In this enlightening discussion, Josh Kopelman, co-founder and managing partner of First Round Capital, shares his insights into identifying exceptional founders. He delves into the evolution from gut instincts to structured decision-making in venture capital, emphasizing the importance of probability and clarity. Kopelman discusses the nuances of product-market fit, the role of data in refining investment strategies, and the vital need for humility in decision-making. This episode blends personal anecdotes with practical strategies for navigating the complexities of startups and venture capital.

Dr. David Eagleman, a renowned neuroscientist and author best known for his work on time perception, joins the discussion to explore how our brains shape decision-making. They dive into the fascinating concept of mental time travel and its influence on how we envision the future. Eagleman discusses sensory hacks, the power of Ulysses contracts for resisting temptation, and the importance of supportive relationships in navigating our choices. The conversation highlights how memory and social dynamics intertwine, guiding our decisions in profound ways.

Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast, joins Annie Duke to discuss the science of happiness. They explore how happiness can be cultivated as a skill through intentional practices like gratitude and mindfulness. Santos highlights the impact of time affluence versus famine on mental well-being. They also discuss the rise of anxiety among youth and the importance of meaningful social connections in combating it. The conversation delves into counterfactual thinking, offering insights on its potential for enhancing creativity and gratitude.

Season 5 of The Decision Education Podcast unveils decision-making tips from experts in neuroscience, cognitive biases, entrepreneurship, and social connection. Host Annie Duke engages our guests in interesting discussions where they unpack their decision toolkits and share how the world might look different if we practiced decision-making skills from a younger age. We’re thrilled to announce that this season of The Decision Education Podcast is sponsored by First Round Capital.

What have we misunderstood about decision-making? In this episode, Dr. Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize winner and author of Thinking, Fast and Slow, joins host Annie Duke, co-founder of the Alliance for Decision Education, to discuss common misconceptions about decision-making and “System 1” and “System 2” thinking. Together, they discuss the significance of evaluating individual components before making judgments and uncover the surprising parallels between human cognition and modern Artificial Intelligence. Daniel shares a compelling analogy between perception and cognition, illustrating how cognitive shortcuts can lead us astray. Additionally, he sheds light on why new restaurants continue to open in seemingly “doomed” locations and the valuable lessons we can learn from studying the paths of those who went before us.

David McRaney, science journalist and creator of the You Are Not So Smart podcast, discusses the psychology of persuasion and how people change their minds. They explore the need for connection, gravitation towards extremist communities, and ways to practice open-mindedness. The challenges of conversing with differing beliefs are also highlighted, along with a powerful technique for changing someone's mind.

Organizational psychologist and author Dr. Adam Grant discusses workplace dynamics and decision-making. He explores the types of people who excel in the workplace and how personal policies can aid decision-making. Grant shares insights on the importance of rethinking and being open to changing our minds. He also talks about his Junior Olympic diving success and the surprising similarity between academic writing and magic tricks.

Join Dr. Sheena Iyengar, an expert on choice, as she explores choice overload, decision-making challenges, reducing gender bias, and the influence of cultural backgrounds. Discover her innovative six-step process for fostering innovation and the surprising truth about brainstorming. Additionally, learn about disruptive technology in making ice cream and how a team solved the ventilator shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore the importance of decision education for children in today's information-filled world.

Dr. Cass Sunstein, former White House administrator, joins Annie Duke to discuss noise in decision-making, the impact of group polarization, and how nudges influence our choices without us realizing it. They explore the challenges faced by politicians, the significance of decision hygiene in reducing biases, and the concept of default choices. They also introduce a decision-making tool for the future generation and express gratitude for discussing decision-making and regulation.

Dr. Woo-kyoung Ahn, psychology professor at Yale and author of Thinking 101, shares insights on thinking errors and practical tools to improve decision making. Topics include job interview biases, procrastination, and avoiding confirmation bias at restaurants. They also discuss framing effects on depression studies, loss aversion in sales, and the importance of nurturing dispositions for better decision making.