
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Food, Freedom & the Fatigue of Choice (with Jon Engelson)
How do you make better food decisions when you’re already mentally exhausted? In this episode, Dr. Shawn Watson (neuroscientist) and Michelle O’Brien (Biotech CMO, mum, marathon runner) sit down with Jon Engelson—veteran entrepreneur, business consultant, holistic health coach, and Chief Strategic Officer of Joburg Meats—to unpack the hidden link between decision fatigue and what ends up on your plate.
From the grocery aisle to the dinner table, Jon shares why modern food choices feel so overwhelming, how marketing and misinformation shape our habits, and why returning to whole foods (and simpler defaults) can restore mental clarity, focus, and energy.
If you’ve ever found yourself ordering the easiest option at the end of a long day… this conversation is for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Sound bites you’ll hear
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Food Decisions
02:59 Personal Journey and Health Awakening
05:46 Debunking Food Myths
09:07 The Importance of Whole Foods
12:05 Cooking as a Family Activity
14:55 The Social Aspect of Eating
17:47 Navigating Misinformation in Nutrition
20:53 The Role of Marketing in Food Choices
24:06 Decision Fatigue and Eating Habits
27:04 Practical Tips for Healthier Eating
29:47 Empowering Personal Health Decisions
Connect with Jon Engelson:
🔗 Jon Engelson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefstratigicofficer
🥩 Joburg Meats:
https://joburgmeats.com/
If this episode sparks something for you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s standing at a major crossroads.
Because your decisions shape more than your to-do list-they shape your life, your legacy, and the world you impact.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
Tennis might look like a physical game — but what if the real battle is in your brain? 🎾🧠
In this episode of Decisions That Count, Dr. Shawn Watson (neuroscientist & decision fatigue expert) and Michelle O’Brien (Biotech CMO, mum & marathon runner) sit down with Josh Hublitz — former Division I tennis captain, ex–investment banker, and now full-time digital creator — to unpack what really happens to our decisions under pressure.
From five-set matches and 16-hour banking days to the uncertainty of creator life, Josh has lived through some of the most intense decision environments you can imagine. He shares how decision fatigue, chronic stress and poor sleep nearly broke him — and how strategic risk, authenticity, and a simple framework for “calculated leaps” reshaped his life and career.
If you’ve ever stayed in the “safe” job too long, felt your brain shut down under pressure, or wondered whether you’re one brave decision away from a different life… this one’s for you.
In this episode, we explore:
Find Josh here:
🇮🇳 Instagram: @joshhublitz
🌐 Website: joshhublitz.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Josh Hublitz
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
03:10 – Understanding Decision Fatigue
05:49 – The Impact of Physical Conditioning
08:59 – Cognitive Motor Dual Tasking
11:48 – Transitioning from Tennis to Investment Banking
14:48 – Decision Fatigue in High-Stakes Environments
17:59 – The Importance of Sleep
21:00 – Leaving Investment Banking for Freedom
23:54 – Building a Decision Framework
27:03 – The Role of Authenticity in Content Creation
30:00 – Finding Clarity in Career Choices
32:58 – The Journey of a Content Creator
36:06 – Advice for Aspiring Creators
38:53 – The Safe Decision Not Taken
If this episode sparks something for you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s standing at a major crossroads.
Because your decisions shape more than your to-do list-they shape your life, your legacy, and the world you impact.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
In this episode of Decisions That Count, we go behind the camera with multi-award-winning producer Jim Czarnecki – the producer behind Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11 and some of the most culture-shaping documentaries of the 21st century.
Together with Dr. Shawn Watson (neuroscientist, decision fatigue expert) and Michelle O’Brien (Biotech CMO, mum, marathon runner), Jim unpacks the invisible decisions that shape what we see on screen – and what we never see at all. From format choices that shift global conversations, to ethical dilemmas with groups like the KKK, to the line between persuasion and manipulation, this is a masterclass in high-stakes decision-making, media literacy, and legacy.
If you’ve ever wondered how documentary filmmakers decide what goes in, what gets left out, and what those choices do to our culture and cognition, this conversation will change how you watch every film, news clip, and piece of content.
