Risky Business with Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova The Riskies! 2025 Edition
10 snips
Dec 17, 2025 This year's awards spotlight epic decision-making blunders and triumphs. Tune in for debates on surprising political gambles, including the unexpected hero calls of 2025. The duo dissects baffling trades in sports, contrasting them with political folds. Emotional decision-makers are highlighted, and the cognitive biases of the year are scrutinized. Learn about the most daring bets and oddities in poker. Plus, who won the coveted titles for best poker play and biggest bluffs? It's a wild ride through the world of risky choices!
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Underdog Campaigns Can Reward Early Backers
- Zoran Mamdani's mayoral run looked unlikely at first but proved strategically astute. Supporters who committed early earned outsized influence and reward.
Big Trades Can Be Catastrophic Even With Luck
- The Luka Doncic trade was judged inexplicable and remains a baffling sports decision. High-level trades can destroy franchise value despite lucky draft outcomes.
Leading Position Can Slip Without Long-Term Focus
- OpenAI once held a dominant position but appears to have been leapfrogged by competitors. Large resources don't guarantee continued lead if strategy shifts toward short-term monetization.