Question of the Day: Recent Episodes
Question of the Day
Question of the Day is the show for listeners who are short on time and long on curiosity. It is a fast-paced conversation between author and entrepreneur James Altucher and Freakonomics co-author Stephen Dubner: two smart, unconventional thinkers who have been talking together for years, often over a long-running backgammon match. Now they are letting you in on the game, too. You will quickly become addicted to their wonderful, wry observations as they ponder each Question of the Day. The answers await you every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
How do two friends say goodbye to each other? If you're Stephen Dubner and James Altucher, you do so by recording a podcast. Question of the Day has produced 177 episodes and a live special over the span of just one year, and now our hosts are putting the show on hiatus in order to launch and grow their other endeavors. On today's final episode, for now, hear James and Stephen talk about goodbyes, backgammon matches, what they've learned, and what they'll miss once this episode comes to a close.
This episode is sponsored by Squarespace.
Why didn't Stephen invite James to his children's bar and bat mitzvahs? Did it have something to do with how James acted at Stephen's 50th birthday party? Today, James and Stephen contemplate what it's like making new friends as middle-aged introverts compared to during adolescence, and discuss how it's easier to broadcast your social signals as mature adults.
Is it more important to set an actual price when you're negotiating a deal, or to control the terms on which a price is to be set? When James was selling his first company, he ended up with millions less than he anticipated because the other party tipped the scales in their favor. Now, James uses this same technique in his own favor when he's sitting at the negotiating table. Learn more about this technique and how Stephen crowdsourced the asking price of his house on today's Question of the Day.
This episode is sponsored by Warby Parker.
Two questions in one day? Today, James and Stephen take on questions from two listeners who want to know if a more active and socially engaged electorate would create a better political system. Would the populace actually be better informed by watching cable news on a regular basis and reading their tabloid or broadsheet of choice, or would they just be further cementing the ideological divide that media outlets are polarized to? Our hosts also discuss the potential for compulsory mail-in and internet voting and see if maybe the Swiss are on to something that America's missing.
This episode is sponsored by Squarespace.
What's the greatest factor that lead to Donald Trump securing the Republican presidential nomination? If you're Stephen Dubner, you'll say that electoral politics is a form of entertainment and Donald Trump has put in lots of deliberate practice as an entertainer, while 'traditional' politicians only appear in the spotlight every two-to-six years. However, will Trump's entertaining expertise and the billions of dollars of free airtime he's receiving be enough to secure the White House?
This episode is sponsored by Wealthfront Veritone.
You have to get uptown to your office for a meeting. You can hail an Uber and be there in 8 minutes, or you can walk and arrive in 24 minutes. Which option is the "lazy" one? This disagreement is the crux of today's conversation about what constitutes laziness and to what degree it is actually a productive creative trait. Would you pay to sit in the car and arrive quickly, or do the exercise but arrive later than the person you're meeting?
This episode is sponsored by Magoosh.
If NASA were to give the opportunity to leave everything behind and settle on Mars, with no return ticket, would you take them up on the offer? Some might jump at the offer, but many people haven't even explored outside of their own country, nonetheless planet. Today, James and Stephen discuss the prospects of leaving the Earth, literally, as well as what other options might present themselves for people who aren't trying to escape the bulk of humanity.
Are Stephen and James recommending "The Purge"? No, but today they and QOD social media followers are chiming in on what single law they think should be eliminated. James channels his inner-Ron Paul and makes a stance that the FDA should be abolished or drastically weakened, but can he convince Stephen that it's a legitimately good idea?
What can James take away from having a comedian in the booth with him for four days? Today, on Marina Franklin's final guest co-hosting episode, James and Stephen give Marina a lightning round of questions about comedy and the comedy business. Some of the topics touched upon include: Getting your set ready for late night talk shows, Jerry Seinfeld's mom jeans, and Marina's one piece of advice for up-and-coming comedians.
This episode is sponsored by Magoosh.
How do you when your podcast co-host sponsors the same English soccer team as you? What about when your comedian friend gets her own TV show and major movie deals? The intersection of competition and cooperation are just the beginning of today's engaging conversation between our hosts and guest Marina Franklin.
How many selfies do you take with your friends before settling on one that's "social media worthy"? Our guest co-host Marina Franklin thinks whatever the number is, it's a lot higher than what it used to be, and it's because our global level of self-consciousness is rising rapidly. Listen on as Marina, James, and Stephen discuss the difference in perception between looking in a mirror and at your smartphone screen, and why Stephen's happy to have the "Freakonomics apple" as his online avatar.
This episode is sponsored by Mott & Bow.
You're in the middle of a stand-up comedy set - maybe your second or third that night - when your act is suddenly derailed by an audience member who is completely uninterested in the performance. That's what happened to our guest co-host of the next four episodes, Marina Franklin, before she came in to record with James and Stephen. Today we discuss why one person's negative opinion can dwell in the mind of a performer, even when they're vastly outnumbered by the opposite opinion.
This episode is sponsored by The Tim Ferriss Show.
Have you ever wondered what James and Stephen do every morning that has elevated them to the style icons they are today? No? Nevertheless, today we discuss brush-free hairstyles vs. needing to be groomed like a puppy, going to the gym for aesthetic purposes vs. keeping up physically with teenage children, and the importance of contentment vs. happiness.
This episode is sponsored by Squarespace.
