Tess Wilkinson-Ryan
Law professor and psychologist researching how fear of being deceived shapes behavior and institutions, and author of Fool Proof: How Fear of Playing the Sucker Shapes Our Selves and the Social Order.
Top 3 podcasts with Tess Wilkinson-Ryan
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7 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 49min
The Psychology of Being “Played for a Sucker” & Food Myths That Won’t Die
Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, a law professor and psychologist, sheds light on how our fear of being scammed often backfires, making us more vulnerable. She explores the cultural roots of this fear and how it shapes our decisions. Meanwhile, Joe Schwarcz, a science communicator, debunks common food myths, explaining the real risks of burnt toast and the truth about supplements. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet over fad claims. Together, they navigate the tricky landscape of psychology and food science.
Mar 31, 2024 • 3min
Gratitude is SO overrated
Psychologist Tess Wilkinson-Ryan discusses overcoming the fear of being tricked or taken advantage of in adults by focusing on personal values and reframing perspectives.
Dec 6, 2023 • 12min
"Fool Proof: How Fear of Playing the Sucker Shapes Our Selves and the Social Order—and What We Can Do About It" by Tess Wilkinson-Ryan
Psychologist Tess Wilkinson-Ryan discusses the fear of playing the fool and its impact on human behavior. She explores risk aversion and smaller hustles in everyday situations. The podcast delves into power imbalances and how they influence perceptions of exploitation, using examples of new moms and institutions. Wilkinson-Ryan emphasizes the importance of focusing on goals and values to avoid falling into sucker phobias.
