When are negative emotions enjoyable? Are we all a little masochistic? And do pigs like hot sauce?

What makes normal people do terrible things? Are there really bad apples — or just bad barrels? And how should... more

Who decided that we’re fully mature at 18? Should 16-year-olds have the right to vote? And why are young people... more

What are Mike and Angela’s favorite songs to cry to? Can upbeat music lift you out of a bad mood?... more

What is the evolutionary purpose of laughter? What’s the difference between Swedish depression and American depression? And why aren’t aliens... more

Also: are the most memorable stories less likely to be true? Stephen Dubner chats with Angela Duckworth in this classic... more

Why does the U.S. use Fahrenheit when Celsius is better? Would you quit your job if a coin flip told... more

What happens when machines become funnier, kinder, and more empathetic than humans? Do robot therapists save lives? And should Angela... more

Do you see yourself the same way others see you? What’s the difference between self-perception and self-awareness? And why do... more

What makes a con succeed? Does snake oil actually work? And just how gullible is Angela?

Should government jobs have mandatory retirement ages? Is it foolish to care about your legacy? And why did Jason always... more

Do you get your principles from your parents — or in spite of them? Is there anything wrong with valuing... more

How is the brain affected by solitary confinement? How would you deal with being stranded on a deserted island? And... more

Do humans need touch to survive? Do any of us get enough touch throughout our lives? And why doesn’t Angela... more

How final is a final offer, really? Does anonymity turn nice people into jerks? And should you tell your crush... more

Are we using technology to make ourselves numb? What’s the downside of air conditioning? And was Angela the most annoying... more

Are fantasies helpful or harmful? How is daydreaming like a drug? And what did Angela fantasize about during ninth-grade English... more

Can you ever really know how another person feels? What’s the best way to support a grieving person? And why... more

Why do so many book clubs fall apart? Do the best parties have rules? And does Angela’s husband want to... more

What’s the difference between being popular and being cool? How has social media changed the trend cycle? And what do... more

Why do we tell kids that a fairy will give them cash in exchange for their teeth? How should we... more

WaitWhat C.E.O. Jeff Berman interviews Angela about “grit-scaling” and her unlikely path to academic celebrity.

Is there any upside to negative emotions? What can comedians teach us about dealing with pain? And why did Angela... more

Where is the line between a good guy and a doormat? Do people with sharp elbows make more money? And... more

What’s the difference between being introverted and being shy? What are extroverts so cheerful about? And does Angela’s social battery... more

Is it really that important to make your bed? What’s the benefit of hiring a lazy person? And how many... more

What do the most creative people have in common? How open-minded are you, really? And what’s wrong with ordering... more

Are you the same person you were a decade ago? Do we get better as we age? And is your... more

Is it dangerous to live in the past? Why is Disney remaking all of its classic movies? And why does... more

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

Is grade inflation on the rise? How much does your G.P.A. matter in the long run? And when did M.I.T.,... more

How can you summon courage when you’re terrified? Is hiking more dangerous than skiing? And what is the stupidest thing... more

Would you be more adventurous if you had more structure? Do you multitask while brushing your teeth? And what would... more

What’s the best way to carry out random acts of kindness? What’s wrong with making an “Irish exit”? And why... more

How can you strive for excellence without overworking yourself? Why is perfectionism on the rise? And is Angela part of... more

Does anyone have any real agency? What do McDonald’s and Oxford University have in common? And why did Angela give... more

Should you shout your sins from the rooftops? How many skeletons are in the average person’s closet? And what has... more

Do you really deserve the credit for your accomplishments? Should college admissions be determined by lottery? And how did Mike’s... more

Where does sentimental value come from? Why did Angela throw out her childhood journals? And would Mike wear Hitler’s sweater?

Is there any scientific basis for the law of attraction? Are people who believe in “cosmic collaboration” more successful? And... more

Are modern parents too protective? Why do we worry so much about things that almost never happen? And how did... more

What matters more: meeting our own ambitions, or winning fame and glory? What’s it like to earn a gold medal... more

Why do we mirror other people’s accents? Does DJ Khaled get tired of winning? And also: life is good —... more

Why do we get overwhelmed when we have too many choices? Should we make our own decisions or copy other... more

Why does your horoscope seem so accurate? Is it possible to believe and not believe in something at the same... more

Are gifted and talented programs discriminatory? Why do so many adults still remember their SAT scores? And how did Angela... more

What happens when three psychologists walk into a magic show? What’s Angela’s problem with the word “talent”? And why... more

How do friendships change as we get older? Should you join a bowling league? And also: how does a cook... more

Can long-term relationships do more harm than good? Where is the line between intimacy and codependence? And should we all... more

Why do we use “literally” figuratively? Does conveying an "emotional truth" justify making things up? And are Angela’s kids really... more