Bina Venkataraman, a journalist and science policy expert at The Washington Post, joins the discussion on bridging today's choices with tomorrow's realities. They tackle the psychological barriers that hinder long-term decision-making and explore innovative tools like virtual reality to foster empathy with our future selves. Bina shares insights on managing climate change responsibilities and the importance of aligning immediate gratification with future aspirations. The conversation navigates the challenges of communicating complex science, emphasizing education's role in enhancing decision-making skills.

Seth Godin, a renowned author and marketing expert, joins Annie Duke to explore the forces shaping our decision-making. They discuss how societal pressures and social identities influence choices, and the role of storytelling in driving decisions. Godin highlights the dual nature of tribes—fostering community but also creating division. The conversation emphasizes reclaiming personal agency amidst these systems, with practical strategies like differentiating between "picking" and "sorting" to combat decision fatigue and enhance leadership through empathy.

Dr. Tali Sharot, a cognitive neuroscientist, delves into the fascinating world of optimism bias and its dual nature. She explains how our brains intertwine emotions and memory, influencing how we make decisions. The conversation also highlights the risks of underestimating dangers and the importance of being aware of cognitive biases. Tali shares practical strategies for navigating these biases, particularly in decision-making. She emphasizes the value of decision education for students, equipping them with critical thinking skills for the future.

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.