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 Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
This week, we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Bob McKinnon, host of the Attribution podcast and author of America's Dreaming. Bob unpacks the complex factors that determine success and failure, drawing from his own experiences and broader societal influences. He challenges the "fundamental attribution error," where we often credit personal effort over external factors, and how this bias can distort our perceptions of ourselves and others. Through powerful stories, Bob discusses how systemic barriers and limiting beliefs shape life outcomes, emphasizing the need to recognize the roles of luck, privilege, and social connections in our narratives.
Bob, Kurt and Tim explore the ethics of marketing, the overlooked influence of luck in success, and how reframing our stories can foster empathy. With insights into everything from historical injustices to the power of music and storytelling, Bob offers listeners a fresh perspective on the importance of compassionate curiosity in bridging social divides by creating more inclusive conversations. Tune in to discover how understanding attribution can change the way we see the world—and ourselves.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Intro
[6:03] Speed round
[9:18] Factors contributing to success/failure
[13:53] Attribution and how it affects perceptions and behaviors
[19:21] Attribution error and its impact on behavior and success
[29:30] Success, privilege, and race in America
[35:00] Land grants, race, and attribution
[46:35] Empathy, storytelling, and judging less to improve relationships
[54:00] Music, identity, and belonging
[1:00:29] Grooving session: Attribution and luck in success
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
The Random Factor by Mark Rank
America’s Surprising Views on Inequality
American Dream Score - Bob’s Quiz
America’s Dreaming - Bob McKinnon
Musical Links
Neil Diamond - I am…I said
Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
Luke Combs - Fast Car
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Double the Episodes, Double the Insights! This week, Kurt and Tim are back at it, diving deeper into the world of habits, rituals, and routines. In this special double episode, they take us on a journey through the fascinating neuroscience of habit formation, unpacking how the basal ganglia in our brains can shape our behaviors—for better or worse (cue ominous music…).
The discussion moves beyond the basics, examining how our habitual actions can both enhance and sometimes limit our ability to fully experience life’s spontaneous pleasures. Kurt and Tim explore the delicate balance between the comfort of routine and the thrill of novelty, offering fresh perspectives on how to be more intentional about the habits we cultivate.
But it’s not all theory—this is Behavioral Grooves, after all! The hosts dish out practical strategies for breaking bad habits, like adding friction to disrupt automatic behaviors and swapping out old routines for new, more desirable ones. They also remind us that the road to healthy habits is paved with patience, self-compassion, and a steady focus on personal growth.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] How we form good and bad habits
[5:09] Do habits and routines impact life's novelty?
[11:04] Breaking bad habits and creating new ones
[16:58] Habits, routines, and rituals for personal growth
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Ever wonder why some habits stick effortlessly while others feel impossible to maintain?
In this episode, Kurt and Tim explore the powerful forces of habits, routines, and rituals that shape our daily lives. They dig into what habits are, how they form, and why they're so hard to change. From understanding the role of cues and rewards to distinguishing between habits and routines, Kurt and Tim break down the science and strategies behind these everyday behaviors. They also discuss the importance of starting small, aligning habits with your values, and the often overlooked difference between habits and rituals.
Whether you're looking to kick an old habit or start a new one, this episode offers practical advice and thought-provoking insights. And stay tuned for part two, where they’ll tackle the tricky topic of ending unwanted habits!
Topics
[0:00] Welcome to a solo-sode with Kurt and Tim!
[4:17] Habits and routines: The nuance
[10:45] What differentiates a habit from a routine?
[17:19] Habits, routines, and rituals
[24:36] How to create motivation and achieve goals
[31:32] Creating new habits
[35:07] The key to consistency, grace, and personal growth
Links
Charles Duhigg - The Power of Habit
Wendy Wood - Good Habits, Bad Habits
Brain/Shift Journal: Habits and Goals
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
“Here is a small fact: You are going to die.” – Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
This week, Kurt and Tim confront death. Well - they confront death and Jodi Wellman, author of “You Only Die Once” in a lively discussion on how we can use mortality as a motivator for living life to the fullest. Wellman bring an irreverent humor to the conversation, as well as inspiring insights on how we can prioritize joy and find meaning in our daily lives.
The trio dives into the heart of Wellman’s philosophy and explores the idea that life is about more than ticking off a to-do lists or sticking to routings. With a mix of anecdotes and insights, they explore how we can shake things up and be more intentional with our time. After all, we only have so many Mondays left to live!
