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 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
So many voices, who do we listen to? The loudest, most senior or most popular voice?
Our lives are rife with pivotal moments yet it’s harder to get decisions right. However, amidst this whirlwind, we at Behavioral Grooves recently made a resounding decision – to tune in and sit down with a guest who could help us untangle the intricacies of decision-making in the modern noisy world.
Enter Nuala Walsh, the insightful author of “Tune In – How to Make Smarter Decisions in a Noisy World”. Joining Kurt and Tim, she delves deep into the labyrinth of misjudgement, reveals the ten PERIMETERS™ traps dissecting the cognitive mechanisms that stop us hearing the voices that really matter. In this illuminating dialogue, the trio navigates the idea of psychological ‘deaf spots’ – why we tune out and offers pragmatic strategies for becoming a more powerful and influential Decision Ninja.
Discover the significance of concepts like ‘tuning in’ versus ‘tuning out’, and how our biases can be exacerbated by unchecked information filtering and neglected interpretation. Arm yourself with the revolutionary SONIC framework and explore the notion of ‘decision friction’.
Throughout the conversation, Walsh provides fascinating examples and actionable insights to recalibrate our thought processes towards more deliberate and well-considered judgement calls. Judgment isn’t taught but it is assumed especially in positions of power.
As always, our episode culminates in a Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim, where they bare personal anecdotes of cognitive biases and memory lapses – showcasing the myriad ways our judgment can be swayed.
Whether you’re grappling with a monumental decision or not, this episode is a must-listen for all. Don’t fall victim to the narrow thinking of the PERIMETERS effect – tune in and make more socially responsible decisions, not just to protect your career but to save time, money and lives.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[5:50] Introduction and Speed Round
[10:42] Tuning in/out in a noisy world
[15:13] Decision-making and the impact of individual choices
[19:48] Ethics and whistleblowers
[22:57] Cognitive biases and judgment traps
[30:14] Decision-making strategies and mindset
[37:01] Desert island music choices
[40:39] Grooving session: Attention, focus, and savoring everyday moments
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Global Association of Applied Behavioral Sciences
Course: The Science of Well-Being
Musical Links
Celine Dion “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now”
Bruce Springsteen “Dancing in the Dark”
Depeche Mode “Enjoy the Silence”
Sunday Mar 17, 2024
Sunday Mar 17, 2024
March always feels like one of those months where you hit a slump. Work is back in full force, there are no holidays in sight, and life can start to feel a bit overwhelming like you can’t catch a break. In other words, if you’re reading this, you might be feeling burnt out.
But what exactly is burnout? Is it real? Or is it just a dramatic way of saying “I’m tired”? Join Kurt and Tim as they chat with Dr. Kandi Wiens, author of Burnout Immunity, about the very real psychological syndrome of burnout and how it can affect our day-to-day lives. In this episode, Dr. Wiens explores the symptoms of burnout and teaches us how we can build immunity to burnout through emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
In this insightful interview, Dr. Wiens emphasizes the signs of escalating stress levels and offers practical and easily implementable strategies for stress management in your daily life. Fighting burnout isn't just about a quick fix; it's about reevaluating work priorities and self-perception—and yes, the role of music in emotional regulation, much to Tim's joy!
The episode winds down with a grooving session between Kurt and Tim, where they discuss how they’ve experienced burnout in their own lives and offer listeners actionable steps to safeguarding against burnout and fostering emotional resilience in the workplace and beyond. If you are feeling at risk for burnout or have experienced it in the past, you won’t want to miss this episode!
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[3:58] Introduction and Speed Round
[6:02] Burnout and common symptoms associated with it
[15:25] Workplace burnout and generational differences
[20:05] Strategies for avoiding burnout
[29:57] Managing stress and uncertainty at work
[34:26] Emotional intelligence, self-care, and negative self-talk
[39:47] Music’s role in emotional regulation
[44:56] Grooving session: Burnout, stress, and language
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Musical Links
Garth Brooks “The Dance”
Dave Matthews Band “Ants Marching”
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
We’re back to our regularly scheduled program this week and full of energy - or should we say Energy Rising?
