Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Epizódok

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  How Culture Shapes Human Behavior | Oliver Sweet 17.08.2026 1ó 28p

  How does culture shape the way we think, behave, and interact with one another? In this episode, anthropologist Oliver Sweet explores the hidden social rules that influence human behavior, from communication and cultural norms to social media, artificial intelligence, and changing generational values. We discuss the psychology and anthropology of culture, how "vibe shifts" emerge, whether technology is making us more narcissistic, and what AI could mean for collaboration, empathy, creativity, and human connection. Topics [0:00] Intro & Speed Round with Oliver Sweet [7:54] Can You Be Too Fat for an Imaginary Boat? [13:08] The Hidden Rules That Shape Our Behavior [18:47] How Social Norms Change Over Time [21:14] What Is a "Vibe Shift"? [28:23] AI, Social Media & Culture [32:37] The Return of Subliminal Messaging [36:53] AI and the Rise of Digital Narcissism [46:51] How Technology Changes Risk-Taking [52:17] Can Counterculture Predict the Future? [58:56] What Happens When AI Replaces Human Connection? [1:09:33] Grooving Session: The Reality and Illusions of AI ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Oliver The Rules That Make Us: How Culture Shapes the Way We Act, Think, Believe, and Buy by Oliver Sweet Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves
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  Has Social Media Stolen Your Individuality? | Patricia Martin 10.08.2026 1ó 3p

  Who are you when no one is watching? We welcome author Patricia Martin to discuss how social media, algorithms, and AI are reshaping our sense of self. From persona fog and chronic self-doubt to the future of human agency, we explore what it means to build an authentic identity in an increasingly performative digital world. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Patricia Martin [9:18] From Research to Me-Search [13:10] Why the Self Has Become a Consumer Product [19:24] Persona Fog, Self-Doubt & Cascading Crossroads [24:13] Healthy Personas vs. Fracturing Online Identities [31:30] The Self as Consumer Commodity [36:07] Construction Not Subtraction [43:33] Desert Island Music [50:32] Grooving Session: To Thine Own Self Be True? Links About Patricia Will the Future Like You? By Patricia Martin Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Aretha Franklin - Chain of Fools Eminem - The Real Slim Shady
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  You're Not the Only One Feeling Lonely | Bill von Hippel 03.08.2026 1ó 22p

  Why does modern life leave so many of us feeling disconnected? We explore the surprising evolutionary forces behind loneliness, autonomy, and technology, and share practical ways to build stronger relationships without giving up the conveniences of modern life. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Bill von Hippel [11:09] Were hunter-gatherers actually happier? [15:40] Why evolution favors connection over autonomy [22:43] How cities created innovation (and loneliness) [31:16] The cost of choosing autonomy [37:57] Social media, AI, and the future of human connection [47:56] Practical ways to create more community [56:17] Evolutionary mismatches and modern fears [1:02:23] Desert Island Music [1:09:32] Grooving Session: Choose connection ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Bill The Social Paradox by Bill von Hippel Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run Credence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen the Rain  
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  The Truth About Crime Prevention | Jennifer Doleac 27.07.2026 1ó 13p

  What actually stops crime? Economist Jennifer Doleac joins us to explore the behavioral science behind safer communities, revealing why certainty of consequences, not harsher punishments, is the key to changing behavior and how evidence can lead to smarter criminal justice policy. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Jennifer Doleac [9:15] How an economist found criminal justice [13:56] Why DNA databases reduce crime [16:53] Certainty vs. severity of punishment [21:11] Redemption, incentives, and justice [25:05] Second chances for first-time offenders [30:50] Jobs, criminal records, and Ban the Box [37:57] When good intentions backfire [44:08] Rethinking prisons and parole [50:24] Why evidence struggles to shape policy [57:58] Desert Island Music [1:00:30] Grooving Session - Reforming our criminal justice systems ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Jennifer The Science of Second Chances Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Miley Cyrus - Used to Be Young Zach Bryan - I Remember Everything  
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  Is AI Making Us Dumber? (Part 2) 23.07.2026 34p

