Building on the concept of the "bandwidth tax" from our last episode, we now move from the scientific study into the lived, daily experience of a mind under siege. Host Danny walks you through a minute-by-minute account of a morning filled with high-stakes calculations that most of us never have to make.
This episode introduces "tunneling," the powerful psychological phenomenon where scarcity forces our focus to narrow dramatically onto the immediate crisis, pushing everything else—from long-term goals to crucial opportunities—out of view. Discover how this survival mechanism, while brilliant for short-term problem-solving, creates a devastating long-term trap. We'll explore decision fatigue, the hidden costs of having no "slack," and why taking out a payday loan can feel like a perfectly rational choice when you're trapped inside the tunnel.

To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series and courses now available in our Patreon Shop!