110 episodes

Speakeasy conversation about strategy, competition, economics, history, and policy from two non-experts.

The episodes include some actual economic Game Theory such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, the Traveler's Dilemma, and the Public Good game. Episodes also include conversations on dilemmas in TV/Movies, sports, and board/card games, as well as the history of military, intelligence (spies), politics, and economics.

The objective is simply to think critically about how people make strategic choices regarding the world around them and most importantly, about the people around them.

Game Theory Game Theory

    • Science
    • 4.6 • 29 Ratings

Speakeasy conversation about strategy, competition, economics, history, and policy from two non-experts.

The episodes include some actual economic Game Theory such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, the Traveler's Dilemma, and the Public Good game. Episodes also include conversations on dilemmas in TV/Movies, sports, and board/card games, as well as the history of military, intelligence (spies), politics, and economics.

The objective is simply to think critically about how people make strategic choices regarding the world around them and most importantly, about the people around them.

    109. Spotify's Stream Farm Problem & Amazon's Fake Walk-Out Stores

    109. Spotify's Stream Farm Problem & Amazon's Fake Walk-Out Stores

    Summary

    The conversation explores the fraudulent practices of buying followers and streams in the music industry and social media platforms.

    It discusses the incentives for marketing firms to manipulate engagement numbers and the challenges of creating a level playing field.

    The conversation also touches on the impact of these practices on the broader public and the difficulty in distinguishing between real engagement and bot activity. The episode highlights the need for platforms to crack down on these fraudulent practices and the potential financial losses for artists and the industry.

    In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics including the decline in the number of teenagers getting driver's licenses, the decrease in sexual activity among teenagers and adults, Amazon's use of workers in India to monitor its just walk out stores, and the manipulation of streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify and TikTok.

    They also touch on the formula for writing a popular pop song and the prevalence of content farms and click farms. The hosts express their fascination with these topics and speculate on the future of these issues.

    Keywords

    fraudulent practices, buying followers, buying streams, music industry, social media platforms, marketing firms, engagement numbers, level playing field, bot activity, driver's licenses, decline, teenagers, sexual activity, Amazon, just walk out stores, India, streaming numbers, Spotify, TikTok, pop songs, content farms, click farms

    Takeaways

    Fraudulent practices of buying followers and streams are prevalent in the music industry and social media platforms.

    Marketing firms manipulate engagement numbers to guarantee results, creating an artificial advantage and raising the bar for competitors.

    Distinguishing between real engagement and bot activity is challenging, leading to an unequal playing field.

    These practices have broader implications for the public, as the internet becomes inundated with artificial engagement.

    Platforms need to crack down on fraudulent practices to protect artists and maintain the integrity of the industry. The number of teenagers getting driver's licenses has declined significantly over the years.

    There has been a decrease in sexual activity among teenagers and adults.

    Amazon's just walk out stores rely on workers in India to monitor customer behavior.

    Streaming platforms like Spotify and TikTok have been accused of manipulating streaming numbers.

    There is a formula for writing a popular pop song.

    Content farms and click farms are prevalent in the digital world.

    Titles

    The Impact on the Public: Navigating the Dead Internet

    Cracking Down on Fraud: Protecting Artists and the Industry The Decrease in Sexual Activity

    The Formula for Writing a Popular Pop Song

    Sound Bites

    "They're just pressing play over and over and over again."

    "They can guarantee a minimum amount of streaming increase and a minimum amount of sales increase."

    "It's impossible to put artists on an equal footing with each other or record labels on an even footing with each other."

    "Driver's license was where she broke up with a guy and just kept driving past his house. And like, who doesn't relate to that, you know? Like, who doesn't relate to that?"

    "So in 95, two thirds of American teenagers 16 to 19 had driver's licenses. And today it's less than half."

    "People have been having less sex, whether they're teenagers or 40-somethings. It's just having less."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

    09:06 Unveiling the Fraud: Buying Followers and Streams

    26:09 The Impact on the Public: Navigating the Dead Internet

    38:00 Amazon's Use of Workers in India for Just Walk Out Stores

    47:31 The Prevalence of Content Farms and Click Farms


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    • 50 min
    108. AI-Generated Content: Sports Illustrated's Scandal; Gothika Cover; The Library of Babel

