Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Financial advisor and author Mark Matson joins Behavioral Grooves to explore what the American Dream means today—and whether it’s truly attainable for everyone. We dig into his view that fulfillment comes from mindset, not money, and examine how behavioral biases can sabotage our financial decisions. But as we discuss the tension between personal responsibility and systemic headwinds, we also ask: can discipline and optimism alone really guarantee success? Topics [0:00] A quick word with Kurt and Tim - Struggling with the American Dream [5:08] Speed Round with Mark Matson [9:20] Cognitive Biases in Investing [16:00] Victimhood vs Agency [23:58] Why Investors Are Their Own Worst Enemy [27:12] Behavioral Economics and Bad Decisions [38:45] The Three Rules for Smarter Investing [44:58] Defining “Enough” [51:13] How to Find Purpose and Find Your Groove [58:50] Desert Island Music Picks [1:01:12] Grooving Session: Nuance, Privilege, and Perspective ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Help Behavioral Grooves stay independent and science-focused by becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Support our work Links About Mark Experience the American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life by Mark Matson Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Billy Joel - We Didn’t Start the Fire Morgan Wallen - I Got Better

How does framing influence the way we think, feel, and act? Sociologist and author Mikael Klintman joins us to explore how framing shapes nearly every part of life — from art and politics to health and everyday conversations. We discuss how subtle shifts in language and context can change our perceptions, why framing itself is neutral but powerful, and how expanding or contracting our frames can unite or divide us. Tune in for practical insights on recognizing framing in action and using it to see the world differently. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Mikael Klintman [6:29] Framing: A Double-Edged Sword? [13:02] The Art of Social Influence [17:07] Rough and Smooth Framing [22:54] Frame Expansion and Contraction [30:12] Behavioral Economics and Framing [36:25] Framing in Everyday Life [41:23] Music and Framing [48:04] Grooving Session: Using Framing to Reframe Your Own Mindset ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Help Behavioral Grooves stay independent and science-focused by becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Support our work Links About Mikael Framing: The Social Art of Influence by Mikael Klintman Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links U2 - I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For Randy Crawford - Rio de Janeiro Blue

Happy Halloween from Behavioral Grooves! In the spirit (OoooOoo) of the holiday, we're resharing one of our old episodes exploring the spooky side of biases - why we have them, and how we can overcome them. Tune in while you're painting your face for that halloween party, or maybe play it on the speakers outside to really scare the kids with some cold hard science.  No tricks, just treats — and by treats, we mean thoughtful behavioral science stories told without ads or sponsors.  Help Behavioral Grooves stay independent and science-focused by becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Support our work

This Halloween, we dive into the spooky science of superstition—why we knock on wood, wear lucky socks, and believe in things that defy logic. From the psychology of control and uncertainty to research on how superstition both stresses and strengthens us, we mix science, humor, and a dash of Stevie Wonder to show why “superstition ain’t the way.” Topics [0:00] Happy Halloween from Behavioral Grooves! [2:08] Common superstitions and their rationality [6:40] Psychological and cultural aspects of superstitions [9:13] Superstitions: The positives and negatives [14:36] The hidden wisdom of Stevie Wonder [16:14] Why we should be curious about our rituals ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition Delacroix, Eva & Valérie Guillard. (2008). Understanding, defining and measuring the trait of superstition.  Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Stevie Wonder - Superstition  Nightmare Before Christmas - This Is Halloween

Psychologist and author Dr. Wolfgang Linden joins us to explore why so much of our stress comes not from events themselves, but from our attempts to control them. Drawing on 40+ years of research and clinical experience, he breaks down the “illusion of control” and argues that we only truly have power over two things: how we respond and where we direct our energy. We dive into his emotion–thought–behavior framework, the dangers of suppressing emotions, and how small shifts in attention and behavior can interrupt toxic cycles. From relationships to health to life goals, Wolfgang shows how letting go can actually give us more peace, more agency, and a clearer path forward—sometimes even by knowing when to quit. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Dr. Wolfgang Linden [6:08] Emotions: friend or foe? [13:38] Behavior change and depression [17:51] When to persist vs. when to quit [26:23] Stress, values, and life priorities [31:39] Saying yes to opportunities [36:05] What to do when stuck in a rut [43:37] Desert Island music [48:36] Grooving session: attention, focus, and letting go ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Dr. Wolfgang Linden The Illusion of Control: A Practical Guide to Avoid Futile Struggles by Wolfgang Linden Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath Franz Schubert - Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished)

