Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Are nudges enough to change behavior at scale? Nick Chater argues they’re not. In this episode, we explore the limits of individual-focused solutions and why lasting change often requires shifting systems, not just choices. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Nick Chater [13:00] What Does Nudging Really Do? [18:30] I-Frame vs S-Frame Thinking [25:00] Nudges and Politics [28:09] Limitations in Public [33:39] System vs Individual Responsibilities [42:04] Case Study: Retirement Saving Systems [49:01] Are We Solving the Right Problems? [55:00] Can We Fix Broken Systems? [1:00:06] Green Eggs and Ham - a Solution [1:06:12] Desert Island Music [1:09:20] Grooving Session: Systemic Issues, Evolutionary Tendencies ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Nick It’s On You by Nick Chater and George Lowenstein Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Bach - Mass in B Minor John McLaughlin - Stella by Starlight/My Favourite Things

AI pioneer Sandy Pentland joins us to explore how storytelling and shared wisdom shape human culture, and how artificial intelligence could either strengthen or freeze that process. From the history of AI to the future of democracy, we discuss collective intelligence, distributed decision-making, and how AI tools might actually improve civic dialogue if designed the right way. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Sandy Pentland [8:09] Could AI make society less intelligent? [12:21] What “shared wisdom” really means [18:28] Culture, stories, and how societies evolve [23:50] Information overload in the digital age [30:23] Why shared goals (a “North Star”) matter for progress [34:10] The history of AI: booms, winters, and lessons learned [42:46] Can AI improve democracy? [49:13] The danger of algorithmic “rich get richer” systems [54:19] Grooving Session: storytelling, culture, and collective intelligence ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Sandy Shared Wisdom: Cultural Evolution in the Age of AI by Sandy Pentland Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Devo - Whip It Flight of the Conchords - Robots (The Humans Are Dead)

What truly helps people live longer, healthier lives? In this episode, we talk with journalist and author Ken Stern about the science behind longevity and why social connection may matter more than diet or exercise alone. From loneliness being compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day to cultures that keep older adults engaged through work and community, we explore how purpose, relationships, and social structures shape healthy aging. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Ken Stern [6:47] Big Cities vs Rural Living and Life Expectancy [10:22] Are We Overvaluing Diet and Exercise? [16:34] Why Loneliness Is Worse in the U.S. [23:35] The Blue Zones Debate [26:18] How to Build Stronger Social Connections [30:25] Rethinking Retirement and Purpose [40:28] Why Generational Mixing Matters [44:41] Intergenerational Communities and Empathy [53:50] Desert Island Music [58:11] Grooving Session: How to Live Your Best (and Longest) Life ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Ken The Longevity Project Healthy to 100 by Ken Stern Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark U2 - With or Without You