203 episodes

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.

No Stupid Questions Freakonomics Radio

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 3.2K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

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.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    188. Why Do Kids Today Get So Many A’s?

    188. Why Do Kids Today Get So Many A’s?

    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”?

    • 41 min
    187. Is Fear Running Your Life?

    187. Is Fear Running Your Life?

    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?

    • 39 min
    186. Do You Need a Routine?

    186. Do You Need a Routine?

    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?

    • 38 min
    185. Do You Need Closure?

    185. Do You Need Closure?

    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?

    • 38 min
    184. Are You Doing Too Much?

    184. Are You Doing Too Much?

    How can you strive for excellence without overworking yourself? Why is perfectionism on the rise? And is Angela part of the problem?

    • 40 min
    183. Does Free Will Exist, and Does It Matter?

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

    Does anyone have any real agency? What do McDonald’s and Oxford University have in common? And why did Angela give up on philosophy?

    • 41 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
3.2K Ratings

3.2K Ratings

Mandycroft ,

Mike is absolutely amazing!

Mike Maughan wad the perfect addition, his comments are insightful and entertaining and the back and forth with him and Angela is gold!!

Sue 828 ,

The best!

This podcast is the best! I just discovered it and can’t wait for the next episode. It is informative with a ton of fun thrown in. I feel like I’m overhearing an informal conversation between good friends who are both smart and humble. They aren’t afraid to reveal their vulnerabilities which makes them very relatable. I like how everything is fact checked at the end and the list of sources and resources is helpful. A great podcast!

Phoenixgrl ,

Good questions but could go deeper

I often hear the initial question and think of all the interesting places the hosts could go… but then they go on tangents and only superficially get to the deeper sub-questions. The banter sometimes feels loud and overstimulating- I need to shut off the podcast for a while to take a break. Still, I enjoy the topics and appreciate their insights.

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