Behavioral Grooves Podcast

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 1: Beyond Anomalies Episode 2: Importing Psychology Episode 3: Children of Unlikely Parents Episode 4: Behavioral Economics Goes Mainstream Episode 5: The Future

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 1: Beyond Anomalies Episode 2: Importing Psychology Episode 3: Children of Unlikely Parents Episode 4: Behavioral Economics Goes Mainstream Episode 5: The Future

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling indecisive? Ever wondered what it takes to master the art of decision-making? Join us on a thrilling journey with Elspeth Kirkman, the brilliant mind behind the groundbreaking book 'Decision Scape: The Art of Getting Perspective.' In this episode, Kurt and Tim dive deep into the captivating world of decision-making as Kirkman takes us on an adventure through the intricacies of perspective. What if decision-making was more than just a process – what if it was an art form? Prepare to be captivated as we explore the four pillars of perspective – distance, viewpoint, composition, and frame – and uncover their essential role in navigating life's choices. Buckle up and get ready to challenge your perceptions as we delve into the profound influence of language, culture, and even the power of voice in shaping our decisions. Are you ready to embrace multiple perspectives and unlock the secrets to making informed choices? Kirkman's insights offer a fresh and dynamic approach to decision-making, empowering listeners to navigate life's complexities with newfound clarity and introspection. So, what are you waiting for? Make the right decision and tune in! And don’t forget to stay tuned to Behavioral Grooves for exciting upcoming announcements! Like, share, and follow us on social media for more exciting updates on our new, limited series They Thought We Were Ridiculous coming out later in February! © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics (0:50) Important Behavioral Grooves announcement! (6:17) Introduction and speed round (12:19) The relationship between decision-making and art (18:38) The importance of perspective (26:31) Language’s impact on decision-making (36:26) Taboo words, culture, and anxiety (43:52) Music preferences and writing habits (50:05) Grooving Session: Decision-making and creativity (1:15:19) “Another Orion” by Tim Houlihan © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Decision Scape: The Art of Getting Perspective by Elspeth Kirkman The Statue of David by Michelangelo Behave by Robert Sapolsky "They Thought We Were Ridiculous": Five-part series on the history of behavioral economics - Coming Soon! Music Links Tim Houlihan "Another Orion" Smashing Pumpkins "1979" Lucinda Williams "Can't Let Go"

Anticipation mounts as the countdown begins! Prepare to immerse yourself in the riveting saga of They Thought We Were Ridiculous, set to premiere and stream on your Behavioral Grooves feed come February 26th! Two great podcasts. Three years of recording and research. Interviews with the Nobel Laureates, esteemed professors, and policymakers at the heart of a movement. It all combines to tell the unlikely story of how a group of tenacious thinkers pushed back against tradition and built ideas with impact. Across this five-part series, we highlight the remarkable evolution of behavioral economics. From a group of rogue psychologists and economists who were openly ridiculed at conferences to a vital voice in government policy and corporate governance. Behavioral economists shape the way decisions are made. After they entered the fray, economic theory would never be the same. Join Kurt, Tim, and Andy as we celebrate the culmination of three years of relentless dedication, unveiling a meticulously crafted five-part series that promises to captivate and inspire. Mark your calendars for February 26th, when this transformative saga will unfold in its entirety. Don't forget to subscribe, tune in, and engage with us as we delve into the riveting world of behavioral economics. Together, let's embark on this extraordinary journey! Links They Thought We Were Ridiculous Website LinkedIn: Behavioral Grooves Instagram: @behavioralgrooves Facebook: Behavioral Grooves Twitter: @behavioralgroov

Could a simple question be the key to unlocking deeper, more meaningful relationships? Join Kurt and Tim on a special Valentine's Day episode of their podcast as they explore the transformative potential of simple questions in relationships with Topaz Adizes. Author of "12 Questions for Love" and founder of the innovative project {THE AND}, Topaz shares insights into creating intimate spaces for conversations and mastering non-judgmental listening. Together, they delve into the profound impact of well-constructed questions, emphasizing their role in promoting personal growth and deeper connections. Drawing from rich experiences observing human behavior, Topaz offers invaluable advice on deep listening and reframing questions for meaningful dialogue. Whether you're coupled up or flying solo, tune in to discover practical strategies for fostering more fulfilling relationships and cultivating genuine connections in every aspect of life. © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics (0:00) St. Valentine’s Day and special announcements (6:21) Introduction and speed round (10:47) Creating space for relationship exploration (15:59) Reframing questions for personal growth (23:15) Deep listening and connection in relationships (35:13) Asking powerful questions to improve relationships (39:31) The power of deep conversations (47:29) Deepening relationships through emotional articulation (59:09) Grooving on relationships and communication © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Links The Skin Deep https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-_lLdOVYCxsxHMzUsVYsXg 12 Questions on Love Collins, Hanne K, et al. “When Listening Is Spoken.” Current Opinion in Psychology, Elsevier Newcomer, Sarah N, and Kathleen M Cowin. “Collaborative Conversations for Culturally Sustaining, Socially Just Pedagogy: Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue and Practice.” Musical Links Bob Marley “Buffalo Soldier” John Coltrane “Blue Train”

Ever wonder how to boost your retirement savings? Could the subtle art of behavioral economics hold the answer? Join Tim in this solo-sode as he explores this with guest John Beshears. Uncover the impact of automatic enrollment on participation rates and the potential downside of increased debt. Beshears' research reveals unique strategies, like framing savings as "fresh starts." Maximize your savings and delve into the evolution of behavioral economics with Tim and John in this weeks captivating episode. © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics (7:43) Introduction and Speed Round (12:23) The Impact of Auto-Enrollment on Retirement Savings (16:41) The Psychology Behind Financial Decision Making (22:31) Automatic Enrollment, Savings, and Employee Debt (33:48) Long Term Effects (37:37) Reframing Savings and “Fresh Starts” (46:04) Jazz Music and Productivity (52:35) Grooving Session: Behavioral Science and Retirement Savings © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Automatic Enrollment and Financial Stress Fresh Start Approach to Savings Behavioral Economics in Action Conference Seaweed Farmers and Pod Sizes Behavioral Grooves Patreon Musical Links Charlie Parker at Massey Hall Mose Allison "Everybody Cryin' Mercy" Lightnin' Hopkins "What Kind of Woman is This?" Phillip Glass "Opening"

It's time for a throwback episode! Dive into the land down under of behavioral sciences with Bri Williams, a trailblazer in applying behavioral principles to the business landscape. As a devoted follower of visionaries like Dan Ariely, BJ Fogg, and Richard Thaler, Bri recognized the need for more than just frameworks in the business community – they needed practical tools. Founder of PeoplePatterns, Bri transforms the abstract concepts of behavioral science into actionable strategies for business leaders. In this enlightening conversation, Bri unveils her unique model focused on dismantling barriers to behavior change: apathy, paralysis, and anxiety. Explore intriguing topics such as priming and Bri's keen observations of nudges in the world. Delve into her book, "Behavioural Economics for Business," and enjoy the journey as we explore various rabbit holes including... origami of toilet paper? Join us in this immersive conversation with Bri Williams. Share this episode with a friend, and let's expand the community of behavioral science enthusiasts together! © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics (4:08) Introduction and Speed Round (7:11) Developing a Behavioral Framework (13:23) Business Model for Behavior Change (18:50) Comparing other models (25:15) Origami of Toilet Paper with Lou Carbone (33:00) 3 Tips for improving habits (39:10) Music recommendations (41:56) Grooving Session © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioural Economics for Business Training and Coaching with Bri Origami Toilet Paper Musical Links Pauline Herr "Limitless" Angus & Julia Stone "Chateau"

Set sail into the uncharted waters of behavioral science with Kurt and Tim on a captivating journey led by PhD candidate Linnea Gandhi. Together, they explore the revolutionary concept of Nudge Cartography, a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to map the intricate landscape of behavioral nudges – those subtle interventions designed to shape human behavior. If you're scratching your head wondering, "Nudge Cartography? What's that?" fear not! Kurt and Tim are your fearless guides, ready to unravel the mysteries and implications of this fascinating exploration. Nudge Cartography challenges the traditional view of academic research in behavioral science, urging practitioners to see research papers not merely as products but as essential marketing tools. Linnea Gandhi, in her insightful observations, emphasizes the transformative power of understanding the world through research and the need to use that understanding for positive change. Kurt and Tim navigate through the implications of this perspective, discussing the critical role of replication in research and the broader mission of comprehending the world to drive meaningful improvements. Curious about the specifics of Nudge Cartography? Tune in to this episode as Kurt and Tim decode the project's significance, shedding light on regional variations in responses to behavioral interventions. Join the conversation and embark on a thought-provoking expedition that challenges the norms of behavioral science while providing valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and curious minds alike. © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics (0:07) What is Nudge Cartography? (3:55) Computational social science and mapmaking (8:21) Mapping behavioral science with experiments (15:33) The importance of generalizable knowledge in science (21:29) Developing a nudge experiment database (28:17) Using data to understand human behavior (36:25) Closing thoughts, work processes, and musical preferences (38:23) Grooving on Nudge Cartography © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves Patreon Beyond Playing 20 Questions Computational Social Science Lab at UPenn Musical Links Charlie Puth "Lipstick" Classical Music "Best Of" Compilation

What is resilience, and how can we cultivate it in our lives? In this episode, delve into the fascinating world of resilience with an exclusive interview featuring Dr. Jonathan DePierro, author of the insightful book "Resilience." Join Kurt and Tim as Dr. DePierro defines resilience as more than just bouncing back; it's the ability to adapt, recover, and grow stronger in the face of life's challenges. Discover the practical applications of resilience skills in navigating everyday stressors and gain a deeper understanding of the brain science behind building resilience through the power of social support. Dr. DePierro shares his experiences working with 9/11 responders and healthcare professionals during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering valuable insights into how resilience can be a guiding force in times of crisis. This episode isn't just about individual resilience – it extends to the organizational level, providing valuable takeaways for creating resilient communities. Learn how to foster a culture of adaptability and growth that can withstand the tests of time. Tune in to gain a profound understanding of resilience and explore practical strategies for developing it in your own life. Dr. Jonathan DePierro's expertise and real-world experiences make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate life's uncertainties with strength and resilience. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (4:50) Introduction and Speed Round (8:47) Resilience and Growth in the Face of Challenges (12:55) Coping with Trauma (17:23) Resilience, Optimism, and Social Support (28:58) Building Resilience in Individuals and Organizations (38:59) The Power of Music to Evoke Memories and Emotions (45:01) Reframing Experiences and Building Resilience (48:37) Grooving Session: Resilience and Problem-solving in Challenging times © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges Mount Sinai's Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth Musical Links Gregorian Master of Chant Fix You Hercules Film A Star is Born Elton John Bennie and the Jets Earth, Wind, Fire September Paul Simon You Can Call Me Al

Kurt and Tim kick off the new year with communications expert Ben Guttmann in an episode on simplifying messages. Ben's seemingly simple lessons pack a punch, offering a treasure trove of insights into mastering clear and concise communication for both personal and professional success. Join Kurt and Tim as they navigate through Ben's five key principles, uncovering the secrets to crafting communications that truly hit the mark. From prioritizing benefits to maintaining focus, ensuring salience, embracing empathy, and adopting minimalism, the trio explores how these principles can transform your messaging strategy. Discover how large organizations often lose sight of what customers are looking for and gain valuable insights into Ben’s exploration of effective vs. ineffective slogans and taglines for businesses. Unpack the importance of employing the 10-100 most common words and learn how testing messages with an "enlightened idiot" can be a game-changer. Whether you're a cog in a corporate machine or an individual seeking to sharpen your communication skills, this episode offers practical lessons on making your message resonate and connect. Kickstart the new year with a communication overhaul and be sure to share this episode with anyone in your life in need of a communication refresh. Don't miss out on the keys to killer communication – like, share, and tune in now! © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (4:29) Introduction and speed round (9:23) Simplifying communication in a busy world (14:15) Bridging the gap between message creators and receivers (23:43) Effective marketing strategies for big corporations (34:41) The 1000 most common words for clear communication (39:33) Communicating with aliens and desert island music (45:59) Grooving Session: Communication and breaking through clutter © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Ben Guttman Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win (and How to Design Them Randall Munroe Thing Explainer Musical Links Harold Faltermeyer Top Gun Anthem Arcade Fire Everything Now

Happy New Year from Kurt and Tim! As we reflect on the past year, join us in revisiting some of the most impactful and insightful conversations from Behavioral Grooves in 2023. Grateful for the time and wisdom shared by our wonderful guests, we delve into key topics through the lens of behavioral science, aiming to provide you with valuable insights for both your professional and personal life. From embracing uncertainty and cultivating growth mindsets to exploring the power of "magic words" and understanding your future self, this compilation covers a diverse range of subjects, including the psychology of scams and the challenges of parenting. Settle in, unwind, and take a moment to revisit the highlights of 2023 as we gear up for what the future holds (as much as we can anticipate!). As always, thank you for listening to Behavioral Grooves. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to many more exciting developments in 2024! © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (2:17) Yael Schonbrun, parenting, and fostering growth mindsets. (8:48) Nathan and Susannah Furr, embracing uncertainty and embracing possibility. (13:23) Jonah Berger, the enchantment of "magic words" and the art of reframing language. (18:54) Hal Hershfield, navigating your future self and shedding light blind spots (23:06) Daniel Simons & Chris Chabris, the intricate world of scams, and maintaining hope. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Monkey Business Yael Schonbrun on Parenting Nathan & Susannah Furr on Embracing Uncertainty Jonah Berger and Magic Words Hal Hershfield and Your Future Self Daniel Simons & Christopher Chabris on Falling for Fraud

Continuing their pursuit of knowledge, Kurt and Tim explore the impactful books that have shaped their perspectives in 2023. In this episode, they unwrap the highlights of their literary journey, offering listeners a condensed version of why each book made a lasting impression and what readers can expect to gain from delving into these insightful pages. Discovering one's groove is a nuanced journey, often fueled by new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a revisit to timeless concepts presented in innovative ways. In this annual wrap-up, Kurt and Tim dive into a diverse array of books that have enriched their intellectual tapestry, underscoring the influential role of literature in deepening their understanding of human behavior. Covering a spectrum of topics, from uncertainty and effective communication to parenting and attention span, this year's Top 10 (or is it 11?) books offer a wide-ranging exploration. If you're searching for insights on a specific topic, chances are it's in one of these books! Join in to uncover the standout Behavioral Science books of the year and gain insights that can enhance your understanding of human behavior. As always, thank you for being a part of the Behavioral Grooves community this year, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Top 10! Links The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown by Nathan and Susanna Furr Writing for Busy Readers by Todd Rogers Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams Work, Parent, Thrive by Yael Schonbrun Magic Words by Jonah Berger Humanizing Rules by Christian Hunt Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most by Adam Alter Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In, and What We Can Do About It by Dan Simons and Chris Chabris Your Future Self by Hal Hershfield Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness, and Productivity by Gloria Mark The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough by Thomas Curran

