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 Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
What if personality traits deemed “negative” were actually the key to success? In this captivating conversation, former Google exec and author of Wild Courage, Jenny Wood, challenges us to redefine traits like “weird,” “selfish,” and even “manipulative” into powerful strengths. Discover how “nosiness” can spark meaningful connections, “brutal honesty” can establish essential boundaries, and strategic “window-gazing” can unlock breakthroughs in work and life. With humor, actionable tips, and even a surprising oatmeal cookie recipe, this episode will help you embrace your unique path to success.
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Introduction
[2:07] Speed Round with Jenny Wood
[4:34] Jenny’s experience with Wild Courage
[16:52] Challenging Traditional Definitions of Traits
[23:03] Practical Applications of Traits in the Workplace
[39:38] The Importance of Being Brutal
[43:23] Playing to Win
[50:34] Grooving Session: The Role of Language and Cultural Shifts
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It by Jenny Wood
Musical Links
Lin-Manuel Miranda - The Room Where It Happens
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
Pink Floyd - The Great Gig in The Sky
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what puts the “Groove” in Behavioral Grooves, this episode has the answer!
We’re diving headfirst into the mesmerizing world of music with the legendary John Bargh to tackle the ultimate question: If you could sit in on the recording of any album in history, which one would you choose?
From the legendary sessions at Island Records to the eternal brilliance of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven, we explore the artistry, spontaneity, and sheer magic behind music’s most iconic moments. Whether you’re a die-hard classic rock fan or just curious about the creative process, this episode will take you straight to the heart of music’s golden age.
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
We Made a Playlist for You!
Check out all the artists we discussed this week, here
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
What if every digital interaction you had—every like, purchase, or GPS ping—could be used to create a detailed map of who you are? Sandra Matz, a leading behavioral scientist and data researcher, joins us to explore the fascinating world of behavioral residue, the digital traces we leave behind, and their profound impact on our lives.
This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of psychology, technology, and ethics, offering thought-provoking ideas for anyone interested in the future of data and its role in shaping our behavior and society.
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] - Introduction to Sandra Matz and the concept of behavioral residue.
[4:46] - Speed Round with Sandra Matz
[10:20] - Algorithms vs. human predictions of behavior.
[28:11] - How marketing firms adopted psychological profiling.
[34:56] - Personalized ads: A 55% increase in purchases.
[40:04] - Using data to improve savings habits and mental health.
[44:52] - The concept of echo chamber swaps to reduce polarization.
[49:30] - What lies ahead: Regulation, data co-ops, and taming the digital storm.
[55:18] - Desert Island Music
[57:59] - Grooving Session: Asking for more control over personal data.
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Mindmasters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior
Musical Links
Taylor Swift - Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
Kolektiv Turmstrasse - Sorry I Am Late
Linkin Park - The Emptiness Machine
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
How can a tiny fly in an airport urinal transform human behavior?
This week, we sit down with Eva van den Broek and Tim den Heijer, authors of The Housefly Effect, to uncover how subtle environmental cues can shape our decisions in powerful and surprising ways.
With Eva’s expertise in behavioral economics and Tim’s background in advertising, they reveal the fascinating impact nudges have on our daily lives. From casino design to placebo crosswalk buttons, the world around us is filled with real-life applications of behavioral science that influence our behavior—even when we know they’re at play.
Join us for practical tips, captivating stories, and thought-provoking insights into how these small interventions can make a big difference in your life. So sit back, relax, and discover the invisible forces of behavioral science all around you.
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Intro - Flies in Urinals?
[6:57] Speed Round with Eva and Tim
[10:58] Exploring the House Fly Effect
[22:07] Why Knowing About Nudges Doesn’t Stop Them
[32:20] Regulating Nudges in Online Casinos
[41:36] Personal Applications of Behavioral Science
[50:37] Desert Island Music
[56:17] Grooving Session: The Bigger Picture of Behavioral Science
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
Links
The Housefly Effect: How Nudge Psychology Steers Your Everyday Behaviour
Illusion of control: Why the world is full of buttons that don’t work
Musical Links
David Bowie - Space Oddity
Prince - When Doves Cry
Arooj Aftab - Mehram
Benjamin Britten - Mozart: Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K.183 - 1. Allegro con brio
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Happy New Year, Groovers!
The start of a new year often brings fresh goals, ambitious resolutions, and a renewed sense of motivation. But what’s the psychology behind this goal-oriented mindset? In our first episode of the year, we’re joined by Dr. Ayelet Fishbach, a renowned expert in behavioral science, to explore the science of achieving goals and rethink the traditional belief that success is all about willpower.
Whether you’re a leader looking to energize your team, a professional pursuing career aspirations, or someone striving to stay on track with personal resolutions, this episode will inspire you to think differently about motivation. Discover how to align your efforts with purpose, make progress more enjoyable, and build lasting momentum to achieve meaningful goals in the year ahead.
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Motivation and Willpower - a New Perspective with Ayelet Fishbach
[3:19] The Marshmallow Test and Its Misinterpretation
[7:52] Meta Motivation and Its Implications
[14:28] The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
[18:17] Problems Around Goal Achievement
[32:41] The Important of Aspirational Goals
[42:58] Strategies for Overcoming the Problem of "the Middle"
[48:33] Key Takeaways
Links
Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation
Motivation Isn’t About Being Strong, It’s About Being Wise
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Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Happy Holidays from Behavioral Grooves!
We're taking a week off to get ready for all the new and exciting content we have in store for our listeners coming in 2025. If you'd like to help us make next year's show amazing please help us by filling out the Behavioral Grooves survey here!
