logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
1h 3m

563. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 3: ...

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
Giving up can be painful. That's why we need to talk about it. Today: stories about glitchy apps, leaky paint cans, broken sculptures — and a quest for the perfect bowl of ramen. 
Up next
Yesterday
How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold | Better in Person
Gary and Stephen talk about creativity, recovery, getting fired, and holding grudges. They also get outside and play basketball, which is a big part of how Gary stays well. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, watch it on YouTube or Apple Podcasts. Hosted b ... Show More
47m 6s
Jul 24
682. Should A.I. Move to Space?
At first it sounds ridiculous. But it might be inevitable. Guest host Steve Levitt talks to a team that hopes to push A.I. infrastructure off the planet. Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: Blaise Agüera y Arcas, vice president and fellow at Google, C.T.O. of technology and ... Show More
48m 18s
Jul 22
Why Cooking is Caregiving, with Chef Hillary Sterling | Better in Person
Hillary Sterling was a Brooklyn kid raised on cream cheese sandwiches and canned potatoes. So how did she become one of New York City's best chefs? The Ci Siamo executive chef explains on the second episode of Better in Person. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in ... Show More
42m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
Sunday Pick: Why you should get good at being bad | Fixable
Sometimes the only way to win is by finding the courage to lose. This week, Anne and Frances want you to “dare to be bad” in order to free up capacity to excel at more important things. They share insight on the power of strategic “no”s, the value of ruthless prioritization, and ... Show More
26m 22s
Mar 2024
On Giving Up
When is giving up not failure, but a way of succeeding at something else? In his new book, which began as a piece for the LRB, the psychoanalyst and critic Adam Phillips explores the ways in which knowing our limitations can be an act of heroism. This episode was recorded at the ... Show More
54m 38s
Mar 2023
The case for failure
Is our society's fixation with success hindering our ability to find humility? Sean Illing speaks with Costica Bradatan about his new book In Praise of Failure: Four Lessons in Humility, which explores failure through the lives of historical figures like Gandhi and the philosophe ... Show More
46m 30s
May 2023
Success 2.0: Taking the Leap
<p>American culture celebrates those who persevere in the face of adversity. So how do we know when to walk away from something that's not working? Today, we kick off our new "Success 2.0" series with economist <a href="https://voices.uchicago.edu/jlist/">John List</a>. He says i ... Show More
49m 1s
Aug 2021
Goal Setting: Why Quitting Well Can Be the Last Principle of Success with Stanley Robertson
Dr. Stanley G. Robertson is the author of the book 'Quit: The Last Principle of Success'. In this conversation, Stanley and Erik discuss: The stigma of quitting The steps of qutting well Bad reasons to quit things Why our brain can't let it go This episocde is brought to you by:T ... Show More
50m 8s
Oct 2022
When You Should Quit
Perseverance is often a key to success... but sometimes, it's important to quit the wrong thing so you can clear out space for the right thing. In this episode, discover how to know when to quit and when to persevere. “In every relationship, business, or entrepreneurial endeavor, ... Show More
9m 26s
Sep 2023
701: Real Talk: Is It Time to Quit Or Should You Push Through?
What’s the difference between those who are defeated by struggle and those who are sharpened by it? Between those who are broken by pain and those who are made wiser by it? Resilience. Bianca Olthoff is the Co-Lead Pastor of The Father’s House Orange County and was named one of C ... Show More
47m 12s
Oct 2012
Episode 87: Nothing to Declare But My Coconuts
TOPIC: Grit, Confidence, and Intuition. This week, Dan and Merlin begin a conversation on what researchers and educators are learning about why students of all ages do or don't succeed. Yes, it's about intelligence and other cognitive skills, but it's also about tenacity, courage ... Show More
1h 31m
Oct 2025
How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance
<p>What if the one thing that matters most for your success isn’t talent, luck, or intelligence, but something you can build starting today?  </p><p>In this eye-opening conversation, renowned psychologist Dr. Angela Duckworth joins Mel to reveal the real science of success and wh ... Show More
1h 35m
Jun 2024
456 - How to Quit Hustling AND Be More Productive with Cal Newport
This episode is for you if: Hustle culture and social media are destroying your creativity You’ve lost hope of ever being able to do enough You intuitively know the pace of the world and industry isn’t conducive to creative productivity but need language to understand why You nee ... Show More
42m 59s