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
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Monday Mar 27, 2023
What lies ahead for applied behavioral science? How can we learn from the massive growth in the field over the last 15 years? Our guest, Michael Hallsworth, has very recently published a manifesto on the future of behavioural science and we’re privileged to discuss this landmark publication with him on this episode.
Dr Michael Hallsworth PhD has been on the forefront of thought leadership and scholarship in behavioral science for many years. Having earned his PhD in Behavioural Economics from Imperial College in London, he has since spent most of his career working in either public policy or on corporate applications around the world. He is now the Managing Director, North America for the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT).
Stemming from the original Behavioural Insights Team formed at the heart of the UK government in 2010, BIT has grown into a global company, driving positive change in communities and organizations all across the world. Having grown international teams, demonstrated workable behavioral results and shaken up policies around the world, Michael felt it was a good time for BIT to reflect on how far they had come.
In the Manifesto for Applying Behavioural Science, Michael lays out 10 proposals that chart the path forward for behavioral science. We touch on these proposals in our discussion with Michael and the opportunities they present for the future.
* Behavioral science is a global field but unfortunately the spelling is not! In an effort to be diplomatic, we are using both spellings in the show notes!
Topics
(4:54) Why does behavioural science need a manifesto?
(7:18) What are some of the major themes?
(11:15) How Michael is flipping the prospective on scaling.
(16:37) Using behavioral science as a lens.
(21:33) Putting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in their place.
(26:02) Choice infrastructure.
(30:25) The vulnerability of behavioral science to overconfidence.
(35:09) Reframing our language away from rational vs irrational behavior.
(39:25) Using algorithms to reduce inequities rather than exploit vulnerabilities.
(47:28) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on applying behavioral science.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Manifesto for Applying Behavioural Science: https://www.bi.team/publications/a-manifesto-for-applying-behavioral-science/
Misconceptions about the Practice of Behavioral Public Policy: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4328659
EAST Model: https://www.bi.team/publications/east-four-simple-ways-to-apply-behavioural-insights/
Mindscape Framework: https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/neuroscience/mindspace-framework
Ruth Schmidt, Zeya Chen, Veronica Paz Soldan (2022) Choice Posture, Architecture, and Infrastructure: Systemic Behavioral Design for Public Health Policy: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405872622000661
Ruth Schmidt & Katelyn Stenger (2021). Behavioral brittleness: The case for strategic behavioral public policy: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-public-policy/article/behavioral-brittleness-the-case-for-strategic-behavioral-public-policy/200D5BBC2947F7AB0CD4B4CD71B6A607
Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves
Sunday Mar 19, 2023
Sunday Mar 19, 2023
What if there was a way to end poverty and solve climate change, that might actually work. Shouldn’t we try it? Our guest Erik Angner thinks economics holds the solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems but that economists have done a woeful job of PR! He’s on a mission to change that.
Erik Angner PhD is Professor of Practical Philosophy at Stockholm University. He holds, not one but two PhDs – in Economics and in History and Philosophy of Science – both from the University of Pittsburgh.
Erik joins us on Behavioral Grooves to discuss his new book How Economics Can Save the World. He is also the author of two other books, Hayek and Natural Law and A Course in Behavioral Economics as well as multiple journal articles and book chapters on behavioral and experimental economics; the science and philosophy of happiness; and the history, philosophy, and methodology of contemporary economics.
Please join us on Behavioral Grooves Twitter (@behavioralgroov) to take part in some poll questions around Erik’s episode and discuss this conversation.
Topics
(3:34) Welcome and speed round questions.
(7:12) What exactly is economics and how is it useful?
(11:15) How can economics save the world?
(13:10) How we can actually solve poverty.
(17:14) Scarcity and how it influences our behavior.
(21:08) The scarcity of healthcare.
(24:35) Why trust is the critical factor in vaccination take-up.
(28:55) What are the unintended consequences?
(31:30) How can economics solve climate change?
(36:36) How social norms influence our behavior.
(41:29) Does money make us happy?
(49:11) What music would Erik take on a desert island?
