
Judd B. Kessler
Professor of business economics and public policy at the Wharton School and author of Lucky by Design, discussing how to spot and navigate hidden markets.
Top 5 podcasts with Judd B. Kessler
Ranked by the Snipd community

62 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 25min
How To Be Lucky (By Design)
Judd Kessler, a Wharton School economist and author of 'Lucky by Design', delves into the mechanics of how luck can be engineered rather than just stumbled upon. He introduces the concept of hidden markets, where opportunities are shaped by invisible rules rather than mere prices. Discussing the three E's—efficiency, equity, and ease—Kessler shares strategies to enhance your chances in these markets. He also explores how AI is reshaping signaling, urging listeners to prepare and reduce friction to attract opportunities.

24 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 60min
Luck Isn’t Random—It’s Designed | Judd B. Kessler
Judd B. Kessler, a Wharton economics professor and author of "Lucky by Design," dives into the intriguing idea that luck can actually be engineered. He discusses hidden markets, focusing on how factors like signaling interest and competence can influence success in job hunting, dating, and even snagging Taylor Swift tickets. Listeners will learn why sometimes 'settling for silver' can lead to unexpected gold, and how unique, idiosyncratic signaling can outperform safer strategies. Kessler offers practical tips for navigating life’s markets strategically.

16 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 51min
How You Can Access Hidden Markets & How to Be A Super Conversationalist
Judd Kessler, a Wharton School professor and author of "Lucky by Design", reveals how to navigate hidden markets for opportunities in crowded spaces, like snagging concert tickets or securing restaurant reservations. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg, author of "Supercommunicators", shares insights into becoming a better conversationalist through techniques like deep questions and understanding conversation dynamics. Together, they explore how strategic communication and clever timing can tip the odds in your favor in both life and conversations.

11 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 43min
1102: How to be “Lucky” by Hacking Hidden Markets to Get More What You Want with Judd Kessler
Judd B. Kessler, a Wharton economist and author of *Lucky by Design*, guides listeners through the intriguing world of hidden markets. He explains how certain individuals consistently secure coveted resources by adapting their strategies. Discover the surprising benefits of settling for less and how to signal genuine interest when job hunting to boost your chances. Judd also critiques traditional first-come ticketing systems and offers innovative alternatives that foster fairness. Tune in for practical tips to navigate these unseen dynamics!

Nov 11, 2025 • 58min
596. The Rules of Life’s Everyday Markets & How to Get Them to Work in Your Favor feat. Judd Kessler
In a captivating discussion, Judd Kessler, a Wharton School professor and author of *Lucky by Design*, delves into the intricacies of everyday markets. He reveals how non-price allocation mechanisms affect restaurant reservations, concert tickets, and college admissions. Judd explains the balance of efficiency, equity, and ease in market design, touching on the pitfalls of first-come, first-served systems and exploring innovative solutions like centralized matching. He also shares strategies for navigating these hidden markets to enhance your chances in life.


