Behavioral Grooves Podcast

79:39

The Godfather of Influence: What Makes Bob Bob, Part 2

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/06/29

In the second episode of our three-part series, we go back into the time machine to see what shaped Robert Cialdini into one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers. We're exploring the childhood experience, career-defining decisions, undercover research, and surprising moments that led to Influence, pre-suasion, and the principles of unity. Topics [0:00] A breakup letter to social psychology [9:24] What makes Bob Bob? [16:03] Baseball, adaptability, and serendipity [23:40] Falling in

en

73:40

The Godfather of Influence: How Robert Cialdini...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/06/25

We kick off our three-part series on Robert Cialdini by exploring the research, mentors, and discoveries that shaped one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers. From social proof and energy conservation to the creation of Influence, we trace the path that brought behavioral science from the lab to millions of everyday readers. Topics [0:00] The Utility Bill That Changed Behavior [9:28] Meet Robert Cialdini [12:41] The Famous Door Hanger Study [20:30] Social Proof and Opower's

en

69:52

What Immigrants Teach Us About Success | Neri Karra...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/06/22

As we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month, we sit down with Neri Karra Sillaman to explore what immigrant entrepreneurs can teach us about resilience, leadership, and long-term success. We discuss why luck is a skill, how reframing challenges creates opportunity, and the mindset behind companies that stand the test of time Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Neri Karra Sillaman [6:26] The Secret to Creating Your Own Luck [10:51] How to Reframe Problems Into Opportunities [16:37] Eight Traits of

en

82:48

Throwback Thursday: The Secret Key to Decision-Making...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/06/18

In keeping with our themes of mattering, meaning, and connection this June, we wanted to reshare a conversation with had with author Emily Falk. In this conversation, we decode what goes on behind the scenes with our decisions - everything from what to eat for breakfast to how to respond to trolls on social media - and how emotional, rational, and social information is integrated by the brain to guide our choices. Emily's book is now available on paperback wherever you get your favorite

en

77:30

The Common Trap Companies Fall For | Phil Le-Brun &...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/06/15

Why do smart organizations become slow, bureaucratic, and resistant to change? Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner, authors of The Octopus Organization, explore why so many companies fall into the trap of becoming “Tin Man Organizations” and what leaders can do instead. We discuss distributed decision-making, psychological safety, incentives, organizational learning, and why adaptability, not control, is often the key to long-term success.Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Jana Werner and

en

93:31

Throwback Thursday: Fighting Imposter Syndrome at...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/06/11

In our June throwback episode (and in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month), we're revisiting our conversation with Marin Gonzalez about leadership, self-doubt, and the challenges of building a successful team. Martin shared with us his experience as both an immigrant and an entrepreneur, offering a candid look at how he overcame imposter syndrome, navigated uncertainty, and ultimately helped create organizational cultures where people could thrive. We loved the vulnerability, insights, and practical

en

76:40

Fame, Incels, and the Need to Matter | Rebecca Goldstein

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/06/08

Author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins us to explore “the mattering instinct,” the deeply human need to feel significant, worthy, and justified in our own eyes. From “mattering projects” and morality to fame, incels, AI, and entropy, this conversation dives into the psychological and philosophical forces shaping how we search for meaning and purpose in our lives.Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Rebecca Goldstein [7:12] What is the “Mattering Instinct”? [11:57] Why Mattering Creates

en

85:04

The Hidden Rules of Lucky People | Judd Kessler

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/06/01

What if luck has less to do with chance and more to do with understanding the systems around us? We talk with Judd Kessler about the hidden markets shaping opportunities in everything from concert tickets and jobs to relationships and organ transplants. Together, we explore why so many systems feel unfair, how behavioral economics can improve them, and why learning the rules behind these invisible structures may be the key to getting a little luckier in life. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed

en

64:25

How the Spaces Around Us Shape Our Lives | Leidy Klotz

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/05/25

Why do some spaces energize us while others drain us? This week, Leidy Klotz joins us to explore how our homes, workplaces, and everyday environments shape our behavior, creativity, and well-being. Drawing from his new book, In a Good Place, Leidy explains why humans crave agency, competence, and connection, and how the spaces around us can either support or suppress those needs.Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Leidy Klotz [11:01] The Concept of “Good Place” [18:26] Psychological Needs and

en

81:30

Throwback Thursday: The #1 Way to Live a Happy Life |...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/05/21

In this throwback episode, we're determined to be happy. Psychologist Shige Oishi joined us to explore the three dimensions of a fulfilling life: happiness, meaning, and psychological richness. He shared insights from decades of research into subjective well-being and revealed how personality traits, life experiences, and cultural contexts shape what we consider a “good life.” From challenging the “happiness trap” to embracing life’s rich diversity, this conversation is a roadmap for deeper

en

96:22

Why We’re Lonely Together | Nick Epley

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/05/18

Why do we avoid talking to strangers when connection is exactly what we need most? This week, Nick Epley returns to explore the psychology of “under-sociality” and why we consistently underestimate how rewarding social interaction can be. Nick explains why even small moments of openness, from conversations with strangers to deeper honesty with the people around us, can dramatically improve happiness, trust, and belonging. Turns out, the biggest social risk often isn’t reaching out, it’s staying

en

58:23

The Biggest Mistake We Make About Others - Behavioral...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/05/11