(51:40) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on saving the world.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Erik Angner PhD: https://www.erikangner.com/
Erik’s book “How Economics Can Save the World: Simple Ideas to Solve Our Biggest Problems”: https://amzn.to/3YU49qN
Episode 102, Christina Bicchieri, PhD: Social Norms are Bundles of Expectations: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/cristina-bicchieri-social-norms-are-bundles-of-expectations/
Friedrich Hayek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Hayek
Jeremy Bentham: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-010-9204-z#:~:text=Bentham%20defined%20happiness%20in%20terms,seen%20as%20contribution%20to%20happiness.
Musical Links
Tom Waits “Hold On”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P5jV4lHHR0
PJ Harvey “This Is Love”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STxXS5lLunE
![Why You Don‘t Need to be Powerful to be Influential | Vanessa Bohns [Republish]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog2137480/Vanessa_Bohns_-_Behavioral_Grooves_Podcast_1_b5v3f_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
To be influential you do not require power, but wielding your influence is powerful. Vanessa Bohns, social psychologist and professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University, joins us to discuss her enticing new book “You Have More Influence Than You Think”. She draws from her research to illustrate why underestimating our influence can lead us to miss opportunities or worse yet, to misuse our power.
Vanessa challenges us to examine our powers of persuasion and to recognize that we have more influence than we even realize. We learn exactly why it’s so hard for us to say no, even when we’re uncomfortable with saying yes. And why we should focus on communicating more with people face-to-face.
As with all of our episodes, we leave you with a Grooving Session discussion focusing on how we can use Vanessa’s research to improve our lives, our relationships and our workplaces. Maybe this episode will influence you more than you realize? If it does, please support our ongoing work by contributing to our Patreon page at (just imagine, if we asked you in person, would you say yes?).
This is episode is republished from our discussion with Vanessa in 2021, but her research and insights have come up in our discussions time and time again.
Topics
(3:19) Welcome to Vanessa Bohns.
(5:46) How your enjoyment of chocolate is influenced by others.
(8:15) The spotlight effect; is everyone really looking at me?
(12:34) How can we influence people more than we think?
(17:20) How Vanessa discovered people are likely to help, if you ask.
(23:34) Why it’s so much harder to say no than we think.
(26:50) How power amplifies your influence.
(29:22) Why we need to recognize white privilege as a position of power.
(32:47) Communication: why our choice of words matter.
(34:13) Robert Cialdini’s Influence.
(36:30) What are the most common misconceptions about influence?
(41:07) What are the 2 biggest takeaways from the book?
(43:52) How music has influenced Vanessa.
(49:13) Grooving Session discussing how to apply Vanessa’s research.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
“You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters” Book by Vanessa Bohns: https://amzn.to/39vCDIN
John Bargh, Episode 248: Do We Control Situations or Do Situations Control Us? With John Bargh: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/control-situations-with-john-bargh/
Shankar Vedantam, Episode 222: How Delusions Can Actually Be Useful: Shankar Vedantam Reveals How: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/shankar-vedantam-useful-delusions/
Cristina Bicchieri, Episode 102: Social Norms are Bundles of Expectations: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/cristina-bicchieri-social-norms-are-bundles-of-expectations/
“Shared Experiences Are Amplified” Erica J. Boothby, Margaret S. Clark, John A. Bargh (2014): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614551162
“Good Lamps Are the Best Police: Darkness Increases Dishonesty and Self-Interested Behavior” Chen-Bo Zhong, Vanessa K. Bohns, Francesca Gino (2010): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797609360754
Robert Frank on the Power of Peer Pressure in Fighting Climate Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmOUNgXKd0c&ab_channel=Rare
Robert Cialdini, Episode 226: The Power Of Unity: Robert Cialdini Expands His Best Selling Book Influence: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/cialdini-unity-in-influence/
How to Start a Movement | Dan Sivers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V74AxCqOTvg
Musical Links
Bronksi Beats “Smalltown Boy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88sARuFu-tc
Sleigh Bells “Locust Laced”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzLOcmRRUfg
The National “Light Years”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FQtSn_vak0
Vampire Weekend “This Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwkrrU2WYKg
David Bowie “Ashes to Ashes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyMm4rJemtI
Harry Styles “Watermelon Sugar”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKlD97TnYwM
Billie Ellish “Everything I Wanted”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgBJmlPo8Xw
Taylor Swift “Willow”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsEZmictANA
Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Working and parenting often feel like being pulled in two different directions. But what if we could reframe our thinking and actually appreciate that our experiences in one role can enhance the quality of life in the other. We explore the ways you can reframe your mindset with author and podcaster Yael Schonbrun.
