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PODCAST

Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan

Stories, science and secrets from the world’s brightest thought-leaders. Behavioral Grooves is the podcast that satisfies your curiosity of why we do what we do. Explanations of human behavior that will improve your relationships, your wellbeing, and your organization by helping you find your groove.

science social sciences

All Episodes

68:49

Why Great Leaders Still Get Stuck | Muriel Wilkins

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/12/08

Executive coach and author Muriel Wilkins joins us to unpack the invisible beliefs that quietly shape how we lead. We explore why curiosity is the starting point for self-awareness, the common internal blockers she sees in leaders, and why leadership growth is less about changing who you are and more about expanding your mindset. Muriel breaks down how hidden scripts formed early in life can limit our impact later on, and how shifting our beliefs can help us move from stress and suffering to

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32:53

How Expectations Shape Who We Become

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/12/04

In this special episode inspired by questions from our Facebook Community, we explore why big change feels intimidating even though most transformation happens quietly in our daily lives. Kurt and Tim dig into the micro-shifts we overlook, the powerful role expectations play in shaping our confidence and identity, and why surrounding yourself with people who expand your sense of possibility truly matters. They also revisit classic and modern goal-setting research — from Kurt Lewin’s “levels of

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94:12

Why Split-Second Thinking Fuels Violence | Jens Ludwig

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/12/01

Is violence caused by “bad people,” too many guns, or something deeper? In this episode, University of Chicago researcher Jens Ludwig reveals why most violent acts stem not from evil intent but from ordinary people in unforgiving situations. We explore how behavior, context, metacognition, and split-second decision-making shape violent outcomes — and why small, scalable interventions like pocket parks, foot traffic, and reflective thinking can dramatically reduce harm. If you care about safer

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9:44

The Science of Being Thankful

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/11/27

Why does gratitude feel so easy to feel yet so hard to say? In this Thanksgiving grooving session, we unpack the psychology behind our awkwardness around expressing appreciation—from miscaliberated assumptions to the belief that people can “just tell” how grateful we are. Drawing on research from Nick Epley and others, we explore how gratitude rewires the brain, boosts well-being, and strengthens relationships, and we share simple, science-backed nudges to help you connect more deeply with the

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67:50

The Leadership Wake-Up Call | Margaret Andrews

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/11/24

Harvard instructor Margaret Andrews joins us to explore why effective leadership starts with self-awareness. We discuss blind spots, emotional intelligence, team norms, and the internal work leaders must do to better understand their impact. Margaret offers practical tools for developing people and navigating organizational context, showing how self-understanding reshapes culture, communication, and long-term leadership success.Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Margaret Andrews [7:10]

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72:37

Why the Gender Revolution Stopped | Corinne Low

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/11/17

What if the gender revolution never finished? Economist Corinne Low joins us to unpack why women have transformed the workforce while men’s roles at home have barely changed. Drawing on insights from her book Having It All, Corinne reveals why so many families are stretched thin, caught between data, social pressure, and outdated norms. Together, we explore what it means to “have it almost,” and how smarter boundaries, parental leave, and fairer divisions of labor could finally help us reach true

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81:20

Is the American Dream Dead? | Mark Matson

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/11/10

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

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60:25

The Trick That Shapes Every Choice You Make | Mikael...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/11/03

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

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18:39

Freaky Friday: Grooving on Scary Biases

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/10/31

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

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21:03

The Science of Superstition: Why Our Brains Believe...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/10/27

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

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58:31

The Lies We Believe About Control | Dr. Wolfgang Linden

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/10/20

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

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87:23

Eight Years Grooving: How to Decide | Annie Duke...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/10/16

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

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84:26

Why Who You Know Still Matters | Toby Stuart

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/10/13

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

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75:51

Eight Years Grooving: Why People Succeed | Bob...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/10/09

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

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64:31

You’re Right - Meetings Are the Worst | Don Kieffer

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/10/06

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

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78:21

Eight Years Grooving: Delighting in Death | Jodi...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/10/02

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

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71:11

The Secret Psychology Behind 17 Iconic Brands |...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/09/29

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

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76:26

Eight Years Grooving: The Psychology of Scams | Dan...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/09/25

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

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66:34

The #1 Driver of Employee Wellbeing | Mark Crowley

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/09/22

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

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74:28

Eight Years Grooving: Our Quest to Feel Significant |...

Behavioral Grooves Podcast ·

2025/09/18

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

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525 results

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