130. Why Is It So Hard to Resist Temptation?

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 neighbor? SOURCES:Jonathan Haidt, professor of ethica...

29 Sep 202439min

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 interviews? SOURCES:Jeffrey Arnett, senior research schola...

22 Sep 202438min

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 does karaoke? SOURCES:Matthew Desmond, professor of...

15 Sep 202436min

What is the evolutionary purpose of laughter? What’s the difference between Swedish depression and American depression? And why aren’t aliens interested in abducting Mike?  SOURCES:Jennifer Aaker, pro...

8 Sep 202438min

Also: are the most memorable stories less likely to be true? Stephen Dubner chats with Angela Duckworth in this classic episode from July 2020. SOURCES:Pearl S. Buck, 20th-century American novelist.Ja...

6 Sep 202431min

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 drive on the other side of the road? SOURCES:Christ...

1 Sep 202435min

What happens when machines become funnier, kinder, and more empathetic than humans? Do robot therapists save lives? And should Angela credit her virtual assistant as a co-author of her book? SOURCES:R...

25 Aug 202435min

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 hate fishing? SOURCES:Luis von Ahn, co-founder and C....

18 Aug 202436min