Every day, we face choices that could change outcomes in business, health, or life itself. Increasingly, computers are offering guidance. What happens when that advice clashes with human intuition?

In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we explore the high-stakes friction between human intuition and algorithmic guidance.

Dean Oliver, a data scientist at ESPN and author of Basketball on Paperand Basketball Beyond Paper, tells the story of the 2008 Boston Celtics. Facing a crossroads on roster moves and trades, the team made a radical gamble: They relied heavily on advanced analytics to reveal what traditional scouting missed. This choice ignited a data revolution that changed professional basketball forever.

Next, Katy speaks with Jennifer Logg, an assistant professor of management at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business. Logg shares her research on how people respond to computer-generated predictions. She reveals the specific moments when machine advice consistently outperforms human judgment—and the hidden dangers that emerge when those systems are built on flawed or biased data.

Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/choiceology.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

0:00 Introduction

1:00 Would You Trust an Algorithm Over a Friend for Cooking Advice?

2:36 This is Choiceology

3:11 The Boston Celtics’ Rebuild Meets Analytics

17:13 The Rise of Algorithm Trust

18:56 Why We Prefer Algorithms to People with Jennifer Logg

32:37 Trust Algorithms With Care

35:31 Final Thoughts & Next Time

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

The book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

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It's a new season of Choiceology, an original podcast from Charles Schwab.

Each episode tells true stories involving high-stakes moments and explores the latest research to help you make better judgments and avoid costly mistakes.

This season, we go underground to one of the most dramatic mining rescues in history and step onto the court during a pivotal Boston Celtics roster shakeup. We hear from leading researchers in psychology and behavioral economics, such as Richard Thaler, Amy Edmondson, and more.

New episodes arrive every two weeks. Follow now in your favorite podcasting app.

Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/podcast.

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

The book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

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When your emotions flare or temptation calls, what does it take to hold back? Whether it’s resisting the urge to lash out or the pull of short-term pleasure in favor of long-term goals, self-control can be one of the hardest—and most important—skills we ever learn.

In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we explore the power and limits of self-control. You'll hear how legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson changed the course of history not just with his athletic talent, but through extraordinary composure in the face of hatred. Dr. Yohuru Williams is a professor of history and the founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. He is also the co-author of Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter. He explains how Jackie Robinson's restraint and strategic discipline helped dismantle racial barriers in Major League Baseball—and why his quiet strength was anything but passive.

Then, Katy sits down with psychologist and Grit author Dr. Angela Duckworth, a leading expert on self-control. She breaks down what science tells us about managing impulses, why willpower by itself falls short, and how simple environmental tweaks and practical strategies can help anyone delay gratification and make smarter choices.

Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/Choiceology.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

This material is intended for general, informational and educational purposes only.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

This material contains links to content that is available on third-party websites. Schwab is not responsible for the content and does not provide, edit, or endorse any of the content.

The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter, and Grit are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

© 2025 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC

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