Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This preview episode introduces the upcoming season of Choiceology, hosted by behavioral scientist and Wharton professor Katy Milkman. The season explores the psychology and economics behind decision-making, focusing on surprising biases that shape human connection, competition, and choice. Listeners get a sneak peek into upcoming episodes covering topics such as the hidden discomfort of waiting, the social penalties of hiding information, the deliberate choices required to maintain social connections, and the powerful motivation of doing things for others that people refuse to do for themselves. The preview features audio snippets illustrating stories about a family facing unfounded fears, an Alpine community whose language may influence saving habits, and a bitter Formula One rivalry.
- Understand that social connection requires intentional, repeated choices rather than happening automatically. 0:46
- Recognize that people generally prefer individuals who reveal information over those who abstain. 0:38
- Leverage accountability by realizing that people often exert more effort for others than for themselves. 0:56
Highlights
- 0:24
Precisely Backwards Expectationsinsight
A speaker notes that certain expectations were not simply wrong, but precisely backwards.
- 0:28
The Pain of Waitinginsight
Waiting for good things often feels just as bad as waiting for bad things.
- 0:38
Dislike of Hidersinsight
Research or observations suggest people prefer revealers over those who abstain because people dislike hiders.
- 0:46
Choice in Connectioninsight
Social connection is framed as an active choice made repeatedly rather than a passive occurrence.
- 0:56
Doing More for Othersinsight
People will do things for others that they refuse to do for themselves.
Quotes
“The things we avoid that might actually help us.”
Katy Milkman · 0:35 “People tend to prefer the revealer relative to the person who abstains.”
Unnamed speaker · 0:38 “Social connection isn't something that just happens to us.”
Unnamed speaker · 0:46 “We will do for others what we will not do for ourselves.”
Katy Milkman · 0:56
About this episode
Each episode tells true stories involving high-stakes moments and explores the latest research to help you make better judgments and avoid costly mistakes.
Transcript
280 words · 4 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
Topics
- Choiceology
- Wharton
- Alps
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated