Decisions That Count

Decisions That Count

By Decisions That CountHealth & Fitness
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Decisions That Count episodes

  • 42. Why Calories Have Nothing to Do With Nutrition

    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:

    • Why “a calorie isn’t just a calorie”—and what actually matters for health and cognition
    • How decision fatigue drives food choices (and why it’s physiological, not “lack of willpower”)
    • The simplest way to reduce overwhelm in the grocery store (hint: shop the outer aisles)
    • Why cooking can be meditative—and a powerful antidote to cognitive overload
    • How social eating supports digestion, mood, and overall well-being
    • A practical rule that works fast: “Don’t remove—add.” (Start with vegetables.)
    • Jon’s most important message: take charge of your health—and verify the information you trust


    Sound bites you’ll hear

    • “Food is medicine… but it shouldn’t be.”
    • “Add vegetables to every meal.”
    • “Take the decision to put your health into your hands.”

    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:

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    40 min
  • 41. Why High Performers Make Their Worst Decisions Under Pressure

    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:

    • 🎾 The strategic mind of a tennis player
       How hundreds of split-second decisions per match build cognitive resilience — and what “controlling what you can control” really looks like under pressure.
    • 🧠 Decision fatigue in sport, banking & everyday life
       Why, when we’re exhausted, we don’t always default to the safe choice — we often become more impulsive, with real consequences for performance and outcomes.
    • 💤 Sleep, chronic stress & cognitive performance
       The neuroscience behind why poor sleep and high stress put you “behind” before the day even starts — and how better sleep changed the quality of Josh’s decisions.
    • 💼 Leaving a six-figure job (and your old identity)
       The ego hit of walking away from investment banking, and how Josh built a calculated-risk framework for career transitions instead of leaping blindly.
    • 🎥 Content creation, authenticity & pressure
       Why authenticity isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s the only sustainable strategy as a creator — and how Josh uses systems, structure and his athlete mindset to perform creatively.
    • 🔁 Building a decision framework you can trust
       How to balance safety, ego and clarity when you’re at a crossroads, and the power of calculated risks over “safe” choices that slowly cost you your health, freedom and potential.

    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:

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    45 min
  • 40. The Story Behind the Highest-Grossing Documentary

    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.


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    36 min
  • 39. Would You Trust A Digital You? With Dr. Andy Walshe

    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.

    42 min
  • 38. You’re Wasting Your Best Decisions on Social Media with Ted Sacripanti

    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:

    • How TikTok’s algorithm really “learns” you — and why your For You Page looks nothing like anyone else’s.
    • Why every scroll, like, share and comment is a micro-decision that quietly drains your cognitive battery.
    • The neuroscience of decision fatigue online: what’s happening in your prefrontal cortex when you binge social media, and why it’s not just a “willpower problem.”
    • The difference between being a passenger (books, long-form content) and being a driver (social feeds, endless choices) — and why that matters for your brain.
    • Inside the creator economy: how creators actually make money, why brands are shifting from ads to people, and where trust really lives today.
    • How AI is reshaping marketing teams, media buying and content velocity — and what smart leaders should be doing now to stay ahead.
    • Practical strategies to reclaim your attention, design healthier digital habits, and make decisions that stick (whether you’re a creator, a founder, or a parent with a phone in your hand).

    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

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-sacripanti/
    • Nvertical (TikTok-first agency): https://www.nvertical.io/about-1

    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:

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    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


    43 min
  • 37. What It Really Takes To Make It In Hollywood with Steven Puri

    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:

    • How Steven went from Hollywood visual effects and studio exec roles to founding The Sukha Company
    • Why impending fatherhood and a cancer diagnosis reframed his idea of success and legacy
    • The biological reality of decision fatigue and how distraction saps our brain’s limited energy
    • What flow state actually feels like, and why protecting it changes everything
    • The myth of multitasking and the true cognitive cost of constant context switching
    • How mindfulness and attention training can rebuild focus in a distracted world
    • The role of mentors, humility, and listening in high-stakes decision-making
    • Why storytelling in film and media shapes how we see our own lives and choices

    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.


