Maria Konnikova and James Hartigan are launching a new poker podcast called "The Tough Call"

Maria Konnikova and James Hartigan have launched a new podcast, "The Tough Call," from PokerStars. Listen to discussions about decision-making in poker, business, and life.

Maria Konnikova and James Hartigan launch the podcast "The Tough Call": a new perspective on decision-making in poker and beyond New Podcast from PokerStars: Season Launch and Concept PokerStars Ambassadors Maria Konnikova and James Hartigan have introduced their joint podcast "The Tough Call," produced with the support of PokerStars. The new project is aimed at a broad audience and brings together guests from the worlds of poker, business, and entertainment. The first season consists of 10 episodes: the debut episode is already available, and new episodes will be released every Tuesday until December 29. In each episode, the hosts discuss decision-making with experts and well-known personalities—both in poker and in everyday life. The focus is on topics such as mindset, risk assessment, stress management, and dealing with uncertainty—all skills that are crucial for success at the poker table and beyond. Maria Konnikova notes that poker offers a unique opportunity to observe how people think, handle pressure, and make decisions. According to her, these qualities go far beyond the poker table, which makes such conversations especially interesting. James Hartigan adds that the diversity of guests allows for different perspectives, and each guest’s unique experience brings valuable insights to the podcast. Release Schedule for the First Season of "The Tough Call" The season consists of 10 episodes. The first episode is already available to watch and listen to, and new episodes will be released every Tuesday until December 29. This gives listeners the chance to regularly get new content and follow the development of topics related to decision-making in various areas of life. Debut Episode: Jason Koon — On Tough Decisions and High-Stakes Pressure The first guest is Jason Koon—a Poker Hall of Fame member, recognized as one of the best players of his generation. Over his career, Jason Koon has won 12 Triton Poker titles, two World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, and earned over $77 million in live tournaments. He is known not only as a successful high roller but also as a deep thinker who pays special attention to strategy and the psychology of the game. In the debut episode, Koon shares his experiences and thoughts on why even smart people sometimes make poor decisions. He talks about how his childhood and upbringing shaped his instincts, and how years of playing at the highest stakes taught him to manage his emotions, assess risks, and trust his intuition while staying calm in high-pressure situations. Jason Koon emphasizes that strategic thinking didn’t come naturally to him—he had to learn it through experience. According to him, this journey shaped his approach to decision-making and handling pressure, both at the poker table and in life. Who is Jason Koon? 12 Triton Poker titles 2 WSOP bracelets Over $77,000,000 in live tournament winnings Poker Hall of Fame member On the podcast, Koon shares real stories from his career, revealing how he made tough decisions under pressure and what lessons he took from those situations for life outside of poker. Upcoming Podcast Guests: A Diversity of Perspectives and Experience In upcoming episodes of "The Tough Call," Maria Konnikova and James Hartigan will welcome guests whose names are well known not only in the poker community: Bill Perkins — investor and high-stakes poker player, known for his unconventional approach to life and business. David Epstein — bestselling author and researcher on development and decision-making. Mark Goffman — award-winning screenwriter, producer, and showrunner behind popular television projects. Samm Hunter — coach specializing in productivity, mindset, and relationships, recognized expert in personal growth. Each of these guests shares their unique perspective on decision-making, risk management, and overcoming life’s challenges. This approach gives listeners valuable advice not only for poker but also for professional and personal development. Where to Listen and Watch "The Tough Call" All episodes of the podcast are available on the dedicated YouTube channel "The Tough Call," as well as on popular podcast platforms—Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This allows listeners to choose their preferred format and never miss a new episode. Thus, the project is aimed at a wide audience: both poker fans and those interested in the psychology of decision-making, business, and personal growth. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players For PPPoker club members, the launch of "The Tough Call" podcast is a great opportunity to expand their knowledge of decision-making and risk management. Each episode discusses real situations faced by professionals at the table, as well as methods that can be applied in online games and club tournaments. Listening to the podcast will help PPPoker players see the game from a broader perspective—understanding how top professionals handle pressure, analyze mistakes, and improve their strategy. This is valuable experience that can directly impact club results and boost confidence in your own decisions. In addition, learning from experts in related fields—business, coaching, show business—helps develop flexible thinking and find creative solutions not only in poker but in other areas of life. For PPPoker players, this is a chance to learn from the best and put new knowledge into practice in upcoming club sessions.