  AI can make us more efficient, but it can also change how we think, collaborate, and trust one another. As we continue to groove on AI, we dig into the concepts of cognitive surrender, creative convergence, trust erosion, and the new challenges facing managers as the race to adopt AI takes over corporate America. If you want to improve human connection and navigate AI's impact thoughtfully, take a listen to this episode. We have a few ideas that just may help. Topics [0:00] Intro: What is cognitive surrender? [4:15] How to use AI without giving up critical thinking [9:33] Why teams become less innovative [15:25] How AI quietly erodes workplace trust [20:42] Why AI-generated communication feels disingenuous [24:06] The growing strain on frontline managers [30:39] Helping organizations build healthier AI practices Links The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking
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  Climate Advice You’ve Never Heard | Liz Dunn & Jiaying Zhao 20.07.2026 1ó 8p

  Climate change conversations often focus on sacrifice, but what if the path to a healthier planet also made us happier? We sit down with Leave the Lights On authors Liz Dunn and Jiaying Zhao to explore how behavioral science can help us focus on the environmental choices that matter most, why social influence is more powerful than guilt, and how small, joyful decisions can create lasting change. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Liz Dunn & Jiaying "JZ" Zhao  [9:03] Why Your Neighbors Influence You More Than Climate Facts  [13:09] High Impact Climate Choices That Actually Matter  [17:05] Scarcity, Happiness, and Enjoying More by Having Less  [24:00] Leave the Lights On: The Carbon Math That Changes Everything  [27:05] Why Where You Live Matters More Than You Think  [31:17] Remote Work, Happiness, and Carbon Emissions  [37:34] Everyday Climate Decisions That Make the Biggest Difference  [42:10] Creating Upward Spirals of Joy  [44:49] Why Sharing Your Choices Influences Others [47:57] The Environmental Cost of AI  [50:58] Desert Island Music Picks  [53:42] Grooving Session: Show Don't Tell Leadership  ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Leave the Lights On by Liz Dunn and Jiaying Zhao About Liz About JZ Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Taylor Swift - Look What You Made Me Do Counting Crows - Round Here Justin Bieber - Daisies Mozart - Symphony No. 40
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  The Real Danger of AI (Part 1) 16.07.2026 28p

  AI is making work faster, but at what cost? It's weakening collaboration, eroding culture, and spawning new problems and costs that most organizations didn't see coming. In Part 1 of our deep-dive into modern AI, we're exploring the behavioral science behind AI adoption, why "work slop" is becoming a growing problem, and how you can use AI to strengthen, rather than damage, your workplace and teams. Topics [0:00] We need to talk about AI [5:19] How AI changes collaboration and mentoring [10:14] Cultural Thinning and Work Slop [15:10] Slop in action [20:20] What happens when AI is implemented poorly [25:14] Mitigating AI's Negative Impacts [26:55] Coming next: Trust, leadership, and cognitive surrender
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  Why Employees Hate Change | Julia Dhar 13.07.2026 1ó 27p

  Why do so many organizational change initiatives fail? This week, we’re joined by behavioral economist Julia Dhar, co-author of How Change Really Works, to explore the behavioral science behind successful change. From curiosity and anxiety to psychological safety, AI, and the difference between change fatigue and change disappointment, Julia shares practical strategies that help leaders turn good ideas into lasting change. Topics [0:00] Introduction and speed round with Julia Dhar [10:34] The "cockpit" metaphor for leadership [17:28] Why "if you build it, they will come" doesn't work [22:13] Communication, alignment, and executive blind spots [29:08] Curiosity and anxiety during change [32:15] Gathering honest employee feedback [36:47] Leadership's role in successful transformation [38:52] Change fatigue vs. change disappointment [44:47] Why endings matter more than leaders realize [49:14] AI adoption and organizational behavior [53:27] Jazz, orchestras, and the art of change [58:09] Desert island music picks [1:04:14] Grooving Session: Turning anxiety into engagement ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Julia How Change Really Works by Julia Dhar, Kristy Ellmer, and Philip Jameson Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Imagine Dragons - Believer Matthew Wilder - Break My Stride
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  Throwback Monday: Does Democracy Need a Rebrand? | AJ Jacobs 06.07.2026 1ó 11p

