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
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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
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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.
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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.
