Behavioral Grooves Podcast

https://feed.podbean.com/behavioralgrooves/feed.xml

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.

Episodes

22 minutes ago

The Most Effective Way to Change People's Minds | David McRaney (Republish)

22 minutes ago

In this special republish episode science journalist David McRaney joins us to explore the surprising science behind belief, persuasion, and why minds change. We discuss tribal truth, perceptual differences (remember the dress?), and why Step Zero—examining why you want to change someone’s mind—is essential for meaningful dialogue.

Topics

[4:18] Welcome and speed round questions.

[11:18] How minds change vs. how to change minds.

[14:35] How is elaboration different from learning?

[27:27] Mini Grooving Session on the difference between beliefs, opinions and attitudes.

[34:09] Why do you want to change someone’s mind?

[41:03] The moment David realized he should question why, not just how to change minds.

[52:55] Mini Grooving Session on why to change minds.

[57:27] Why some see the dress as gold & white and some see it as blue & black.

[1:18:28] Mini Grooving Session on the dress and the crocs.

[1:22:15] Truth is tribal.

[1:35:33] Mini Grooving Session on having a social safety net.

[1:40:38] What was the catalyst for David becoming interested in conspiracy theories?

[1:46:19] How to get people off the conspiratorial loop?

[1:51:23] What musical artists would David take to a desert island?

Links

How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion by David McRaney

Music Links

Radiohead - No Surprises

Colin Stetson - Spindrift

4 days ago

Want to Close the Gender Gap? Start Here | Kweilin Ellingrud

4 days ago

Kweilin Ellingrud, McKinsey’s Global Chief of Diversity and Inclusion, joins us to discuss The Broken Rung—the missed first promotion that derails many women's careers before they even begin. She shares how to build “experience capital,” why soft skills matter more than we think, and how the right first moves can lead to long-term equity and empowerment. With practical advice for women and leaders alike, this episode is a call to action to fix the ladder from the bottom up.

Topics

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Kweilin Ellingrud

[5:39] What is the “Broken Rung”?

[12:00] Strategies for Overcoming the Broken Rung

[20:36] Building Skills to Future-Proof Careers

[30:39] Addressing Biases and Cognitive Biases

[35:47] Personal Health and Financial Well-being

[41:10] Desert Island Music

[43:19] Grooving Session - Networking, Bias, and Building Experience Capital

Links

The Broken Rung - by Kweilin Ellingrud, Lareina Yee, and Mareia del Mar Martinez

More About Kweilin

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Musical Links

Shakira - La Tortura

Ed Sheeran - Shape of You

Monday Apr 14, 2025

Are You Being 'Reasonable' -- Or Just Privileged? | Dr. Rosalind Chow

Monday Apr 14, 2025

Dr. Rosalind Chow joins us to explore how status, power, and perspective shape what we view as “reasonable”—and why marginalized voices are often held to a different standard. From stalled DEI efforts to the illusion of objectivity among dominant groups, Rosalind challenges us to rethink who gets to define what counts as change.

Topics

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round

[6:26] The difference between sponsorship and mentorship

[10:13] Why corporate relationships are important

[16:05] Why DEI efforts often stall

[27:00] The moral cost of assimilations

[31:20] Well-meaning allies

[46:56] Desert Island music

[50:15] Grooving Session - The importance of Mentorship

Links

About Rosalind Chow

The Doors You Can Open - by Rosalind Chow

The Social Psychology of Inequality - CUNY Graduate Center

Join the Behavioral Grooves community

Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube

Music Links

Rent - La Vie Boheme

Beatles - Revolution

Monday Apr 07, 2025

Reclaim Your Brain and Escape Digital Chaos | Richard Cytowic

Monday Apr 07, 2025

Neuroscientist Richard Cytowic takes us on a journey through the world of synesthesia and how it reveals the fascinating ways our brains interpret reality. But that’s just the beginning. We dive into the challenges of our Stone Age brains in the digital age, busting the multitasking myth, exploring the cognitive costs of social media, and discovering why silence and imagination are more crucial than ever. Tune in to reclaim your focus and rethink your relationship with technology.

Topics

[0:00] Intro: Synesthesia and Richard Cytowic

[4:11] Speed Round: Nature vs Nurture?

[10:06] Social Media - Necessary evil?

[17:52] The myth of multitasking

[28:54] The importance of boredom

[37:06] Why silence is essential

[45:32] Emotional intelligence and resilience

[52:31] Grooving Session: Digital media, mental health, and what lies ahead

Links

Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age

About Richard Cytowic

Synesthesia

The Shallows by Nicholas Carr

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Musical Links

Babbling Brook - Background Noise for Work

Forest and River Sounds - Relaxing Background Noise

Monday Mar 31, 2025

How to Spark Creativity in Work & Life | Matt Arnold and Adam Hansen

Monday Mar 31, 2025

Creativity isn’t reserved for the select few—it’s in all of us. This episode explores the science behind innovation with experts Matt Arnold and Adam Hansen, uncovering why we doubt our creative abilities and how to overcome the cognitive barriers that stifle new ideas. From breaking free of negativity bias to embedding innovation into workplace culture, this conversation is packed with insights to help you unlock your full creative potential.

Topics

[0:00] Introduction - Are We Natural Innovators?