This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our most popular and thought-provoking conversations every Thursday for the next two months. The celebration builds to our Anniversary Event on October 16th in Minneapolis, where fan favorite Nick Epley will lead the audience in a live social experiment and conversation about the science we all love. 🎉 Space is limited—grab your tickets now through the link in the show notes and join us for an unforgettable night of behavioral science, connection, and fun! And for our final throwback... Annie Duke returns to discuss her book How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices, a practical guide that helps readers apply decision-making strategies in everyday life. Annie walks us through concepts like the Archer’s Mindset, Free Rolls, and the surprising benefits of negative thinking, all designed to improve goal-setting and outcomes. Blending behavioral science with her signature clarity—and even a few musical shoutouts to Jack White—Annie offers listeners concrete tools to make smarter decisions and, ultimately, happier lives. Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! How to Decide by Annie Duke Music Links Jack White - Archbishop Harold Holmes

We explore the hidden forces of status and anointment with Professor Toby Stuart, author of Anointed: How Status Shapes Our Lives. Status influences careers, relationships, and how we perceive art, yet as AI blurs traditional markers of merit, society is increasingly relying on shortcuts like pedigree and recognition. We examine the risks, opportunities, and compounding effects of status, revealing how small advantages snowball into lifelong impacts and challenging listeners to rethink how status shapes their world. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Toby Stuart [8:43] Status-based Bias [13:49] Status in Art, Music, and Science [26:34] The Power of Anointment and Status Transfer [39:39] Status Hierarchies, Networks, and Social Groups [43:23] The Cosmic Lottery [48:06] The Future of Status in an AI World [58:47] What is the Matthew Effect? [1:01:50] Grooving Session - What Does Status Really Mean? ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves Live in Minneapolis! More About Toby Anointed by Toby Stuart Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Duke Ellington - Take the “A” Train Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik  

This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our most popular and thought-provoking conversations every Thursday for the next two months. The celebration builds to our Anniversary Event on October 16th in Minneapolis, where fan favorite Nick Epley will lead the audience in a live social experiment and conversation about the science we all love. Space is limited—grab your tickets now through the link in the show notes and join us for an unforgettable night of behavioral science, connection, and fun! And now - our throwback of the week! Bob McKinnon—host of the Attribution podcast and author of America’s Dreaming—joins us to unpack the stories we tell about success and failure. Bob challenges the “fundamental attribution error,” showing how luck, privilege, and social connections shape life outcomes far more than we often admit. Together, we explore the ethics of marketing, the hidden role of systemic barriers, and how reframing our narratives can foster empathy and bridge divides. With storytelling, history, and even music woven in, this conversation reveals how compassionate curiosity can help us see both ourselves and others more clearly. Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! America's Dreaming by Bob McKinnon Music Links Neil Diamond - I am…I said Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

Don Kieffer, co-author of There’s Got to Be a Better Way, shares why “common sense” often misguides leaders and how dynamic work design helps organizations thrive. From calling meetings the worst form of organizational abuse to showing why managers can become their own obstacles, Don explains how making work visible and partnering with people closest to the work can unlock both adaptability and efficiency. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Don Kieffer [7:14] What Leaders Consistently Get Wrong [10:29] Dynamic Work - What Is It? [18:42] The Hot Stove Problem [22:56] When the Boss Becomes the Problem [28:18] The Power of Whiteboards [36:01] Meetings: The Worst Form of Organizational Abuse [42:46] Jazz, Improv, and Better Work Design [45:44] Grooving Session - Handoffs, Huddles, and Making Work Work ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! About Don Kieffer There’s Got to Be a Better Way by Nelson Repenning and Donald Kieffer Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links John Coltrane - My Favorite Things Pandora Jazz Station

This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our most popular and thought-provoking conversations every Thursday for the next two months. The celebration builds to our Anniversary Event on October 16th in Minneapolis, where fan favorite Nick Epley will lead the audience in a live social experiment and conversation about the science we all love. Space is limited—grab your tickets now through the link in the show notes and join us for an unforgettable night of behavioral science, connection, and fun! And now - this week's episode! Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once, joins us for a lively and irreverent conversation on how facing our mortality can motivate us to live more fully. Together, we explore why life should be about more than routines and to-do lists, and how prioritizing joy, gratitude, and connection can help us make the most of the limited Mondays we have left. Blending humor with inspiration, Jodi challenges us to be more intentional with our time and to embrace the art of truly living. Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! You Only Die Once by Jodi Wellman Music Links Dave Matthews Band - Satellite The Cure - Friday I’m in Love