    108. AI-Generated Content: Sports Illustrated's Scandal; Gothika Cover; The Library of Babel

    Summary
    In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics, including the New York State salary listing requirement, the impact of AI on creative expression, the importance of a paper co-authored by prominent thinkers in foreign policy, the revolutionary change brought about by nuclear weapons, and the use of AI in music and art.
    They also explore the automation of mundane processes, the joy of buying books, AI-generated book covers, and the romanticization of everyday life through AI-generated images. The conversation concludes with a discussion on a potential strike in Hollywood and the reputability of sources.
    Takeaways
    New York State requires employers to list the salary for every job posting on the internet.
    AI is efficient at making associations and correlations but lacks the ability to generate ideas.
    AI has had a profound impact on scientific writing and publications.
    AI can automate mundane processes and speed up tasks that require intellectual capital.
    AI-generated book covers and images raise questions about the loss of artistic expression.
    AI-generated music and art have both positive and negative implications.
    The hosts express their love for buying books and the joy of owning them.
    The conversation touches on the potential strike in Hollywood and the reputability of sources.
    Sound Bites
    Chapters
    00:00
    Introduction and Celebration
    02:10 New York State Salary Listing Requirement
    03:00 Excitement for Future Topics
    04:07 Predictability and Clip Reappearance
    05:10 AI and Creative Expression
    07:00 Prominent Thinkers in Foreign Policy
    09:04 Importance of the Paper
    11:38 Revolutionary Change of Nuclear Weapons
    12:35 AI as Mathematical Correlations
    14:15 AI and Music
    15:23 AI's Impact on Scientific Writing
    15:54 Automating Mundane Processes
    18:03 AI-Generated Book Covers
    19:50 AI-Generated Music and Art
    22:01 AI's Impact on Artistic Expression
    23:00 AI-Generated Images and Romanticization
    24:06 AI-Generated Music Revisited
    25:32 Player 3's Musical Preferences
    26:09 Potential Strike in Hollywood
    26:47 Reputability of Sources

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    • 1 hr 1 min
    107. John Von Neumann - Father of Game Theory, Nuclear Scientist, Super Genius

    107. John Von Neumann - Father of Game Theory, Nuclear Scientist, Super Genius

    In this episode, Nick and Chris discuss their hiatus and receive feedback on their Match Day episode. They then introduce John von Neumann, a mathematician, physicist, computer scientist, and polymath who made significant contributions to game theory.

    We discuss his biography, academic career, and collaborations with other intellectual giants. They highlight his work on the Manhattan Project and his obsession with game theory.

    The episode concludes with a humorous anecdote about von Neumann's clap back to his wife. This conversation explores the perspectives and contributions of John von Neumann, a mathematician and physicist known for his work in game theory and nuclear deterrence.

    Von Neumann's view of chess as a well-defined form of computation is discussed, highlighting the distinction between strategy and tactics.

    We also delves into the mechanical properties of the universe and the role of bluffing and deception in chess and real life. Von Neumann's life's work in game theory, including the mini max theory and the cake distribution problem, is explored.

    Additionally, his involvement in missile development and his impact on national defense strategy are examined. The conversation concludes by addressing some unsavory aspects of von Neumann's life.



    Takeaways

    John von Neumann was a brilliant mathematician, physicist, and computer scientist who made significant contributions to game theory.

    He collaborated with other intellectual giants, such as Einstein and Bohr, and played a key role in the Manhattan Project.

    Von Neumann's work on game theory revolutionized the field and has applications in economics, decision-making, and military strategy.

    His obsession with game theory led him to develop groundbreaking concepts and models.

    Despite his brilliance, von Neumann had a humorous side, as seen in his clap back to his wife. Chess can be seen as a well-defined form of computation, while real life involves bluffing and deception.

    Game theory provides a framework for decision-making and optimizing strategies in various situations.

    Von Neumann's work in game theory and nuclear deterrence had a significant impact on national defense strategies.

    The distinction between strategy and tactics is crucial in understanding complex systems and decision-making.

    Von Neumann's contributions to mathematics and physics continue to shape our understanding of the world.



    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction and Welcome Back

    01:04 Discussion on Medical Match Day

    05:49 Feedback on Match Day Episode

    07:11 Introduction to John von Neumann

    09:17 Biographical Information on John von Neumann

    11:31 Contributions of John von Neumann

    20:27 Collaboration with Other Intellectual Giants

    24:29 Casual Conversations with Einstein and Bohr

    25:22 Obsession with Game Theory

    26:15 Von Neumann's Clap Back

    26:51 Von Neumann's Perspective on Chess and Games

    27:43 The Intellectual Period and the Predictability of the Universe

    29:06 Mechanical Properties of the Universe

    30:03 Chess as a Well-Defined Form of Computation

    31:28 Bluffing and Deception in Chess and Real Life

    33:09 The Role of Game Theory in Decision-Making

    34:35 Von Neumann's Life's Work: Mini Max Theory

    37:07 The Cake Distribution Problem

    41:57 Von Neumann's Work on Nuclear Deterrence

    46:01 Von Neumann's Role in Missile Development

    51:45 Von Neumann's Distinction Between Strategy and Tactics

    57:23 Unsavory Aspects of Von Neumann's Life



    Links:

