Jewel B., third-year undergraduate, Villanova University, Pennsylvania
Episodes:
“Decisions, Decisions, Decisions”
Choice and Decision Making series, March 10, 2017
4 episodes at 10–13 mins. each; 48 mins. total for whole series
By National Public Radio Inc.
“The host, Guy Raz, samples and discusses with four guest speakers (Malcolm Gladwell, Sheena Iyengar, Ruth Chang, and Dan Ariely) the ways in which the power of choice enhances or hinders our decision making. Each of these guest speakers acknowledges the importance of choice in personal development but expands on the idea that sometimes too many options can be overwhelming and can distract us from articulating what we really want. This podcast examines the stress associated with not only simple, everyday instances (like choosing which spaghetti sauce to buy) but also bigger objectives, such as our life’s purpose and the subjectivity of choice within culture. In today’s world, especially in American culture, authorities tend to define our choices. Through Raz’s podcast, he shows how imperative it is that people discover and own the choices they make in order to be happy.”
USEFUL?
Like many other college students, I too sympathize with the idea that having too many choices can be overwhelming. When deciding what major, interests, or career path I wanted to take, I was plagued with the idea that I could never find the one thing I was passionate about because there were so many options to choose from. After listening to this podcast, I realized that a lot of the stress that accumulated was due to me succumbing to the influence of others and society. This podcast helped me pay attention to what I really want and how the decisions other people may suggest can never be perfect for me. Besides, don’t we all want to make the best choice?
FUN?
Absolutely. I don’t think I will ever appreciate chunky spaghetti sauce as much as I do right now. I was engaged from start to finish. This podcast made me feel more assertive in my decision-making (so I’ve decided to continue listening to these podcasts while procrastinating on my homework).
Would you recommend this to a friend?
Totally! No matter if I’m searching for an outfit to wear for a party or deciding the next steps I want to take after college, I now know how to make the best choice for myself. It all starts with understanding who I am, what I want, and what I do not like. I hope whoever listens to this podcast recognizes that the choices we make comprise who we are and that is all the more reason to be assertive when making decisions.