  We’re taking a holiday break this week and revisiting a favorite conversation with AJ Jacobs about his year-long experiment living by 18th-century principles inspired by the U.S. Constitution. From tricorn hats and quill pens to rediscovering “Election Cakes,” AJ explores how early American civic life blended community, ritual, and democracy. We also dig into “epistemic humility” and Benjamin Franklin’s warnings about misinformation, which remain strikingly relevant today. Sit back, pop your headphones in, and enjoy this unique look at the American Experiment.  ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Election day traditions [4:25] Speed round with AJ Jacobs [9:44] Living Colonially: What I learned [18:56] Epistemic humility and political perspectives [23:52] Constitutional originalism [36:29] How do we frame the constitution? [40:40] Election cakes and celebrating democracy [48:52] Embracing experimentation in everyday life [52:56] Grooving session: open-mindedness, civic duty, and cake recipes ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Join our Facebook Group! AJ’s Substack The Year of Living Constitutionally More about AJ The History of Election Cakes Musical Links Royal American Medley - Songs of the Revolutionary War Yankee Doodle
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  The Godfather of Influence: The Lasting Impact of Robert Cialdini, Part 3 02.07.2026 1ó 9p

  In the final episode of our Robert Cialdini series, we explore the extraordinary legacy of one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers. We revisit the seven Principles of Influence through real-world business examples, hear how Cialdini's ideas inspired organizations around the world, and learn why colleagues like Angela Duckworth, Adam Grant, Dan Pink, and Katie Milkman believe his greatest contribution goes far beyond research. Join us as we celebrate the ideas and the person who helped shape modern behavioral science. Topics [0:00] From Utility Bills to Global Impact[9:17] Full Cycle Social Psychology Explained[16:00] Why Business Became a Partner in Behavioral Science[22:47] The Seven Principles in Action[30:20] Behavior Change for Good and Real-World Research[45:49] The Ethical Compass Behind Influence[52:39] Why Influence Still Matters Today[58:02] A Career That Changed Behavioral Science[1:04:08] Daniel Kahneman on Cialdini's Legacy[1:08:04] Closing Thoughts ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves
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  The Godfather of Influence: What Makes Bob Bob, Part 2 29.06.2026 1ó 19p

  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 love with psychology [27:46] Choosing freedom over prestige [36:44] The littering study that predicted elections [42:03] How Influence became a phenomenon [53:18] The birth of pre-suasion [1:08:18] Unity as the seventh principle [1:15:13] The legacy of Robert Cialdini [1:17:53] Coming up in Episode Three Links Influence by Robert Cialdini Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves
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  The Godfather of Influence: How Robert Cialdini Changed the World, Part 1 25.06.2026 1ó 13p

  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 Success [22:16] The Book That Changed Behavioral Science [28:45] The Mentors Behind Cialdini's Thinking [41:30] Three Research Strategies That Defined His Career [56:01] Building the Science of Influence [1:01:01] Writing Influence for the Public [1:10:21] Why Cialdini's Work Still Matters Today ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Influence by Robert Cialdini Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves
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  What Immigrants Teach Us About Success | Neri Karra Sillaman 22.06.2026 1ó 9p

  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 Long-Lasting Entrepreneurs [22:25] The Leadership Trait Most Founders Miss [29:11] What Makes Businesses Last for Decades? [37:17] The Biggest Myth About Immigrant Entrepreneurs [44:57] Why the American Dream Still Matters [46:11] Grooving Session: Why Challenges Create Innovation   ©2026 Behavioral Grooves ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs by Neri Karra Sillaman Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Bee Gees - How Deep Is Your Love Van Halen - Jump
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  Throwback Thursday: The Secret Key to Decision-Making | Emily Falk 18.06.2026 1ó 22p

  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 reads.  ©20256 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Emily Falk [8:29] Understanding Value Calculations [12:58] Research Methods and fMRI [18:01] Self-Relevance and Social Relevance Systems [28:41] Defensiveness and Social Norms [40:49] The Importance of Being "In Sync" [58:17] The Role or Music in Self/Social Relevance [1:07:45] Grooving Session: Communication, Social Norms, and Behavioral Science at Work ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Emily What We Value by Emily Falk
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  The Common Trap Companies Fall For | Phil Le-Brun & Jana Werner 15.06.2026 1ó 17p

