The Decision Education Podcast

Dr. Sunita Sah, a Cornell University organizational psychologist and former physician, dives into the mechanics of decision-making. She explores why we often choose the default option and presents the concept of defiance as a courageous alignment with our values. Sunita discusses the implications of compliance versus true consent and highlights how small acts of defiance can be practiced. She introduces the Defiance Compass as a tool for teaching integrity, aiming to foster critical thinkers and moral mavericks from a young age.

Spencer Greenberg, an entrepreneur and mathematician who hosts the Clearer Thinking podcast, dives into the complexities of cognitive biases and their impact on decision-making. He reveals that mere awareness of these biases isn't sufficient to overcome them. Instead, he emphasizes evidence-based tools, such as pre-commitments and Bayesian thinking, to improve our choices. Spencer also discusses the balance between intuition and analysis in an AI-influenced world, offering practical strategies for clearer thinking and enhanced decision-making.

Season 6 of The Decision Education Podcast unveils decision-making tips from experts in AI, investing, entrepreneurship, and sports. Host, Annie Duke, engages our guests in interesting discussions, in which they unpack their decision toolkits and share how the world might look different if we practiced decision-making skills from a younger age.

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.