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Barry Schwartz

Mentioned in 14 analyzed podcast episodes across 5 shows

Psychologist known for his research on choice and decision-making, particularly the "Paradox of Choice" concept. His work is frequently referenced in podcasts discussing how unlimited options and optimization culture undermine meaning, well-being, and authentic human connection. Podcasters cite his theories to explain contemporary issues ranging from dating decisions to existential satisfaction.

Episode Appearances

I Don't Have Enough FAITH to Be an ATHEIST

I Don't Have Enough FAITH to Be an ATHEIST · Apr 7, 2026

NEW EVIDENCE REVEALED: What No One Ever Told You About the Shroud of Turin with Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston

Jewish documenting photographer of Shroud; gave TED talk on Shroud; took 17 years to become convinced of authenticity based on Type AB blood evidence

Shroud of Turin authenticity and forensic analysisCarbon-14 dating methodology and limitationsRoman crucifixion practices and archaeological evidence
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Apr 2, 2026

The Hidden System Keeping You Burned Out (It’s Not You) | Corinne Low - EP 749

Discussed rational choice theory and constraints on people's choices; interviewed by John Miles for upcoming book

The Squeeze: Peak Demands and Limited ResourcesInvisible Deals in Careers and RelationshipsPersonal Utility Function and Life Design
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Mar 24, 2026

Why Humans Are Wired for Love but Struggling to Connect | Dr. Justin Garcia — EP 745

Cited by Miles for work on relational choice theory and decision-making

Evolutionary biology of pair bonding and romantic loveNeurobiological mechanisms of romantic attachment and rejectionTouch deprivation and physical intimacy in modern relationships
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 24, 2026

How to Make Your Child Feel Seen: The Science of Mattering | Gordon Flett – EP 733

Discussed rational choice theory and optimization track; showed how chasing more erodes meaning and contributes to anti-mattering

Anti-mattering and psychological pain correlationDouble jeopardy (loneliness + insignificance)Unbearable insignificance as psychological condition
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Pints With Aquinas

Pints With Aquinas · Feb 23, 2026

Why Mormonism Denies God's Existence (Joe Heschmeyer) | Ep. 567

Psychologist whose 'Paradox of Choice' explains how unlimited dating options lead to superficial decision-making

LDS Theology and AtheismCreation Ex Nihilo vs. Material EternalismAdam-God Doctrine and Prophetic Authority
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 20, 2026

The Mattering Mirror: How to Rewire Your Worth Today | John R. Miles - EP 732

Psychologist discussed for research on how culture's obsession with choosing wisely traps people in optimization mindset

Social Media Addiction and Platform Design EthicsIntrinsic vs. Extrinsic Worth and Self-ValidationPerfectionism Epidemic and Mental Health Crisis
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 12, 2026

How to Flourish: The Art of Building Aliveness and Meaning | Daniel Coyle – EP 728

Author of The Paradox of Choice; influenced Coyle's thinking on treasure creation vs. treasure hunting and garden metaphors

Flourishing vs. High PerformancePsychological Safety and MatteringRelational Attention Systems
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 10, 2026

The Mattering Instinct: Why We Long to Matter | Rebecca Newberger Goldstein – EP 727

Psychologist; part of mattering research group; examined how choice culture erodes agency and authorship

The Mattering Instinct and Human ConsciousnessConnectedness vs. Mattering: Philosophical DistinctionEntropy as Moral Framework for Meaning
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 6, 2026

The Speech Impediment of the Soul: A Path to Intrinsic Worth | John R. Miles EP 726

Psychologist referenced for earlier episode discussion on optimization trap and maximizer culture treating lives like spreadsheets

Childhood Trauma and Long-Term Psychological ImpactIntrinsic Worth vs. Achievement-Based Self-EsteemPerformance Trap and Overachievement as Compensation
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 5, 2026

Strength With Heart: Redefining Masculinity and Compassion | Daniel Ellenberg – EP 725

Renowned psychologist discussed in U-Matter series exploring how modern choice culture reshapes agency and regret

Precarious Manhood TheoryMale Emotional Development and VulnerabilityMasculinity and Identity Formation
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 3, 2026

Why Choosing Wisely Shapes Agency, Meaning, and Mattering | Barry Schwartz - EP 724

Renowned social psychologist; author of Paradox of Choice and Choose Wisely; expert on decision-making and meaning

Paradox of Choice and decision overloadRational Choice Theory limitations in human decision-makingQuantification and metrics in organizational management
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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Jan 30, 2026

The Question Beneath Meaning: Where Worth Actually Lives | John R. Miles EP 723

Psychologist and author featured in upcoming episode discussing mattering through the lens of choice and decision-making

Inherent vs. Conditional WorthIdentity Stability and Productivity CulturePresence-Based Mattering
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10% Happier with Dan Harris

10% Happier with Dan Harris · Jan 26, 2026

A Counterintuitive Strategy for Sharper Decision-Making, Stronger Performance, and a More Meaningful Life. | Daniel Pink

Studied maximizers vs. satisficers, showing maximizers perform slightly better but experience greater unhappiness

Regret as adaptive emotion and decision-making toolFour core regret categories: foundation, boldness, moral, connectionSelf-compassion vs. self-criticism in high-achiever psychology
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The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett · Dec 29, 2025

Chris Williamson: If You Don't Fix This Now, 2026 Is Already Over!

Behavioral economist; cited for paradox of choice and decision paralysis in modern consumer environments

Annual goal-setting frameworks and reflection templatesSubtraction vs. addition in time management and priority settingThe lonely chapter and social friction during personal growth
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