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No Stupid Questions

No Stupid Questions

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher 322 Episodes Oct 11, 2026

Research psychologist Angela Duckworth and tech and sports executive Mike Maughan explore life's big and small questions, believing there's no such thing as a stupid one. Each week, they ask each other thought-provoking questions and discuss insights from psychology, science, and personal experience. The podcast is a production of the Freakonomics Radio Network.

Episodes

96. Why is Chick-fil-A Such a Big Deal?
96. Why is Chick-fil-A Such a Big Deal? Oct 11, 2026 00:27:50 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? This episode originally aired on April 24th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
95. What’s So Bad About Denial?
95. What’s So Bad About Denial? Oct 4, 2026 00:32:07 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? This episode originally aired on April 17th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
94. What to Do When Everything Looks Like a Catastrophe?
94. What to Do When Everything Looks Like a Catastrophe? Sep 27, 2026 00:31:43 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? This episode originally aired on April 10th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertis
93. Does the Early Bird Really Catch the Worm? Or Could the Night Owl Get There First?
93. Does the Early Bird Really Catch the Worm? Or Could the Night Owl Get There First? Sep 20, 2026 00:30:03 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? This episode originally aired on April 3rd, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of p
92. Is Poor Nutrition a Supply Problem or a Demand Problem?
92. Is Poor Nutrition a Supply Problem or a Demand Problem? Sep 13, 2026 00:32:25 Is evolution stacked against healthy eating? What policies could increase demand for nutritious food? And does Popeyes count as a cultural icon? This episode originally aired on March 27th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold | Better in Person
How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold | Better in Person Sep 9, 2026 00:47:30 In this episode of Stephen Dubner’s new TV talk show, Gary and Stephen talk about creativity, recovery, getting fired, and holding grudges. They also get outside and play basketball, which is a big part of how Gary stays well.  If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, watch it on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz
91. Do You Savor or Gobble?
91. Do You Savor or Gobble? Sep 6, 2026 00:39:33 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? This episode originally aired on March 20th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
90. If America Is a Train Wreck, Why Am I Doing Fine?
90. If America Is a Train Wreck, Why Am I Doing Fine? Aug 30, 2026 00:30:16 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? This episode originally aired on March 13th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal d
89. How Valuable Is Enthusiasm?
89. How Valuable Is Enthusiasm? Aug 23, 2026 00:28:34 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? This episode originally aired on March 6th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
88. Is Self-Improvement Too Selfish?
88. Is Self-Improvement Too Selfish? Aug 16, 2026 00:34:17 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? This episode originally aired on February 27th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adver
87. What’s So Great About Retirement?
87. What’s So Great About Retirement? Aug 9, 2026 00:30:54 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? This episode originally aired on February 20nd, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
86. Should We All Be Taking More Long Shots?
86. Should We All Be Taking More Long Shots? Aug 2, 2026 00:31:43 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? This episode originally aired on February 13th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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