Join Kurt and Tim as they embark on a captivating exploration of emotional intelligence in this episode featuring Dr. Julia DiGangi, author of "Energy Rising." Delve into the intricate relationship between neuroscience and emotions as Dr. DiGangi uncovers the transformative potential of understanding our emotional landscape.
Discover how our emotions serve as the catalyst for our actions and choices, and why confronting emotional discomfort is crucial for personal evolution. Dr. DiGangi advocates for embracing uncertainty and anxiety, highlighting how these experiences can foster deeper connections, self-awareness, and confidence.
Through insightful analysis, Kurt and Tim delve into Dr. DiGangi’s perspectives on trauma recovery, the incremental growth of emotional intelligence, and the significance of starting small to build resilience gradually. As they say, you don’t start skiing on a black diamond – it’s all about mastering the bunny slope first (unless, of course, you’re Kurt, but that’s a story for another podcast).
If you’re seeking inspiration to push beyond your comfort zone and challenge your own stagnation, tune in to glean wisdom from Dr. DiGangi on how to fortify your resilience and elevate your energy. Discover the transformative power of emotional intelligence and witness your energy soar.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[5:52] Intro and Speed Round
[8:55] Emotional pain and how it impacts our lives
[13:54] Emotional intelligence and decision-making
[24:17] Embracing pain for personal growth
[32:36] How emotions impact our nervous system
[38:11] Trauma, healing, and the intersection of science and faith
[48:40] Desert Island music
[50:23] Grooving Session: Emotions, risk, and uncertainty
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
John Bowby’s Attachment Theory
Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power
Musical Links
The Eagles “Hotel California”
John Mayer “Gravity”
Don Henley “The Boys of Summer”
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
In their final wrap-up, Kurt and Tim reflect on their recent series "They Thought We Were Ridiculous" and the insightful conversations they shared with leading figures in behavioral economics.
Throughout this engaging discussion, they delve into how small, dedicated groups have catalyzed significant shifts in both thought and practice within the field. They emphasize that behavioral economics didn't emerge fully developed; rather, it required the combined efforts of brilliant minds, collaboration, and unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity to shape the impactful field we know today.
During the episode, Kurt and Tim stress the importance of effecting change from within existing systems and encourage listeners to identify and capitalize on fortunate opportunities. Success isn't by chance - it often hinges on embracing uncertainty and seizing unforeseen circumstances.
Tune in for invaluable insights into the evolution of behavioral economics and discover actionable strategies for driving meaningful change in your own pursuits. Don't miss this exciting conclusion to our series—a compelling exploration of human behavior and the transformative potential of collaboration and perseverance.
Whole Series Available Now!
Episode 2: Importing Psychology
Episode 3: Children of Unlikely Parents
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Join Kurt and Tim as they exhale a collective sigh of relief and take a moment to reflect on the completion of their monumental project, "They Thought We Were Ridiculous" (available now! Wherever you listen to podcasts).
In this captivating conversation, Kurt and Tim delve into the wealth of insights they've gleaned from their immersive and unexpectedly prolonged journey into the annals of behavioral economics history. From navigating the intricacies of managing a side project within a side project to riding the tumultuous waves of multi-party collaboration, they candidly explore the peaks and valleys of their remarkable experience.
But true to the essence of "Behavioral Grooves," Kurt and Tim infuse a touch of scientific rigor into their reflections. They dissect the hurdles they encountered, drawing upon their knowledge of behavioral science and human tendencies to dissect how these factors both aided and hindered them along the way. After all, they know all too well that the planning fallacy isn't just a catchy term—it's a very real phenomenon!
As you unwind with Kurt and Tim, they invite you to peer behind the curtain at the making of "They Thought We Were Ridiculous," offering invaluable insights gleaned from their journey. Whether you're embarking on your own side project, contemplating the launch of one, or find yourself mired in the midst of one, let Kurt and Tim be your trusted guides, imparting thoughtful wisdom and sharing their firsthand experiences every step of the way.
Whole Series Available Now!