Have you or someone you know fallen victim to the detrimental effects of Jargon Monoxide? If so, there might be compensation waiting for you. Joining Kurt and Tim in this episode, Huggy Rao delves into the critical aspects of organizational friction and the looming specter of burnout within workspaces. Huggy underscores the need for clear and transparent communication to escape the wearisome trap of workspeak, identified here as "jargon monoxide." Tune in for a succinct and transparent conversation as Huggy dissects the challenges organizations encounter with an inherent bias towards addition, prioritizing the incorporation of new elements over the removal of unnecessary ones. He sheds light on the paradoxical scenario where leaders receive accolades for their additive contributions, leaving the significance of subtraction undervalued and misunderstood. In the episode's conclusion, Kurt and Tim steer the discussion towards reframing friction as an avenue for improvement rather than a hindrance. They explore effective strategies for mitigating workplace friction and beyond, providing valuable insights for those grappling with end-of-the-year work fatigue. Don't miss out on this episode if you're seeking a fresh perspective on navigating workplace challenges. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (6:12) Intro and Speed Round (12:21) Good Friction vs Bad Friction (17:38) Health Pyramids and Reframing the Workplace (25:07) Rational vs Emotional (30:25) Corporate time wasters (37:04) Addition bias and Obliviousness (45:10) Jargon Monoxide (54:55) Grooving Session: Strategies for Burnout and Friction © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links The Friction Project Bandolini's Law Huggy Rao Musical Links Camarón De La Isla Como El Agua (Tangos) Yo Yo Ma - Yo-Yo Ma - Bach: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prélude (Official Video)

Step into a captivating conversation as Tim and Kurt engage with Lisa Sun, the author of Gravitas. Lisa introduces the intriguing concept that each of us possesses superpowers—not the extraordinary kind, but those that ignite leadership, achievement, and self-belief. In this discussion, Lisa unveils the eight superpowers that make up confidence. Moving beyond mere behavioral traits, Lisa emphasizes that confidence is fundamentally a mindset. Uncover the key to building self-confidence by recognizing strengths and celebrating past successes. While we may not possess telekinetic abilities, join Lisa, Kurt, and Tim as they explore how shifting our mindset, silencing our inner critic, and reframing challenges as opportunities can foster a stronger sense of self-worth. This engaging episode offers insights into gender differences in confidence and the societal need for a redefined understanding of this crucial trait. During the Grooving Session, Kurt and Tim share practical strategies for altering perspectives on life's challenges and reframing emotions for better understanding and management. Ready to unlock your mental superpowers? Join Lisa, Kurt, and Tim in this enlightening episode and embark on your journey to a more confident self. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (2:37) Intro and Speed Round (4:06) Creativity, self-confidence, and personal growth (9:09) Ageism, self-doubt, and confidence (12:15) Building self-confidence (20:45) Inner child and inner critic (25:58) Self-awareness, self-confidence, and overcoming fears (35:48) Leadership qualities, gender, and confidence (41:32) Workplace culture and gender bias (53:11) Grooving Session: Confidence and self-expression © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links The Confidence Language Quiz About Gravitas Gravitas Women The Gravitas Blend Kelly Shue and Women’s Promotions Musical Links John Lennon “Imagine” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8 The King and I “Shall We Dance” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgVPnWmUqd4 Boys II Men “Motownphilly” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rciee-oQLoI Mariah Carey “We Belong Together” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0habxsuXW4g

While Tim finds himself confined to a plane, Kurt engages in a captivating one-on-one session with researcher Adam Mastroianni. Together, they delve into the intriguing world of behavioral science, aiming to unveil the concealed truths behind the notorious Big Dentist conspiracy urging everyone to floss. However, the episode takes an unexpected turn as Kurt and Adam embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the past, present, and future of behavioral science. From a history tainted with fraudulent studies to a present that seems tepid in terms of groundbreaking discoveries, the duo contemplates what lies ahead. Do we dare to take risks, or is maintaining the status quo the safer route? Moreover, does the current academic system truly foster risk-taking? Join us for a conversation that challenges assumptions, sparks innovation, and confronts the stigma surrounding the belief that flossing is the sole path to dental health. Tune in as we navigate the future of behavioral science, encouraging a fresh perspective on academia and the pursuit of knowledge. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (4:09) Intro and Speed Round (8:19) When should we stop talking? (11:47) Does the fact that a study was found fraudulent matter? (16:18) Are we out of groundbreaking discoveries? (22:03) The limitations in current research and the need for a paradigm shift (27:28) Shifting mindset in scientific research (36:39) Flossing and the importance of context (48:35) Research insights and desert island music (52:19) Grooving session: Science, academia, and the importance of new ideas © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Experimental History (Blog) https://experimentalhistory.wordpress.com/ "Do Conversations End When People Want Them To?" https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797617749596 The Cochrane Collaboration Meta-analysis on Flossing https://www.cochrane.org/CD011146/ORAL_flossing-reduce-gingivitis-and-plaque Rory Sutherland's Perspective on Choice https://www.ted.com/talks/rory_sutherland_life_lessons_from_an_ad_man/transcript Musical Links Baz Luhrmann "Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI They Might Be Giants "Hot Dog!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoavHX75s_E Talking Heads "Psycho Killer" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eauZzwt8Ci8

Tensions around the dinner table? Trouble finding common ground with friends and family? Renowned sociologist Michèle Lamont joins Tim and Kurt to unravel why the world seems more polarized than ever. In this episode, Lamont delves into pressing societal issues, from tribalism to media polarization, offering expert insights and defining key terms with historical context. She explores generational shifts in perspectives on recognition and identity, asking how we can bridge divides between different worldviews. Beyond analysis, Lamont inspires change, discussing the transformative power of reframing narratives to cultivate hope. Join us for a conversation challenging stereotypes, and promoting a society where everyone feels valued. Kurt and Tim end the episode with a Grooving Session where they encourage us to strengthen the recognition of our shared humanity and invite listeners to be part of the change. Tune in for a fresh perspective on navigating a divided world. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (03:22) Michèle Lamont intro and Speed Round (08:08) Bridging generational divides (20:49) Changing hearts and minds to address inequality (26:36) Countering negative narratives (36:59) Generational differences in identity and inclusion (41:24) Race, identity, and mental health (47:23) Grooving session: Overcoming polarization © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Michelle’s Book: Seeing Others Monbiot, George, “Neoliberalism – the ideology at the root of all our problems,” The Guardian, 15 April 2016. Article Peter Harvey research and article: How Schools Teach Children about their Social Station Jean Twenge The Future of Generational Differences National Domestic Workers Alliance Musical Links The Doors “Break on Through (To The Other Side)” Patti Smith “Because the Night” Leonard Cohen “Hallelujah” Gordon Lightfoot “If You Could Read My Mind” “Four Strong Winds”

Ever feel your attention… drifting? Want to get better at being present? Join Kurt and Tim as they delve into the world of shrinking attention spans alongside researcher Gloria Mark. Uncover the eye-opening revelations from Mark's research, highlighting a significant decrease in attention spans within just a few short years. Explore the intricate ways in which the digital world and screen time impact our ability to focus, all while discovering the empowering idea that we possess agency over our attention. Gloria Mark shares invaluable tips for enhancing concentration, including insights into understanding your natural rhythms, setting goals, and connecting with nature. In this attention-grabbing episode, witness how our brains and behavior are evolving in today's increasingly distracting world. Gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between technology, attention spans, and individual agency. It's a journey into the evolving landscape of our minds and behaviors, offering practical tips to thrive in an era where distraction seems inevitable. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (5:33) Intro and speed round (8:31) Myths and facts about attention span (12:54) Attention as a resource (19:11) Attention span, flow, and media consumption (31:22) Staying focused and avoiding distractions (37:25) Attention, free will, and musical rhythm (45:07) Desert Island music (52:20) Grooving session - finding your groove through nature and productivity © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Gloria’s Book - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/attention-span-gloria-mark?variant=40346590117922 Tim Urban: Inside the mind of a procrastinator - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU Wait But Why - https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrastinate.html Nicholas Car "The Shallows" - https://www.nicholascarr.com/?page_id=16 Barry Lazarowitz (drummer): https://www.allmusic.com/artist/barry-lazarowitz-mn0002291879/credits Musical Links Echo and the Bunnymen “People are Strange” (cover) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTviNc52igI Roger Daltry “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (cover) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLQ6rpL_QLo Sarah Vaughan “Broken Hearted Melody” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOWJC-fVSAI Samara Joy “Guess Who I Saw Today” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X03lvK7qoco