    John von Neumann Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_von_Neumann

    Minimax Theorem: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimax_theorem#cite_note-1

    Theory of Games and Economic Behavior: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691130613/theory-of-games-and-economic-behavior

    Klara Dan von Neumann: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kl%C3%A1ra_D%C3%A1n_von_Neumann#:~:text=Kl%C3%A1ra%20D%C3%A1n%20von%20Neumann%20(born,style%20code%20on%20a%20computer.

    Reddit Thread on JVN's Contribution to the Nash Equilibrium https://www.redd

    • 59 min
    THROWBACK: Medical Match Day, The Stable Marriage Problem, and a Special Guest

    THROWBACK: Medical Match Day, The Stable Marriage Problem, and a Special Guest

    In this episode, Nick and Chris are joined by Nick's better half -- Dr. Kim Linden -- to talk about the medical match. What's it like? Do you like it? What are the problems?

    We'd all also like to congratulate and wish godspeed upon all those who matched! Remember, this show has a YouTube Channel and you can also check out the website for blogs, etc. Email the show at gametheorymedia1@gmail.com

    Follows:

    Game Theory on Facebook - https://bit.ly/3u8Jguz

    Nick on Twitter - @tribnic

    Nick on Insta - @tribnic 

    Chris on Twitter - @ChrisAndrews315

    Special Thanks to Dr. Glaucomflecken and his TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drglaucomflecken 



    Googliography: 

    The Match - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Resident_Matching_Program#Matching_algorithm

    Match Day -
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Match_Day_(medicine)

    Stable Marriage Problem - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stable_marriage_problem#Different_stable_matchings


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    • 1 hr 1 min
    106. Blue Dot Effect & Negative Journalism; 'Insh*tification'; Why Everything Seems So Bad

    106. Blue Dot Effect & Negative Journalism; 'Insh*tification'; Why Everything Seems So Bad

    In this episode, Nick and Chris various topics including the Atlanta Hawks' coin flip games, the Match Group lawsuit, Wendy's surge pricing, and the blue dot effect.

    The blue dot effect refers to the phenomenon where people change their concept of something based on its prevalence.

    This has implications for decision-making and perception. The hosts also explore the influence of media and news on people's biases and perceptions.

    This conversation explores the power of negative news and the human tendency to impose meaning on ambiguous stimuli. It delves into the impact of social media algorithms and the dark side of platforms like TikTok.

    The conversation also discusses the incentives of activism and the perceived worsening of the world.

    Finally, it examines the inshitification of online platforms and offers solutions such as personal acknowledgment and empathy.



    Links:

    Nishith Goyal - Medium: https://medium.com/illumination/understanding-the-blue-dot-effect-the-hidden-bias-impacting-our-choice-441d6901a372

    Negative News Headlines: https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23596969/bad-news-negativity-bias-media

    Blue Dot Effect Article:https://www.livescience.com/62962-blue-or-purple-dots-illusion.html

    WSJ Video Investigation:

    https://www.wsj.com/video/series/inside-tiktoks-highly-secretive-algorithm/investigation-how-tiktok-algorithm-figures-out-your-deepest-desires/6C0C2040-FF25-4827-8528-2BD6612E3796?adobe_mc=TS%3D1709163442%7CMCMID%3D56653084828899941945114323709949221977%7CMCORGID%3DCB68E4BA55144CAA0A4C98A5%40AdobeOrg&wsj_native_webview=android&ace_environment=androidphone%2Cwebview&ace_config=%7B%22wsj%22%3A%7B%22djcmp%22%3A%7B%22propertyHref%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fwsj.android.app%22%7D%7D%7D



    Takeaways


    Negative news tends to garner more attention and provoke stronger physiological responses than positive or neutral news.
    Humans have a natural tendency to impose meaning on ambiguous stimuli, such as seeing faces in inanimate objects.
    Social media algorithms can reinforce negative perceptions and lead to unhealthy consumption habits, especially among vulnerable populations like teenagers.
    Activism can be driven by a desire to perpetuate one's own status and prestige, leading to a constant search for problems to solve.
    Online platforms often deteriorate in quality over time as they prioritize their own interests over those of their users.
    Individuals can combat bias and improve their approach by acknowledging their own tendencies and programming 'ducks' into their work.
    Empathy and patience can help navigate situations where others may be prone to pareidolia and blue dotting.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Updates