In their grooving session, Kurt opens up about how a brush with death can remind us of life’s preciousness. As they wrap up, they emphasize how the power of gratitude and the importance of connecting with loved ones can help us do more than just breathe - but actually live. Whether it’s finding joy in the everyday or reaching out to someone you’ve lost touch with, the episode is a reminder that living fully means being present, purposeful and - at times - a little irreverent.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] How often do you think about death?
[4:33] Introduction and speed round
[10:11] The importance of intentional living
[15:13] Identifying goals and prioritizing personal desires
[22:58] Breaking free from autopilot
[28:17] Near-death experiences
[38:00] Vitality, meaning, and well-being
[43:53] Finding meaning and purpose through self-reflections
[56:20] Confronting death and prioritizing life
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Why Some People Love Sad Music
You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets
Musical Links
Jason Isbell “If We Were Vampires”
Dave Matthews Band “Satellite”
The Cure “Friday I’m in Love”
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
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.
While facts alone may not sway emotions, personal stories can be far more persuasive than statistics. By integrating personal connections into our interactions, we can enhance both personal and professional relationships. Approaching conversations with honesty, precision, and a focus on growth not only improves our communication but also enriches our connections, potentially transforming every aspect of our lives.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[1:10] Welcome back, David!
[3:32] Intro and speed round
[8:10] Misconceptions about connecting with strangers
[15:04] The importance of social connections
[23:48] The art of successful conversation
[29:14] Creating a shared reality
[32:49] Effective communication strategies for disagreements
[36:47] Using personal experience to persuade others
[40:22] Effective feedback delivery
[52:00] 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
Musical Links
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Mythbusters or Behavioral Grooves? This week, we step back in time with Kurt and Tim (2023) to tackle the common belief that willpower alone is enough to achieve your goals. They delve into the critical roles that environment and routines play in goal attainment. Through engaging real-life examples, they demonstrate how small adjustments in your physical and social surroundings can simplify desired behaviors and reduce the need for sheer willpower.
Routines are essential for success, providing the structure needed to support your goals. Tim and Kurt offer practical strategies for minimizing friction and sustaining motivation. By establishing effective routines, you can make goal-oriented behaviors more automatic and less reliant on willpower.
In this republished episode, listeners get to join Kurt and Tim as they groove on the topic, offering actionable advice and insights on creating an environment and routine that support your goals. Tune in to learn how to set yourself up for success with these expert tips.
Topics
[1:25] Willpower is a muscle
[4:12] Making your environment work for you
[7:39] Clutter is distracting
[11:36] Routines and habits
[16:06] Routines that help us achieve our goals
Links
McMains & Kastner (2011), “Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex”
Wendy Wood, “Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick”
Katy Milkman, “How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be”
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Is AI about to take over the world, or is it simply…misunderstood?
Tim takes on a solo-sode with guest Ben Manning, a PhD candidate at MIT who is currently writing a thesis on the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. They explore the intricacies of AI, defining key terms, and discussing the hierarchy within AI, machine learning, and large language models. From spell check to ChatGPT, the world of AI is diverse and ever-expanding, and Ben explains the potential of AI to assist fields like behavioral science and beyond.
From healthcare to finance, AI has the potential to benefit various fields, but it’s not without it’s limitations. There’s a certain way we can all embrace this technology and understand where and how is the best place to use it.
Kurt jumps back into the game in this week’s grooving session, where he and Tim reflect on the conversation, highlighting key takeaways and discussing their own perspectives on AI. They emphasize the importance of embracing AI for its potential, and not being scared of the “unknown” it presents.
All hail our robot overlords!
Kidding, but tune in this week for a great conversation on a modern invention, and how it applies to our everyday lives.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Quick announcements for Behavioral Grooves!
[6:35] Intro and speed round
[10:27] AI, psychology, and behavioral science
[16:46] Using machine learning in psychology experiments
[21:34] Using AI to study behavior: Benefits and limitations
[28:33] AI in machine learning and desert island music
[30:57] Grooving session: The future of AI - we're nervous but excited
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Large Language Models as Simulated Economic Agents: What we can learn from Homo Silicus
Behavioral Grooves - Sign up for our newsletter!
Musical Links
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Budget hotel or 5-star experience? Pack a lunch or grab it to-go? Save your money or spend it? Are you a tightwad or a spendthrift?
