Game Theory
Game Theory
Speakeasy conversation about strategy, competition, economics, history, and policy from two non-experts.
The episodes include some actual economic Game Theory such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, the Traveler's Dilemma, and the Public Good game. Episodes also include conversations on dilemmas in TV/Movies, sports, and board/card games, as well as the history of military, intelligence (spies), politics, and economics.
The objective is simply to think critically about how people make strategic choices regarding the world around them and most importantly, about the people around them.
The episodes include some actual economic Game Theory such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, the Traveler's Dilemma, and the Public Good game. Episodes also include conversations on dilemmas in TV/Movies, sports, and board/card games, as well as the history of military, intelligence (spies), politics, and economics.
The objective is simply to think critically about how people make strategic choices regarding the world around them and most importantly, about the people around them.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Jul 29, 2021 • 31min
Northern White Rhino and Natural Selection
The extinction of the Northern White Rhino sparks a heated debate on whether we should intervene. Can science bring back a species with techniques like in vitro fertilization? The ethical dilemmas surrounding species resurrection are explored, alongside humorous insights into genetic selection. The conversation touches on the quirks of pronunciation and conservation challenges faced by other animals, like pandas. With a mix of light-hearted anecdotes and serious ethical questions, the episode navigates our complex relationship with endangered species.
9 snips
Jun 29, 2021 • 49min
Alan Turing: Lying to the US, his own countrymen, and winning WWII
Dive into Alan Turing's clandestine journey to the U.S. during WWII, highlighting how he skillfully concealed British codebreaking advances. The discussion reveals Turing's significant contributions to the war, alongside his struggles as a gay man in a hostile society. Explore the fascinating parallels between poker strategies and wartime tactics, uncovering how deception shaped intelligence operations. Turing's observations of American social behavior add a unique twist, further emphasizing his lasting influence on artificial intelligence.
7 snips
Jun 5, 2021 • 28min
Cicada survival strategies and how they relate to the capitol riots and the malice at the palace
Discover the fascinating world of cicadas and their unorthodox survival strategy: overwhelming predators with sheer numbers. This discussion humorously connects cicadas’ behavior to human actions during chaotic events like the Capitol riots and the Malice at the Palace. Explore the implications of groupthink and how anonymity influences behavior in mobs, revealing surprising parallels between nature and society. With anecdotes and intriguing insights, this exchange showcases the enduring lessons drawn from both cicadas and human dynamics.
May 28, 2021 • 37min
Better movie or series? Marvel, Game of Thrones, and Inglorious Basterds
The Marvel Cinnematic Universe is perhaps the most successful entertainment venture in world history. BUT. Would it have been better as a series on Netflix, Hulu, or HBO? Chris and Nick get into a natural fight about this topic. Nick says series, Chris says he doesn't understand. Would you like a more detailed episode on the film and TV industry? email us at gametheorymedia1@gmail.com
12 snips
May 18, 2021 • 45min
Nuclear Weapons & the prisoner's dilemma - The ultimate Mexican standoff:
Nuclear weapons reshape global relations, acting as a cheat code for warfare. The historical context of the Manhattan Project reveals their immense destructive power. Exploring the balance of power, the podcast discusses mutually assured destruction and its role in international stability. It highlights the paradox of nuclear arsenals, examining motivations behind stockpiling and the implications for global politics. The episode also tackles the revolutionary impact these weapons have had on modern warfare, underlining the critical dilemmas they pose for humanity.
10 snips
May 11, 2021 • 45min
Friend or Foe? The Prisoner's Dilemma Game Show, Unconscious Bias, and Which You Should Choose
Dive into the intriguing world of game shows as the hosts reflect on childhood favorites and the clever interplay of game theory in 'Friend or Foe.' They explore how contestants navigate the tricky waters of cooperation and betrayal, revealing surprising dynamics influenced by gender and race biases. With colorful anecdotes and pop culture references, the conversation uncovers the absurdity of first impressions and proposes a fresh game show concept centered on psychological manipulation. It’s a fascinating mix of entertainment and insight!
9 snips
Apr 27, 2021 • 38min
Rock Paper, Scissors: Nash Equilibrium, Strategy, and Use in US case law
Dive into the intriguing world of rock, paper, scissors, where luck meets psychology and strategy. Discover how Nash Equilibrium plays a role in gameplay and the surprising connection to zero-sum games. Explore the quirks of hockey's point system as it reflects game theory principles. Plus, hear about a Florida court case where a judge wittily resorted to this classic game to settle a corporate dispute, blending the realms of law and game theory in a remarkable way!
Apr 6, 2021 • 46min
Moneyball: what the film left out and why (sample) size matters
Nick and Chris delve into how 'Moneyball' revolutionized baseball through statistics, challenging traditional scouting. They discuss the myths versus realities depicted in the film and the financial intricacies of MLB. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between analytics and intuition in player evaluation. They also explore the emotional dynamics of fandom amid evolving strategies, and how the history of scientific thought shapes our understanding of data. It's a fascinating look at how numbers and human insight intersect in sports.
8 snips
Mar 26, 2021 • 35min
EP 01: WTF is Chess? Basics, Background and the Queen's Gambit
Discover the intriguing world of chess and its pop culture resurgence, largely thanks to 'The Queen's Gambit.' Explore the significance of chess as a zero-sum game and the ethical dilemmas players face. Learn essential strategies like the double attack and checkmate, alongside tips to master timing and tactics. Personal stories add color to chess mastery, while the discussion on the Elo rating system sheds light on the skill gap among players. Get insights into how modern media shapes the perception of this classic game.
Mar 14, 2021 • 2min
Game Theory: A podcast about competition, strategy, and policy
Brothers Nick and Chris Andrews bring you a basic, chill series about all things surrounding competitive decision-making. The topics will include games, sports, policy, history, and warfare.