In this episode, we explore:
-How format (film vs TV vs streaming) changes a story’s cultural impact-Why Czarnecki says “documentaries are a writer’s medium”
-The behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped Fahrenheit 9/11
-Ethical dilemmas in storytelling and navigating extremist groups
-The line between persuasion and manipulation
-How decision fatigue and cognitive overload distort our judgment
-The role of mindfulness, meditation and nature in creative clarity
-Why some communities make decisions seven generations ahead
-How Jim handles irreversible decisions and creative risk
-The personal decisions he believes will outlive his body of work
Why this conversation matters:
We live in an age where stories drive politics, belief and identity. Every cut, omission, and narrative shift influences how we think.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:54 Decisions Behind the Documentary
05:57 Navigating Resistance and Ethical Dilemmas
09:08 The Impact of Decision Fatigue12:14 Cultural Context and Decision Making
15:07 Mindfulness and Creative Clarity
18:02 Ethics in Storytelling20:55 Persuasion vs. Manipulation
24:13 The Role of Media in Shaping Perception
26:50 Personal Growth and Lasting Decisions
30:03 The Importance of Paying Attention
About Decisions That CountDecision fatigue is the biggest cognitive disabler of our time. Hosted by Dr. Shawn Watson and Michelle O’Brien, the show blends neuroscience with human stories to help you think clearer, decide better and live with intention.
Our mission: To reignite a generation’s belief in the power of their decisions.
Connect with Jim Czarnecki🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimczarnecki🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiczarnecki🎬 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0194365/(For media, collaborations or speaking enquiries, please reach out via Jim’s LinkedIn or Instagram.)
If this episode sparks something for you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s standing at a major crossroads.
Because your decisions shape more than your to-do list-they shape your life, your legacy, and the world you impact.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
Would you trust a digital version of yourself to make decisions on your behalf? In this episode of Decisions That Count, we sit down with elite human performance expert Dr. Andy Walshe to explore the future of decision-making at the edge of neuroscience, AI, and human potential.From cognitive twins and biomechanical twins to brain implants and AI agents making decisions for us, this conversation dives into what happens when our mental models are replicated, optimized, and scaled by machines. We unpack both the promise and the risk: reduced decision fatigue and cognitive overload on one hand, and ethical questions around manipulation, autonomy, and who really owns “digital you” on the other.Dr. Andy Walshe has spent over two decades working with world-class performers in sport, military, culture, and business, on a mission to “de-mystify talent.” Together with hosts Dr. Shawn Watson, neuroscientist and decision fatigue expert, and Michelle O’Brien, Biotech CMO, mum, and marathon runner, we explore how technology might transform our brains, our choices, and what it means to be human.In this episode, we explore: • What a cognitive twin is – and how it builds on digital and biomechanical twins • How AI and neuro-tech could one day proxy your decisions, from everyday choices to high-stakes calls • The real-world use cases already here: early detection of disease, personalized drug testing, and precision health models • Why AI’s confidence can be misleading – and how to protect your critical thinking in an AI-saturated world • The ethics of digital twins: ownership, privacy, and how “a cohort of one” could supercharge targeted persuasion • The human–machine paradox: as technology accelerates, why traits like courage, compassion, intuition, and creativity become our greatest advantage • What brain augmentation and implants might mean for conditions like ADHD, processing speed, and performance • Why Dr. Walshe believes AI can actually help us unlock new levels of human potential—if we stay intentional about how we use itWho this episode is for • Leaders, founders, and high-stakes decision-makers navigating AI disruption • Athletes, creatives, and performers pushing the limits of human capability • Anyone curious (or concerned) about AI, neuroscience, decision fatigue, and cognitive overload • Listeners who want tools to reduce mental load without surrendering their agencyConnect with Dr. Andy WalsheWebsite: https://andywalshe.com/Deep AI & Human Performance Work: https://www.liminalcollective.com/team/andy-walshe-phdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-walshe-b418968/Hosts Dr. Shawn Watson – Neuroscientist & Founder Michelle O’Brien – Marketer, Mum, Marathon Runner👇 Let’s Continue the Conversation What resonated most with you? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you manage high-pressure choices. 🎧 Subscribe and Listen to Decisions That Count Apple Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@DecisionsThatCount Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decisions-that-count/id1796794128 📱 Follow us on Social Media👇👇 Instagram: @DecisionsThatCount TikTok: @DecisionsThatCount LinkedIn: Decisions That Count Podcast 💡 If you found this episode helpful, like, comment, and subscribe. Share it with someone who could use a reset on how they make decisions. Let’s build better brains together—one choice at a time. Your decisions shape your life. Make every decision count.