“If we’re able to see that there are opportunities for our roles to feed each other, then we're more likely to to access those experiences and benefit more from them.” ~ Yael Schonbrun, Episode 346
Yael Schonbrun is an assistant professor of psychology at Brown University, a family therapist, and co-host of the podcast Psychologists Off the Clock. In her new book Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like Too Much) Yael offers practical strategies from clinical psychology and social science to better manage the conflict and enhance enrichment in work, parenting, and the balance of these meaningful roles.
Regular listeners will have noticed that co-host of the show, Tim Houlihan is unfortunately off sick for a few episodes of Behavioral Grooves. So on this episode, producer of the show, Mary Kaliff, joins Kurt Nelson for the discussion with Yael. Listeners can jump on social media (Twitter: @THoulihan or LinkedIn) and wish Tim a speedy recovery.
We hope this episode provides you with some practical tools to help you work, parent and thrive. If you do enjoy Behavioral Grooves, please write a short review of the show on your podcast player. Just sharing a short sentence about why you like the show can make it easier for other people to find the podcast.
Topics
(3:32) Welcome and speed round questions.
(8:33) Why parenting is difficult even for experts.
(12:07) How a mindset shift can change how we view our parenting and our work.
(16:00) The questions you can ask yourself to change your mindset.
(19:22) How Yael tapped into her own personal values during a difficult time.
(24:46) Pains live right alongside gains.
(29:32) How Jewish kibbutz communities raised children.
(32:42) Why we need to quit the things that aren’t working.
(36:36) How to nurture more independence in our children.
(40:03) The 3 components of self compassion.
(45:34) Modeling the behavior that you want your kids to develop.
(46:54) What music would Yael take to a desert island?
(48:54) Grooving Session with Kurt and Mary on working, parenting and thriving.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Yael Schonbrun: https://yaelschonbrun.com/
Yael’s book, “Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like Too Much)”: https://amzn.to/3IVEzNk
Growth mindset, Carol Dweck: “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”: https://amzn.to/3J7V9tD
Episode 327, A Proven Way Expectations Can Unlock A More Positive Life | David Robson: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/expectations-and-a-positive-life/
Episode 345, The Tools You Need To Embrace Uncertainty | Nathan and Susannah Harmon Furr: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/tools-to-embrace-uncertainty/
Episode 342: Why Resilience Is More Than Just Bouncing Back | Gabriella Rosen Kellerman MD: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/resilience-more-than-bouncing-back/
Musical Links
Weird Al Yankovic “Another One Rides The Bus”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79QxturUolo
Taylor Swift “Midnight Rain”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odh9ddPUkEY
Monday Feb 27, 2023
Monday Feb 27, 2023
We all face uncertainty at some point in our lives. But do we embrace it or resist it? Our thoughts about uncertainty and ambiguity shape the actions we take when we are faced with change. If we reframe how we view uncertainty, we can rewrite the story we tell ourselves.
“The way we describe something to ourselves and others, shapes how we think, decide and act.”
Our guests on this episode are the most delightful husband and wife team, Nathan Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr who have written a fantastic book together, “The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown”.
Ironically recording this episode has been plagued with uncertainty. Our first attempt, last summer, was bugged with audio issues, and since then we have faced a number of technical glitches. When we finally got a chance to sit down and re-record an interview with them recently, it unfortunately fell at a time that our own Tim Houlihan was unable to join the conversation due to illness. So Kurt Nelson embraced the uncertainty and flew solo on this interview!
We learn from Nathan and Susannah about the types of uncertainty and some of the tools that they have devised to overcome those periods of our lives when everything seems unsure. We know you’ll take away a lot from this discussion, and we encourage you to also read their book which is packed full of useful advice.
One thing we are certain about at Behavioral Grooves is how much we appreciate and rely on the support of you, our wonderful listeners. If you feel able, please join our growing community of Patreon supporters.
