In episode 159 of The Intentional Clinician Podcast, Paul Krauss, MA LPC, interviews Cezary Pietrasik, author of Homo Idioticus: Why We Are Stupid and What to Do About It to unravel the paradox of human intelligence and folly. Through engaging dialogue, they explore why, despite our vast cognitive abilities, humans repeatedly make irrational and self-sabotaging decisions. Pietrasik discusses psychological, evolutionary, and cultural factors that explain recurring lapses in judgment, and offers practical frameworks for recognizing and overcoming our mental blind spots. Listeners are challenged to reflect on their own thinking patterns and are encouraged to adopt new strategies for greater self-awareness and wiser decision-making.

Cezary Pietrasik is an economist, entrepreneur, and investor with a diverse background spanning investment banking, private equity, digital health, and behavioral AI. He is the president and co-owner of Synerise, a leading behavioral AI company, and the founder of The Butterfly Effect Foundation, which supports education for underprivileged children. Pietrasik is also the author of several books, including Homo idioticus, and is committed to making a positive difference through both business innovation and charitable work.

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Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant , host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, Counseling Supervisor, and Meditation Teacher. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, and Counseling Today. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433.

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Original Music:

”Alright” from the album Mystic by PAWL (Spotify)

“Sandy Legs” from Sandy Legs by Kolumbo (Spotify)