

Brené Brown on Game Theory, Cognitive Dissonance in Sports & Pickleball vs Tennis | SXSW LIVE
35 snips Mar 13, 2025
Brené Brown, a best-selling author and researcher known for her insights on vulnerability, joins Andy Roddick for a lively discussion. They kick things off with a humorous debate on pickleball versus tennis, diving into the unique dynamics of both sports. Brené shares her views on game theory and cognitive dissonance in athletic competition. They explore the concept of 'treeing,' how mindset affects decision-making, and the thrill of achieving 'flow.' With personal anecdotes, they discuss resilience, growth, and the importance of authenticity in sports.
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Pickleball vs. Tennis
- Comparing pickleball and tennis is an ecological fallacy because they're distinct games with different appeals.
- Pickleball offers greater accessibility and social connection, while tennis excels in athleticism and spectator appeal.
From Tennis to Pickleball
- Brené Brown, a tennis player for 30 years, now plays pickleball five days a week.
- She owned a Major League Pickleball team briefly but left when it became "bro-tastic."
Play to Win, Not to Avoid Losing
- In high-stakes situations, focus on immediate actions, not winning or losing.
- Negative language ("we can't lose") can be detrimental, while positive, action-oriented language ("here's our strategy") promotes success.