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/
Apr 23, 2023•42 min•Ep. 143
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/
Apr 16, 2023•44 min•Ep. 142
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/
Apr 09, 2023•43 min•Ep. 141
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/
Apr 02, 2023•41 min•Ep. 140
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/
Mar 26, 2023•41 min•Ep. 139
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/
Mar 19, 2023•30 min•Ep. 138
Is your favorite treat changing your brain? Why do so many snacks melt in your mouth? And why can’t Stephen replicate his favorite salad dressing? Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/
Mar 12, 2023•37 min•Ep. 137
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/
Mar 05, 2023•39 min•Ep. 136
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?
Feb 26, 2023•33 min•Ep. 135
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?
Feb 19, 2023•36 min•Ep. 134
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?
Feb 12, 2023•32 min
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?
Feb 05, 2023•38 min•Ep. 133
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?
Jan 29, 2023•40 min•Ep. 132
Is sobbing a survival tactic? What happened when Angela wept in front of her boss? And what do sauerkraut and sadness have in common?
Jan 22, 2023•36 min•Ep. 131
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?
Jan 15, 2023•31 min•Ep. 130
Is there such a thing as a victimless crime? In an unfair system, is dishonesty okay? And are adolescent vandals out of ideas?
Jan 08, 2023•40 min•Ep. 129
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?
Jan 01, 2023•33 min
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?
Dec 25, 2022•40 min•Ep. 128
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.
Dec 18, 2022•38 min•Ep. 127
When are negative emotions enjoyable? Are we all a little masochistic? And do pigs like hot sauce?
Dec 11, 2022•37 min•Ep. 126
What do gamblers and referees have in common? When do machines make better decisions than people? And has Stephen been replaced by a computer?
Dec 04, 2022•40 min•Ep. 125
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?
Nov 27, 2022•38 min•Ep. 124
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?
Nov 20, 2022•38 min•Ep. 123
Can a little dishonesty be a good thing? How many fibs does Angela tell every day? And why does Stephen have a forehead?
Nov 13, 2022•22 min
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?
Nov 06, 2022•34 min•Ep. 122
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.
Oct 30, 2022•38 min•Ep. 121
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?
Oct 23, 2022•37 min•Ep. 120
What’s the purpose of profanity? Why is cursing on the rise? And will Angela finally swear off swearing?
Oct 16, 2022•38 min•Ep. 119
How should you treat Seasonal Affective Disorder? Would we all be happier if we hibernated? And why does Stephen think football fans have an easier time?
Oct 09, 2022•34 min•Ep. 118
How do you let go of resentment? Do apologies even work? And what grievances have Stephen and Angela been nursing for years?
Oct 02, 2022•37 min•Ep. 117