. What’s the Best Advice You’ve Ever Received?
Also: why don’t you need a license to become a parent?
40:09
29 Aug 21
64. Are Women Required to Be Nicer Than Men?
Also: should you feel guilty if you don’t read books?
64. Are Women Required to Be Nicer Than Men?
Also: should you feel guilty if you don’t read books?
37:57
15 Aug 21
63. How Contagious Is Behavior? With Laurie Santos of “The Happiness Lab.”
Also: life is good — so why aren’t you happy?
63. How Contagious Is Behavior? With Laurie Santos of “The Happiness Lab.”
Also: life is good — so why aren’t you happy?
39:12
8 Aug 21
62. How Can You Escape a Drama Triangle?
Also: how do awards affect motivation?
62. How Can You Escape a Drama Triangle?
Also: how do awards affect motivation?
39:55
1 Aug 21
61. Should We Just Ignore Our Weaknesses?
Also: why do we like what we like?
61. Should We Just Ignore Our Weaknesses?
Also: why do we like what we like?
33:50
25 Jul 21
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