Does everybody skim? Todd Rogers, co-author of “Writing for Busy Readers” joins Kurt and Tim to discuss just that. In this insightful episode, Todd shares principles and rules that will transform your written communication skills. Join the conversation as Todd challenges the traditional notions of taste and style in writing, emphasizing the power of concise and evidence-backed strategies for effective communication in the 21st century. Discover the art of "less is more" as Todd shares practical steps and easy-to-follow techniques to overcome common challenges in conveying crucial information. Gain profound insights into the writer's responsibility to readers and navigate the dynamic landscape of social media communication. Todd's expertise provides a roadmap for achieving your communication goals with impact and precision. During their grooving session Kurt and Tim exploring the importance of mapping information out before you write and offer helpful tips and tricks they’ve used to achieve success in their written communication over the years. Whether you're drafting corporate emails or engaging in casual conversations, this episode is a must-listen, providing practical guidance to elevate your communication skills and thrive in a world where brevity is key. Tune in and revolutionize the way you convey information in today's fast-paced environment! © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (4:34) Welcome and Speed Round (6:53) Does everybody skim? (9:14) Writing for busy readers (14:36) Writing effectively (19:26) The new rules of writing (29:20) Focusing on the reader’s perspective (40:03) Writing for social media and user engagement (46:47) Desert Island Music (48:40) Grooving session: Tips for improving communication © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Writing for Busy Readers: https://writingforbusyreaders.com/ The Plain Writing Act of 2010: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ274/pdf/PLAW-111publ274.pdf Space Between Words: The Origins of Silent Reading: https://books.google.ca/books/about/Space_Between_Words.html?id=w3vZaFoaa3EC Musical Links Beyonce (Renaissance) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHFeMk_LSwG5VVTbOVIutGbA3PsGP0NPO&si=27uBQ3pOLw3WTUrP Taylor Swift (Teardrops on My Guitar) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKCek6_dB0M The Beatles (Come Together) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45cYwDMibGo

Communication is a vital skill we all use, but do we truly understand its profound impact on our lives? Join Kurt and Tim as they engage in a captivating conversation with communication expert Matt Abrahams. Matt, an accomplished author, educator, and co-host of "Think Fast, Talk Smart," takes us on a journey into the heart of effective communication. Discover the secrets to spontaneous speaking and hone your communication skills with practical insights and actionable steps. From connecting with your audience to creating the best toasts at parties, this episode is a masterclass in the art of communication. Matt reveals the magic of active listening and the importance of paraphrasing to strengthen your relationships. Make anxiety your ally as you prepare for public speaking and various communication scenarios. With a wealth of global experience, Matt guides us through negotiation, persuasion, and even the role of creativity in communication. During their Grooving Session, Kurt and Tim talk about their own personal experiences with public speaking and communication, sharing anecdotes and advice from their own victories and defeats. Whether you’re delivering a keynote presentation or sharing a story with friends, this episode will offer you vital tips towards unlocking your full communication potential! © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (2:39) Welcome and speed round questions (6:24) Matt’s Book and the fear of public speaking (9:51) Overcoming the fear of public speaking and roadblocks (15:05) Maximizing Mediocrity? (18:50) Giving better toasts (23:53) The M&M’s of Public Speaking (30:24) Matt’s Podcast (37:20) Chopin, Jazz, and off-the-cuff conversation (42:43) Desert Island Music (46:17) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on Public Speaking © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Matt Abrahams: https://mattabrahams.com/ Think Faster, Talk Smarter: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Think-Faster-Talk-Smarter/Matt-Abrahams/9781668010303 Think Fast, Talk Smart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques/id1494989268 Matt Abrahams and Alia Crum: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/mindset-matters-how-embrace-benefits-stress Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIXvKKEQQJo Musical Links Rodrigo y Gabriela "Hanuman": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENBX_v1Po1Y Lynyrd Skynyrd "Free Bird": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LwcvjNJTuM ACDC "Thunderstruck": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2AC41dglnM

We all know we need a good night’s sleep but sleep researcher, David Creswell PhD has studied how our performance is actually affected by sleep. He has even found a predictive correlation between student’s college GPA scores and their sleep duration. David Creswell is a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University and has published numerous studies on mindfulness-based interventions and their impact on well-being. He is a prominent researcher specializing in health psychology, mindfulness meditation, and stress management. Earlier this year David co-authored a paper in Psychological and Cognitive Sciences called, “Nightly sleep duration predicts grade point average in the first year of college” which caught our attention. The research measures performance metrics among students who wore Fitbits while sleeping. The findings suggest getting less than 6 hours of sleep may be a threshold where sleep shifts from helpful to harmful. To wrap up the conversation, hosts Kurt and Tim discuss the topic of sleep in their Grooving Session. They discuss their very different sleep patterns and what Kurt has done to help improve his insomnia. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (4:22) Welcome and speed round questions. (5:50) David’s research on sleep. (12:14) What about daytime napping? (15:42) The difference between sleeping more or less than 6 hours per night. (17:16) Sleep duration and academic success in college students. (22:16) How to avoid false positives in research. (30:09) Does David listen to music while he sleeps? (33:34) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on sleep. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Dr David Creswell PhD: https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/psychology/directory/core-training-faculty/creswell-david.html The Health and Human Performance Lab: https://www.healthandhumanperformancelab.com/ Equa App: https://equahealth.io/about-us/ Creswell, et. al. (Jan 2023), “Nightly sleep duration predicts grade point average in the first year of college” Psychological and Cognitive Sciences: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2209123120 Ruchir Sera - Episode 26, Resonea app and the Behavioral Effects of Sleep: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/ruchir-sehra-on-the-behavioral-effects-of-sleep/ American Academy of Sleep Medicine: https://aasm.org/ Musical Links Taylor Swift “Anti-Hero”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1kbLwvqugk Don Ho “Tiny Bubbles”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muEFD_odvUg The Beatles “Yer Blues” from The White Album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFwaWFTGYU

Connect behavioral science theory and research to practical applications. Connor Joyce founded the Applied Behavioral Science Association and he shares his perspectives on different behavioral science roles. This podcast episode features Connor Joyce discussing his career journey and involvement with the Applied Behavioral Science Association (ABSA). Connor began his career as a human capital analyst at Deloitte, where he was first exposed to behavioral science. He then earned a Master's degree in behavioral science from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, Connor struggled to find career paths for applied behavioral scientists. He started the Behavioral Insights Professional Society to address this issue and connect resources. While it had initial success, Connor realized he lacked strategic experience. He then partnered with the Behavioral Science & Policy Association and others to form Project Nexus, which eventually became ABSA. ABSA aims to improve the world by promoting education and collaboration across expertise levels in behavioral science. Connor described two main categories - experts who specialize in behavioral science applications, and novices/users who incorporate behavioral science into other roles like design or marketing. ABSA provides resources like standards and job descriptions to support both groups. The conversation also explores similarities and differences between behavioral science, user experience design, data science, and marketing insights. Connor noted blurring lines between these fields in technology companies, where they are all forms of applied research. Finally, Connor discusses how generative AI could democratize user research by empowering more people to conduct basic studies. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics (3:47) Welcome and speed round questions. (9:21) What exactly is behavioral science? (15:45) Creating a professional society for behavioral insights. (25:09) Behavioral science, user design, and data science. (33:25) Connor’s musical preferences. (40:08) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Connor Joyce: https://www.connectconnor.com/ Applied Behavioral Science Association (ABSA): https://www.behavioralscience.org/ Behavioral Design Hub: https://medium.com/behavior-design-hub/behavioral-science-as-a-specialization-ea64aeb015f7 IIEX North America: https://events.greenbook.org/iiex-north-america GAABS: https://gaabs.org/ Diversifi: https://www.diversifiglobal.com/ Musical Links Alesso “Words”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIJEOEZdLzE Tiesto “Lay Low”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfWmWlW2PvM

