Konnikova and Hartigan Launch The Tough Call Podcast
The new poker-focused series features industry heavyweights like professional player Jason Koon.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Gambling
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Maria Konnikova and James Hartigan have officially launched a new podcast titled The Tough Call. The inaugural episode features professional poker player Jason Koon, who has won 12 Triton Poker titles throughout his career.
Why it matters
The podcast provides fans with insights into high-stakes decision-making and professional poker strategy from elite competitors. It offers a structured deep dive into the industry for enthusiasts looking to understand the mechanics behind professional play.
The season consists of 10 episodes released weekly. Featured guest Jason Koon holds over $77 million in live tournament earnings and two World Series of Poker bracelets.
The players
Maria Konnikova
Maria Konnikova is a journalist and professional poker player who previously authored a book on human decision-making and psychology.
James Hartigan
James Hartigan is a well-known television presenter and commentator frequently associated with major international poker tournaments.
Jason Koon
Jason Koon is a highly decorated professional poker player recognized for his extensive record in high-roller tournament circuits.
PokerStars
PokerStars is a major global online poker cardroom that sponsors professional players and various industry-related media projects.
The details
Sponsored by PokerStars, the program aims to explore complex scenarios within the game. Listeners can access the content through YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify as new episodes air each week.
Timeline
The first episode of the podcast was released on October 27, 2026.
New episodes of the podcast are released every Tuesday.
The final episode of the first season is scheduled for December 29, 2026.
Culture Shift
The program reflects a growing trend of professional athletes and experts leveraging niche podcast platforms to build authority and engage directly with their fan base. This shift mirrors the influence of the Joe Rogan Experience format in establishing long-form discourse as a primary medium for industry expertise.
Listeners can tune in every Tuesday to access the latest strategic insights and expert interviews. The podcast provides an accessible way for enthusiasts to study the decision-making patterns of top-tier players.
The takeaway
This podcast series highlights how professional players share their tactical knowledge with a wider audience. Fans can use the weekly episodes as a recurring resource to analyze the thought processes behind high-stakes tournament success.
Further reading
Explore the latest industry news and strategy discussions in the Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pokernews.
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