In the meantime, please enjoy this republish of one of our favorite episode this year, enjoy!
How can we turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and connection?
In this episode, Kurt and Tim dive into the science of meaningful conversations with David Robson, author of The Laws of Connection. Together, they explore how to deepen our understanding and build stronger connections with the people around us. Disagreements don’t have to signal the end of a conversation. Instead, with compassionate curiosity and a willingness to listen, we can turn them into constructive dialogues that bridge divides.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] A message from Tim
[3:05] Welcome back, David!
[5:27] Intro and speed round
[10:05] Misconceptions about connecting with strangers
[16:59] The importance of social connections
[25:43] The art of successful conversation
[31:09] Creating a shared reality
[34:44] Effective communication strategies for disagreements
[38:42] Using personal experience to persuade others
[42:17] Effective feedback delivery
[53:55] Grooving session: Building connections, overcoming fear, and improving relationships
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Kwame Christian’s “Compassionate Curiosity” approach
Trotsky’s principle on empathy and statistics
Music Links
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Want to help us improve Behavioral Grooves? Take our listener survey here!
Looking for your next great read? We’ve got you covered!
It’s time for our annual Best Books episode, where we share the standout reads that inspired and informed us this year. We’ve organized our picks into four categories—Leadership, Work Life, Relationships, and Critical Thinking—to help you find the perfect book for your personal or professional journey.
Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, practical insights, or even a last-minute gift, this curated list has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the year’s most impactful reads and get ready to turn the page on some life-changing ideas!
©2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Welcome back to Best Books!
[2:37] Best Books for Leadership
[11:56] Best Books for Work Life
[19:23] Best Books for Relationships
[30:05] Best Books for Critical Thinking
[43:18] Wrap up - Happy Holidays from Behavioral Grooves!
©2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Both and Thinking by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis
The Friction Project by Huggy Rao and Robert Sutton
Likable Badass by Alison Green
Is Your Work Worth It? by Christopher Michaelson and Jennifer Tosti-Kharas
Burnout Immunity by Kandi Wiens
The Ritual Effect by Mike Norton
Tightwads and Spendthrifts by Scott Rick
The Laws of Connection by David Robson
12 Questions for Love by Topaz Adizes
May Contain Lies by Alex Edmonds
You Only Die Once by Jody Wellman
Third Millennium Thinking by Saul Perlmutter, Robert M. Coon, and John Campbell
A Year of Living Constitutionally by AJ Jacobs
Musical Links
Kurt's Song of the Year: Ren - Money Ties
Tim's Song of the Year: Lake Street Dive - Nick of Time
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
If you could spend a whole day with any historical figure, who would it be—and why? In this solo-sode of Groove Jams, we dive into this fascinating question, blending philosophy, psychology, and a bit of fun as we unpack our companion picks.
From deep questions to unexpected lessons, we explore the impact of history’s iconic figures and the timeless wisdom they could offer. Who would you choose? Tune in for a playful and thought-provoking journey into the "what ifs" of history.
Check out the video version of this episode on YouTube!
Want to win a free book? Write us a review, screenshot it, and send it to our producer caroline@behavioralgrooves.com for your chance to win!
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
©2024 Behavioral Grooves
Want to win a free book? Write us a review, screenshot it, and send it to our producer caroline@behavioralgrooves.com for your chance to win!
Topics
[0:00] Introduction and a Behavioral Grooves giveaway!
[6:59] Speed Round with Israa Nasir
[12:36] Red Flags of Toxic Productivity
[18:04] Slowing Down to Speed Up
[24:47] Generational and Social Influences
[30:07] Myths of Productivity
[35:00] Emotional Awareness and Self-Reflection
[45:23] Practical Advice for Avoiding Toxic Productivity
[53:01] Desert Island Music
[57:50] Grooving Session: Awareness, slowing down, and finding balance
©2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Take the Behavioral Grooves Survey!
Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More
The Spotlight Effect and Social Anxiety
Musical Links
Ella Fitzgerald - Summertime
John Mayer - Free Fallin’
Ghazal Music - Rafta Rafta Wo Meri
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Have you ever felt stuck between two seemingly opposite choices or found yourself seeing the world in absolutes? This week, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy Smith, author of Both/And Thinking, to uncover how embracing paradoxes can help us tackle life’s toughest problems. Wendy shares how shifting from an “either/or” to a “both/and” mindset can unlock better decision-making, foster creativity, and provide solutions to today’s complex challenges—from personal dilemmas to organizational leadership.
In our Grooving Session, we dive deeper into the concept of “both/and” thinking and explore its applications in leadership, personal decision-making, and workplace dynamics. We examine the evolutionary roots of black-and-white thinking and discuss why embracing nuance is more important than ever in our interconnected world. Whether you’re navigating hybrid work policies, parenting challenges, or major life decisions, this perspective offers a fresh lens to solve problems both big and small.
The easiest choice you’ll make today? Saying yes to this episode! Join us for an insightful conversation with Wendy and find out why even ice cream dilemmas are worth a second thought.
©2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Introduction - Ice Cream Dilemmas and Both/And Thinking
[6:14] Speed round with Wendy Smith
[14:22] Understanding Paradoxes and Both/And Thinking
[23:19] Practical Applications of Both/And Thinking
[33:25] Challenges and Emotional Complexity
[40:12] Using Both/And Thinking in Leadership and Personal Life
[45:58] Desert Island Music
[47:42] Grooving Session: How to Embrace Both/And Thinking in Your Everyday Life
©2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems
Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman
Musical Links
The Clash - Should I Stay or Should I Go
Wicked - Defying Gravity