[6:57] What Blocks Innovations

[12:28] The Power of Brain Breaks

[19:34] Leadership and Fostering Innovation

[29:44] The Interaction of Behavioral Science and Innovation

[40:20] Practical Tips to Foster Creativity

[49:10] How Organizations Can Utilize Innovation

[58:15] How to Overcome Negativity and Bias in Brainstorming

[1:08:09] Innovation Challenges at Big Companines

[1:17:00] Psychological Safety in Innovation

[1:34:45] Why Businesses Struggle with Long-Term Innovation

[1:42:15] Practical Steps for Bringing Innovation to Work

[1:47:30] Grooving Session: Innovation, Science, and How to Manage

Links

Contact Matt Arnold

Contact Adam Hansen

How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy
Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon Mackenzie
Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Join the Behavioral Grooves community

Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube

Music Links

Billie Holiday - Blue Moon

Woody Guthrie - Tear the Fascist Down

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

Your Behavioral Science Questions (and more!) Answered.

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

It’s about time we put Kurt and Tim in the hot seat! This week, we’re turning the tables and making them answer your questions. Pulling from our recent listener survey, they sit down with their producer to tackle everything from the making of Behavioral Grooves to insights on behavioral science—and, of course, the all-important question of what they’d do with a hippo-sized corgi. Tune in for a fun, behind-the-scenes bonus episode!

Check out our YouTube for a video version of this episode!

Topics

[0:00] New to BG - Ask Us Anything!

[2:03] How Kurt and Tim Met

[4:24] Inspiration to Join Behavioral Science

[8:08] Behavioral Grooves’ Origin Story

[19:28] Behavioral Science Myths and Misconceptions

[30:04] Adopting Behavioral Science in Workplaces

[43:15] Fields That Need Behavioral Science

[47:34] Rhino or Corgi?

Have a Question?

Fill out this survey for a chance to be featured on our next AMA!

Monday Mar 24, 2025

The Existential Playbook: How to Make Sense of Your Life | Dr. Steve Heine

Monday Mar 24, 2025

Dr. Steve Heine, cultural psychologist and author of Start Making Sense, joins us to explore the psychology of meaning. We discuss the four essential connections that shape a fulfilling life, why existential anxiety is on the rise, and how nostalgic reflection and storytelling help us make sense of our experiences. Plus, we dive into his “meaning audit” tool—a practical way to strengthen purpose and connection.

Topics

[0:00] Intro - Did Kurt take a psychology class?

[5:24] Speed Round with Dr. Steve Heine

[8:54] Was Sisyphus actually happy?

[10:37] The importance of process over destination

[19:48] Cultural differences in meaning-making

[25:10] Why we rationalize our life choices

[31:17] How storytelling shapes our identity

[42:46] Practical tips for building a meaningful life

[48:42] Grooving session: Building community and connecting with each other

Links

Start Making Sense by Dr. Steve Heine

More about Dr. Steve Heine

Joseph Campbell's The Hero’s Journey

Join the Behavioral Grooves community

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Music Links

Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime

The Beatles - Don’t Let Me Down

Monday Mar 17, 2025

Work Isn’t Fair—Here’s How to Fix It | Iris Bohnet

Monday Mar 17, 2025

Can we design workplaces to be truly fair? Behavioral economist Iris Bohnet joins us to explore how implicit biases, stereotypes, and in-group preferences shape decision-making in the workplace—and what we can do about it. From the impact of blind auditions to the power of small structural changes, we dive into science-backed strategies for fostering more equitable organizations.

Topics

[0:00] Episode Intro - Can We Make Work Fair?

[5:58] Speed Round with Iris Bohnet

[7:29] The Hidden Impact of In-Group Bias

[14:35] Implicit Bias and the IAT Test - Explained

[18:44] Nature vs. Nurture in Bias

[24:45] Case Study: NYC Fire Department and Hiring Reform

[35:41] The Power (and Pitfalls) of Incentives and Fairness

[41:35] Desert Island Music

[45:23] Grooving Session: The Impact of In-Group Bias on Organizations

Links

Iris Bohnet’s book: Make Work Fair

Take the Implicit Association Test (IAT)

Study on NYC Fire Department’s hiring process

About Iris Bohnet

Join the Behavioral Grooves community

Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube

Music Links

Adele - Make You Feel My Love

Bob Marley - Is This Love

Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer

Monday Mar 10, 2025

The 10 Conversations You Need to Master at Work | Melody Wilding

Monday Mar 10, 2025

Managing up isn’t about sucking up—it’s about taking control of your career. This week, executive coach and author Melody Wilding joins us to break down the ten essential workplace conversations that help you set boundaries, advocate for yourself, and navigate office dynamics with confidence. From understanding communication styles to negotiating your worth, Melody shares practical scripts and psychological insights that can help you work smarter—not just harder.

Topics

[00:00] Introduction to Melody Wilding

[01:15] Redefining Managing Up: What It Really Means

[02:52] The 10 Conversations That Matter Most at Work

[04:47] How You Teach People How to Treat You

[10:32] Communication Styles: The Key to Navigating Workplace Dynamics

[22:25] The Money Conversation: How to Ask for a Raise the Right Way

[28:15] How to Push Back Diplomatically on Low-Value Tasks

[33:50] The Role of Visibility and Navigating Office Politics

[41:58] The "Me Manual": Understanding & Asserting Your Own Style

[50:16] Finding Your Groove: Melody's Career Journey

[57:35] Grooving Session: Managing Up

Links

Melody Wilding's Website

Managing Up (Book)

Join the Behavioral Grooves community

Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube

Musical Links

Arcade Fire - Reflektor

Death Cab For Cutie - Soul Meets Body

Monday Mar 03, 2025

Why Self-Improvement Is Holding You Back | Oliver Burkeman

Monday Mar 03, 2025

Oliver Burkeman joins us to explore the power of imperfectionism and why waiting for the “perfect moment” is a trap. We discuss how perfectionism, productivity myths, and self-improvement frameworks can hold us back—and why embracing uncertainty is the key to doing meaningful work. Whether you’re looking to improve daily habits or rethink your approach to time and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to take action despite life’s inevitable messiness.