Why do we use “literally” figuratively? Does conveying an "emotional truth" justify making things up? And are Angela’s kids really starving or just hungry? RESOURCES:"My Response to The New Yorker Article," by Hasan Minhaj (YouTube video, 2023

117. What’s Wrong With Holding a Grudge?

Oct 2nd, 2022 41m 5s

How do you let go of resentment? Do apologies even work? And what grievances have Stephen and Angela been nursing for years?

164. Do You Have Impostor Syndrome?

Sep 24th, 2023 43m 41s

Does anyone really know what they’re doing? How do we reward the competent and not the confident? And what’s wrong with using TikTok for research? RESOURCES:"Why Everyone Feels Like They’re Faking It," by Leslie Jamison (The New Yorker, 2023).

190. What’s the Point of Nostalgia?

1 Apr 7th, 2024 41m 14s

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? SOURCES:Julie Beck, senior editor at The Atlantic.Danielle Campoamor, freelance writ

189. When Should You Trust Your Gut?

Mar 31st, 2024 44m 11s

Does instinct trump expertise? Can playing poker improve your intuition? And why did Angela jump off of a moving trolley car? SOURCES:Tom Brady, former quarterback for the New England Patriots.Daniel Kahneman, professor emeritus of psychology a

188. Why Do Kids Today Get So Many A’s?

Mar 24th, 2024 45m 46s

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”? SOURCES:Scott Hugo, housing justice attorney at Oakland City Attorney’s Office.Bob Ladouceur, fo

187. Is Fear Running Your Life?

1 Mar 17th, 2024 43m 6s

How can you summon courage when you’re terrified? Is hiking more dangerous than skiing? And what is the stupidest thing that Mike has ever done? SOURCES:Albert Bandura, professor of psychology at Stanford University.Marc Brackett, founding dire

172. Is Marriage Worth It?

Nov 19th, 2023 40m 43s

Can long-term relationships do more harm than good? Where is the line between intimacy and codependence? And should we all try to be more like Mike’s parents? RESOURCES:"A Record-High Share of 40-Year-Olds in the U.S. Have Never Been Married,"

169. Can We Disagree Better?

Oct 29th, 2023 43m 41s

Do you suffer from the sin of certainty? How did Angela react when a grad student challenged her research? And can a Heineken commercial strengthen our democracy? RESOURCES:"Disagree Better," National Governors Association initiative led by Spe

163. Does Your DNA Determine Your Weight?

Sep 17th, 2023 32m 47s

How much control do you really have over your body? Could understanding genetics help combat fat-shaming? And why is Mike’s life coach so happy all the time?

161. How Effective Are Ultimatums?

Sep 3rd, 2023 42m 16s

How final is a final offer, really? Does anonymity turn nice people into jerks? And should you tell your crush that you dreamed about marrying them?

154. Why Is There So Much Social Pressure Around Alcohol?

Jul 16th, 2023 30m 14s

Why do people drink? Why do people not drink? And why specifically do Angela and Mike not drink?

149. Is It Harder to Make Friends as an Adult?

Jun 11th, 2023 40m 6s

How do friendships change as we get older? Should you join a bowling league? And is Angela more important to Mike than Mike is to Angela?

132. Is It Wrong to Enjoy Yourself While the World Is Burning?

Jan 29th, 2023 39m 52s

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?

129. Why Do We Cheat, and Why Shouldn’t We?

Jan 8th, 2023 43m 34s

Is there such a thing as a victimless crime? In an unfair system, is dishonesty okay? And are adolescent vandals out of ideas?

121. How Good Are Your Snap Judgments?

Oct 30th, 2022 37m 38s

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.

120. Why Are Rich Countries So Unhappy?

Oct 23rd, 2022 38m 38s

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?

119. J***s C****t, Angela, Why Are You Such a F***ing Potty-Mouth?

Oct 16th, 2022 37m 35s

What’s the purpose of profanity? Why is cursing on the rise? And will Angela finally swear off swearing?

116. Do People Pay Attention to Signs?

Sep 25th, 2022 37m 28s

Do highway warnings save lives or cost lives? How do you keep men from peeing on the floor? And what’s Angela’s plan to get more people washing their hands?

114. Can You Learn to Love Hard Work?

Sep 11th, 2022 40m 27s

Can exercising your body boost your brain's stamina? Are some people just born lazy? And why did Angela stop reading “Us Weekly”?

113. How Can You Improve Your Mental Endurance?

Sep 4th, 2022 37m 50s

Why do some activities tire your brain more than others? How exhausting is poverty? And could most of the world’s problems be solved with a sandwich?

108. Should You Try to Be Less Angry?

Jul 24th, 2022 37m 27s

What is the purpose of negative emotions? Why do we engage with things we know will upset us? And how does Angie deal with rejection?

106. Did Your Early Childhood Determine the Course of Your Life?

Jul 10th, 2022 37m 52s

Are we all either secure, avoidant, or anxious? How does your relationship with your parents shape your romantic partnerships? And what is Stephen’s attachment style?

104. How Simple Is Too Simple?

Jun 19th, 2022 37m 50s

Why are humans so eager for magic-bullet solutions? Can you explain how a pen works? And how does Angela feel about being forever branded “the grit lady”?

103. Should Toilets Be Free?

Jun 12th, 2022 37m 18s

Why do Americans tip so much? What happened when Angie eliminated grading in a college course? And why did almost every pay toilet in the U.S.A. vanish between 1970 and 1980?