Behavioral Grooves Podcast

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”

Jay Vidyarthi blends Silicon Valley design expertise with mindfulness practice to show how you can “fight design with design” and create a healthier, more joyful relationship with your tech. Instead of guilt or digital detoxes, he offers strategies for reframing boundaries into rituals, focusing on what’s good about your devices, and making intentional use easy by shaping your environment. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Jay Vidarthi [9:40] Reconciling Tech and Mindfulness [15:26] Practical Strategies for Managing Tech [25:00] The Importance of Tech Design [32:28] The Impact of AI [38:18] Self-Awareness to Prevent Burnout [47:00] Embracing Uncertainty [50:39] Desert Island Music [56:28] Grooving Session - Using Tech Joyfully ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE Show! More About Jay Reclaim Your Mind Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links The White Stripes - Blue Orchid All Them Witches - Real Hippies Are Cowboys King Buffalo - Mammoth

When life feels chaotic, how do we stay grounded? In this bonus episode, we reflect on a few years of personal upheaval and explore how temporal uncertainty affects our decision-making and well-being. We share behavioral science tools—like micro-anchors, cognitive reframing, and environmental cues—that can help us stay centered when life refuses to slow down. Topics [0:00] Intro: What’s Going on with Tim? [4:29] Impacts of Temporal Uncertainty [9:50] Cognitive Overload and Decision Fatigue [13:04] Strategies for Managing Uncertainty [23:02] Social Connections and Support [28:55] Final Thoughts and Advice ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE Show! Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube

Why do we instinctively form groups, follow leaders, and defend traditions—even when it hurts us? Columbia professor Michael Morris joins us to explore the three tribal instincts—peer, hero, and ancestor—that shape how we cooperate and clash. From case studies at GM and Reddit to the surprising origins of Thanksgiving, we uncover how culture evolves—and how understanding it can make us better leaders, change-makers, and collaborators.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Michael Morris [6:19] Understanding the Importance of Tribes [15:05] Peer Instinct and Early Human Coordination [21:09] Hero Instinct and Status-Seeking Behavior [29:50] Bottom-up vs. Top-down Cultural Change [37:58] Case Studies: GM and Reddit [52:30] Desert Island Music [56:49] Grooving Session: Applying Tribal Instincts to Leadership ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links More About Michael Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together by Michael Morris Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone

Dr. Daniel Crosby joins us to explore the soul of wealth — and why your bank account isn’t the best measure of a meaningful life. We dig into behavioral finance, how to align spending with your values, and the power of behavioral judo: using your psychological biases to your advantage.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and speed round with Daniel Crosby [8:00] What does it mean for wealth to have a “soul”? [17:00] Consumerism, comparison, and the myth of liquid happiness [25:10] What is behavioral finance, really? [30:20] The four big biases: ego, emotion, attention, conservatism [37:30] Moral spending and voting with your dollars [48:00] Good Vibrations, theremins, and musical genius [52:00] Desert island music [54:00] Grooving Session: The soul of wealth and behavioral judo ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links More About Daniel The Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Radiohead - Creep TURNSTILE - SEEIN’ STARS Brian Wilson - God Only Knows

When author and leadership facilitator Rosi Greenberg found herself overwhelmed by self-doubt, she did something unexpected: she gave her inner critic a name — Sam — and drew him into a whimsical, deeply personal book that blends creativity, vulnerability, and behavioral insight. In this episode, Rosi shares how visualizing and engaging with that critical voice helped her build emotional resilience and lead with more empathy. Together, we explore how naming your inner critic can reframe fear, unlock creative expression, and reshape how we show up for ourselves and others. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Rosi Greenberg [8:22] The birth of Sam [11:00] From depression to creative healing [16:50] How self-soubt shows up in leadership [24:08] Working with leaders on self-doubt [35:35] Reframing the Inner Critic [47:00] Letting go of “shoulds” [50:28] Desert island music [52:00] Grooving Session: framing, leadership, and self-talk ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Everyone Has a Sam by Rosi Greenberg The Inner Critic on YouTube About Rosi Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links This is Me - Ke$ha