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
28 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 42min
Trust and Facing the Unknown (with Rachel Botsman)
Join trust expert Rachel Botsman, author of "How To Trust and Be Trusted," as she delves into the intricacies of trust and its role in our lives. She discusses why we sometimes trust the wrong people despite overwhelming evidence. Rachel shares insights on how luxury hotels manage broken trust and the importance of emotions in decision-making. With personal anecdotes, she illustrates how trust can transform education and workplace culture, urging listeners to embrace vulnerability to strengthen connections.
9 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 41min
Trump’s First Three Weeks: What Actually Matters?
This discussion dives into the whirlwind of executive actions and political reactions during the Trump administration. The hosts share insights on staying focused amidst media noise, emphasizing the importance of significant governance issues. They reflect on Super Bowl antics and regional sports cultures, while also critiquing emotional manipulation in partisan news. Personal anecdotes about house hunting and navigating rental challenges in NYC add a relatable twist. The conversation highlights the urgency of addressing economic distractions like inflation and funding cuts.
9 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 44min
Air Travel, Alcohol, and How to Bet On a Coin Toss
This engaging discussion dives into the unexpected risks of air travel versus everyday activities, exposing our biases in risk assessment. The hosts humorously dissect alcohol consumption and its health implications while reflecting on gambling and personal stories. They share insights on Super Bowl prop bets, like whether the coin toss leans towards heads or tails, and debate if the national anthem will spark tears from players. The conversation blends entertaining anecdotes with sharp analysis, making risk assessment both relatable and thought-provoking.
38 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 47min
Should You Learn Poker from ChatGPT? And Other AI Questions
Dive into the world of artificial intelligence as the hosts dissect its national and personal implications, addressing the competitive landscape shaped by players like China's DeepSeek. They also tackle listener questions about poker, offering tips on winning during friendly games and the importance of reading your opponents. Whether discussing the regulatory challenges of AI or mastering casual poker strategies, expect a blend of insightful commentary and practical advice.
15 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 48min
Trump’s Strategy: Distraction and Executive Action
The podcast dives into Trump’s strategic maneuvers for a potential second term, exploring themes like distraction and executive action. Key discussions include the implications of his controversial decisions, the challenges facing Democrats in this shifting landscape, and the tech world's influence on politics. The conversation takes a light-hearted turn with personal driving anecdotes, while also critiquing the misuse of presidential pardons. As they navigate this political maze, the hosts blend humor with insightful analysis.
14 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 48min
Wildfires, Insurance, and Planning for Disaster
Wildfires in California take center stage as the hosts unravel the complex dynamics between insurance markets and homeowner decision-making. They dive into the psychological factors influencing how we assess disaster risks, advocating for proactive planning. A listener's query about the intertwining of the River and the Village prompts a discussion on risk perception. Reflecting on cultural travel insights juxtaposed with the dire realities of climate change, the conversation underscores the urgent need for rational risk assessment in an increasingly unpredictable world.
16 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 40min
Nate and Maria’s 2025 Predictions
Nate and Maria dive into bold predictions for 2025, from volatile Bitcoin forecasts to the potential of Elon Musk becoming the first trillionaire. They explore the unpredictable realm of poker winnings and the emotional challenges players face. The duo also discusses the influence of cognitive biases on public perception, using the Golden Globes as an example. Amid pop culture chatter, they tackle TikTok's uncertain future and reflect on healthcare innovations. Will skinny jeans make a comeback? Tune in for their lively takes!
9 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 45min
Learning From Failure, Avoiding Regret, and Managing Risk with Restaurateur Henry Rich
Henry Rich, a serial entrepreneur and head of the Oberon Restaurant Group, shares his insights from navigating the tumultuous waters of the restaurant industry. He delves into learning from failure and the importance of making well-informed decisions that account for future implications. Rich discusses the balance of financial and emotional investments in entrepreneurship, the necessity of sustainability, and how parenting has shaped his views on risk management. His journey emphasizes adaptability and the need for a clear purpose in overcoming challenges.
22 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 41min
Luigi Mangione, the Rise of Bluesky, and High-Stakes Chokes
The hosts explore the pitfalls of black and white thinking, using Luigi Mangione's insights to highlight how social media platforms like Bluesky and X can create harmful bubbles. They dive into the shock of the reigning chess champion's unexpected loss, discussing the psychology behind high-stakes choking. The conversation flows into the mental and physical dynamics of poker tournaments, emphasizing how fatigue impacts decision-making. It's a blend of critical thinking and personal anecdotes that illuminate the intricacies of competition and social media.
7 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 40min
The Riskies: The Best, Worst, and Most Interesting Decisions of 2024
The hosts hand out their first annual Riskies awards, celebrating the best and worst decisions of 2024. Highlights include a daring trader's 'Hero Call' and a political blunder. They dive into cognitive biases impacting political choices, like the sunk cost fallacy, while also exploring notable moves in sports betting. Plus, there's a light-hearted poker update and a fascinating discussion on the cognitive benefits of learning multiple languages. It's a blend of strategy, insight, and entertainment!
