Risky Business with Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova
Pushkin Industries
Risky Business is a weekly podcast about making better decisions. The hosts, Maria Konnikova and Nate Silver, are both journalists who moonlight as high-stakes poker players. On Risky Business, they bring their analytical framework to everything from politics to poker to personal decisions.
Maria has a PhD in psychology and is the author of several books including, most recently, The Biggest Bluff. While researching the book, she inadvertently became a professional poker player, with over $500,000 in tournament winnings. She is a PokerStars Team Pro.
Nate is the founder and former editor-in-chief of FiveThirtyEight, and one of the country’s leading election forecasters. He has over $800,000 in lifetime poker tournament winnings and his forthcoming book, On the Edge, is about gambling and risk.
Risky Business is a co-production of iHeart Media and Pushkin Industries.
Maria has a PhD in psychology and is the author of several books including, most recently, The Biggest Bluff. While researching the book, she inadvertently became a professional poker player, with over $500,000 in tournament winnings. She is a PokerStars Team Pro.
Nate is the founder and former editor-in-chief of FiveThirtyEight, and one of the country’s leading election forecasters. He has over $800,000 in lifetime poker tournament winnings and his forthcoming book, On the Edge, is about gambling and risk.
Risky Business is a co-production of iHeart Media and Pushkin Industries.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 18, 2025 • 41min
What the Nobels Tell Us About the World Right Now
The discussion dives into the 2025 Nobel Prizes, exploring how winners reflect current cultural values. Maria critiques the politicization of the Peace Prize and shares the fascinating story of a winner unreachable while hiking. They unravel the complex selection process and historical biases in awards, particularly in literature. The economics prize highlights creative destruction and its importance in innovation. Lastly, the hosts humorously ponder what prizes they'd give each other, promising an engaging follow-up for next year's awards.
13 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 38min
Good Call/Bad Call: Bari Weiss as CBS’s New Editor-in-Chief
Paramount's $150 million acquisition of The Free Press raises eyebrows, especially with Bari Weiss as the new editor-in-chief of CBS. Nate and Maria debate Weiss's qualifications, the implications for media strategy, and the cultural shift at CBS. They tackle whether an opinion writer can run a newsroom and discuss the distinct skill sets needed for television versus print. With critiques from public figures and thoughts on ownership pressures, they ultimately weigh the decision as a good financial move but question Weiss's editorial suitability.
Oct 14, 2025 • 37min
Adam McKay is Still Angry About 2008 from Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion
Adam McKay, the acclaimed director behind The Big Short, discusses his transformation from comedy to political film-making. He dives into the challenges of adapting complex financial concepts into engaging cinema and how humor plays a key role in making these topics accessible. McKay reveals the behind-the-scenes efforts to recruit star power, including Christian Bale and Brad Pitt, and reflects on the lingering anger over the 2008 financial crisis, giving the film a raw and urgent tone that resonates today.
10 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 42min
What Jane Goodall Teaches Us About Outsider Thought
Nate and Maria honor Jane Goodall's groundbreaking work in primatology and how her outsider perspective transformed scientific understanding of animal cognition. They discuss her empathy-driven research methods and the complex nature of chimpanzee behavior. The duo also explores the vital role outsiders play in sparking paradigm shifts, the advantages they hold over insiders, and the importance of maintaining curiosity. Throughout, they emphasize Goodall's lasting legacy and the essential balance between creativity and influence.
11 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 45min
With Sora 2, We’re Climbing Higher on the Dystopia Scale
Nate and Maria dive into the intricacies of the government shutdown, exploring its potential end and political implications. They then analyze OpenAI's new app, Sora 2, discussing its capabilities, risks of deepfakes, and societal impact. Highlights include the debate on its mainstream appeal versus highbrow applications, concerns over privacy, and moral tradeoffs in tech innovation. They rate our current state of dystopia at an alarming 8.2, reflecting on how AI advancements could shape our future.
16 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 36min
Sleep, Track, Don’t Multitask: How To Succeed In Online Poker
Dive into the strategic world of online poker! Learn how managing your schedule and prioritizing information can impact your game. Discover the differences between live and online play dynamics, from pacing to sensory encoding. Find out why multitasking can hinder your decision-making and get actionable tips to enhance your online skills. Plus, hear about the importance of sleep schedules and note-taking to improve your performance. It's a blend of fun banter and valuable insights for both novices and seasoned players!
13 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 44min
Will Eric Adams’s Exit Change the NYC Mayoral Election?
Eric Adams has exited the NYC mayoral race, prompting a discussion on the implications for his candidacy and remaining contenders. The hosts explore the timing of his announcement and the historical rarity of such an exit. They analyze the decline in Adams's popularity, touching on his initial appeal and the reasons behind his fall from grace, including the Democratic leadership vacuum. The conversation also highlights Zoran’s rise as a new player and the potential for unexpected shifts in the election landscape.
26 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 34min
Did the LA Clippers Take a Page from the Mob?
An NBA investigation into the LA Clippers reveals allegations that star Kawhi Leonard accepted a $28 million endorsement to dodge salary cap rules. Nate and Maria liken the situation to mob-related no-show jobs, questioning team owner Steve Ballmer's involvement. They explore potential punishments and how the league can deter such actions. Switching gears, a report highlights New York's declining millionaire share—discussing tax implications, migration trends, and the need for better city services over simply attracting the wealthy.
11 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 36min
Presidents Have Tried To Censor the Media Before…and It Backfired
Recent media censorship sparked by Jimmy Kimmel's comments raises questions about free speech. The discussion dives into historical attempts by U.S. presidents to silence critics, highlighting the Sedition Act and Nixon's war on the press. The chilling effects of cancel culture and self-censorship in today's media landscape are examined. Notably, the principle of protecting unpopular speech is emphasized, showcasing its importance in maintaining a healthy discourse. Dive into the complexities of corporate responses to public pressure and the legacy of past media controversies.
Sep 20, 2025 • 49min
When You Come at the King: Holding Presidents to Account (with Elie Honig)
Elie Honig, a CNN senior legal analyst and former federal prosecutor, dives into the intricate history of special counsels in this engaging discussion. He highlights the political challenges these positions face, particularly during Trump’s presidency. Honig connects historical moments from Watergate to modern times, exploring the evolution of accountability. He also critiques overreaches like the Ken Starr investigation and proposes reforms for a more effective counsel office. A compelling blend of history and legal insight awaits!
