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?

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.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

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 inventory: freakonomics.com/bigfive

192. Should You Get Out of Your Comfort Zone?

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?

191. Can You Change Your Personality?

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 free roll?

190. What’s the Point of Nostalgia?

Does instinct trump expertise? Can playing poker improve your intuition? And why did Angela jump off of a moving trolley car?

189. When Should You Trust Your Gut?

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”?

90. If America Is a Train Wreck, Why Am I Doing Fine?

Download our free app to listen on your phone