Do you get excited about the Olympic Games? Even if you don't, you're likely to end up watching a few events on TV throughout the two and a half weeks that it dominates most media outlets. Today, Stephen and James discuss their relationship to "the games" in addition to reliving what a scandalous year 1994 was.
This episode is sponsored by Mott & Bow.
Are you pouring your productive potential down the drain when you spend your free time playing games? Today, James argues that deep knowledge of a game's rules and strategy could be beneficial in a way similar to learning a new language. However, Stephen's research has shown that the return-on-investment of actual language learning is incredibly low. Still, our hosts' personal and professional relationship with each other has been cultivated over years of backgammon playing. Who will triumph in today's verbal tug-of-war?
This episode is sponsored by Magoosh.
If a website could be considered a country, Facebook would be the largest country in the world, with nearly 2 billion "digital citizens". What type of effect does this forum have on world culture? James' personal introversion has benefited as he's able to reach his social network without stepping out of his comfort zone, but is our digital culture creating more ills than benefits to our greater society?
This episode is sponsored by Squarespace.
Is there an effective way for a novelist or non-fiction author to capture people's attention nowadays? If Stephen were to begin his writing career today, would he still have pursued a track through newspaper editorial to major-publisher book writing? Do people retain enough information from reading a book to make it a worthwhile endeavor? All of these questions and more get answered on today's episode of Question of the Day.
This episode is sponsored by Magoosh.
Do you feel the need to shake up your work life after twenty-plus years in the job market? Professional self re-inventors Stephen and James are here to help. Both hosts have pivoted their careers multiple times, some of which while keeping their former full-time jobs, and today they give advice and examples to what their methods have been to keep them on their toes creatively.
This episode is sponsored Mott & Bow.
What did Negin Farsad discover when she and a group of other Muslim-American stand up comedians toured the "American Heartland"? The further removed she was geographically from bleeding heart liberals, the more open people were to discuss race relations without worrying about giving PC answers. Today, Negin discusses the issue with James and Stephen, and gets their "liberal white guy" views on the subject.
This episode is sponsored by Allstate.
Negin Farsad joins Stephen and James again today, and we learn that while all three are some sort of professional public speaker, it remains the group's greatest source of social anxiety. Listen on as our hosts self-deprecate while extolling their fears, including a traumatizing experience James had in the first grade. Also, Stephen throws back to last week's episode 156 by remembering something else he learned in college!
What happens when an Iranian-American comedian from Southern California decides to make a leap into the publishing world by writing a book about how to entertain Caucasians? We find out today as cultural polymath and new Earwolf podcaster Negin Farsad returns to Question of the Day joining Stephen and James in the studio to discuss comedy, race, and white people owning outer space. Listen all week as Negin stays in the booth to ask the questions she's been looking for QOD to answer!
James may be the outspoken QOD host regarding higher education's low return-on-investment, but today Stephen is having a hard time remembering what he learned over those four very expensive years. Listen on as we roll back the clock to test both Stephen's post-50-year-old memory and see if the electives he paid for as an undergrad were worth more than a few minutes on Wikipedia today.
This episode is sponsored by Magoosh.
Have you ever pretended to start a fight with someone much larger than you in the middle of the night just to start a conversation? What about entering a private community garden while people stare at you? James has done those things in the past few weeks, in fact, and today he's helping Stephen keep his vagabond mindset intact, following a return to the US after weeks abroad.
This episode is sponsored by Magoosh.
Will James Altucher have the same level of success calling the White House that he did 36 years earlier, as an inquisitive twelve-year-old? Today, we learn that James' podcasting days began long before he teamed up with Stephen, as James attempted to have phone interviews with every Congressperson and the President of the United States while in elementary school. As James tells his story, we're regaled to the dulcet tones of the White House switchboard's hold music.
This episode is sponsored by Magoosh.
Summer has arrived in New York City, which means that school is out for the summer and teenagers are ready to get jobs until the next school year starts. On today's episode, we have an on-air guest questioner as QOD's very own Alison Hockenberry calls into the session to get advice for one of her own teenage children.
Every time James Altucher is in a social situation he asks himself, "What am I going to learn from this conversation?" Bringing that attitude to every encounter he comes across is the beginning of a mental exercise regimen to strengthen his "question asking muscle". Listen on for more tips from Stephen and James about how they cultivate their curiosity throughout daily life and endless interviews.
This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon.
After a disastrous game of competitive golf, an interested QOD party asks James how to not lose it all during clutch moments. Will out mystery questioner be able to improve his or her game using the wisdom James pulls from chess, business, and relationships? And why isn't Stephen chiming in with help on this topic?
This episode is sponsored by Allstate.
Did Stephen's viewing habits of the TV show "Dragon Tales" when his children were young affect his pleasure watching "Game of Thrones" as an adult? Today, James and Stephen go a bit more casual than usual and discuss their television watching habits. Has James' work history with HBO impacted his enjoyment of their hit original television shows today? Does Stephen watch anything besides golf and soccer in his spare time? Stay tuned to find out these answers and more!
What does Stephen find upon entering the recording studio today? James holding a plastic bag with $4000 in two dollar bills. After a quick discussion about not forgetting thousands of dollars in cash in a hotel room, Stephen discovers the crux of the matter: James' need for public approval facilitates his eccentric actions that make him stand out in a crowd. From tipping servers in even numbers, to secretively making redundant reservations in case your friends mess up, today James tries to sell the finer points of his lifestyle to Stephen. Will it work?
This episode is sponsored by Allstate.