What life habits keep our brain healthy? How does our mind respond to trauma? And why does the way we talk about suicide and mental health make such a difference to those who are struggling? We discuss all these topics with neuroscience researcher Dr Daniel Almeida. World Mental Health Day has recently shed a spotlight on our psychological wellbeing. So we decided to republish the sound mental health advice we learnt from our guest Dr Daniel Almeida from episode 255 in October 2021. Daniel has been named one of Forbes 30 under 30 in science. His incredible work as a neuroscience researcher in the Douglas Research Centre at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, involves psychological autopsies to understand the molecular impacts of severe childhood abuse on the brains of individuals who died by suicide. As you can imagine, this episode is full of difficult yet important topics. But what struck us most about Daniel was how upbeat and positive he is about his work and the difference it’s making to people’s lives. Daniel kindly shares his top 5 healthy brain habits that we can all adopt to improve our mental wellbeing. If you, or someone you know needs help with their mental health, please use one of the resources in the links below. Mental Health Support Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US):https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: National Helpline (US): 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline The Canada Suicide Prevention Service: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/ Samaritans (UK): https://www.samaritans.org/ United for Global Mental Health (List of support networks around the world): https://unitedgmh.org/mental-health-support For those looking for information on how to support others: National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention For the general public looking to be trained in mental health first aid and/or suicide prevention: Living Works (US): https://bit.ly/3oKgsaS Mental Health First Aid Canada: https://mhfa.ca/ Topics (6:29) Speed round. (10:14) Does talking about suicide help? (14:15) Why it’s very important to talk about “dying by suicide” instead of “committing suicide”. (16:17) About Daniel’s work as a neuroscientist. (17:47) What are the links between childhood trauma and suicide? (25:16) What age are children most sensitive to the effects of trauma? (31:19) How the type of trauma experienced by a child matters. (33:36) How resilience is more like a sword than a shield. (35:29) What are the 5 best brain health habits? (41:57) What is a brain bank and how are psychological autopsies used? (44:30) What music isn’t noise pollution for Daniel? (46:24) Music and the brain. (48:13) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim; how to apply Daniel’s work to your life. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links World Mental Health Day: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day Leading Human™ Workbook and Playbook: https://www.behavioralgrooves-store.com/products/copy-of-the-leading-human-playbook-workbook-package Leading Human™, Free Whitepaper Download: https://www.behavioralgrooves-store.com/collections/leading-human/products/human-centered-workplace-checklist Episode 220: How Do You Become Influential? Jon Levy Reveals His Surprising Secrets: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/how-to-be-influential-jon-levy/ Dr Brenda Mildner – Mother of Psychological worked on bilateral hypocantim removal: https://www.mcgill.ca/neuro/about/brenda-milner Donald Hebb: https://can-acn.org/donald-olding-hebb/#:~:text=Donald%20Hebb%20(1904%2D1985),which%20was%20published%20in%201949. “Molecular impacts of childhood abuse on the human brain” Ibrahim, P.; Almeida, D.; Nagy, C.; Turecki, G. (2021): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352289521000515?via%3Dihub “A Slice of the Suicidal Brain: What Have Postmortem Molecular Studies Taught Us?” Almeida, D. and Turecki, G. (2016): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27671915/ “What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing”, by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry: https://amzn.to/3lF7EQ7 Brain structure of dancers and musicians https://www.falishakarpati.com/bio Support Behavioral Grooves by donating on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Gladys Knight & The Pips “Midnight Train to Georgia”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0F9lh8TiSM&ab_channel=GladysKnightTPVEVO Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU The Supremes “Where Did Our Love Go”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTBmgAOO0Nw Stevie Wonder “As”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

Why is work so difficult for so many of us? Why are we not connected to the organization in ways to help us advance our careers and garner the best assignments? Dr. Michelle P. King is a researcher and author who answers these questions and more. She joined us to discuss strategies from her book, “How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself.” Michelle is a globally recognized expert on inequality and organizational culture. Based on over a decade’s worth of research, She believes that we need to learn how workplaces work, so we can make them work for everyone. She is the host of a popular podcast called The Fix. “How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself,” is her second book and will be released internationally on October 10, 2023. Most importantly, in this episode, we talk about the importance of self-awareness, learning how to read the air, and the creation of informal networks to positively influence your career. We also discuss ways to find a sense of belonging and inclusion that can lead to greater satisfaction at work and a better career. And in our grooving session, we emphasize how increasing your self-awareness can be beneficial to you at any time during your career. During our music discussion, we cover the importance of Leonard Cohen’s mastery of lyrics as a poet and the wealth of great music that comes from the jazz tradition. Topics (8:39) Career advancement and informal networking in the workplace. (11:19) Informal networks at work and their impact on job placement. (17:37) Workplace dynamics and collaboration. (24:18) Self-awareness and informal communication in the workplace. (27:17) Self-awareness, ambiguity, and workplace performance. (33:22) Workplace communication and social skills. (36:42) Workplace belonging, diversity, and inclusion. (42:22) Workplace meaning and career advancement. (47:17) Setting sails for life and work. (51:58) Reading the air in workplace communication. (1:00:40) The potential consequences of asking for things. (1:01:56) Emotional intelligence in the workplace. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Leonard Cohen “Bird on A Wire”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGvwvxA83Cs Oscar Peterson (1976) improvisational piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBP3Il85bYA

“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Are you tired of that ditty? We are. How are you supposed to know what you love if we don’t 100% know who we are? “Know thyself” is a maxim that has been central to Western civilization for the last 2500 years. It has been pervasive in philosophy over the ages and more recently in psychology. Who are we? Who am I? These questions blend nicely with understanding why we do what we do, a foundational question in behavioral science. And it is with this curiosity that cohosts Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan delve into the mysteries of who we think we are. More importantly, this episode is interested in honest self-discovery: the answer to the question: who am I? To help you answer that, we humbly submit a series of questions and reflections for your consideration, for the purpose of having a clearer sense of who I am. (At least at the moment.) We use three sets of reflections for you to consider: Identify where in your life you find energy, joy, and satisfaction. These questions and reflections allow us to target the ideals and desires we have in our lives. These are enhancers. Identify what aspects of our lives are not going the way we want them to. These questions help us clarify what is not working for us. These are detractors. Identify what requirements we have to live in this world. In others, what obligations, relationships, and financial requirements, among other things, are commitments we must live by? These are necessities. We also talk about the nature of memories, the present moment, and ways our future aspirations influence who we are. We even discuss Dr. Bryan Lowery’s idea that who we are is largely influenced by the people around us. (Talk about mind-bending!) By reflecting on these questions and our general discussion, we hope that Groovers can discover a clearer picture of who you are and that these reflections will lead you to a more perfect version of knowing thyself, as Socrates might say. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves, LLC Links Behavioral Grooves Website: www.behavioralgrooves.com Ethan Hawke TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ethan_hawke_give_yourself_permission_to_be_creative?language=en Bhagavad Gita: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita Hal Hershfield Episode 369: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/your-future-self-hal-hershfield/ Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/ Brian Lowery Episode 312: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/meaning-in-life-brian-lowery/ Self-Serving Bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-serving_bias Fundamental Attribution Error: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_attribution_error Motivated Reasoning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivated_reasoning Confirmation Bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias Intention-Action Gap: https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/intention-action-gap Know Thyself Questions: Finding Energy and Satisfaction Questions (Enhancers: What You Love To Do) What activities or experiences make me feel the most fulfilled and content? When do I feel the most authentic and genuine? What aspects of life are non-negotiable for me? What principles am I unwilling to compromise? What kind of person do I want to be remembered? What causes or issues do I feel most passionate about? What qualities do I admire most in others? What decisions or situations have made me feel proud or satisfied with myself? What kind of person do I want to be remembered as? Avoiding Negative Emotion Questions (Detractors: What You Hate To Do) What has been my lowest point in the past 5 years? What situations or people drain my energy and leave me feeling exhausted? What triggers my negative emotions such as anger, sadness, or anxiety? Where do I feel regret for things I’ve done or for things I haven’t done? What do I stress over the most? What negative self-talk or inner critic do I struggle with? What are some common sources of conflict or tension in my relationships? What do I fear? What decisions or situations have made me feel guilty or uncomfortable? Living in this World Questions (Necessities: What You Have To Do) Am I honoring your relationship? Do I have what I need to provide for my basic necessities? Where do I compromise to ensure that I have positive relationships? Am I being responsible? Am I honoring my commitments to others, to my job, and to other aspects of my life? What are the pressures that the world places upon me? Your responses and reflections should be as honest and truthful as possible. Try your best to not be tainted by your biases. A clearer picture will help you identify the key areas that drive you. Examine your self through the lens of what you love to do, what you hate to do, and what you have to do. Write out a 7-word value statement that defines who you are at the core. Topics (0:07) Understanding “Know Thyself” through history. (5:00) Personal growth throughout history. (11:28) Understanding one's true identity. (19:33) Understanding

