James Hartigan and Maria Konnikova Launch The Tough Call Podcast

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By Mrinal Gujare
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  • PokerStars' The Tough Call podcast explores decision-making and risk with diverse guests.
  • Hosted by James Hartigan and Maria Konnikova, the first episode features Jason Koon.
  • Episodes release weekly until the season finale on 29 December 2026.
The Tough Call Podcast
PokerStars launched The Tough Call on October 27, 2026, hosted by James Hartigan and Maria Konnikova. The 10-episode podcast explores decision-making, risk and performance under pressure, featuring Jason Koon and guests from poker, business, journalism and other professional fields.

PokerStars launched The Tough Call, a new podcast hosted by James Hartigan and Maria Konnikova, on October 27, 2026. The 10-episode first season explores decision-making, risk assessment and performance under pressure, with guests from poker and other professional fields.

The podcast releases new episodes weekly on Tuesdays, with the season finale scheduled for December 29, 2026. Episodes are available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The first episode, titled Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions, features American professional poker player Jason Koon. 

The conversation examines how experience, emotions and strategic thinking influence decisions, including the challenges of assessing risk and performing under pressure.

Koon, a PokerStars ambassador and Poker Hall of Fame member, has won two World Series of Poker bracelets and 12 Triton Poker titles. His live tournament earnings exceed $75 million, according to PokerStars.

The first season features 10 guests, extending beyond poker to explore decision-making across different professional backgrounds.

The announced line-up includes Jon Ralston on November 3, Anna Holmes on November 10, David Epstein on November 17, Bill Perkins on November 24, Elliot Roe on December 1, Mark Goffman on December 8, Samm Hunter on December 15, Ron West on December 22, and Liv Boeree on December 29.

The guests bring experience spanning journalism, writing, investing, television production, performance coaching and science communication.


Konnikova Discusses Future Plans and AI

In a pre-launch interview published by PokerOrg on October 14, Konnikova explained that The Tough Call differs from her previous podcast, Risky Business, which she co-hosted with Nate Silver. 

The new show places greater emphasis on guest interviews and decisions encountered in everyday life.
Konnikova also discussed the possibility of inviting listeners to submit difficult personal decisions for future episodes. 

This remains a potential feature rather than a confirmed part of the first season. She also cautioned against relying too heavily on artificial intelligence for decision-making, arguing that people should continue developing their critical-thinking abilities.
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