Richard Shotton joins us to reveal the behavioral science secrets behind 17 iconic brands — from Guinness and Snickers to Apple and Dyson. He explains how psychological biases like concreteness, trigger moments, and the illusion of effort drive real-world success, and why making things easy often beats motivation. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and speed round with Richard Shotton [7:52] The single bias every marketer should know [13:09] Guinness and the power of the pratfall effect [19:32] Snickers, trigger moments, and habit formation [26:51] Apple’s “1,000 songs in your pocket” and concreteness [34:32] Dyson, the illusion of effort, and AI’s challenge [43:25] Lessons on testing vs. relying on survey claims [46:38] Desert island music [49:41] Grooving session: key takeaways [1:09:12] Event announcement ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis About Richard Hacking the Human Mind Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links The Wonder Stuff - The Size of a Cow CMAT - When a Good Man Cries

This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our most popular and thought-provoking conversations every Thursday for the next two months. The celebration builds to our Anniversary Event on October 16th in Minneapolis, where fan favorite Nick Epley will lead the audience in a live social experiment and conversation about the science we all love. Space is limited—grab your tickets now through the link in the show notes and join us for an unforgettable night of behavioral science, connection, and fun! And now - this week's episode! In this episode of Behavioral Grooves, psychologists Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris—creators of the famous Monkey Business Illusion and authors of Nobody’s Fool—unpack why we so often fall for fraud, scams, and flashy but misleading science. They explain how our biases and love of appealing stories make us vulnerable, and why blanket skepticism isn’t practical. Instead, they share tools for spotting deception, insights into fixing flawed research incentives, and a simple but powerful rule of thumb: trust the people who admit when they’re wrong. Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! Nobody’s Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do About It by Daniel Simons & Chris Chabris The Monkey Business Illusion Music Links Talking Heads “Once in a Lifetime” Ani Difranco “Both Hands” Wax Tailor “Come With Me” Bjork “Human Behaviour”

Employee engagement scores have been stuck for decades—but belonging and wellbeing might be the missing pieces. We talk with Mark Crowley about why emotions drive behavior, how rituals create culture, and why leading with heart is actually the smartest path to performance. Topics [0:00] Intro and speed round with Mark Crowley [9:05] Why leaders dismiss engagement scores [11:28] The power of asking “How do you feel?” [16:50] Reciprocity and authentic care [20:08] Belonging as the greatest driver of wellbeing [24:55] Why old leadership myths persist [28:20] Positive emotions as “emotional currency” [31:51] Balancing care with accountability [35:05] Rituals that build culture (and candy stories) [42:11] Advice for new managers [46:24] Mark’s desert island music picks [48:39] Grooving session takeaways ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! About Mark The Power of Employee Well-Being by Mark Crowley Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Van Morrison - Days Like This George Harrison - Any Road    

This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our most popular and thought-provoking conversations every Thursday for the next two months. The celebration builds to our Anniversary Event on October 16th in Minneapolis, where fan favorite Nick Epley will lead the audience in a live social experiment and conversation about the science we all love. Space is limited—grab your tickets now through the link in the show notes and join us for an unforgettable night of behavioral science, connection, and fun! Now, onto the episode! Distinguished psychologist Arie Kruglanski joins us to unpack his groundbreaking research on motivation and the human quest for significance—the drive that fuels our thoughts, emotions, and actions. We explore how goals serve motivational needs, why intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are more connected than they seem, and how the universal desire for significance can be channeled in both positive and destructive ways. Arie also shares insights from his influential 3N Model of Radicalization, offering a hopeful perspective on how education and alternative pathways can redirect this powerful drive toward more constructive ends. Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! About Arie Music Links Bach - Air on G String Miles Davis - So What

Cognitive scientist Steve Sloman joins us to discuss The Cost of Conviction, exploring how sacred values shape our decisions and why they often lead to polarization. From zealotry to the social roots of belief, Steve reveals why convictions are more borrowed than built—and what this means for hot-button debates in politics, public health, and business. Most importantly, he shares how reframing conversations can reduce outrage, build humility, and open the door to better dialogue across divides. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Steve Sloman [7:49] How Your Community Shapes Your Beliefs [13:05] Sacred Values vs. Consequentialism [19:25] The Psychology of Convictions [24:48] Do We Only Trust In-Group Experts? [33:59] The “Sacred Value Trap” [40:35] How Framing Shifts Consumer Behavior [47:45] Desert Island Music [51:59] Grooving Session: How Can We Reframe Our Sacred Values? ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves Live Event! About Steve The Cost of Conviction by Steve Sloman Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Paul Simon - The Boxer Neil Young - Rockin’ in the Free World Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin’

