logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
37m 58s

216. Why Do We Make Excuses?

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
Is it better to explain a mistake or just accept responsibility? What’s the difference between an excuse and a justification? And why is it important to remember that you’re not a pizzeria on the Jersey Shore? 
Up next
Yesterday
49. How Does Facing Death Change Your Life?
<p>Also: why are we so bad at assessing risk? This episode originally aired on April 25, 2021.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for adverti ... Show More
39m 1s
Nov 16
48. Do Good Deeds Invite More Bad Ones?
<p>Also: what is the most significant choice you will ever make? This episode originally aired on April 18, 2021.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of person ... Show More
33m 58s
Nov 9
47. Is Laziness Real?
<p>Also: why do we dislike being alone in public? This episode originally aired on April 11, 2021.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for adv ... Show More
32m 35s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
596. Farewell to a Generational Talent
<p>Daniel Kahneman left his mark on academia (and the real world) in countless ways. A group of his friends and colleagues recently gathered in Chicago to reflect on this legacy — and we were there, with microphones.</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCES:</strong><ul><li><a href="ht ... Show More
52m 41s
Dec 2024
Why Is There So Much Fraud in Academia? (Update)
<p>Some of the biggest names in behavioral science stand accused of faking their results. Last year, an astonishing 10,000 research papers were retracted. In a series originally published in early 2024, we talk to whistleblowers, reformers, and a co-author who got caught up in th ... Show More
1h 15m
May 2025
The Root of Menticide and Collective Care with Dr. Evan Auguste
Menticide, or the systematic and intentional undermining of a person's conscious mind, effectively "killing" or destroying their independent thought and beliefs, is one of the most effective ways to supress revolutionary change in a society. So how do we protect our communities f ... Show More
1h 25m
Oct 2021
15 - Robert Sapolsky: Why Society Would Be Fairer If We Stopped Believing in Free Will
<p>Eric chats with Robert Sapolsky, Stanford Professor of Biology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery. Robert is a world-renowned academic and author of highly successful books such as A Primate’s Memoir, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, and Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Wor ... Show More
50m 38s
Jul 2025
From Victim to Victor: Rise Above Trauma with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman
What if the biggest obstacle holding you back isn’t your past but your mindset? Psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, challenges everything you think you know about trauma, resilience, and personal growth. In this episode, you’ll discover why labeling every setback as “trauma” c ... Show More
17m 30s
Mar 2025
Your Thoughts Are Lying to You: How to Take Back Control
In this episode, our host interviews Dr. David Burns about his methods for overcoming negative thoughts and promoting joy using CBT techniques. Dr. Burns discusses various techniques and introduces his new digital tool, the Feeling Great app, which tracks personal feelings to fac ... Show More
25m 59s
Sep 2024
601. Multitasking Doesn’t Work. So Why Do We Keep Trying?
<p>Only a tiny number of “supertaskers” are capable of doing two things at once. The rest of us are just making ourselves miserable, and less productive. How can we put the — <i>hang on a second, I've just got to get this</i>.</p><p><br />Come see Stephen Dubner live! </p><p>“A Q ... Show More
58m 4s
Aug 2024
Enneagram: Why Your Worst Traits Are Also Your Best with Suzanne Stabile
Today, we're revisiting one of our favorites. Enneagram Godmother Suzanne Stabile guides us through: What the hell is the Enneagram and why does it matter?  -The gifts and struggles each Enneagram type faces; -Why the worst part of you is also the BEST part of you; -The core des ... Show More
1h 4m
Sep 2
How People-Pleasing, Perfectionism, And Burnout Are Actually Trauma Responses With Dr. Thema
What’s really holding you back from the life you want? In this powerful conversation, Emma Grede sits down with Dr. Thema Bryant — psychologist, author, and pastor — to unpack the hidden stories, unresolved trauma, and self-sabotaging patterns that keep us from thriving. Together ... Show More
1h 43m
Mar 2025
How Is Trauma Dumping Affecting My Relationships?
This week, JVN sits down with existential psychotherapist and author Dr. Sara Kuburic, widely recognized as the @Millennial.Therapist in Instagram, to delve into the phenomenon of "trauma dumping." We’re exploring the nuances between sharing personal experiences and overloading o ... Show More
41m 20s