We all do it—stick with something longer than we should simply because we've already poured time, money, or emotional energy into it. Whether it's a broken appliance, a job that drains us, or an ideology that no longer serves us, we’re wired to avoid the discomfort of "wasting" our past investment. This mental trap is known as the sunk cost fallacy, and in this episode, we take a closer look at how it shows up in politics, identity, and everyday decision-making.
Aaron kicks things off by reflecting on the MAGA movement and how sunk costs may be keeping many supporters from reconsidering their choices, even in the face of contradictory evidence. From emotional investment to fear of regret and social pressure, we unpack the psychological weights that keep people from changing direction.
Lisa adds insight from behavioral economics and consumer psychology, drawing on her past experience teaching business students how to make smarter, future-focused decisions. Together, we explore how ideas like loyalty and consistency—often seen as virtues—can sometimes trap us in harmful cycles. We also discuss why identity, language, and social media algorithms can make change even harder, and what kinds of messaging and messengers might help people shift perspective.
If you've ever struggled to let go of something because of how much you’ve already given to it, you're not alone. We hope this conversation helps frame those choices with more compassion and clarity—and reminds you that changing your mind isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.
Plus, we share a joyful celebration from Lisa’s birthday, highlight some actions you can take this week (including handwritten postcards and upcoming trainings), and leave you with hope for the future.
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P.S. Next week we’ll be replaying our episode Echo Chambers and Empathy—a timely listen for anyone wrestling with communication across divides.