  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 Phil Le-Brun [9:25] What “Bulls!t Bingo” Reveals About Corporate Language [17:18] Psychology as a Leadership Tool [25:14] Explaining Octopus Organization [32:10] Challenges of Tin Man Organizations [39:13] The Role of Psychology for Transformation [45:56] Complex vs Complicated Systems [50:50] Building an “Octopus Soundtrack” [54:13] Grooving Session: Incentives, Rewards, and Recreating Systems ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links The Octopus Organization by Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner About Jana About Phil Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Octopus Garden - The Beatles Changes - David Bowie
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  Throwback Thursday: Fighting Imposter Syndrome at Work | Martin Gonzalez 11.06.2026 1ó 33p

  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 lessons Martin brought to our conversation, and we hope it inspires you to solve problems and find greater fulfillment in your professional life.  Topics  [5:58] Introduction and Speed Round [10:16] What is a bonfire moment? [14:02] Why soft skills are more important than soft skills [17:54] Leadership styles and their impact on success [22:37] Common start-up traps [32:10] Startup myths, leadership, and best practices [41:11] Overcoming blind spots and insecurities in leadership [46:43] Imposter Syndrome and gender stereotypes [55:04] Productivity, creativity, and music preferences [1:01:14] Grooving Session: Leadership, emotional intelligence, and scaling business ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links  “The Bonfire Moment - Bring Your Team Together to Solve the Hardest Problems Startups Face” by Joshua Yellin and Martin Gonzales About Martin
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  Fame, Incels, and the Need to Matter | Rebecca Goldstein 08.06.2026 1ó 16p

  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 Conflict [15:11] Depression, Despair, and Significance [26:42] The Four “Mattering” Types [32:34] Fame, Recognition, and Validation [41:38] Incels, Radicalization, and the Search for Meaning [46:19] Ethics, Entropy, and Human Flourishing [51:59] Desert Island Music [59:17] Grooving Session: Defining Mattering ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Rebecca The Mattering Instinct by Rebecca Newberger Goldstein  Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love
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  The Hidden Rules of Lucky People | Judd Kessler 01.06.2026 1ó 25p

  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 Round with Judd Kessler [13:18] The Hidden Markets Behind Organ Donation [18:30] Market Design in Medicine [29:13] How Incentives Work [35:30] TSA PreCheck, Scarcity, and Making Better Systems [40:14] The Ticketmaster Problem [46:20] The Ticketmaster Solution [53:34] Hidden Markets in Podcasts and Beyond [59:18] “The Room Where it Happens” with Lin-Manuel Miranda [1:05:30] Desert Island Music Picks [1:08:00] Grooving Session: Creating Luck Wherever You Go ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Judd Lucky by Design by Judd Kessler Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso The Beatles - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
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  How the Spaces Around Us Shape Our Lives | Leidy Klotz 25.05.2026 1ó 4p

  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 Space [26:44] Making Purposeful Decisions for Spaces [34:02] Designing Spaces for Growth and Belonging [45:09] Creating Groovy Spaces [50:03] Grooving Session: Practical Tips for Designing Better Spaces ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Leidy Klotz In a Good Place by Leidy Klotz Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Bruce Springsteen - Racing in the Street Bruce Springsteen - No Surrender
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  Throwback Thursday: The #1 Way to Live a Happy Life | Shige Oishi 21.05.2026 1ó 21p

  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 self-reflection and greater fulfillment. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Shige Oishi [10:28] The Happiness Trap [18:38] Eudaimonic and Hedonic Approaches to Happiness [27:30] The Correlation Between Psychological Richness and Personality [35:00] Gratitude and Social Connection [44:10] What Makes a Happy Society? [48:00] Desert Island Music [1:05:25]  Grooving Session: How to Pursue a Fulfilling Life ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Shige Life in Three Dimensions by Shigehiro Oishi Happiness is Everything, or Is It? Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Charlie Parker - Honeysuckle Rose Clifford Brown & Max Roach - Joy Spring