Topics
(2:25) Welcome and speed round questions.
(8:20) How achievers step into uncertainty.
(11:05) Planned uncertainty vs. unplanned uncertainty.
(14:30) Uncertainty and possibility are two sides of the same coin.
(21:32) Some of the tools to overcome uncertainty.
(27:54) The possibility quotient.
(33:22) How do uncertainty balancers counteract the unknown?
(36:09) Why we should take more risks with options that inspire us.
(39:32) Breaking down big uncertainties into small steps.
(44:31) Don’t wait until all the pieces are in place.
(47:36) The sustaining tools to help when you need a boost.
(50:38) How emotional hygiene can help you face the ups and downs of uncertainty.
(52:43) The UP School.
(55:13) The musical experience that changed Nathan’s life.
(1:00:54) Grooving Session with Kurt on grabbling with uncertainty.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Nathan and Susannah’s book “The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown”: https://amzn.to/3ZiuXBv
UP: https://www.theupsideofuncertainty.com/
UP School: https://www.theupsideofuncertainty.com/learn
Buckminster Fuller: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckminster_Fuller
Reconstructed Living Labs (RLabs): https://rlabs.org/
Guy Winch, emotional hygiene: https://www.ted.com/talks/guy_winch_why_we_all_need_to_practice_emotional_first_aid?language=en
Musical Links
Vincenzo Lamagna’s adaption of Giselle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27lgUp_FboE&ab_channel=VariousArtists-Topic
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Monday Feb 20, 2023
If you want to incentivize an outcome, don’t just focus on the final reward, hone in on the behavior that will drive the result. Whether we’re motivating our employees, our kids or ourselves, we can all benefit from learning how to effectively drive behavior.
“ Incentives drive behavior. So if you don't get the behaviors right, that's where incentives go off the rail.” ~ James Castello, Episode 344
Our guest on this episode is James Castello, Vice President of Field Operations and Incentive Compensation Practices at TGaS Advisors. TGaS Advisors is one of the leading consultancies focused on the pharmaceutical industry. They provide insights and real world knowledge to hundreds of the leading life science companies around the world.
While this episode is focused on how incentives can be created effectively to reach sales targets, the takeaways from the discussion with Jim can be applied to many aspects of our lives. Be sure to join Kurt and Tim in the Grooving Session in the last portion of the episode, as they summarize the most applicable aspects of the interview.
Topics
(6:25) Welcome and speed round question.
(8:32) Collaboration is just a means to an end.
(10:49) Incentives drive behavior.
(13:44) The influence of the pandemic on incentives.
(17:25) How do you align incentives with behaviors?
(20:05) The importance of language in incentives.
(25:14) What exactly is goal setting?
(33:04) Breaking goals into manageable chunks to remove objections.
(38:54) Do contests work well for driving sales?
(47:00) What music would Jim take to a desert island?
(51:02) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim discussing incentives.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Brain/Shift Journal Shopify: https://www.100behaviors.com/products/the-brain-shift-journal-volume-1
Brain/Shift Journal Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Shift-Journal-1/dp/B0BN2JZBJ2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=brain+shift&qid=1670950820&sr=8-1
James Castello: https://trinitylifesciences.com/our-experts/james-castello/
T-GaS Advisors: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tgas-advisors/
100th Episode of Behavioral Grooves: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/the-100th-episode-celebration-in-philadelphia/
Lake Wobegon Effect: https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/Lake_Wobegon_effect
Musical Links
Bob Dylan “Like a Rollin’ Stone”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwOfCgkyEj0
AC/DC “It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)“: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj_rvLVpqg8&ab_channel=AC%2FDC-Topic
Metallica “Enter Sandman”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD-E-LDc384
![The Myth of the “Relationship Spark” with Logan Ury, featuring guest appearance by Christina Gravert, PhD [Republish]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog2137480/Logan_Ury_-_Behavioral_Grooves_Podcast_1_70r8e_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Monday Feb 13, 2023
First impressions matter but when it comes to dating, don't get blown away by the myth of the "relationship spark". Some people can instead be characterized as a "slow burn"; a person who you like more and more each time. We revisit an episode with dating coach, behavioral scientist and author of How Not To Die Alone, Logan Ury about how to date successfully.