In this 500th episode celebration, we reflect on eight years of behavioral science insights, from habits and decision-making to why we so often misunderstand each other. Joined live by Nick Epley, we run a real-time experiment that reveals the gap between what we expect from conversations and what actually happens, and why asking better questions can transform how we connect.Topics [0:00] Eight Years, 500 Episodes, and Counting! [6:28] Introducing Nick Epley [11:24] Understanding Social

en

67:50

Why Don’t I Feel Loved? | Sonja Lyubomirsky

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/05/04

What if the issue isn’t whether people love you, but whether you actually feel it? In this episode, Sonja Lyubomirsky joins us to explore the gap between being loved and feeling loved, and why that disconnect happens. Drawing from her book How to Feel Loved, we talk about the psychology behind connection, challenge common myths like love languages, and dig into how curiosity, vulnerability, and better conversations can help you build more meaningful relationships.Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round

en

58:42

The Silent Killer in Your Workplace | Tom Rieger

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/04/27

Fear at work isn’t obvious, but it is powerful. In this episode, Tom Rieger explains how fear of loss drives silos, misalignment, and inefficiency, and why AI and remote work may be making things worse, instead of better. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Tom Rieger [8:43] The Impact of Fear on Organizations [16:26] Behavioral Economics and Organizational Fear [23:39] The Role of AI in Organizational Fear [31:25] The Challenge of Breaking Status Quo [37:50] Advice to Managers and

en

66:14

How to Influence Others (Ethically) | Brian Ahearn

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/04/20

Should influence be about getting to “yes”? With Brian Ahearn, we explore a more ethical approach where persuasion is a responsibility, humility drives leadership, and real impact comes from helping others make better decisions.Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Brian Ahearn [8:10] The Line Between Influence and Manipulation [12:25] Why Intent Matters in Persuasion [16:40] Aligning Influence with Personal Values [21:05] The Role of Humility in Leadership [25:30] Emotional Reactions and

en

68:40

Throwback Thursday: The Life-Changing Importance of...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/04/16

What if the key to growth isn’t finding better answers, but asking better questions? In our April throwback episode, we revisit our conversation with Elizabeth Weingarten on her book How to Fall in Love with Questions, where we explore how embracing uncertainty can lead to greater self-awareness, resilience, and connection. Through practice and mindset shifts, Elizabeth tells us all the ways questions can lead to clarity and confidence. Elizabeth's book is available on paperback starting 4/15/26. If

en

106:04

How to Design Work That People Love | Marcus Buckingham

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/04/13

Marcus Buckingham joins us to challenge the belief that success comes from doing what you’re good at. Using decades of research, he argues that what truly drives performance and fulfillment is something else entirely: love. In this episode, we explore why most workplace strategies miss the mark and how focusing on what gives you energy can reshape the way you think about work, and maybe even life. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Marcus Buckingham [11:17] The Science of

en

69:49

Why Some People Just Click (and Others Don’t) | Maya...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/04/06

What does it mean to truly “click” with someone—and why does it matter so much at work? With researcher Maya Rossignac-Milon, we explore the science of shared reality and how authentic, off-script interactions lead to stronger relationships, greater meaning, and better performance. This episode reframes connection not as a bonus, but as a core driver of success.Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Maya Rossignac-Milon [10:11] Defining Shared Reality [14:43] Reality and Work Performance [19:22]

en

99:23

Are We Solving the Wrong Problems? | Nick Chater

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/03/30

Are nudges enough to change behavior at scale? Nick Chater argues they’re not. In this episode, we explore the limits of individual-focused solutions and why lasting change often requires shifting systems, not just choices.Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Nick Chater [13:00] What Does Nudging Really Do? [18:30] I-Frame vs S-Frame Thinking [25:00] Nudges and Politics [28:09] Limitations in Public [33:39] System vs Individual Responsibilities [42:04] Case Study: Retirement Saving

en

73:27

Can AI Strengthen Democracy? | Sandy Pentland

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2026/03/23

AI pioneer Sandy Pentland joins us to explore how storytelling and shared wisdom shape human culture, and how artificial intelligence could either strengthen or freeze that process. From the history of AI to the future of democracy, we discuss collective intelligence, distributed decision-making, and how AI tools might actually improve civic dialogue if designed the right way.Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Sandy Pentland [8:09] Could AI make society less intelligent? [12:21] What

en

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Beyond the Divide

Koala Moon

The SCP Experience

Dr. NoSleep Studios

John Michael Godier"s Event Horizon

John Michael Godier

La Science CQFD

France Culture

A Moment of Science

Indiana Public Media