What can you gain in your daily life by being more observant? On today's episode, Stephen and James discuss a few techniques they've learned that helps tamp down the noise of city life, activate your brain while holding a smartphone, and increase your success in courting a lover. Also, James gives his number 1 pick for the book people who want to increase their powers of observation need to read.
This episode is sponsored by Squarespace.
A QOD Twitter follower asks, "Seeing as how our ancestors have lived off the land for thousands of years, why is there severe hunger in parts of the world today?" James insists that the problem is caused by humans having been dominated by another species on the planet. Stephen is hesitant to accept James' answer, but eventually finds compelling evidence to bolster his theory. Our hosts also tackle the political costs of trying to fight famine, and come up with solutions involving cryptocurrencies, steak-like substances, and tax amnesty to fight corruption.
Are you a desperate 22-year-old girl with no money, no job prospects, and no idea where to go in life? Our hosts James and Stephen obviously don't fit into that demographic, but they're fielding a question asked by such a person. On today's episode, the guys talk about business concepts and ideas an entrepreneurial young person could develop in lieu of having a 9-5 job, or ones that could be developed while working at one.
Fruit may be a significant food group on the USDA's recommended nutrition chart, but is it actually healthy? Many popular diets currently say that the amount of fructose and glucose contained in fruit make it akin to eating white bread, though others claim that it's the only thing one should eat before noon. Today, our hosts sift through the data they've learned from researchers studying the topic, and look to see if there's a single conclusion to be found.
Can a person's "creative gas tank" run out of fuel from over use? James has been working on a new photography project for his social media account (intagram.com/altucher), but it's been hampering his ability to keep up with his daily writing schedule. Multitasking Stephen believes that it is possible to unintentionally drain one artistic reservoir by focusing on a new creative project, but it also might be that James is spending too much time trying to master a skill where he's still a beginner. Will James be able to overcome his writing slump without giving up on his new pet project?
This episode is sponsored by Ruby Receptionist.
Soccer is by far the most popular sport worldwide, but it has struggled to gain a foothold in the American media market for decades. Stephen has become a recent convert to soccer fandom, even co-hosting a soccer podcast with his son, but James has not been swayed. Today, our decidedly non-jock hosts will look into the reasons why soccer ranks so low in American favorability, despite the fact that game attendance figures in the United States are surprisingly high.
This episode is sponsored by Ruby Receptionist.
Stephen's success with the Freakonomics series of books made a great deal of money for his publisher, but how much of that ends up back in his bank account? On today's show, James and Stephen discuss how royalty splits work in the publishing business from the top down and compare those numbers to successful self-publishing efforts. Do the benefits of signing a book deal with a major publisher outweigh the larger percentage of revenue an author could make self-publishing e-books on the internet?
This episode is sponsored by Allstate.
Have you ever been embarrassed at the onset of a relationship with someone new? James certainly has, and on today's episode, it tops his list of things he wished he understood about adult life as a teenager. (Listen to yesterday's episode for Stephen's list on the same subject.) Other topics include money management, over-estimation of one's self-valuation, and whether or not anyone actually enjoys eating salad.
What revelations about life have come your way in adulthood that never crossed your mind in adolescence? James asks Stephen this question today, after reading a Quora question from a 24 year old who's having trouble finding his place in the world. Stephen gives his advice on today's episode, and they continue the thread tomorrow with James' thoughts on the same topic!
This episode is sponsored by Casper Mattresses.
What's so special about being a specialist? What is a specialist, in general? How, generally, does one become a specialist? James and Stephen won't specifically answer any of those questions today, but they will speak about them in a general sense. Mostly, our hosts will break down what it means to be a generalist or a specialist across as many disciplines as they can think of - from economics and mathematics to golf, chess, and dating - and attempt to bridge the similarities across all of the fields.
This episode is sponsored by Allstate.
Do you ever find yourself in a place of self-reflection and introspection when looking out the window of a moving vehicle? James and Stephen do, and today they discuss whether or not they tend to find peace in the situation, or if they just end up "inside their own heads". Also, our hosts debate the "internal fictions" of their own significance in the larger world, and why they hold their opposing opinions.
After an initial discussion about the beach season initiated by Memorial Day weekend in the United States, James changes the topic to the soldiers being remembered due to their deaths during American military conflicts. Our hosts eventually fall into a discussion about what would make a war worthy of fighting, whether participants truly gain anything at the end of a war, and how Stephen would feel about his teenage son enlisting in the armed services.
Have you ever avoided attending a cultural event with your family because you fear how your children are going to act in public? Stephen and James, both fathers of two teenagers, have been down this weary path before. While James has mostly taken the avoidance route, Stephen has embraced his reality and worked out a foolproof method for a successful family outing. Also, James comes up with a new business concept that would help museum patrons more deeply understand a gallery's art collection.
This episode is sponsored by Ruby Receptionist.
Do you think you have what it takes to successfully make it through an interview with Stephen or James? Would either one of them hire the other? Today, our hosts bring back a topic from over 100 episodes ago - episode 27 to be precise - asking each other more "impossible" interview questions, and dissecting the intellectual processes they use to reach their conclusions.
Have you ever reminisced about a trip you took to Disney World with your family, only to find out it never happened? While this may read like science fiction, it actually happened to our guest co-host A.J. Jacobs! On today's episode, our hosts recount stories of false memories that have happened to them and others, including Stephen misrepresenting the lifetime score of his years-long backgammon match against James, and they try to decipher why our brains are playing tricks on us.