Conscientiousness, perseverance and meticulousness are all words associated with perfectionism. But perfectionism comes from a deeper sense of inadequacy, of not feeling good enough. Constantly striving to prove yourself leads to anxiety, depression and burnout. Researcher Thomas Curran describes perfectionism in detail, why it’s getting worse and what we can do about it. Thomas Curran is a professor of psychology and behavioral science at the esteemed London School of Economics and author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, just released on August 8, 2023. In the book he explores the roots of perfectionism in wider society and explains how it affects our mental health and productivity. Perfectionism has risen sharply since the mid-2000s, which Thomas attributes to societal pressures like social media, smartphones, economic instability, and an emphasis on educational and career achievement. Collectively, these factors have led to increased feelings of not measuring up. Thomas argues that perfectionism is as much a cultural issue as a personal one, influenced by an economic model that demands constant growth and consumption. Topics (5:18) Welcome to Thomas Curran. (7:30) What exactly is perfectionism? (9:46) How growing the economy feeds into perfectionism. (13:38) The hustle of “successful” people and why we need to look beyond it. (17:47) How perfectionism can sabotage your own success. (21:10) What parents can do to help minimize perfectionism in their children. (24:05) How we can be encumbered with a growth mindset. (26:01) The 3 types of perfectionism. (27:50) Does perfectionism self correct with age? (29:58) Why perfectionism has risen since 2007. (38:56) How society could change to minimize perfectionism. (47:52) What music would Thomas take to a desert island? (51:54) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on perfectionism. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough: https://amzn.to/3RtWGP5 Thomas Curran: https://www.thomascurran.co.uk/ Episode 301, How To Fix Burnout (Hint: It Isn’t Another Yoga Session) with Jennifer Moss: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/how-to-fix-burnout-jennifer-moss/ Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Joy Division “Love will tear us apart”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuuObGsB0No Bruno Mars “That’s what I like”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMivT7MJ41M

Doing, doing, doing. We can get stuck in a perpetual state of busyness to get things done. But being in a chronic “performance zone” can lead to stagnation over time. The “learning zone”, however, is when we take a step back to reflect on our experiences and look for ways to improve. That’s where a growth mindset comes in - actually believing that we can get better. “In order to engage in learning, we need to believe that we can improve, we also need to understand how to improve and we need to have a reason or reason that we care to put in the effort to improve.” ~ Eduardo Briceño, Episode 374 Eduardo Briceño is a global keynote speaker, facilitator, and author who guides many of the world’s leading companies in developing cultures of learning and high performance. His TED Talks have been viewed over 9 million times. Alongside Carol Dweck, the leading growth mindset researcher, Eduardo has founded Mindset Works, an organization dedicated to fostering lifelong learning. On this episode of Behavioral Grooves, hosts Kurt and Tim talk to Eduardo about his new book “The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action” which is a practical guide on how to spend more of your time in the learning zone, instead of just the performance zone. Eduardo provides tips for leaders to create a culture of learning, such as framing core values, identifying habits and systems to support both performance and learning, and modeling learning behaviors visibly. To Tim’s delight, the conversation with Eduardo uses musical examples from Beyoncé and Dave Grohl to highlight the importance of practice and reflection. Overall, the discussion provides insights on overcoming barriers to a learning mindset and finding a balance between performance and growth in the workplace. Topics (4:09) Welcome and speed round questions. (7:16) If we focus only on performance, our performance suffers. (10:19) How to tell if you’re in the learning zone or performance zone. (20:14) How can leaders create a learning culture in the workplace? (24:04) The performance zone isn’t necessarily a bad place to be. (25:44) What can Beyoncé teach us about the learning zone? (27:07) How can we get better at reflecting on our own performance? (31:02) Overcoming resistance to learning at work. (33:49) What we can learn from Dave Grohl’s pandemic drum battle. (38:07) Be deliberate about improvement, not just working harder. (41:47) What musical artists would Eduardo Briceño take to a desert island? (43:38) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on the learning zone. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Eduardo Briceño’s book, “The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action”: https://amzn.to/487Ikd8 Eduardo Briceño: https://briceno.com/ Carol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: https://amzn.to/468cVpg Anders Ericsson, “The Making of an Expert”: https://hbr.org/2007/07/the-making-of-an-expert Gordon McKenzie's “Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace’: https://amzn.to/44VMi5I Satya Nadella's efforts to shift Microsoft's culture to focus more on learning when he became CEO: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/how-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-transformed-one-of-the-worlds-great-businesses/articleshow/94221616.cms Dave Grohl's vs Nandi Bushell drum battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZBQW2gE0Ew Introduction to Experiential Learning, John Dewey: https://learning.northeastern.edu/introduction-to-experiential-learning/ Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links The Beatles “Here, There and Everywhere”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FusIKjztap8 Brian Eno “Garden of Stars”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlJDUcdUz8c

Volunteering improves psychological well-being. Team Rubicon has researched this positive effect, not just on the communities it serves, but also on the well-being of its 170,000 volunteers. The organization applies military expertise and speed to provide fast response and social support to those who have suffered a disaster. We learn from David Burke and Patti Norberg about the many benefits they have found with volunteering. David Burke is the Chief Program Officer at Team Rubicon, an organization that was founded by US armed forces veterans in 2010 with the purpose of voluntarily joining together to work on missions in the aid of regular citizens who are suffering because of natural disasters. Patti Norberg PhD is a Professor of Marketing at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and also a good friend of Tim Houlihan. Team Rubicon is a veteran led humanitarian organization that serves people before, during and after disasters and crises. It’s a movement of thousands of people that work domestically and internationally from mitigating the effects of fires, floods and natural disasters. They are instrumental in missions to rebuild people's homes, surge medical capacity and provide clean water. From the offset, the purpose of Team Rubicon was not just to help disaster survivors, but also to support veterans' well-being after leaving the military. And Team Rubicon goes one step further by actually researching the effects on well-being and mental health. Kurt and Tim discuss the findings from this research and how it is shaping the ongoing work of Team Rubicon. Topics (4:37) Welcome and speed round questions. (6:56) What is Team Rubicon? (8:53) How does a military background help Team Rubicon volunteers? (11:01) What makes Team Rubicon different from other volunteer organizations? (18:00) How Team Rubicon takes care of the mental health of its volunteers. (21:33) The social connection that comes from volunteering. (28:36) How volunteering helps make you feel significant. (31:47) The next studies on psychological well-being with Team Rubicon. (35:19) What’s next for Team Rubicon? (39:31) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on volunteering. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Team Rubicon: https://teamrubiconusa.org/ “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” by Dr Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf Carol Ryff’s, Psychological Well-Being Scales: https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/resources/questionnaires-researchers/psychological-well-being-scales#:~:text=WHAT%20THE%20QUESTIONNAIRE%20MEASURES,in%20life%2C%20self%2Dacceptance. Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves

We all want to feel significant. This drive for significance ultimately fuels our cognition, emotions, and actions. Distinguished psychologist Arie Kruglanski discusses motivation, cognition, goal systems, radicalization, and his recent work on the ubiquitous quest for significance. Dr. Arie W. Kruglanski PhD is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Maryland. He directs a lab that studies human motivation as it affects thinking, feeling, and behavior. He is one of the leading voices in social psychology, being instrumental in understanding the motivation of uncertainty, goals, radicalization and most recently on our quest for significance. Arie has over 500 research papers and articles and has won numerous awards for his work. Arie explains to us that all human behavior is propelled by motivation, with motivation being the driving force behind cognition, emotions, and actions. He discusses how goals are represented cognitively but serve motivational needs. The conversation also touches on how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are not truly distinct, with all motivation coming from within but having different relationships to means and ends. A fascinating part of Arie’s work is his research on radicalization. Having devised The 3 N Model of Radicalization, he expertly illustrates how our quest for significance can be misdirected into violent or suicidal behavior. But there is optimism in addressing radicalization through education and alternative significance pathways. Topics (4:34) Welcome to Arie and speed round questions. (6:06) The underlying thread through all of Arie’s work. (12:21) Why people seek significance through violence. (15:51) How can individuals be radicalized to become suicide bombers? (19:40) The difference between basic needs and psychological needs. (25:30) All our goals go back to addressing our basic needs. (27:17) Why money is tied to significance (sometimes). (30:45) The means to the end is more important than the goal. (32:26) So does extrinsic motivation even exist? (34:13) The dichotomy between motivation and cognition. (37:23) The false assumption that attitudes predict behavior. (41:45) The 3 N Model of Radicalization. (45:08) How the internet has facilitated radicalization. (49:04) So how can people attain significance through positive means. (51:05) What music would Arie take to a desert island? (55:04) Grooving Session on the quest for significance. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Arie Kruglanski: https://www.kruglanskiarie.com/ Arie Kruglanski’s books: “Uncertain: How to Turn Your Biggest Fear into Your Greatest Power”: https://amzn.to/3EuPxGl “The Three Pillars of Radicalization: Needs, Narratives, and Networks”: https://amzn.to/3Ep0lGc “The Radical's Journey: How German Neo-Nazis Voyaged to the Edge and Back”: https://amzn.to/3L5W9i8 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html Susan T. Fiske, “Social Beings: Core Motives in Social Psychology”: https://amzn.to/3EuQlLn Sir Angus Deaton’s book, “Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism”: https://amzn.to/3sDXV3C Episode 276, How To Stay Motivated So You Exceed Your Goals | Ayelet Fishbach PhD: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/motivation-to-exceed-your-goals/ Scott Atran, “Talking to the Enemy: Violent Extremism, Sacred Values, and What It Means to Be Human”: https://amzn.to/3Pn5VPs Baumeister, R. F., Wotman, S. R., & Stillwell, A. M. (1993). Unrequited love: On heartbreak, anger, guilt, scriptlessness, and humiliation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.64.3.377 Dumb and Dumber clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5jNnDMfxA Steven Pinker, “The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined”: https://amzn.to/47Wl0ir Episode 287, “Why Talking To Strangers Is Actually Good For Your Wellbeing | Nick Epley”: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/talking-to-strangers/ Robert Sapolsky, “Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst”: https://amzn.to/3L6lvN3 Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Bach “Air on G String”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMkmQlfOJDk Miles Davis “So What”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqNTltOGh5c

This podcast will give you the tools and techniques to foster a learning culture in your organization. Whether you work at a junior level or are an executive, Sarah’s guidelines can equip you to utilize leadership, AI, context and habit formation to incorporate learning into your routine. Learning is like exercise. Once you develop a healthy habit, you need to keep going! But how do you foster a learning culture in your organization? In this interview, Sarah joins Kurt Nelson and Tim Houlihan to talk about her book "Learning Habits Drive a Learning Culture to Improve Employee and Business Performance". Sarah discusses how organizations can establish a learning culture by focusing on learning habits. Based around the famous habit cycle of cue, routine and reward, Sarah adds in the important 4th element of context. Leaning on the excellent work of Wendy Wood, Sarah emphasizes the importance of creating an environment in which your desired habits are supported as a much more effective tool than relying on willpower alone. Learning in an organization is driven by leadership. By modeling learning behaviors and setting the expectations for a learning culture, leaders can elevate the productivity of their team. She discusses how team meetings, one-on-one conversations and social media can all be leveraged to encourage learning habits. But one thing particularly stands out about Sarah’s work is that she incorporates concepts from behavioral science like social proof, cues and rewards that can help make learning automatic and habitual. If you want to keep learning from people like Sarah Nicholl on Behavioral Grooves Podcast, please support our work by contributing on Patreon. Thank you to all our listeners who already do. Topics (2:48) Welcome and speed round questions. (6:16) Learning habits that contribute most to healthy organizations. (9:03) Using learning to change behavior. (11:19) How to incorporate learning into the team meeting. (13:24) Context matters! (15:16) How do you create a learning culture? (19:01) What is the LEARN model? (22:42) The impact of generative AI on learning. (27:42) The value of social proof for learning. (31:07) How behavioral science plays a part in learning. (33:24) What Sarah learnt herself from writing the book. (34:21) What music would Sarah take to a desert island? (36:16) Grooving Session on learning. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Sarah Nicholl’s book, "Learning Habits: Drive a Learning Culture to Improve Employee and Business Performance": https://amzn.to/3E8oyQX Meryl Streep: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meryl_Streep The Laundromat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Laundromat_(2019_film) BJ Fogg, "Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything": https://amzn.to/3D4hiFi Wendy Wood, "Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick": https://amzn.to/3NHv31p 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/ MINDSPACE Framework: https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/neuroscience/mindspace-framework#:~:text=MINDSPACE%3A%20A%20mnemonic%20for%20the,affect%2C%20commitments%2C%20and%20ego. Episode 41, From MINDSPACE to EAST with Michael Hallsworth: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/michael-hallsworth-from-mindspace-to-east/ Daniel Kahneman “Thinking Fast and Slow”: https://amzn.to/3NDph0V James Clear, "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones": https://amzn.to/3O2HAhd Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Shania Twain “That Don’t Impress Me Much”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqFLXayD6e8 James Taylor “You’ve Got A Friend”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jgh6h6eYLk

Humans have limited information processing abilities and cannot possibly evaluate all possible options when making a decision. However, describing people merely as irrational paints an inaccurate picture. There can be benefits to the biases we hold. Author of Optimally Irrational: The Good Reasons We Behave the Way We Do Lionel Page PhD, joins Kurt Nelson and Tim Houlihan on Behavioral Grooves Podcast to talk about his book. Lionel is a French-born economist who is currently working as the Director of the Behavioural and Economic Science Cluster at the University of Queensland in Australia. Among the topics Lionel discusses is the hedonic treadmill and how happiness is always just ahead of us. Our subjective satisfaction system is designed to keep us motivated by focusing on future goals. However, once we achieve those goals, we move on to the next. Anticipated utility and loss aversion become a powerful motivational combination. Our motivations for decisions are complex. But intentionality can help make up for some of the inconsistencies in our decision making. Topics (1:51) Speed round questions. (3:13) Is overconfidence beneficial or not beneficial? (6:06) What is rational and irrational behavior? (11:34) Why it is so important to define a field of work. (14:09) Why is it so difficult for us to ask for what we want? (17:31) Completeness helps us to find missing points. (22:38) Happiness is actually connected to loss aversion. (32:37) The benefits of anticipated utility. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Lionel Page PhD: https://economics.uq.edu.au/profile/9755/lionel-page Lionel’s book, “Optimally Irrational: The Good Reasons We Behave the Way We Do”: https://amzn.to/46RoYIH Episode 333, How Game Theory Can Be Used To Explain Human Behavior | Erez Yoeli: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/game-theory-to-explain-behavior/ Episode 171, Self Control, Belonging, and Why Your Most Dedicated Employees Are the Ones To Watch Out For with Roy Baumeister: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/self-control-belonging-and-why-your-most-dedicated-employees-are-the-ones-to-watch-out-for-with-roy-baumeister/ Prospect theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prospect_theory Episode 276, How To Stay Motivated So You Exceed Your Goals | Ayelet Fishbach PhD: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/motivation-to-exceed-your-goals/ Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves

