Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchWhy Do People Love Horror Movies? (Replay)
Episode 126
When are negative emotions enjoyable? Are we all a little masochistic? And do pigs like hot sauce?
SOURCES:Carol Dweck, professor of psychology at St…
1 year, 3 months ago
213. What Is Evil?
Episode 213
What makes normal people do terrible things? Are there really bad apples — or just bad barrels? And how should you deal with a nefarious next-door ne…
1 year, 3 months ago
212. When Do You Become an Adult?
Episode 212
Who decided that we’re fully mature at 18? Should 16-year-olds have the right to vote? And why are young people bringing their parents to job intervi…
1 year, 3 months ago
211. Why Do We Listen to Sad Songs?
Episode 211
What are Mike and Angela’s favorite songs to cry to? Can upbeat music lift you out of a bad mood? And what is Angela going to sing the next time she …
1 year, 4 months ago
210. What Makes a Good Sense of Humor?
Episode 210
What is the evolutionary purpose of laughter? What’s the difference between Swedish depression and American depression? And why aren’t aliens interes…
1 year, 4 months ago
Why Are Stories Stickier Than Statistics? (Replay)
Episode 10
Also: are the most memorable stories less likely to be true? Stephen Dubner chats with Angela Duckworth in this classic episode from July 2020.
SOURC…
1 year, 4 months ago
209. Why Do We Settle?
Episode 209
Why does the U.S. use Fahrenheit when Celsius is better? Would you quit your job if a coin flip told you to? And how do you get an entire country to …
1 year, 4 months ago
208. Can A.I. Companions Replace Human Connection?
Episode 208
What happens when machines become funnier, kinder, and more empathetic than humans? Do robot therapists save lives? And should Angela credit her virt…
1 year, 4 months ago
207. How Clearly Do You See Yourself?
Episode 207
Do you see yourself the same way others see you? What’s the difference between self-perception and self-awareness? And why do Mike and Angela both ha…
1 year, 5 months ago
Why Do People Get Scammed? (Replay)
Episode 150
What makes a con succeed? Does snake oil actually work? And just how gullible is Angela?
SOURCES:Robert Cialdini, professor emeritus of psychology an…
1 year, 5 months ago