From Virality to Clarity: how do you make smart choices in a world where TikTok, algorithms and AI are constantly nudging what you watch, think, buy and believe?
In this episode of Decisions That Count, neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and marketer/mum/marathon runner Michelle O’Brien sit down with Ted Sacripanti — digital media entrepreneur, TikTok insider and Co-Founder of Nvertical — to unpack the creator economy, AI-driven marketing, and the true cognitive cost of social media.
Ted helped build TikTok’s internal Account Planning division before turning that insider knowledge into his own agency. Now, he helps brands like Apple, Nike, and Red Bull navigate the TikTok ecosystem and leverage AI to drive real, measurable results. Together, we explore how to protect your decision-making capacity in an environment designed to keep you scrolling.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you’ve ever wondered why you feel mentally fried after “just 10 minutes” on TikTok, or how to use these platforms for growth without losing yourself, this conversation is for you.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:00 The Algorithmic Influence on Choices
05:58 Social Media's Impact on Mental Health
08:55 Cultural Fragmentation and Nostalgia
11:57 Decision Fatigue in the Digital Age
15:00 The Role of AI in Modern Decision Making
21:28 Cultural Shifts and Real-World Experiences
23:30 Understanding the Creator Economy
29:12 The Future of AI Influencers
35:04 Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI
41:07 The Importance of Customer Acquisition
👤 Connect with Ted Sacripanti
If this episode sparks something for you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s standing at a major crossroads.
Because your decisions shape more than your to-do list-they shape your life, your legacy, and the world you impact.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
TikTok algorithm explained, decision fatigue, cognitive overload, neuroscience of decision-making, creator economy, AI in marketing, social media and mental health, attention economy, cognitive performance, reclaim your attention. #DecisionsThatCount #DecisionFatigue #CognitiveOverload #TikTokAlgorithm #Neuroscience #CreatorEconomy #AI #DigitalWellbeing #AttentionEconomy #BrainHealth
In this episode of Decisions That Count, Dr. Shawn Watson and Michelle O’Brien sit down with Steven Puri – former Hollywood executive, tech founder, and daily yogi; to unpack the decisions that truly change everything.
From selling his first company at 28 and working with studios like Fox, DreamWorks and Sony, to facing a cancer diagnosis and impending fatherhood, Steven shares how life’s biggest shocks forced him to rewrite his definition of success, legacy, and what actually matters.
If you’ve ever felt trapped in distraction, overwhelmed by decision fatigue, or unsure how to prioritise what really counts, this conversation blends neuroscience, flow states, storytelling, parenthood, and mortality into one powerful blueprint for living with intention.
In this episode, we explore:
Who this episode is for:
Leaders, founders, creatives, parents, knowledge workers, and anyone navigating big life decisions while juggling cognitive overload, productivity pressures, and the pull of “success”.
If you’re asking, “What am I really building my life around?” – this is your episode.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
09:11 The Impact of Decision Fatigue
15:58 Multitasking vs. Monotasking
20:30 Understanding Flow States
29:09 The Value of Listening to Advice
33:10 Pain as a Catalyst for Change
38:00 The Journey to Naming a Company
42:00 Understanding Value Beyond Price
45:02 The Intersection of Productivity and Decision Making
48:02 Podcasts and Personal Growth
53:03 The Magic of Storytelling in Film
58:59 Life Lessons from Mortality and Fatherhood
If this episode sparks something for you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s standing at a major crossroads.
Because your decisions shape more than your to-do list-they shape your life, your legacy, and the world you impact.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
If this episode helped you see your leadership differently, subscribe, like, and share it with someone navigating big decisions. Drop your biggest insight or question in the comments—we read and reply.
Connect with Steven Puri
Learn more about Steven’s work on focus, flow and meaningful decision-making:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/
The Sukha Company:
https://www.thesukha.co/media
#DecisionsThatCount #DecisionFatigue #Neuroscience #FlowState #Productivity #Success #Legacy #Parenthood
Key topics and keywords:
Decision fatigue, cognitive overload, decision making, neuroscience, flow state, focus, productivity, Hollywood, storytelling, success, legacy, mentorship, ADHD, mindfulness, parenthood, biohacking, brain optimisation, stress management, The Sukha Company, Steven Puri
The Unseen Conflict: Why Great Leaders Must Let Go (with Mark Stringer)
Decision fatigue isn’t just about too many choices—it’s the identity drag that leaders carry as they evolve. In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and Biotech CMO Michelle O’Brien sit down with Mark Stringer—Chair of award-winning creative agency PrettyGreen and Co-Founder/CMO of climate platform Skoot—to unpack how shifting identity, ego, and team dynamics shape high-stakes decision-making. We blend neuroscience and real-world leadership to help you protect cognitive energy, reduce cognitive overload, and make decisions that reflect who you’re becoming, not just who you’ve been.