    03:00 The Atlanta Hawks' Coin Flip Games

    05:57 Match Group Lawsuit

    08:58 Wendy's Surge Pricing

    10:04 The Blue Dot Effect

    21:05 Implications of the Blue Dot Effect

    23:01 The Influence of Media and News

    23:23 The Power of Negative News

    25:17 Pareidolia and the Imposition of Meaning

    29:46 The Perceived Worsening of the World

    31:33 The Incentives of Activism

    36:23 The Impact of Social Media and Algorithms

    41:27 The Physiological Response to Negative News

    43:53 The Dark Side of TikTok

    48:40 The Inshitification of Online Platforms

    50:30 Personal Acknowledgment and Empathy




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    • 56 min
    105. Secretary Problem & Optimal Stop Theory: How to Choose One from Many

    105. Secretary Problem & Optimal Stop Theory: How to Choose One from Many

    Episode 105.

    In this episode, the hosts discuss various topics including the challenges of moving, a dating app lawsuit, the impact of Seattle's delivery laws, AI-generated content, the secretary problem, and the application of cardinal and ordinal information in decision making. They also touch on Euler's constant and its significance in mathematics.
    The conversation explores the use of optimal stopping theorem and the 37% rule in decision making processes. The hosts provide insights into the housing market and the importance of considering both cardinal and ordinal information when making choices.
    The conversation explores the secretary problem and its applications in real life decision-making, such as hiring and dating. It discusses the odds of finding the best candidate and how mathematical value can improve decision-making.
    The objections to the secretary problem are also examined, highlighting the limitations of its application in real-life scenarios.
    The importance of being boring and the value of the first candidate through the door are emphasized. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion on the optimal dressing problem and random banter.

    Takeaways

    Moving can be a challenging experience that can disrupt regular activities and hobbies.
    Dating apps may face legal action for allegedly using gambling strategies to keep users addicted.
    Seattle's delivery laws have resulted in unintended consequences, such as decreased orders and lower tips.
    AI-generated content and scripts are being explored in various industries, including the film industry.
    The secretary problem and optimal stopping theorem provide mathematical solutions for decision making processes.
    Cardinal and ordinal information play a role in decision making, with cardinal information providing more precise evaluations. Mathematical value can improve decision-making in scenarios like hiring and dating.
    The secretary problem has limitations in real-life decision-making due to factors like cardinal or relative goodness and the availability of information.
    Being boring can be a smart and aggressive approach to decision-making.
    The first candidate through the door can often be the best choice.
    The optimal dressing problem is a relatable example of decision-making with emotional factors.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
    01:12 The Challenges of Moving
    01:56 Dating App Lawsuit
    03:00 The Goal of Electronic User Products
    04:02 Freerice.com and Ad Revenue
    05:13 DoorDash and Seattle's Ordinance
    06:02 The Impact of Seattle's Delivery Laws
    07:16 The Purpose of Food Delivery Jobs
    08:09 AI-Generated Content and the Madam Web Movie
    09:20 The Theory of AI-Generated Scripts
    10:13 AI in Commercials
    10:56 Upcoming Episodes: AI-Generated Content, Insurance, and Cicadas
    12:08 The Secretary Problem and Optimal Stoppage Theorem
    15:37 Applying the Secretary Problem to Housing
    18:11 Cardinal and Ordinal Information
    19:13 Optimal Stopping Theorem and Euler's Constant
    23:36 Euler's Number and Its Applications
    28:16 Cardinal vs Ordinal Information in Decision Making
    36:01 The Odds of Finding the Best Candidate
    37:34 The Secretary Problem in Real Life
    38:53 The Dating and Marriage Problem
    40:02 Objections to the Secretary Problem
    44:03 The Importance of Being Boring
    46:25 The First Candidate Through the Door
    47:48 The Optimal Dressing Problem
    49:13 Random Banter

    Links:
    https://www.reddit.com/r/slatestarcodex/comments/azpkge/the_secretary_problem_is_too_bad_a_match_for_real/?rdt=45403


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    • 50 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
29 Ratings

29 Ratings

Sethr71 ,

Such a good show

I’ve been listening for the past few months and finally have went through and listened to most of their previous shows. I’m a big podcast guy and this show has made itself a weekly must listen and I’ve been able to share with multiple people in my life.

Ag99JYD ,

Very entertaining!

Really enjoy listen them break down different situations and explore the different aspects.

Ads12345ter ,

Hidden gems dropping pearls of wisdom!

Nick and Chris do a great job of discussing game theory as it relates to current events. Not only is it approachable and informative but highly entertaining to boot. Keep the content coming I appreciate the frequency and cadence.

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