Published Nov 10, 2015

Episode 8: Back Up Plans

Explore the psychological tension between security and drive as Katy Milkman delves into how backup plans can hinder motivation, while Shankar Vedantam and Dan Pink examine the concept of moral hazard, revealing how safety nets may lead to riskier behavior, all set against Adam Cole's humorous pop punk song, 'Moral Hazard.'

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Shankar Vedantam

Episode 8: Back Up Plans

Topics covered

Popular Clips

No Plan B

Backup Plans Explored

Plan A Philosophy

Backup Plans Explored

Risks and Beliefs

The Backup Plan Paradox

Moral Hazard Explained

Moral Hazard Unplugged

Moral Hazard Insights

The Backup Plan Paradox

Episode Highlights

Creative Outcomes

Backup Plan Pitfalls

Moral Hazard Discussion

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Ep. 66: Liar, Liar

Episode 8: Back Up Plans

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Creative OutcomesAdam Cole crafts a song that creatively ties together the episode's themes of backup plans and moral hazard. His pop punk creation, "Moral Hazard," humorously critiques the reliance on safety nets, emphasizing focus on primary goals.

Creative Outcomes

Backup Plan PitfallsKaty Milkman, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, reveals how backup plans can undermine motivation for primary goals. She shares insights from her studies, highlighting the psychological tension between security and drive.

Backup Plan Pitfalls

Moral Hazard DiscussionThe concept of moral hazard is examined through various lenses, revealing how safety nets can lead to riskier behaviors. Shankar Vedantam and Dan Pink discuss its implications in education and finance, highlighting the unintended consequences of perceived protection.

Moral Hazard Discussion

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