Logan Ury studied psychology at Harvard, was a TED Fellow, then became a behavioral scientist at Google, where she ran Google’s behavioral science team – which we now know as The Irrational Lab. She became a dating coach and is currently the Director of Relationship Science at the dating app Hinge, where she leads a research team dedicated to helping people find love. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and The Atlantic, among a variety of media outlets, including HBO and the BBC.
Aside from those cool things, we wanted to talk to her because she is the author of How To Not Die Alone.
In our conversation with Logan, which was originally recorded in early 2021, we talk about the challenges people face in getting prepared for dating, making the most of their dating experiences, and maintaining great relationships once they’ve landed in one. She shared her insights into how to overcome some of the common hurdles and to make the most out of each phase of the dating life.
We had an interesting discussion about why moving from ‘romanticizer’ or ‘maximizer’ to ‘satisficer’ can make a big difference in your relationships (and in life). We talk about the Monet Effect and how we need to work hard to overcome some of our biggest biases – like the fundamental attribution error and negativity bias.
She was also kind enough to share a little bit about her communal living conditions and her recommendation that we all need more significant others – OSO’s – in these turbulent times.
NOTE #1: The “F” word features prominently in our conversation since it’s in the title of one of her book’s chapters.
NOTE #2: Christina Gravert joined for our Grooving Session as our first-ever Grooving Partner, and you’ll hear her in the introduction, as well. We’re pleased that our good friend was named by Forbes magazine as one of the top behavioral scientists you ought to know. Christina teaches Economics at the University of Copenhagen, is a co-founder of Impactually, a behavioral consultancy, she has been a guest on Behavioral Grooves (episode 16 on creating a Nudge-A-Thon), and was a speaker at Nudge.It North 2021.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Logan Ury: https://www.loganury.com/
“How to Not Die Alone”: https://amzn.to/3JSmDUz
Ira Glass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_Glass
Dan Ariely: https://danariely.com/
Esther Perel: https://www.estherperel.com/
John Gottman, The Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/
Eli Finkel: https://elifinkel.com/
Daniel Gilbert: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Gilbert_(psychologist)
Jane Ebert: https://www.brandeis.edu/facultyguide/person.html?emplid=0fd6834b65b0eddec69f2ab77539fd341d63b270
Alain De Botton “School of Life”: https://www.theschooloflife.com/about-us/faculty/alain-de-botton/
Reiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki
“Algorithms to Live By”: https://algorithmstoliveby.com/
John Nash “A Beautiful Mind”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Forbes_Nash_Jr.
Nicole Prause: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Prause
36 Questions That Lead to Love: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/09/style/no-37-big-wedding-or-small.html
The School of Life books: https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/us/books/
Shelley Archambeau – Episode 204: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/how-shelley-archambeau-flies-like-an-eagle/
Christina Gravert – Episode 16: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/nudge-a-thon-with-dr-christina-gravert/
Christina Gravert, “Online Dating Like a Game Theorist”: https://behavioralscientist.org/online-dating-like-a-game-theorist/
Christina Gravert – Impactually: https://impactually.se/
“10 Behavioral Scientists You Should Know”: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alineholzwarth/2020/10/29/10-behavioral-scientists-you-should-know/?sh=36ad80b442e0
Musical Links
“Hamilton” soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPSWZUExZ8M
Chance the Rapper “Coloring Book”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeChAs-bI3A
Bush “Glycerine”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvXbHN5Gijw%C2%A0
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Monday Feb 06, 2023
There are actually 5 drivers of resilience; optimism, self compassion, cognitive agility, self efficacy and emotional regulation. We dive deep into each of these components and how they play a part in being resilient, with our guest Gabriella Rosen Kellerman MD.
Gabriella is a medical doctor and behavioral science researcher with training in psychiatry and fMRI research. She currently works as Chief Product Officer at BetterUp – a company focused on employee wellbeing. But today’s episode is dedicated to talking about her latest venture - co-writing a new book with none other than the “the father of positive psychology” Martin SeligmanPhD.