This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our most popular and thought-provoking conversations every Thursday for the next two months. The celebration builds to our Anniversary Event on October 16th in Minneapolis, where fan favorite Nick Epley will lead the audience in a live social experiment and conversation about the science we all love. Space is limited—grab your tickets now through the link in the show notes and join us for an unforgettable night of behavioral science, connection, and fun! Now, onto the episode! In this episode of Behavioral Grooves, we sit down with behavioral economics pioneer George Loewenstein, whose groundbreaking research has shaped our understanding of decision-making, risk, incentives, emotions, and so much more. Though not a household name, George is a legend in the field—so much so that Richard Thaler dedicated his book Misbehaving to him. Our conversation explores his latest work on boredom, a surprisingly understudied emotion, and what it reveals about attention, productivity, and even workplace meetings. Along the way, we touch on curiosity, music, and why boredom itself may hold the key to unlocking deeper flow and focus. Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! About George

Psychologist and author Dr. Bob Rosen joins us to discuss his book Detach and how hidden attachments—like perfectionism, control, and success—often masquerade as virtues while quietly holding us back. We explore practical strategies for self-awareness, facing fears, and transforming attachments into aspirations so you can thrive in work and life. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Bob Rosen [9:28] Western vs Eastern Psychology [12:00] Overcoming Attachments and Building Self-Awareness [21:23] Leadership and Trust in Hybrid Work [31:48] Internalized Agesim and What It Means [35:41] Embracing the Ups and Downs of Life [41:18] Attachment to Life, Loss, and Building Connection [49:49] Desert Island Music [52:46] Grooving Session: Focus and Reflection for a Better Life ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! About Bob Detach by Bob Rosen Healthy Companies Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade of Pale Laura Branigan – Gloria

This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our most popular and thought-provoking conversations every Thursday for the next two months. The celebration builds to our Anniversary Event on October 16th in Minneapolis, where fan favorite Nick Epley will lead the audience in a live social experiment and conversation about the science we all love. Space is limited—grab your tickets now through the link in the show notes and join us for an unforgettable night of behavioral science, connection, and fun! Now, onto the episode! The notion of merging psychology with economics initially faced staunch skepticism, with errors perceived as random rather than systematic. However, everything changed when psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky joined forces, armed with groundbreaking ideas about human decision-making. Their meticulous research not only introduced a fresh perspective on understanding people’s choices but also ignited the flames of Behavioral Economics. Through collaboration with other influential figures in the field, including Richard Thaler, their work spearheaded a transformative movement that challenged conventional economic assumptions, propelled novel ideas forward, and seamlessly integrated psychological theories into economic theory and practice.

Colin Fisher, author of The Collective Edge, reveals why teams—not lone geniuses—drive innovation, how group identities invisibly shape our behavior, and why structure beats process when it comes to collaboration. With lessons drawn from Harry Potter, jazz improvisation, and decades of research, this episode explores the hidden power of teams and how to unleash it. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Introduction: Your Invited to a Behavioral Grooves Celebration! [3:46] Speed Round with Colin Fisher [9:02] Who was the real villain in Harry Potter? [15:45] The Myth of "The Lone Genius" [22:30] What Jazz Can Teach Us About Group Collaboration [33:10] The Hidden Power of Being a Team [37:40] The Role of Structure in Team Performance [42:35] Belonging and Group Membership [50:21] Jazz and Team Synergy [53:17] Grooving Session: The Importance of Team Cohesion ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE! About Colin The Collective Edge by Colin Fisher Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Miles Davis - So What Miles Davis - Freddie the Freeloader Steely Dan - Do It Again

This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our most popular and thought-provoking conversations every Thursday for the next two months. The celebration builds to our Anniversary Event on October 16th in Minneapolis, where fan favorite Nick Epley will lead the audience in a live social experiment and conversation about the science we all love. 🎉 Space is limited—grab your tickets now through the link in the show notes and join us for an unforgettable night of behavioral science, connection, and fun! Now, onto our first episode in the countdown - Value of an Open Mind with Jonathan Malesic! Writer and philosopher Jonathan Malesic explores the dangers of “knowingness”—our tendency to act like we already understand something when we don’t—and how it stifles learning, politics, and even science communication. Drawing on his experience teaching writing, Jonathan argues that writing is not just about words on a page but about cultivating empathy and moral imagination. We also dive into the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and why, despite their usefulness, they can’t replace the human capacity to truly connect with an audience. Together, we unpack what it means to stay humble, keep learning, and communicate more meaningfully in a noisy world. Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE in Minneapolis! The End of Burnout: Why Work Drains Us and How to Build Better Lives by Jonathan Malesic Music Links Neil Young “Harvest Moon” Fiona Apple “Criminal”