This episode is sponsored by Allstate.
Why do people feel obligated to do favors for family members that they wouldn't do for friends? Today, our guest co-host A.J. Jacobs, who has been researching families for his newest book, helps James and Stephen answer that and other questions about families. Some of the topics include the fallacy of surnames being changed at Ellis Island, matriarchy and patriarchy in different cultures, and cheating at poker with your cousin in Las Vegas using Google Glass.
This episode is sponsored by Squarespace.
How long does language hold its value? Our guest co-host A.J. Jacobs wants to hear Stephen and James' answer to that question, especially pertaining to humor. Today's conversation spans a few millennia, starting with a Sumerian "fart joke" regarded as the oldest surviving joke, moving to whether Shakespeare's version of English is intelligible to modern Americans, then debating if the top stand-up comics of the last thirty years would be funny to people 100 years ago.
This episode is sponsored by Yotpo.
Are you bored with your nine-to-five life, but don't know how to break away from your routine? Today's guest, experimenter and author A.J. Jacobs, can help you find some solutions. Stephen, James, and A.J. continue their thread from yesterday's episode discussing some major experiments A.J's conducted on himself. Then our hosts get prescriptive with ideas for small experiments 'regular people' can come up with in additional to their daily lives, in order to help foster new ways of approaching a task, get their minds away from their daily monotony, and become more inquisitive people. Also, A.J. talks about renting a sheep and competing for fans in Times Square against The Naked Cowboy.
Self-experimenter and author A.J. Jacobs joins Question of the Day for the first of five episodes alongside Stephen and James. Instead of focusing on one question, today James and Stephen talk to A.J. about some of the largest experiments he's performed on himself, including finding out how much he loves his wife via an FMRI, and stoning an adulterer in Central Park while "living biblically" for a year. The three also touch upon the history of mattresses, whether a "square beard" gene exists, and what the official food of "Conception Day" should be.
Many podcasts, this one included, dedicate a considerable amount of time to self-improvement, technical mastery, and peak performance. With that in mind, one QOD listener wrote in wondering what the problem is with being "mediocre, but content?" Listen to Stephen and James talk through their own experiences with the word "mediocre", then find out where James stands on the issue when Stephen administers Barry Schwartz' "maximizers vs. satisficers" quiz.
James believes that admitting your biggest excuse is the first step towards stopping the action. So today, our hosts get personal about the things they avoid doing, some from lack of interest, others from procrastination. Will coming clean to the listening audience be enough to set them on the straight and narrow path?
Does New York City's standing as the cultural epicenter of America stem from how much it embodies the American Dream, or from how starkly different it is from the rest of the country? Our hosts, and long-time New Yorkers, discuss the evolution of NYC since the Dinkins administration in the late 1980's began the city's transformation from "no-go" zone to the number one tourist destination in the country.
How do Stephen and James always come up with 'one-liners' of guidance to fit every situation? Simply put, they have stockpiled a lifetime of the good ones. Today, our hosts discuss a few gems of wisdom they've received in the past which have made a difference in how they interpret things in life. Then we find out if they actually followed the advice. (Hint: Not always.)
Would the United States function better if states were combined into cultural regions? James believes that New England or heavily-Latino populated South Florida could create more economically sound trade deals and legislation if new boundaries were established. On the other hand, Stephen thinks this sounds a bit too much like secession. Whose argument will prevail on today's Question of the Day?
Could saying curse words around your family members be a good thing? Your grandmother would probably dismiss that question outright, but the rules may have changed over the last few generations. Even the seminal etiquette book series started by writer Emily Post doesn't ban its use completely. Today, we'll hear what Stephen and James have to say on the topic, and get a glimpse into how their own families speak to one another.
What experiences do you dream about doing in your spare time? Do you have your answers ready? Great! Now most definitely do not ask James or Stephen to attend those functions with you, because as we learn on today's show, their lists of leisure activities are severely limited. This probably explains why they're able to put out so many podcasts, books, and play backgammon…
Is re-framing rejection as feedback a useful learning tool, or does it pose a potential danger if taken to heart? Would it be more productive to simply brush rejections aside and keep moving forward? Stephen and James tackle these topics today, recalling their own personal and career rejections, and give ideas for proactively preparing yourself against hearing the answer "no".
Supermarket sushi rolls may be deeply discounted from restaurant prices, but does the quality of the fish present a gamble to your GI tract? Stephen's leery about eating days-old sushi from a quality control standpoint, but James believes that strict FDA standards have all but weeded out food poisoning from American prepared foods. Later, our hosts predict whether anyone would be able to tell the difference between a sushi roll containing sushi-grade fish and one containing salmon bought from the supermarket seafood counter.
A listener wants to know why people tend to inversely react to feedback given to them. James and Stephen don't agree that this is a universal truth, but instead attempt to dissect the underlying issues by looking at humans' insecurities, and the systematic pressures put upon them from a young age to excel in every area of education and development.
Adults have a much more difficult time mastering new skills, from foreign languages to perfecting a golf swing, than adolescents. Stephen and James believe that the principles of deliberate practice, as opposed to experiential repetition, may be able to help those over the age of thirty cognitively develop the skills that they're emotionally ready to learn. Listen on to hear the pillars of deliberate practice built up one by one.
James needs to tune his olfactory glands in order to sniff out when he’s being scammed. Will Stephen, who in James’ opinion holds the keys to good judgment, be able to help him decipher whether new people are genuine or not?