Scott Rick, author of "Tightwads and Spendthrifts," joins Kurt and Tim on this week’s episode to discuss all things related to personal finance and our relationship with money. Scott explains the distinctions between tightwads and spendthrifts, detailing how these traits influence your financial habits and impact your life and relationships. Through his expertise, Scott offers listeners a unique window into understanding their spending habits and finding the right balance between saving and spending.
The episode also addresses the challenges couples face when they have different financial personalities. Scott and Kurt suggest strategies for maintaining harmony, highlighting the significance of financial compatibility and its effect on overall happiness in a relationship. If you thought gift-giving was just a love language, think again! Scott emphasizes the importance of thoughtful gift-giving and understanding the recipient's preferences, shedding light on how spendthrifts and tightwads approach gifts differently and the significance of effort and sacrifice in making gifts meaningful.
Tune in for this insightful conversation with Scott Rick, packed with valuable insights to help you navigate your financial journey. Whether you’re a spendthrift, tightwad, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a wealth (pun intended) of knowledge to enhance your understanding of personal finance and relationships.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[4:46] Introduction and speed round
[7:00] Money Management and spending habits
[13:00] Tightwads, spendthrifts, and finding balance
[17:47] How budgeting helps both groups
[22:08] Avoiding financial friction in marriage
[33:43] The financial importance of gift-giving
[37:32] Financial transparency and accountability in relationships
[44:19] Desert Island music
[46:22] Grooving Session - relationships, finance, and finding balance
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships
Tightwads vs Spendthrifts Quiz
Is Joint Banking the Key to a Happy Marriage?
Musical Links
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Take a deep breath. Step outside. Smell the coffee. Tune in to Behavioral Grooves.
This week, Kurt and Tim sit down with Emma Seppälä, author of "Sovereign," to discuss the importance of understanding and embracing our emotions, practicing self-compassion, and relying on intuition in our decision-making process. In this empowering conversation, Emma emphasizes the transformative power of self-compassion and self-love in our daily lives.
Do you have trouble accepting praise from others? Is your tendency toward self-criticism too automatic? Sometimes, we need to step outside ourselves and reconnect with the world around us to practice gratitude, change our perspective, and erase negative self-talk to improve our mental well-being.
If you’re seeking more agency in life or starting a journey of personal growth, tune in to learn about the impact of self-compassion on relationships and happiness and the importance of intuition in decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving. Join us as we explore these themes and more, offering actionable steps to reclaim your freedom, energy, and power in today’s hectic world.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[3:30] Thanks to our listeners!
[6:37] Intro and speed round
[11:05] Self-awareness and personal growth
[19:02] Why does society focus on criticism more than praise?
[26:29] Intuition and its role in decision-making
[35:07] Meditation and mindfulness for emotional intelligence
[40:00] Gratitude and mental health
[47:02] Desert Island music
[49:05] Grooving Session: Positivity, praise, and work-life balance
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Sarah Glenister, Australasian Change Days
Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos
Musical Links
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Ancient Chant for Healing & Peace
Indian Flute Music, Compilation
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
This week on Behavioral Grooves, things get personal – or at least professionally personal – as Kurt and Tim are joined by Becky Frayer, founder and CEO of Behavioral Fusion. Becky shares valuable tips and strategies for overcoming challenges in large organizations and explores the practical applications of behavioral science in the business world.
Throughout their discussion, Kurt, Tim, and Becky emphasize the importance of applying behavioral science practices in the workplace. They explain how storytelling and reassurance can be powerful tools for navigating corporate environments. Through personal anecdotes and real-world examples, the trio reveals how to overcome common work obstacles and integrate healthy behavioral science practices into your company’s everyday routine.
Whether you're a skeptic or an embracer of behavioral science, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on using behavioral science principles to drive business growth and improve decision-making. Tune in to hear about the fascinating journey of applying behavioral science in corporate America and gain new perspectives on consumer behavior and organizational dynamics.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[2:42] Intro and speed round
[6:42] Consumer behavior and decision-making in the pharmaceutical industry
[13:30] Using behavioral science to understand consumer behavior
[17:56] Applying behavioral science in business
[27:51] Challenges and insights: applying behavioral science at work
[33:22] The importance of understanding human behavior
[37:54] Desert island music
[40:59] Grooving Session: Using behavioral science insights to drive business success
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Building Behavioral Science Capabilities in Your Company