Their book, Tomorrowmind: Thriving at Work with Resilience, Creativity, and Connection―Now and in an Uncertain Future is a hopeful look at how to flourish in an uncertain world. By capitalizing on a Tomorrowmind, we can utilize the universal psychological skills for thriving in an uncertain future: resilience and cognitive agility; mattering and purpose; rapid rapport for social support; prospection; and creativity and innovation (PRISM).
Join our insightful and thoughtful conversation with Gabriella to learn how we can adopt a tomorrowmind. And then stick around for our Grooving Session where Tim discusses the part of the interview that sent chills up his spine, and Kurt gets philosophical about what it means to be optimistic.
Topics
(3:24) Welcome and speed round questions.
(5:58) What is a Tomorrowmind?
(7:26) Why are creativity and prospection superpowers?
(10:05) The phases of prospective thinking.
(13:11) Why the right answer can be to ask a different question.
(15:45) What is positivity resonance and why does it matter?
(21:32) What are the consequences of time famine on connection?
(23:17) A story of resilience - Aggie Dunn of Heinz.
(26:55) What exactly does it mean to be resilient?
(29:31) How does self compassion play a part in resilience?
(31:53) The 5 building blocks of resilience.
(34:40) Writing a book with Martin Seligman.
(36:56) What music does Gabriella listen to at home?
(39:40) Grooving Session with Tim and Kurt on Tomorrowmind.
Links
Tomorrowmind: Thriving at Work with Resilience, Creativity, and Connection―Now and in an Uncertain Future: https://amzn.to/3jnu9Mt
Episode 31, Leaving the Matrix: Annie Duke and Insights into how you can improve your thinking! https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/leaving-the-matrix-annie-duke-and-insights-into-how-you-can-improve-your-thinking/
Episode 225, Behind NOISE and Beyond The Book: Linnea Gandhi Shares her New Course on Noise: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/behind-noise-linnea-gandhi/
Episode 283, Is The Anus Really The Key To All Intelligent Life? | Henry Gee: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/anus-the-key-to-intelligent-life/
Growth After Trauma by Richard G. Tedeschi: https://hbr.org/2020/07/growth-after-trauma
Episode 214, Observing the Non-Obvious: How to Spot Trends Around You with Rohit Bhargava: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/the-non-obvious-rohit-bhargava/
Musical Links
Nickel creek “Reasons Why”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lyZQB1H_Zw
Bach “Piano Concerto in D Minor”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_yGiFHbQR0
Pharrell Williams “Happy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbZSe6N_BXs
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Monday Jan 30, 2023
“Brands really matter, when and only when they matter to consumers. And this is fundamentally a question of human connection.” ~ Matt Johnson
To get under the skin of how branding works, what makes it effective and how to build a successful brand, we talk with Matt Johnson PhD, who is an expert on the human side of business. Matt is a speaker, researcher, and writer specializing in the application of psychology and neuroscience to marketing. We discuss everything from the difference of brand strategy, brand personality and brand meaning, all the way to how brands can get involved in activism.
“What determines if you're a great brand is if your values and your attributes and your characteristics resonate with your target market.” ~ Matt Johnson
Our conversation doesn’t just appeal to marketers, however. In our usual lighthearted style, Kurt and Tim touch on Matt’s love of Arsenal, his appreciation for pumpkin spice lattes, and the music that helps him come up with creative ideas.
As a former guest on Behavioral Grooves, we are delighted to welcome Matt back to discuss branding and marketing. Matt’s recent book, “Branding that Means Business: How to Build Enduring Bonds between Brands, Consumers and Markets” which is co-written with Tessa Misiaszek, provides a really informative overview of the application of marketing in organizations. Listen in to this episode to get a flavor for the expertise that Matt brings to his field.
Behavioral Grooves relies on the support of listeners. If you’d like to be part of the community of supporters of the show, please visit our Patreon page.
Topics
(5:27) Welcome and speed round questions.
(11:48) Why branding is at a crossroads now.
(15:30) What is the difference between brand strategy, brand personality and brand meaning?
(18:45) Why are some brands better at connecting with people?
(25:39) The intersection of neuroscience and marketing.
(27:47) Why Matt thinks we should steer away from the word consumer.
(30:20) How the communication landscape has changed branding.
(34:21) Social identity in branding.