James has forgotten again what ultracrepidarianism is. (Hint: Listen back to episode 60.) Following a quick refresher from Stephen on speaking fluidly without sufficient knowledge, our non-experts take to deciphering what constitutes expertise. For instance, how many doctor-penned modern diets and medical ideas have been completely nullified after just a few years of being accepted as truths?
Stephen hasn't been seriously sick in years. James hasn't needed to see a medical doctor since the age of 18. What lessons can they provide from their research, conversations with prominent physicians, and life experience? Today's tips will hopefully make you healthier, if not also wealthier and wiser.
Learning from your mistakes at work is one of the surest self-teaching methods to improve your professional future. James' query to Stephen today about the lessons he's learned helps explain Stephen's writing path from graduate school to the journalist he is today. Meanwhile, fake internet-doctor James (sans lab coat today) gets prescriptive, converting Stephen's life lessons into actionable items for self-improvement.
If Donald Trump gets elected to be the next President of the United States, would all of his detractors' fears become realized, or might he actually do a decent job? James poses this hot button issue as a theoretical exercise for Stephen, who takes a plunge into the murky political waters. Regardless of his opinions, however, Stephen does have an interesting take on Trump's bravado, stemming from a confidant of another New York billionaire-turned-government executive, Michael Bloomberg.
Should all people be guaranteed taxpayer-funded all-you-can-eat healthcare from the government, or is it more American to let the current corporatist employer-negotiated model continue to be the standard? Wherever our hosts' opinions land between those two polar opposite ideas, they definitely agree on one thing: Change doesn't come easy.
Is the perception of being interesting more reliant on having talking points, or asking intriguing questions and letting others carry the bulk of the conversation? On today's show, Stephen talks about his journey towards journalism, James muses about the inquisitive nature of humans from birth, and somehow Stephen gets tricked into talking about Star Wars.
Do superheroes and supervillains exist in the real world, and what order of magnitude would it take to reach that level? James may be skeptical that anyone could be called 'world saving', but Stephen's nominations of individuals who have solved 'billion person problems' might just change his mind. Also, if we count the construct of God as a person, would it be the most saving or the most destroying entity throughout human history?
Are all facts false? On today's show, James tries to convince Stephen that time and again, known truths including the hard sciences are revised, expanded upon, or disproved, though they are still considered the absolute truth at the time. Also, what does Stephen's hometown have to do with the American Revolutionary War?
Will the podcasting bubble continue to inflate as it has over the past decade, or will it eventually pop and go the way of the hoop-and-stick? Stephen feels that the virtually-free distribution model for podcasts makes them the 'perfect drug' for modern multitasking Americans, but will an increasingly flooded marketplace eventually bring their value to zero?
Are all altruistic gestures actually brought about by selfish means, even if only subconsciously? Today, Tim Ferriss, James, and Stephen look to not only answer that question, but also try to decipher if the resultant answer really matters. Also, James poses a FAQ to the group from his weekly Twitter Q & A sessions about whether nice guys truly finish last in business.
Last year, our guest host Tim Ferriss wrote in a blog post that he was no longer investing in new startups, even though he's done well in the past. He rationalized that other investors would quickly take his place if he stepped away from the market, which makes him replaceable in that field. Instead, he refocused his energy on writing, where he has penned a unique voice. Today, James, Stephen, and Tim look into the power of idea creation, saying no when it matters the most, and expressing your unique weirdness in all of its glory.
Despite a near-infinite number of baby books available, new parents are always amazed at how unprepared they feel. Luckily, Stephen and James - both fathers of two teenagers - have years of experience saved up to help out on this topic. Joining our hosts this week is prospective parent and recent dog adopter Tim Ferriss, who makes the case that people should successfully train a chicken before having a human child of their own.
James quit a business he started with Stephen in 2008. Stephen quit trying to get the upper hand in discussions with his family. Both hosts quit pretending they enjoy the taste of wine. Today, we discuss the upside and downside of quitting, how to gradually unstick yourself from sticky life situations, and why no one has ever watched a play written by Stephen J. Dubner.
Whether you live in downtown Manhattan or Schoharie, NY, worrying about having enough money to retire is a common fear for hard-working Americans. Today, Stephen and James examine what "the number" needed for retirement might be for the average person, and discuss whether they've been over-cautious or under-cautious when it comes to preparing their financial futures.
If Andrew Carnegie didn't fund the construction of 2,509 libraries, would the modern public library exist? Today, we take a look at the current library business vs. brick-and-mortar booksellers and online retailers. James says the branches he frequents in New York City are always empty, while the adjacent book stores are packed. Stephen, however, cites research showing that NYC's libraries are more heavily trafficked than all of the sports venues in the city combined. Later, James proposes a new type of library that he'd like to create today, if he were given the opportunity.
If you were to air your grievances, what would they be? James and Stephen have a few to name, such as when your backgammon partner yells out unexpectedly in the middle of a diner, or when your relationship falls apart and you end up wandering the streets of New York City alone. Also, which of Stephen's grievances does he believe can be resolved by watching Kobe Bryant play basketball?
On our 100th episode, Stephen and James look into how creative and professional workloads impact one's stress and happiness. Per the usual, James' advice comes autobiographically, while Stephen's figures are aided from the research of Charles Duhigg, whom he recently interviewed.
A listener asks if his "45 minute daily walks...will keep him fit for a long time." James recounts his personal experiences trying to stay in shape for the last decade, having experimented with every "fad diet" and different exercise routines, while Stephen lets us know what podcasts are definitely on the "no listen list" while exercising.
