Luck Isn’t Random—It’s Designed | Judd B. Kessler
The Art of Charm
Applying Parking Lot Intuition to Risk Decisions
Judd uses the Costco parking example to illustrate when to pursue ideal options versus settle quickly.
Why do some people always seem “lucky” while others miss out? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with Wharton economics professor Judd Kessler, author of Lucky by Design, to reveal the hidden rules that govern life’s most important markets—from dating to job hunting to Taylor Swift tickets. These “choose me” markets don’t run on money alone; they run on signals, timing, and strategy.
You’ll learn why signaling interest often beats being perfect, how “settling for silver” can land you gold, and why gaming the system sometimes backfires. Judd breaks down strategies for college admissions, career opportunities, dating apps, and even Costco parking lots. Whether you’re chasing a dream job, trying to stand out in dating, or just fighting bots for concert tickets, this conversation shows you how to design your own luck.
What to Listen For
[00:01:04] What it means to be “lucky by design” and why hidden markets matter
[00:02:11] Taylor Swift tickets, hot restaurants, and how hidden rules decide who wins
[00:05:15] “Choose me” markets—jobs, schools, and dating—where the other side decides
[00:07:29] The two signals that matter most: competence and real interest
[00:10:22] Johnny’s story of breaking into bands through excitement and persistence
[00:13:24] Why idiosyncratic (weird) signals often work better than safe ones
[00:19:39] Costly signals—when to use them, and when they’re wasted
[00:21:41] The strategy of “settling for silver” to actually win
[00:27:05] When gaming the system works—and when it backfires
[00:29:53] Designing your inbox and attention like a market
[00:35:20] How a strong plan B lets you go for gold
[00:37:38] Costco parking lots as the perfect example of hidden strategy
[00:47:17] Hidden markets at home: sharing chores and mental load with equity
[00:55:05] Why ticket resale markets frustrate Judd—and how he wants to fix them
A Word From Our Sponsors
Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at unlockyourxfactor.com
The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back.
Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns.
Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at makeheadway.com/CHARM and use my code CHARM for 25% off.
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm.
Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm.
This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm
Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM TODAY to get started
Curious about your influence level?
Get your Influence Index Score today!
Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence.
Episode resources:
Check in with AJ and Johnny!
AJ on LinkedIn
Johnny on LinkedIn
AJ on Instagram
Johnny on Instagram
The Art of Charm on Instagram
The Art of Charm on YouTube
The Art of Charm on TikTok
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The AI-powered Podcast Player
