Behavioral Grooves Podcast

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• The Godfather of Influence: The Lasting Impact of Robert Cialdini, Part 3 02.07.2026 1ч 9мин

  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
• The Godfather of Influence: What Makes Bob Bob, Part 2 29.06.2026 1ч 19мин

  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
• The Godfather of Influence: How Robert Cialdini Changed the World, Part 1 25.06.2026 1ч 13мин

  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
• What Immigrants Teach Us About Success | Neri Karra Sillaman 22.06.2026 1ч 9мин

  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
• Throwback Thursday: The Secret Key to Decision-Making | Emily Falk 18.06.2026 1ч 22мин

  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
• The Common Trap Companies Fall For | Phil Le-Brun & Jana Werner 15.06.2026 1ч 17мин

  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
• Throwback Thursday: Fighting Imposter Syndrome at Work | Martin Gonzalez 11.06.2026 1ч 33мин

  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
• Fame, Incels, and the Need to Matter | Rebecca Goldstein 08.06.2026 1ч 16мин

  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
• The Hidden Rules of Lucky People | Judd Kessler 01.06.2026 1ч 25мин

  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
• How the Spaces Around Us Shape Our Lives | Leidy Klotz 25.05.2026 1ч 4мин

  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
• Throwback Thursday: The #1 Way to Live a Happy Life | Shige Oishi 21.05.2026 1ч 21мин

  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
• Why We’re Lonely Together | Nick Epley 18.05.2026 1ч 36мин

  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 quiet. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Nick Epley [10:40] The Paradox of Being Social [19:12] Experiments and Findings [26:20] How Being Social Impacts Your Health [32:27] The Challenges of Being Social - Political Divides [46:00] Introverts, Extroverts, and What Maslow Got Wrong [54:30] Loneliness, Survival, and the Need to Belong [1:02:18] Grief, Adoption, and the Power of Connection [1:12:56] Desert Island Music [1:15:42] Grooving Session: Leadership, Conversation, and Connection ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Nick A Little More Social by Nick Epley Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Matt Kearney - Ships in the Night Rufus Wainwright - Across the Universe (Cover)
• The Biggest Mistake We Make About Others - Behavioral Grooves LIVE 11.05.2026 58мин

  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 Cognition [15:32] Strategies for Improving our Communication [21:36] Live Experiment - Talking to Strangers [37:34] Lessons Learned from 8 Years Podcasting [43:45] The Importance of Social Connections and Compassionate Curiosity [51:00] Coming Soon to Behavioral Grooves ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun    
• Why Don’t I Feel Loved? | Sonja Lyubomirsky 04.05.2026 1ч 7мин

  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 with Sonja Lyubomirsky [11:08] Being Loved vs. Feeling Loved [14:14] Why Love Doesn’t Always “Land” [19:42] Deep Conversations vs. Small Talk [23:47] Vulnerability: The Key to Real Connection [32:01] What Are Love Mindsets? [37:24] Psychological Barriers to Feeling Loved [44:53] The #1 Happiness Tip  [50:51] Are Love Languages Real? [53:23] Music, Focus, and Flow [56:21] Grooving Session: Letting Love In ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Groove vs Grind Survey About Sonja How to Feel Loved by Sonja Lyubomirsky and Harry Reis Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Tina Turner - What’s Love Got To Do With It The Lumineers - Stubborn Love
• The Silent Killer in Your Workplace | Tom Rieger 27.04.2026 58мин

  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 Leaders [39:59] Desert Island Music [43:24] Grooving Session: Breaking Fear Down ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Tom Breaking the Fear Barrier by Tom Rieger Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Andrés Segovia - Leyenda by Albeniz Boston - More Than a Feeling
• How to Influence Others (Ethically) | Brian Ahearn 20.04.2026 1ч 6мин

  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 Decision-Making [30:15] Influencing Hearts vs Minds [35:40] Small Actions, Identity, and the Consistency Principle [42:41] Desert Island Music [50:31] Grooving Session: Helping People Decide Better ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Brian Influence People Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Johnny Cash - The Man Comes Around Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight  
• Throwback Thursday: The Life-Changing Importance of Questions | Elizabeth Weingarten 16.04.2026 1ч 8мин

  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 you're interested in learning more, grab your copy today!  ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Elizabeth Weingarten [11:04] The Power of Loving Questions [15:50] The Biological Need for Certainty [21:48] The Role of Patience in Asking Questions [39:18] Questions and the Role of Behavioral Science [47:57] Desert Island Music [50:38] Grooving Session: The Value of Sitting With Questions ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links More About Elizabeth Better Life Lab How to Fall in Love with Questions Torch Leadership Join the Behavioral Grooves community Music Links Steely Dan - Do It Again Chapell Roan - Pink Pony Club  
• How to Design Work That People Love | Marcus Buckingham 13.04.2026 1ч 46мин

  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 Excellence [17:53] The Importance of Love in Business [22:04] Experiences → Behaviors → Outcomes [32:03] The Myth of Linear Improvement [40:25] The Five Feelings of Love [1:00:49] Red Threads and Experience Intelligence [1:08:18] The Role of AI in Designing Love [1:11:30] Why You Shouldn’t Go to a Coldplay Concert [1:18:43] Disney’s Approach to Experience Design [1:30:19] Grooving Session: The Power of Love in Work ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Marcus The Buckingham Institute  Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Coldplay - Fix You Coldplay - Violet Hill (Live)
• Why Some People Just Click (and Others Don’t) | Maya Rossignac-Milon 06.04.2026 1ч 9мин

  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] How Shared Reality Can Help You Achieve Your Goals [24:28] Research and Collaboration [27:41] The Benefits of Riffing [37:29] Shared Reality and Romantic Partners [42:32] Fighting a Culture of Individualism [50:20] Desert Island Music [54:20] Grooving Session: Finding Alignment and Making Connections ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Maya Measuring Shared Reality Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Gunnar Haslam - Kenosha Basic Channel - Phylyps Trak  
• Are We Solving the Wrong Problems? | Nick Chater 30.03.2026 1ч 39мин

  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 Systems [49:01] Are We Solving the Right Problems? [55:00] Can We Fix Broken Systems? [1:00:06] Green Eggs and Ham - a Solution [1:06:12] Desert Island Music [1:09:20] Grooving Session: Systemic Issues, Evolutionary Tendencies ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Nick It’s On You by Nick Chater and George Lowenstein  Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Bach - Mass in B Minor John McLaughlin - Stella by Starlight/My Favourite Things