How do our polymath hosts - including guest Brian Koppelman - use their time efficiently while juggling multiple ventures and family? On today's discussion, you'll hear discourse about forming productive habits, creating appropriate work mindsets, scheduling non-work time, and receive advice that you should tell your friend's uncle that you will not be attending his dog's wedding in Saskatoon.
What's the best way to handle 'sharing economy' vendors, such as Uber drivers and Airbnb hosts, who aren't providing their services as advertised? On today's episode, Stephen, James, and guest host Brian Koppelman work to find a common ground on how to deal with the practical and emotional implications of giving less-than-perfect ratings to these 'contractors'.
How does a TV show script get transformed from multiple writers' ideas into a cohesive episode? Our guest expert Brian Koppelman – a co-creator, writer, and showrunner for the Showtime series 'Billions' – gives James and Stephen insight into how the show was created, what the various roles are within a writers' room, and what his job expectations are in order to get an episode 'to air'.
"How does one learn to have fast yet legible handwriting?" a QOD listener asks. Stephen thinks maybe we should all take a clue from mid-century America's secretarial pool, while James attempts to recover from a traumatizing flashback to grammar school.
Stephen thinks political commentators' predictions of this year's presidential race are more stupid and arrogant than ever, but does it really matter which candidate wins the election? Listen to James and Stephen dissect how much authority the executive branch really holds in domestic and foreign matters, and to what degree our daily lives are actually affected by who's in the Oval Office.
How did it come to pass that alcohol was made readily available and culturally celebrated, while marijuana and other intoxicants were stigmatized and made illegal? Listen on to hear if James agrees with Stephen that these landmark drug laws are little more than "accidents of history".
Stephen has a problem, and he doesn't have the time to solve it. Today, we're talking about impatience. Whether it's long lines at the coffee shop or bumbling Question of the Day podcast producers, he'll have a bone to pick if his internal timer dings before the task is accomplished.
Luckily, non-certified internet therapist James Altucher is here to help. The question is, will he be able to guide Stephen toward a solution before time runs out on their session?
Will James and Stephen retire from live stand-up comedy after each performing one successful set, or might this become a new source of income? Today, our hosts discuss what they've learned from their on-stage 'Question of the Day Live!' experiences, and we hear how James has been combating his introverted nature by getting in front of a crowd.
A discussion about Miley Cyrus' music makes a tangential leap into a debate about voting. James, who hasn't voted in 25 years, obviously has some strong opinions. Will Stephen's research on the economics of voting change James' mind?
Today, in our second 'Question of the Day Live!' podcast, moderator Negin Farsad asks Stephen and James about the best ways to make friends as an adult, what fads they'd like to see return, and what ceremonial rites of passage should be eliminated. Then, we hear how our hosts held up to Negin's rapid-fire 'lightning round' questions.
Stephen and James make their first attempts at live stand up comedy on today's third and final installment from our 'Question of the Day Live!' event. Topics include house cats, Stephen's failed jingle writing career, parenthood, Sean Penn, cream cheese, and much more!
Today we present the first of three installments from our 'Question of the Day Live!' event held in January. On today's episode, James and Stephen try to decipher why billionaires won't take a break to sit on the couch and watch TV, then they formulate the best ways for employers to motivate employees.
James may be the author of 'The Power of No' but actually declining invitations doesn't come easily to him. Today we hear techniques our hosts have developed through trial and error, and learn that Stephen may secretly be a spy for the CIA.
How long does it take to reach to 90th percentile in a 'glamour profession' such as the arts or sports? Aspiring professional backgammon player Stephen pulls data from his experiences pursuing a writing career and debates professional research with James on the topic.
Have Millennials been raised in a culture where they not only expect all media to be free, but also feel compelled to publicly complain if the content doesn’t exceed their standards? Also today, James and Stephen discuss the death of the print encyclopedia, selling books on Amazon, and why Wi-Fi on Amtrak is so slow.
Stephen may not be a calendrical goal setter, but he has some concrete ideas about how to set and accomplish goals. Today we explore deliberate practice, goals vs. themes, and how many pianos James has in his apartment.
Why haven't humans "evolved as a species away from aggression"? Stephen and James summon up some statistics and studies to attempt to answer this question from a listener.
How far away from actual events can a 'historical' story veer before there's outrage? Also today, Stephen gets duped by a guard at the Tower of London, while James attempts to find out what mysteries have intrigued Stephen the most.
Is there still a purpose to having a personal website when millions of users already go to 'destination sites' like Twitter and Medium for their blog posts? Also, what is Stephen going to do with his boxes of pictures and memorabilia currently stuck in a basement?
What do Stephen and guest host Manoush Zomorodi have in common? 1. They try to wake up early. 2. They accidentally went on a family vacation together. That and more on today's Question of the Day!
A commonly cited study states that money's ability to increase happiness diminishes above $70,000 per year. However, are the statistics really that cut-and-dried? Stephen, James, and guest host Manoush Zomorodi discuss their personal relationships with money, and we finally get one opinion that paying for college may be a worthwhile endeavor.
@QOD Twitter follower @BradyWood15 sent the team a question about giving and receiving criticism. Can James, Stephen, and guest host Manoush handle taking each other’s heat while working out the best techniques to do so?
Stephen and James are joined by guest questioner Manoush Zomorodi, host of the Note to Self podcast. Manoush and the guys attempt to figure out what exactly would happen to the economy if everyone stopped buying poorly constructed and cheap items.