What you’ll learn (fast):
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:11 Identity Clash in Leadership Roles
03:32 Transitioning from Doer to Coach
06:45 Emotional Engagement in Decision Making
09:41 The Value of Diverse Decision-Making Styles
13:10 Letting Go of Control as a Founder
16:04 Understanding Decision Fatigue
22:08 The Physiology of Decision Making
23:58 The Timing of Creativity and Decision Making
27:10 The Importance of Breaks for Creativity
30:52 Nature's Role in Cognitive Function
32:30 Walking Meetings and Their Benefits
34:10 The Challenge of Modern Decision Making
37:00 The Impact of Social Media on Decision Fatigue
39:00 Navigating the Complexity of Marketing Decisions
41:10 The Role of AI in Decision Making
45:19 The Trust Factor: AI vs Human Intuition
About our guest — Mark Stringer
Chair of PrettyGreen (Snap, Nando’s, Pantene, Hasbro, Audible) and Co-Founder/CMO of Skoot, helping businesses and communities remove their carbon footprint. Mark brings hard-won leadership insight from creative, climate, and growth arenas.
Follow Mark
PrettyGreen: https://itsprettygreen.com/who-we-are/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strings/
About the show
Decisions That Count—where The Science & The Soul meet. Dr. Shawn breaks down the neuroscience of decision-making, cognitive overload, and brain optimization; Michelle brings the real-world lens—leadership, athletics, parenting, and performance—so you can act with clarity and conviction.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
If this episode helped you see your leadership differently, subscribe, like, and share it with someone navigating big decisions. Drop your biggest insight or question in the comments—we read and reply.
#DecisionsThatCount #DecisionFatigue #Neuroscience #Leadership #CognitivePerformance #PeakPerformance #Productivity #CreativeLeadership
decision fatigue, cognitive overload, neuroscience, decision-making, leadership, peak performance, mental clarity, focus, productivity, creative strategy, team dynamics, habit formation, stress management, biohacking, marketing decisions, AI and critical thinking, brain optimization, executive function, resilience.
The Unchecked Leader: Why High-Quality Decisions Require Checks, Balances, and Empathy (w/ Steven “Steve” Okun)
When stakes are high, one brain isn’t enough. In this episode of Decisions That Count, neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and Biotech CMO Michelle O’Brien sit down with Steven “Steve” Okun—ranked #2 on LinkedIn for Geopolitics & International Relations in Singapore (Favikon, July 2025)—to unpack why the best leaders design decision systems: collaboration, diverse input, and real accountability. We dig into decision fatigue, the 8 p.m. mistake window, hyper-partisanship, and how geopolitics and poly-crisis realities collide with business strategy and responsible investing.
What you’ll learn (fast)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:03 The Weight of Regulatory Decisions
05:59 Balancing Safety and Economic Factors
09:03 Decision-Making in Government
11:59 Differences in Administration Decision-Making
14:47 The Impact of Political Appointments
17:59 Decision Fatigue in Politics
21:07 The Erosion of Bipartisanship
22:05 Hyper-Partisanship and Its Consequences
24:07 Decision-Making in Politics and Business
26:24 Civil Unrest: A Historical Perspective
29:05 Economic Factors and Civil Unrest
30:20 The Power of Decision-Making
32:32 Checks and Balances in Governance
33:51 Geopolitical Implications of Trade Wars
36:35 Navigating the Polycrisis
39:10 Optimism Amidst Challenges
Guest — Steven “Steve” Okun
Senior Advisor (BSR, Global Private Capital Association, Kroll). Former Clinton Administration official; veteran of multiple presidential campaigns. Regular global media analyst on US politics, responsible investing, and geopolitics in the Trump 2.0 era.
LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/stevenokun
Key takeaways for leaders & operators
About the show
Decisions That Count—where The Science & The Soul meet. Dr. Shawn breaks down the neuroscience of decision-making, cognitive overload, and brain optimization; Michelle brings the real-world lens—leadership, athletics, parenting, and performance—so you can act with clarity and conviction.
Listen & follow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DecisionsThatCount
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decisions-that-count/id1796794128
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ORNyRJW3k2RNSp41sNUD0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DecisionsThatCount
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decisionsthatcount
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decisions-that-count-podcast/
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
The Race Brain: How Life-or-Death Decisions Rewired Her for Success (with Claire Jedrek)
Ever wondered how elite drivers make split-second choices at 300 km/h—and how those same skills can help you lead teams, parent with calm, and avoid decision fatigue? In this episode of Decisions That Count, neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and biotech CMO Michelle O’Brien sit down with Claire Jedrek—Singapore’s first female race car driver, entrepreneur, presenter, coach, and mum—to unpack the science and the soul of high-stakes decision-making.
Claire shares how racing rewired her brain for precision, why “small, graceful moves” beat big emotions, and the playbook she uses off the track to manage cognitive overload: automate the trivial, define roles, delegate smartly, and protect energy like a currency. If you’re navigating fast decisions in business, sport, or family life, this one’s for you.
What you’ll learn
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:53 Rewiring the Brain Through Racing
05:52 Team Dynamics in Racing
10:11 Emotional Management and Decision Fatigue
14:09 Translating Racing Skills to Everyday Life
17:57 The Impact of Burnout on Decision Making
22:10 Finding Balance in High-Intensity Lives
25:56 Motherhood and Evolving Decision-Making
30:07 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
33:43 The Mental and Decision Load of Parenting
39:19 Delegation and Trust in Parenting
43:12 Finding Balance and Being Present
49:06 Reflections on Decision Making and Life Lessons
About our guest — Claire Jedrek
Website: https://clairejedrek.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/clairejedrek/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-jedrek-41917332/
X: https://x.com/clairejedrek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireJedrek/
Decisions That Count helps you master the science of decision-making to overcome decision fatigue and reach peak performance.
Hosts:
Dr. Shawn Watson – Neuroscientist & Founder Michelle O’Brien – Marketer, Mum, Marathon Runner👇 Let’s Continue the Conversation What resonated most with you? Have you experienced decision fatigue in your role? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you manage high-pressure choices.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
Decision fatigue is real—and fixable. In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and Biotech CMO Michelle O’Brien sit down with Dr. Miina Öhman (MD, PhD, DipIBLM) to unpack the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine—nutrition, physical activity, sleep, social connection, stress management, and avoiding risky substances—and show how daily, conscious choices across these pillars reduce cognitive overload, sharpen decision-making, and build lasting brain resilience.
If you’re a leader, athlete, parent, student, creator, or anyone who wants more focus, mental clarity, and energy, this is a practical, science-backed roadmap you can start using today.
What you’ll learn
Time stamps
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Exploring the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
02:11 The Importance of Social Connections
06:54 The Role of Lifestyle in Chronic Diseases
11:00 Understanding Stress and Its Effects on Health
14:19 The Addiction to Busy Lifestyles
19:00 The Role of Purpose and Meaning in Health
21:51 Challenges in Implementing Lifestyle Changes
27:45 Group Patient Engagement in Healthcare
28:21 The Science of Exercise and Mental Health
29:45 Building Resilience Through Lifestyle Choices
32:11 Preventing Disease with Nutrition and Lifestyle
33:30 Identifying Inflammation in the Body
37:04 The Connection Between Inflammation and Brain Health
38:27 Utilizing the Six Pillars of Health
42:25 The Impact of Alcohol on Health
43:40 Nature Connection as a Seventh Pillar
47:46 The Power of Mindset and Placebo Effect
Key takeaways
About our guest
Dr. Miina Öhman, MD, PhD, DipIBLM — Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Scientist, President, Advisor, Nature Enthusiast, Yoga Teacher
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miina-ohman/ Clinic: https://www.karelia.health/
Decisions That Count helps you master the science of decision-making to overcome decision fatigue and reach peak performance.
Hosts:
Dr. Shawn Watson – Neuroscientist & Founder Michelle O’Brien – Marketer, Mum, Marathon Runner👇 Let’s Continue the Conversation What resonated most with you? Have you experienced decision fatigue in your role? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you manage high-pressure choices.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
From the publisher's feed