Episode 2: Importing Psychology
Episode 3: Children of Unlikely Parents
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Exploring the future of Behavioral Economics, we talked to three young researchers who are pushing the field further. A new generation of researchers is striving to understand decision-making in the developing world, how brains process economic decisions, and how bigger, more transparent scientific methods can shed light on basic principles of choice.
However, the journey toward new discoveries is not without its challenges. Behavioral Economics faces an identity crisis amid shifting perspectives, prompting a reevaluation of its approaches. Discover how this introspection may catalyze a more pragmatic ethos within the field, prioritizing real-world impact over theoretical abstraction. Join us as we navigate this nuanced landscape, engaging with the innovative minds shaping the future of behavioral economics with a blend of boldness, innovation, and pragmatism.
Discover
- How behavioral economics is revolutionizing farming in developing nations
- Discover groundbreaking revelations about the decision-making process
- Why there needs to be shift towards transparency in scientific practices to ensure a brighter future
- The new collaboration between Behavioral Economists and tech innovators and what it means for the future
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Eventually, Behavioral Economics emerged as an influential perspective. It’s become mainstream in Economics, and it’s helped inform programs and policies that affect real people every day. But where do we see this impact? Explore the pervasive influence of Behavioral Economics in our everyday lives and beyond, from shaping individual decision-making to informing government policy design. Witness the ongoing evolution of this once radical field as it continues to inspire innovation and shape policies for better societal outcomes.
Discover
- Explore how behavioral economics conquered economics’ stronghold
- Discover how psychology integration sparks innovative retirement savings solutions
- Uncover the UK and US government’s bold ventures into science-driven policy making
- Witness the global expanison of behvioral insights teams and their impact on addressing complex societal challenges
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Behavioral Economics was using psychology to understand economics, but what did economists and psychologists think about their unexpected marriage? Slowly, this fledgling field weathered a flurry of criticism from both sides as it doggedly held onto data-driven ideas about economic decision-making. This tension epitomized a broader struggle within Behavioral Economics, which aimed to harmonize insights from both disciplines while challenging traditional economic paradigms.
Embark on a journey that wasn't always smooth sailing. Unearth the fundamental clash between economists and psychologists, revealing their contrasting views on empirical evidence and theory. From contentious debates over ownership to deliberations on what to name it, the path to integrating these fields was filled with unforeseen twists, turns, and triumphs.
Discover
- Economists push back to new behavioral approaches
- How psychologists fought for a seat at the table
- Where did the name “behavioral economics” come from?
- The benefits we gain from integrating disciplines and perspectives
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
The notion of merging psychology with economics initially faced staunch skepticism, with errors perceived as random rather than systematic. However, everything changed when psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky joined forces, armed with groundbreaking ideas about human decision-making. Their meticulous research not only introduced a fresh perspective on understanding people’s choices but also ignited the flames of Behavioral Economics. Through collaboration with other influential figures in the field, including Richard Thaler, their work spearheaded a transformative movement that challenged conventional economic assumptions, propelled novel ideas forward, and seamlessly integrated psychological theories into economic theory and practice.
Discover
- Are errors random or systematic? The challenges of merging psychology with economics
- Why we rely on quick mental shortcuts in decision-making
- How a single question can short-circuit the rational mind
- The importance of marrying psychology and economics for understanding our behaviors
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
For decades, neoclassical economists clung to the belief that humans are rational decision-makers, but a daring group of social scientists dared to question this notion. Join us as we explore their pioneering work, from the revolutionary concept of bounded rationality to the eye-opening Cab Driver Study. Through meticulous observations and rigorous analysis, these trailblazers shattered the status quo, ushering in a new era of economic thought.
Discover how real-world scenarios defied the rationality assumption, from the baffling fluctuations in stock market behavior to the surprising insights gleaned from everyday decision-making. As we unravel the complexities of economic behavior, we invite you to join us on a radical journey of discovery and transformation. Together, let's challenge traditional notions, advocate for a more nuanced understanding of human behavior, and pave the way for a brighter future in economics and beyond. This is more than just a podcast—it's a revolution.
Discover
- Are humans really rational decision makers?
- The radical concept of bounded rationality
- The surprising ways in which workers don’t optimize their earnings
- How the stock market defies pure rationality