James thinks that human beings' ability to accept and process new information is what put our species on top. But what does that say about famous politicians, pundits, and other 'experts' who only use facts that solidify their concrete opinions?
A discussion about making and breaking habits takes a turn into Stephen's obsession with Seattle's most valuable coffee chain, and how that company should tweak their in-store operations.
Has 'the language of literature' become an obsolete form of writing in our blog-centric society? Is it more advantageous to simply 'writing like you speak'? James and Stephen, who have both made careers writing narrative non-fiction, are on the case.
What "stupid, corny habit" does James have which has changed his life completely, and continues to do so even today? Today, Stephen and James list the habits they've adopted which have done the most to improve their lives.
James isn't getting the amount of sleep he strives to have on a nightly basis. Will Stephen, who regularly wakes up before 6 AM, have the solution?
Today, individuality and social norms duke it out regarding the costs and benefits of pursuing a graduate degree.
Stephen likens his mind to an attic, which shouldn't be filled with 'meaningless crap'. Will he be able to find any tidbits up there which answer a question over 2400 Quora users are wondering?
James could have invested in a company that earns billions of dollars a year as part of Google, but passed. What other fateful opportunities have our hosts encountered over the course of their careers, and do they have any regrets?
After taking a brief foray into what super-powers our hosts would want, 'Jedi enthusiast' James and Stephen discuss unconventional problem-solving techniques and other 'mind tricks'.
Do you strive to follow in the professional footsteps of Stephen J. Dubner and James Altucher? Is direct advice from the men themselves the one element you're missing from accomplishing that goal? If so, strap on your headphones and start listening to today's episode!
Today's question originated on Quora, where it has over 1600 users following it. Ours hosts take a look not only at the question itself, but also why so many people are obsessed with their offspring being gratuitously wealthy.
Do you ever stop a podcast mid-episode even though you like the content, because it's 'unlistenable'? Today, James and Stephen posit why some shows pay seemingly no attention to their aural character, and what it takes to become a 'Top 10' podcast.
Stephen's lingering sore throat brings us into a discussion about one of his great potential inventions, The Summer Subway Sneezing Glove. Considering the 70 degree temperature in NYC on Christmas Eve, should this be a year-round endeavor?
Today it's Stephen's turn at the plate, giving his own top and bottom five attributes. How will he stack up after hearing James' insightful list yesterday?
James gets introspective today, tasked with naming his five best and worst personal attributes and actions. We'll find out if "the ability to answer spontaneous questions" should be listed as one of his strong suits or weaknesses.
Stephen may pretend not to be a manager, but he certainly has a lot to say about it. Today's discussion ranges from incentive-based school teachers to union-based public radio, and what exactly ultracrepidarianism means.
Have you taken the time to write down where each and every cent you spend goes to? If not, you may be lacking in one of James and Stephen's "three skills of money".
Stephen's lunch meeting with an old boss takes us into a discussion about whether tough managers make better bosses than endearing ones. Also, what important lessons have our hosts’ favorite ex-employers imparted upon them?
Are New Year’s resolutions worth making even if they’re not sustainable throughout the year? Stephen thinks a carefully chosen fresh start may be worthwhile, but can he convince James?
As the end of the year approaches, so does the number of cards promising to make a charitable donation “in your name”. But how well do these charities spend the money with your name attached to it? Also, what does it take to make “the list” for an annual holiday party?
Does the stress of the holidays compel you to pick up the martini glass? For many it does, but at what cost?
Today's question is all about America's favorite winter-holiday foul, their modern day voluptuous 'white meat', and the new industry that's sprung up because of it.
James is spending the holidays without his wife or daughters this year, and needs help to make the most out of a lonely situation. Will Stephen be able to rouse James from his December funk?
Holiday sweaters, cash, and one oft-mentioned backgammon set are fair play for today's discussion about gift giving and "dead weight loss". Side question: Are any holidays 'real'? James doesn't seem to think so.
Stephen’s forthcoming golf lessons prompt a discussion considering how mechanisms such as rapid feedback and failure keep us ‘on course’ in more ways than one.
Age and maturity level should go hand-in-hand, but that’s not always the case. What does it take to be ‘mature’, and what are some signs that a person is, shall we say, ‘lacking’ in that department?
When James has a marital spat, unlicensed therapist Stephen J. Dubner is at the ready to discuss the tribulations of committed adult relationships.
With the holiday season approaching, James and Stephen give their personal secrets to going on vacation with children.
James Altucher, Stand-Up Comic? Stephen J. Dubner, Screenwriter? Let’s have a listen to what new endeavors our hosts are pursuing when not podcasting.
Are you more likely to have an angry outburst when driving a car than walking? How about when commenting on an internet message board? Rage is all the rage on today’s Question of the Day.
Today our hosts give their candid opinions and experiences regarding clinical depression, and discuss treatment methods they've seen performed.
What’s it like to have an encyclopedia entry written about you while you’re still living? And to what extent are you able to change that information?
‘Living like a rich person’ is attainable to the general populous more cheaply than ever. Then why does society appear so focused on earning exorbitant wealth? Only two men (on this podcast) can decide!
Actions speak louder than words, but what specific actions or situations tell the most about a person? In a world of hypothetical possibilities, what would be the single most revealing thing about a person?
QOD asked and YOU responded! Today, Stephen and James go over QOD listeners’ tweets in response to the question, "What is the best possible future discovery or invention?"
