Choiceology with Katy Milkman: Coming Soon – A New Season of Choiceology

Episode Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Katy Milkman
Guest Speakers: Various clips (C, B)
Podcast Theme: Exploring smart decision-making and behavioral science

Episode Overview

This teaser introduces an upcoming season of Choiceology, hosted by behavioral scientist and Wharton professor Katy Milkman. The episode gives listeners a taste of what’s to come: real-life stories and research from the world of behavioral economics, psychology, and high-stakes decision-making. Katy sets the stage for a season packed with actionable insights and fascinating anecdotes designed to help listeners make smarter choices in their lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Focus of Choiceology

• Deep Dive into Decisions:
  Katy explains that each episode will feature "surprising, quirky and dramatic stories that illustrate the ways in which we can get tripped up when we're trying to make a decision." She promises to cover stories from “adventurers and journalists, diplomats and athletes, pilots and video game fanatics”—demonstrating the universal challenge of choice.
  (00:17–00:34)

• Interviews with Experts:
  Katy teases conversations with "leading academics in psychology and behavioral economics" to help listeners understand the why behind our mistakes and how to sidestep common traps.
  (00:37–00:48)

Research Made Actionable

• Breaking Down Behavioral Science:
  Katy emphasizes, "We look at the latest research in behavioral science and break it down in a way that makes it understandable and actionable." The focus on practical takeaways is front and center for the new season.
  (00:57–01:04)

Sneak Peeks: Notable Insights & Quotes

• Understanding Others' Perspectives:
  Clip from an expert (Speaker C):

  "We're the center of our own universe, and trying to understand what other people think of us is harder than it would seem."
  [C at 00:49]
  This highlights the difficulties we all face in social judgment and perception.

• The Psychology of Goals:
  Same expert continues:

  "Those are kind of the two big things about goals that we want to have. Really clear goals and we want to have vivid goals."
  [C at 01:04]
  The importance of clarity and vividness in goal setting is emphasized as a research-backed way to drive better decisions.

• Accepting the Irrevocability of the Past:
  Another expert (Speaker B) notes:

  "Recognizing the past is fixed that can't be changed. All we can do in our lives going forward is try to make the best decisions."
  [B at 01:10]
  This frames the importance of forward-looking choices and learning from, but not dwelling on, past mistakes.

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• 00:00–00:17 – Katy Milkman introduces herself and her credentials.
• 00:17–00:49 – Description of episode format: storytelling from various high-stakes domains.
• 00:49–00:57 – Insightful quote about the challenge of reading others’ minds.
• 00:57–01:04 – Katy on making behavioral science actionable.
• 01:04–01:10 – Explanation of goal-setting in decision-making.
• 01:10–01:19 – Reflection on accepting the unchangeable past and looking forward.
• 01:19–End – Announcement of the new season's schedule: new episodes every two weeks.

Tone & Closing

Katy’s tone is warm, inviting, and clear—matching the show’s mission to make complex science approachable. The teaser creates excitement for what’s to come, positioning Choiceology as a helpful, story-driven podcast for anyone interested in making better choices.

Summary Table

| Topic | Speaker | Quote/Point | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|-------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Introduction & Credentials | Katy Milkman| “I’m Katie Milkman and I’m a behavioral scientist...author of How to Change.” | 00:00 | | Show Format & Story Subjects | Katy Milkman| “Adventurers and journalists, diplomats and athletes, pilots and video game fanatics…” | 00:17–00:34 | | Expert Interview Tease | Katy Milkman| “I’ll also speak with some of the leading academics in psychology and behavioral economics...” | 00:37–00:48 | | Perspective-Taking Challenge | Speaker C | “We’re the center of our own universe, and trying to understand what other people think of us is harder than it would seem.” | 00:49 | | Behavioral Science Breakdown | Katy Milkman| “We look at the latest research in behavioral science and break it down in a way that makes it understandable and actionable.” | 00:57 | | Goals Psychology | Speaker C | “Really clear goals and we want to have vivid goals.” | 01:04 | | Moving Forward from the Past | Speaker B | “The past is fixed...all we can do...is try to make the best decisions.” | 01:10 | | New Season Announcement | Katy Milkman| “New episodes arrive every two weeks. Be sure to follow us in your favorite podcasting app.” | 01:19 |

Bottom Line: This teaser promises a season full of real-life stories, expert insight, and actionable advice—designed to help listeners understand and improve their own decision-making, all delivered in Katy Milkman’s clear, engaging style.