(37:45) How brands can play a part in activism without becoming tribal.
(45:51) Can brands break through the noise?
(48:26) What music would Matt take to a desert island?
(53:10) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim discussing branding.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Behavioral Grooves on LinkedIn: Behavioral Grooves
Behavioral Grooves on Twitter: @behavioralgroov
Behavioral Grooves on YouTube: Behavioral Grooves
Behavioral Grooves on Instagram: @behavioralgrooves
Behavioral Grooves on Facebook: Behavioral Grooves
Send Behavioral Grooves an Email: info@behavioralgrooves.com
Support Behavioral Grooves on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves
Matt’s book, co-written with Tessa Misiaszek, “Branding that Means Business: How to Build Enduring Bonds between Brands, Consumers and Markets”: https://amzn.to/3Jk2zdL
Matt’s blog “Neuroscience Of”: https://www.neuroscienceof.com/branding-blog
Episode 177, Matt Johnson & Prince Ghuman on Mid-Liminal Marketing and the Ethics of Applied Neuroscience: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/matt-johnson-prince-ghuman-on-mid-liminal-marketing-and-the-ethics-of-applied-neuroscience/
Episode 235, Make Choice Rewarding: Behavioral Insights in Marketing with Matthew Willcox: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/marketing-matthew-willcox/
Musical Links
The Beatles “Don’t Let Me Down”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCtzkaL2t_Y
Pierre Boulez “Livres Pour Cordes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omeOdqO05W4&ab_channel=EuroArtsChannel
Monday Jan 23, 2023
Monday Jan 23, 2023
Context heavily influences our behavior (regular listeners of the show know our “context matters” mantra well!). Sometimes, because of what life throws at us, we have to re-evaluate our options. The best choice isn’t always the perfect choice.
For instance, in an ideal world, we might be planning a 5 mile run after work. But instead we need to collect our sick child from school early and have to settle for a 2 mile run on the treadmill in the basement, or some dancing in the kitchen while we unload the dishwasher. It’s the perfect, imperfect choice, or what our guest, Michelle Segar calls The Joy Choice.
Michelle Segar PhD is an award-winning lifestyle coach and sustainable behavior change researcher at the University of Michigan. For nearly three decades, she has pioneered methods to create sustainable healthy behavior change that are being used to boost patient health, employee well-being, and gym membership retention.
“My approach to creating sustainable change is fundamentally grounded in changing people's mindsets.” ~ Michelle Segar PhD
In this episode, we are lucky enough to talk to Michelle about her new book, “The Joy Choice: How to Finally Achieve Lasting Changes in Eating and Exercise”. We discuss why Michelle steers away from habits as a way of framing behavior change, the role of the executive function, and of course, how music influences her life.
Topics
(3:20) Welcome and speed round questions.
(7:31) Why we all need to find The Joy Choice.
(14:26) Why do we beat ourselves up about missing exercise and diet goals?
(17:35) How our identity can motivate our behavior change.
(20:22) The shortcomings of the habit loop.
(25:10) The role of the executive function in our decision making.
(30:45) To what degree do mindsets, belief systems and branding play?
(35:58) How the TRAP and POP models help us with selecting The Joy Choice.
(43:36) How Michelle finds joy in music.
(48:02) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on The Joy Choice.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Michelle Segar: https://michellesegar.com/
Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelsegar/
“The Joy Choice: How to Finally Achieve Lasting Changes in Eating and Exercise”: https://amzn.to/3GTve6m
It’s Time to Unhabit and Think Critically About Whether Habit Formation Has Been Over Valued as a Behavior Change Strategy Within Health Promotion: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/08901171221125326f
Episode 277, No Regrets? Really? Why Regrets Actually Bring Us Hope | Daniel H. Pink: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/why-regrets-bring-us-hope/
Episode 327, A Proven Way Expectations Can Unlock A More Positive Life | David Robson: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/why-regrets-bring-us-hope/
Episode 307, Groove Track | Mind Over Milkshakes: Why Expectations Matter A Lot: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/mind-over-milkshakes-groove-track/
Zingermans in Ann Arbor, MI: https://www.zingermansdeli.com/
Musical Links
Earth, wind and fire “September”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk