15 – The Cobra Effect: Understanding Perverse Incentives

Chris breaks down his wild journey as an actor, personal driver, and his most recent experience with scare acting for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.

In this conversation, competitive TCG player Wyatt discusses the professional and social worlds of trading card games. Whether you're a casual player or aspiring pro, discover how games like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, and One Piece are not just collections but deep strategic ecosystems fueled by community, lore, and high-stakes tournaments. Wyatt shares hilarious first-hand stories, deck strategies, and why in-person play still hits different. You'll also learn about the evolving meta, sportsmanship, cheating, scalping, and what makes these games so addictive in the best way. From local hobby shops to regional events, this conversation is all about the fun, frustration, and friendship behind TCGs.

Most people never realize how chaotic and surreal Hollywood-like productions can get, especially when the shoot is thousands of miles from home in a country with a very different culture—and worse, when everything is run by a mysterious producer. In this episode, Rome takes us behind the scenes of a bizarre film shoot in Brazil that spiraled into chaos—explosive malfunctions, questionable location scouting, suspicious behavior, and endless unexpected surprises. He shares stories about working alongside Danny Trejo, navigating grueling shoot conditions, and confronting the uncomfortable reality of power dynamics on set. Listen to how a seemingly ordinary gig turned into an unpredictable roller coaster, and how Rome learned vital lessons of resilience, communication, and trusting instincts in both the movie industry and life.

In this conversation, Maria Clara shares her experiences working with immigrants in Brazil, discussing the various nationalities arriving in the country, their motivations, and the challenges they face in obtaining documentation. The discussion also delves into the role of technology, particularly WhatsApp, in facilitating communication and support for these individuals. Maria Clara emphasizes the importance of language learning, both for personal growth and cultural exchange, and reflects on her own journey with languages. The conversation concludes with insights into cultural differences, particularly between Brazil and Mexico, and the universal experiences of education and adaptation.  

In this conversation, Rome and Obee Won explore the concept of the Cobra Effect, a phenomenon where incentives designed to solve problems end up exacerbating them. They discuss various historical examples, including the Ford Pinto scandal and the Wells Fargo fake account scandal, to illustrate how perverse incentives can lead to unintended consequences. The discussion also delves into the ethical implications of decision-making and the nature of human behavior in response to incentives. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of policies and the need for thoughtful consideration in creating effective solutions.  

In this episode, Obee Won and Rome discuss both their love and distastes for various cuisines from across the globe.

Summary In this engaging conversation, Obee Won interviews Ignatius, a working musician from Rochester, New York, who shares insights about his journey with the band Public Water Supply. They discuss the challenges of being in a band, the importance of motivation and discipline in music, the songwriting process, and the impact of social media on creativity. Ignatius emphasizes the need for real-life experiences and the discipline required to succeed in the music industry, while also reflecting on the balance between consuming content and creating one's own reality. During this conversation, the speakers delve into the nature of inspiration and the challenges of touring as well as share personal anecdotes about memorable venues, including both positive and negative experiences.  

This conversation between Rome and Obee Won explores the intersection of EDM and how it intertwines with travel experiences, highlighting personal stories and reflections on the evolution of electronic music. They share their most memorable festival experiences, the cultural significance of architecture explored abroad, and the powerful impact music has on memories and emotions. They discuss the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and the connections formed through shared musical experiences.

In this episode, Rome and Obee Won discuss ideas and experiences that have allowed them to pursue goals in their individual journeys. From the importance of setting realistic expectations to utilizing formative memories to guide decisionmaking, our hosts navigate challenges of defining self in a constantly changing world.

Please enjoy the first in-person video podcast featuring our hosts Obee Won and Rome along with the return of their special guest Jesse where they celebrate committing to the creative process of releasing 10 episodes. Here, they discuss the many pitfalls of dating, the current political landscape in the US, as well as recall some memories from their high school adventures.