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    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


    45 min
  • 36. Why Taking a Break Might Be Making You Less Productive With Mark Stringer

    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):

    • Identity vs. decision quality: Why clinging to an old role burns mental energy and fuels decision fatigue.
    • Default styles under load: The neuroscience behind “decide fast” vs. “delay the decision” when your brain is overwhelmed.
    • Cognitive choreography: How to schedule creative work and decisive moments for peak performance.
    • Better breaks, better brains: “No-phone nature breaks” to restore focus, creativity, and team cohesion.
    • Team design for clarity: Pairing high-velocity founders with process-driven “cogs” to reduce friction and increase productivity.
    • AI & critical thinking: How over-outsourcing to AI can erode judgment—and how to keep wisdom in the loop.

    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.

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    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.


    50 min
  • 35. How One Decision Changed Travel Safety For Every Family With Steve Okun

    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)

    • Unchecked leaders are disadvantaged: Why “who’s around the table” predicts decision quality.
    • Decision fatigue in the wild: Why ~“80% of mistakes happen after 8 p.m.” and how to build cognitive guardrails.
    • Science + Soul in practice: Balancing risk, safety, economics, and empathy to avoid brittle choices.
    • From policy to P&L: Turning geopolitics into bottom-line strategy (revenue up, risk down).
    • Operating in a poly-crisis: Second- and third-order effects leaders miss—and how to see around corners.

    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

    • Make “we” decisions: Curate the right mix of expertise in the room before you pick a path.
    • Time your calls: Defer complex calls past the fatigue line; build “sleep-on-it” defaults.
    • Price the trade-offs: Pair scientific reasoning with human impact—that’s resilience.
    • Tie it to money: Translate geopolitical risk into revenue protection and cost mitigation.
    • See the system: Map second/third-order effects—that’s where surprises hide.

    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/




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    43 min
  • 34. How Life-or-Death Decisions Rewired My Brain With Claire Jedrek

    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

    • Decision fatigue is real—and predictable. Reduce it by automating routines, delegating decisions, and removing low-value choices.
    • Precision beats emotion. The best calls are calculated, data-informed, and repeatable under pressure.
    • Team dynamics matter. Even “individual” performers win with clear roles, trust, and rapid feedback loops.
    • Energy is a currency. Protect sleep, nutrition, and recovery to maintain mental clarity and focus.
    • Parenting = high-stakes leadership. Define responsibilities, set boundaries, and design defaults at home.
    • Go slower to go faster. Creating space increases cognitive bandwidth and leads to better outcomes.
    • Feedback without ego. Treat feedback as data—non-personal, actionable, and essential for growth.

    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.

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    52 min
  • 33. Make Every Health Decision Against These 6 Pillars With Dr. Miina Öhman MD-PhD

    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

    • The Six Pillars, explained—and how each pillar directly supports cognitive function and decision quality
    • Why social isolation can be as harmful as smoking—and how quality connections protect your brain
    • How chronic stress hijacks physiology (not just psychology) and what to do about it
    • The surprising power of sleep (hello, glymphatic “brain wash”) to reduce brain fog
    • Why exercise can rival medication for mood and metabolic health
    • How small, consistent actions create a virtuous cycle across all pillars
    • Alcohol, addiction, and “acceptable” habits—what the evidence actually says
    • The emerging “7th pillar”: nature connection for mood, immunity, and stress recovery

    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

    • The six pillars: nutrition, exercise, sleep, social connection, stress management, avoid risky substances
    • Isolation ≈ 15 cigarettes/day in health impact; quality > quantity of relationships
    • Up to 80% of chronic disease is preventable with lifestyle changes
    • Exercise can be as effective as some medications for depression and hypertension
    • Sleep restores the brain via the glymphatic system
    • Belief and purpose (vertical connection) improve outcomes; nature helps lower cortisol and inflammation

    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

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    51 min

About Decisions That Count

From the publisher's feed

Unravel the science of impactful decision-making with neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and Biotech CMO Michelle O'Brien.