The question "Who is the Poorest Person on Earth" starts our hosts on a conversation examining different types of wealth, earning potential, and the power of 'no'.
About to make a pitch to potential investors for the first time? Today, James reveals some typical rookie moves, and why veteran entrepreneurs don't make those same mistakes.
What do movie stars, metamorphosis, and slow-motion replays have in common? Today's thought provoking episode of Question of the Day, for one thing.
Rent controlled apartments in New York are a dying breed, due mostly to their inhabitants literally passing away. What if there was a way to capitalize on this excess capacity dilemma?
What's the most effective means of advertising, and at what point can you tell if your strategy is working? Stephen and James look into this expensive endeavor on today's episode of QOD.
Satisficers and maximizers collide on today's action-packed episode of QOD! Will one of them attain happiness? How long might it last? Listen along to find out!
Stephen travels through a living-room-sized time portal in order to give advice to his seventeen-year-old self. James comes along for the ride.
James wants to know a shortcut around the "10,000 Hour Rule". Stephen may not hold the answer, but he definitely knows which questions to ask.
Today, Stephen and James share what they think is the best possible future discovery or invention, but they want YOUR input too. After you listen, tweet your idea to @QOD, and it may end up in a future podcast!
Is asking a worthwhile question more important than receiving an answer to the question? We'll find out today...if our hosts can come up with an answer.
Things get familial on today's episode! James and Stephen recount the advice their elders passed on to them, and we find out whether they’ve adhered to it.
Is likeability a trait in its own right, or simply the result of a lack of negative actions? Also, how many people would show up to James Altucher's birthday party?
When a questioner in his twenties wants advice on how to 'jump the line to success', our middle aged hosts stop to consider what advantages are truly gained with age and responsibilities.
Job interviews are stressful enough without getting hit with broad theoretical questions. Today, Stephen and James put each other to the test, and we listen to how they fare.
Is New England slowly becoming one big graveyard? Today we examine where America's prior inhabitants are ending up.
James weighs the emotional pros and cons of being an angel investor, and Stephen explains what investment he'll never make again.
This trip down memory lane brings us the backstory behind a few popular podcast episodes, while getting to the bottom of the origin of cliches.
Is New York City truly the 'Greatest City in the World', or a "rat-infested cesspool of noise and self-serving type A personalities all trying to outwork one another?" Also, James discusses life in the city before the Giuliani administration.
Our fearless bibliophiles argue the upsides of reading in today's society. Also, Stephen proposes the creation of a very exclusive club.
James and Stephen explore the circular nature of gift giving within communities, and determine how to take home the biggest haul.
You're 23, you haven't gone to college, and you feel like a failure. What do you do about it?
Do you really need to take thirty pictures of your lunch? Today, Stephen and James discuss Americans' obsession with picture taking, along with a surpising amount of references to high school plays.
What goes into creating a good product? The guys delve into Stephen's editorial past with two 'New York' titled publications, and separate the wheat from the chaff.
Would you like a side of ‘printable meat’ to accompany your ‘cricket-flour bialy’? James and Stephen discuss potential evolutions to social norms, and take an introspective look at the most troublesome of roommates: children.
Americans go absolutely nuts for their coffee. But why so much fuss over the pit of a cherry that nobody eats?
Our two self-described introverts find out if you can train yourself to enjoy talking to strangers. Plus, Stephen records part of this podcast upside-down.
From mnemonics to mirroring, Stephen and James pick apart some psychological life hacks to see how useful they really are. Some help you remember names, while others can do wonders for your love life.
Like it or not, a budding entrepreneur could learn a thing or two from the Kardashian family: from making a unique selling proposition to leveraging social media.
Today we learn how to impart lessons in perseverance and fair play to your children. Or, how to trounce your kids at games and feel fine about it.
James can't keep track of his score in tennis. Is it because of his age, his genes, or the fact that scoring in tennis just doesn’t make any sense?
Nowhere is the cultural chasm between East and West more evident than in this one question: when do you take a shower?
An unexpected homonym creates confusion in the studio, so we get two questions for the price of one! James de-clutters his life, while Stephen waxes philosophical about an Argentine soccer star.
Stephen and James share their strategies for talking to strangers. They've tried everything, from photographing people's tattoos to offering them bags of pennies, with mixed results.
Stay focused! Or, on second thought, don't. Then you too could start one of the most influential companies of the 21st century. #guesswho
Do Europeans develop deeper, longer-lasting friendships than Americans? Possibly, but that might not be such a bad thing.
Sometimes the right words just won't come. So is it time to make up some new ones? Turns out that Stephen already has.
Can ten minutes change your life? At the very least, your writing could improve. Stephen shares tips gleaned from Anton Checkhov and Stephen King.
Ever wonder why your voice sounds so strange when you hear it recorded? Ever want to hear Stephen and James sing “Welcome Back Kotter?” Yikes.
If the first ten minutes didn’t change your life, these ten probably won’t either. But if you take James’ advice about wearing a doctor’s lab coat, you’re guaranteed to stand out in a crowd.
Stephen J. Dubner and James Altucher: longtime friends and backgammon nemeses. Together they tackle questions from quora.com. First up: the pros and cons of punching the clock.
Check out this sneak peek of Question of the Day, launching on August 31st! Co-hosted by Stephen J. Dubner and James Altucher, it's the show for listeners who are short on time and long on curiosity. Subscribe now, and you won't miss a thing.