“Why do we make the decisions we make?” Maria Konnikova and James Hartigan aim to answer this question in The Tough Call. For the launch of the first season, the duo welcomed Jason Koon as their guest.
The new podcast will be released weekly on YouTube and Spotify, and the first episode is already available. Titled “Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions”, it features Jason Koon as the first guest.
“Strategic thinking wasn’t something that was taught to me. It was something that I had to learn. That journey has shaped the way I approach decision-making, risk and pressure, so I’m delighted to join the first episode of the podcast to explore what it takes to make better decisions when the stakes are high, from the poker table to life beyond it,” said the Poker Hall of Fame member.
PokerStars has found ideal hosts for the podcast in Maria Konnikova and James Hartigan. Konnikova is well versed in both podcasting and poker, and brings a unique perspective thanks to her background in psychology. Hartigan, meanwhile, uses his humour and understanding of the game to ensure that even beginners can follow complex topics without getting lost.
While the podcast is primarily aimed at poker players, its focus on decision-making is also intended to resonate with listeners in their everyday lives. Ten episodes are scheduled for release by the end of the year.
- 27 October, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 1 – Jason Koon
- 3 November, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 2 – Jon Ralston
- 10 November, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 3 – Anna Holmes
- 17 November, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 4 – David Epstein
- 24 November, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 5 – Bill Perkins
- 1 December, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 6 – Elliot Roe
- 8 December, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 7 – Mark Goffman
- 15 December, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 8 – Samm Hunter
- 22 December, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 9 – Ron West
- 29 December, 2026 – The Tough Call Season 1 Episode 10 – Liv Boeree
Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions | Jason Koon | S01 E01
