Even when turning back is the smartest option, there's a strong pull to keep moving forward. In this episode, we explore why people push ahead even when a better path is available.
Oct 20
Bonus: A Sit Down With Katy Milkman & Angela Duckworth
In this bonus addition of Choiceology, Katy Milkman sits down with psychologist and Grit author Dr. Angela Duckworth, a leading expert on self-control. She breaks down what science tells us about managing impulses, why willpower by itself falls short, and how simple environmental ... Show More
33m 36s
Oct 6
How Mindset Shapes Success
Most of us label ourselves early on as academic (or not), athletic (or not), or talented (or not). But even if you feel like you're lacking in natural talent or ability in certain areas, approaching new skills or challenges with openness, effort, and curiosity can take you farthe ... Show More
35m 8s
Oct 2024
436. The Brainy Biases: Why Novelty and Stories Captivate Us (Refreshed Episode)
<p dir="ltr">In episode 436 of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives into the fascinating biases our brains have toward novelty and stories. This episode, originally aired in 2019, is part of an eight-part series on biases and offers a rapid-fire overview of how our br ... Show More
28 m
Jul 2025
Operation Mincemeat Revisited | Episode + Bonus Interview with Natasha Hodgson
When we first aired "Operation Mincemeat" back in 2020, it was a daring WWII thriller that felt almost too wild to be true. Now, it’s not just history — it’s a hit Broadway musical. This week, we're revisiting our original episode about the ingenious Allied ruse that helped turn ... Show More
48m 46s
Mar 2024
796: Over the Rainbow, Rock Hudson, & Quantum Leap
<p>We start with a rummage through the old mail bag with some feedback from listeners about recent episodes. Yikes. We hear why some people think Over the Rainbow was plagiarized, but others think it's similarities are a coincidence. We discuss some famous musical thefts and how ... Show More
1h 3m
Jul 2024
037 - Charles Eisenstein
<p>In this episode of "Think Tank," Robert welcomes Charles Eisenstein, an acclaimed public speaker, teacher, and author known for his profound insights into civilization, economics, spirituality, and ecology. The episode begins with Robert recalling their first meeting at Aubrey ... Show More
1h 3m
Sep 2025
Kadesh: What Was It Good For? with Prof. Peter Brand
Why is the Battle of Kadesh so famous, compared to other ancient conflicts? What can we take away from Ramesses' account in terms of "truth" vs "rhetoric." And what did it all up to, really? Prof. Peter Brand returns to discuss the battle in great detail, from the blow-by-blow mo ... Show More
1h 35m
May 2024
Your Mind Is Being Fracked
<p>The steady dings of notifications. The 40 tabs that greet you when you open your computer in the morning. The hundreds of unread emails, most of them spam, with subject lines pleading or screaming for you to click. Our attention is under assault these days, and most of us are ... Show More
1h 12m
Oct 2024
Alexander the Great: Soldier, Priest, and God. Interview with Professor Fred Naiden
<p>Professor Fred Naiden wrote one of my favorite books on Alexander the Great - <em>Soldier, Priest, and God -</em> and it provides a much different view of Alexander than the warrior king we so often see in modern treatments. Alexander was a deeply religious person, and his ide ... Show More
56m 9s