

Maria Konnikova
Best-selling author of "The Biggest Bluff" and host of the Risky Business podcast. Psychologist, journalist, and high-stakes poker player.
Top 10 podcasts with Maria Konnikova
Ranked by the Snipd community

745 snips
Oct 25, 2022 • 1h 26min
#150 TKP Insights: Making (Even) Better Decisions
Venkatesh Rao, an author focused on decision-making principles, joins a stellar lineup featuring Maria Konnikova, a psychologist and professional poker player, and Patrick Collison, CEO of Stripe. They delve into the three types of decision-makers and the impact of emotions on choices. Annie Duke and Tobi Lutke share insights on using mental models and self-reflection to enhance decision-making. The discussion emphasizes adaptability, collaborative strategies, and the role of conversations in refining thoughts and improving outcomes in both life and business.

196 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 58min
How to Make Your Own Luck (Update)
Maria Konnikova, a renowned author and psychologist, shares her transformation from a poker novice to a pro, emphasizing the blend of skill and luck in both poker and life. She discusses the importance of mentorship in mastering complex strategies and how personal experiences shape decision-making. The conversation explores the role of deception in negotiations and the impact of gender dynamics in competitive environments. With insights from game theory, Konnikova reveals how playing poker can illuminate critical lessons about self-control and navigating life's uncertainties.

153 snips
Aug 4, 2020 • 1h 39min
#89 Maria Konnikova: Less Certainty, More Inquiry
Maria Konnikova, a professional poker player and psychologist renowned for her bestselling books, dives deep into decision-making under uncertainty. She shares her unexpected journey from writing to poker, revealing how chance and skill intertwine in both. Konnikova discusses the value of mentorship and reflection in honing one's decision-making abilities. Delving into Kantian insights, she emphasizes emotional awareness as crucial for judgment. Drawing parallels between poker and life, she advocates for a mindful, inquisitive approach to personal growth.

41 snips
May 17, 2022 • 34min
Episode 6: The Overconfidence Game
Maria Konnikova, an author known for her works on confidence and deception, dives into the compelling dynamics of overconfidence in men versus women. She discusses how male overconfidence impacts investment decisions and financial outcomes, advocating for more female leadership. The conversation highlights the systemic dismissal of women’s expertise and offers insights from her own experiences with poker, illustrating the art of bluffing and decision-making in life. The episode provides a thought-provoking lens on confidence, competence, and societal biases.

34 snips
Jul 2, 2020 • 1h
424. How to Make Your Own Luck
Maria Konnikova, a psychologist from Columbia University and author of The Biggest Bluff, shares her fascinating transition from novice to poker pro. She reveals how poker's unpredictability mirrors life's challenges, emphasizing decision-making and resilience. Listeners learn about the psychological nuances of navigating luck and skill while drawing parallels to real life. With anecdotes from her journey, Konnikova discusses the role of deception and confidence in both poker and personal interactions, offering profound insights into human behavior.

24 snips
Aug 19, 2020 • 53min
#637: What Poker Can Teach You About Luck, Skill, and Mastering Yourself
Maria Konnikova, PhD in psychology and author, shares her remarkable journey from poker novice to champion under the mentorship of Eric Seidel. She reveals how poker offers profound insights into the balance of luck and skill, aiding decision-making in life. Maria discusses the philosophical connections to gambling, the importance of detaching from outcomes, and how learning to observe rather than just see enhances understanding. Dive into biases that cloud judgment and discover how poker strategies can lead to personal growth and resilience.

22 snips
Nov 2, 2023 • 32min
The Bear Was Poked With Maria Konnikova
Maria Konnikova, a psychologist and writer, returns to delve into America's complex relationship with firearms. She tackles the impact of identity politics and socioeconomic disparities on gun violence. The conversation touches on moral hazards in public policy and technology, revealing how these can exacerbate societal issues. Additionally, they humorously dissect the cultural relevance of Matt Dillon while dissecting listener feedback on gun control. Ultimately, the discussion strives for a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing America's gun problem.

19 snips
May 30, 2025 • 44min
Give Politicians a Raise, Smuggle Smartphones into School, and go Full Donk! Cautionary Questions with Risky Business
Nate Silver, a political analyst and game theory expert, and Maria Konnikova, a best-selling author and psychologist, share their insights on game theory's role in sports and political corruption. They discuss whether paying politicians more could reduce corruption and the repercussions of smartphone bans in schools. Exploring personal decision-making through poker, they highlight the importance of adaptability and emotional discipline. With humor and expertise, they tackle the complexities of data privacy and the intertwined nature of economics in today's society.

19 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 45min
Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova on the Art of Election Betting
Join Nate Silver, a renowned election modeler known for his political predictions, and psychologist Maria Konnikova, as they explore the fascinating world of prediction markets. They dive into how these platforms are reshaping the way we forecast election outcomes and discuss the psychology behind betting. Silver and Konnikova reveal insights on the differences between bookmakers and prediction markets, the impact of social media on political betting, and how traders use intuition in this evolving landscape.

18 snips
Mar 9, 2023 • 42min
Rodents and Red Wine with Maria Konnikova
Maria Konnikova, an author, psychologist, and professional poker player, takes on the role of ombudsman and dives into fascinating ethical discussions. She challenges Malcolm on the Minnesota starvation experiments and the evolving guidelines around drinking alcohol. They also explore the impact of iodized salt, the controversial addition of fluoride, and the ethics of human experimentation. Konnikova sheds light on the dilemmas researchers face with informed consent and the importance of inclusive studies that reflect diverse populations.