How can we make better choices today to benefit our future selves? Hal Hershfield outlines strategies like visualizing your future self, writing letters, making commitments, and recognizing that your preferences will change over time. Hal is a Professor of Marketing, Behavioral Decision Making, and Psychology at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and holds the UCLA Anderson Board of Advisors Term Chair in Management. His research, which sits at the intersection of psychology and economics, examines the ways we can improve our long-term decisions. He joins us on this episode to discuss his new book, "Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today". It was so tempting to make this conversation with Hal really philosophical. Is our future self the same person as today, or more like a stranger? Do memories make us who we are? How can we bridge the existential gap between our future self and current self? But listeners will be glad to know that Kurt and Tim also delve into the practical aspects of Hal’s research, touching on how we can help ourselves plan for the future. The biggest take away though is that Hal emphasizes the need to make sacrifices feel psychologically easier today in order to benefit our future selves. He outlines three "time travel mistakes" we frequently make: missing our flight represents getting stuck in the present, poor trip planning represents thinking about the future but not deeply, and packing the wrong clothes represents unfairly projecting our present emotions onto our future selves. Want your future self to still be able to listen to Behavioral Grooves Podcasts? Invest in the show’s future by making a small donation on Patreon so we can keep bringing you insightful conversations like this one. Thank you to all our listeners to help make the show! Topics (2:54) Welcome and speed round questions. (7:14) Is our future self actually the same person? (11:18) Do memories make us who we are? (15:20) Common time travel mistakes. (22:36) Why you should write a letter to your future self. (27:51) What do you need to do today to make tomorrow better? (34:49) Does looking back on your regrets help you look forward. (38:42) Hal’s future musical tastes. (44:10) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on our future selves. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Hal Hershfield’s book “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today”: https://amzn.to/3E2acSh Wilson, T. D., & Gilbert, D. T. (2003) “Affective Forecasting”: https://dtg.sites.fas.harvard.edu/Wilson%20&%20Gilbert%20%28Advances%29.pdf John Locke: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Locke Ship of Theseus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus Strohminger N, Nichols S. (2014) “The essential moral self”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24503450/ Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links The National “Sea Of Love”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIWmRbHDhGw Guster “Satellite”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAkvb2Rhces Cat Stevens “Father & Son”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6zaCV4niKk The Beatles “Help”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q_ZzBGPdqE Belle and Sebastian “I want the world to stop”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjW3tZhdnyw

The "cult of never enough" encourages the belief that more money, possessions and achievements will make us happy. But Manisha Thakor has learnt through personal experience that emotional wealth is more important than financial wealth. Listen to learn how to redefine your success. Manisha Thakor is the author of the book Money Zen: Escape the Cult of Never Enough and Reclaim Your Life. In this episode of Behavioral Grooves, she discusses with Kurt and Tim how she chased the American dream of financial success for 30 years before realizing it had become a nightmare. She became a workaholic and lost sight of what truly brings happiness. Manisha talks about how the "cult of never enough" encourages the belief that more money, possessions and achievements will make us happy. However, she realized that emotional wealth is more important than financial wealth. She discusses the importance of financial health over wealth, which includes having enough to meet your needs without stress. How does society measure success in terms of money, power and productivity rather than by character and contribution? Manisha talks about the Buddhist concept of the "hungry ghost" which represents our insatiable desires. She argues that the answer is often "less" - shedding commitments, possessions and being still in nature. Listen to find out how to redefine success beyond financial wealth and move towards a balance of financial health and emotional wealth. If you’d like to support the work of Behavioral Grooves, you can become a Behavioral Grooves Patreon member. Topics (3:45) Welcome and speed round questions. (5:54) What is a busy badge? (8:57) The social comparison aspect of wealth. (13:00) The rise of the Blackberry culture. (20:34) What you do is who you are? (24:13) Chasing after the American Dream. (28:46) A classic second generation immigrant story. (31:08) Emotional wealth and financial health. (38:42) What is the Hungry Ghost? (42:58) The music Manisha would take to a desert island. (46:29) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on redefining success. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Manisha Thakor’s book, MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your "Enough": https://amzn.to/3JtuuXV Episode 102, Cristina Bicchieri: Social Norms are Bundles of Expectations: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/cristina-bicchieri-social-norms-are-bundles-of-expectations/ Dr Malissa Clark – University of Georgia: https://psychology.uga.edu/directory/people/malissa-clark Matthew A. Killingsworth, Daniel Kahneman and Barbara Mellers (2022) “Income and emotional well-being: A conflict resolved”: https://www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10.1073/pnas.2208661120 Episode 215, Secrets of Subtraction: Donut Holes, Lego and Bruce Springsteen with Leidy Klotz: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/subtraction-with-leidy-klotz/ Schulte Brigid, “Why being too busy makes us feel so good,” Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-being-too-busy-makes-us-feel-so-good/2014/03/14/c098f6c8-9e81-11e3-a050-dc3322a94fa7_story.html DeGreeff, B., Burnett, A., & Cooley, D. (2009). “Communicating authenticity or inauthenticity in a fast-paced world,” Journal of Happiness Studies: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225649342_Communicating_and_Philosophizing_About_Authenticity_or_Inauthenticity_in_a_Fast-Paced_World The Hungry Ghost: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_ghost MoneyZen quiz online: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/646d1000fec8ca0014804a9e Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Vivaldi “Four Seasons”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRxofEmo3HA Lionel Hampton “Flying Home”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_rTICMVXQQ

The world of applied behavioral science has never been better. So how do you get your foot in the door to have a career in the field? You may be surprised to learn that it doesn’t have to involve getting a PhD. Merle van den Akker discusses her career journey from academia into the corporate world, and what we can learn from it. Merle van den Akker grew up in the Netherlands and studied in the UK before moving to Australia to start her current job at the Commonwealth Bank. Though she got a lot out of her PhD studies, she realized the academic system was not a good long-term fit for her. While in her PhD, Merle started the blog "Money on the Mind" which has allowed her the opportunity to interview nearly 200 leaders in the field of behavioral science and finance. Having seen the world of behavioral science through the academic lens and now through the corporate lens, Kurt and Tim chat with Merle about how important a PhD is in the field (hint, it’s not!) But Merle gives her advice for all rising behavioral scientists and the many ways to incorporate behavioral insights into all fields of work. For those with behavioral science skills and knowledge, application can be used across many functional areas of an organization from marketing to HR to product development. We also delve into Merle’s current work in finance. Financial solutions have a reputation of not being very human-centric and are difficult for people to navigate. Applying behavioral science and human-centered design can help transform these systems from within and take account of the cultural factors that influence our finances. Please consider our work at Behavioral Grooves Podcast but donating a small amount on our Patreon site. We appreciate your help. Topics (3:49) Welcome and speed round questions. (5:06) Do you need a PhD to work in Behavioral Science? (9:10) The real reason Merle pursued a PhD. (16:07) The taboo around talking about money. (19:24) Always leave your credit card at home. (24:13) The journey from academia into industry work. (28:26) Advice for people who are in PhD programs. (31:41) Money on the Mind. (40:54) What music does Merle listen to? (45:17) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on applied behavioral science. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links CBA Bank: https://www.commbank.com.au/ Money on the Mind: https://www.moneyonthemind.org/about Merle Van Den Akker’s book, “The Ultimate Guide To Doing a PhD”: https://amzn.to/3NZa1f2 Annamaria Lusardi: https://www.annamarialusardi.com/ Elif Incekara-Hafalir and George Lowenstein (2009), “The Impact of Credit Cards on Spending: A Field Experiment”: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1378502 Keith Wilcox, Lauren G. Block and Eric M. Eisenstein (2011) “Leave Home Without It? The Effects of Credit Card Debt and Available Credit on Spending”: https://www0.gsb.columbia.edu/mygsb/faculty/research/pubfiles/5688/wilcox_leave_home.pdf Matthew D. Hilchey, Matthew Osborne and Dilip Soman (2021) “Does the visual salience of credit card features affect choice?”: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-public-policy/article/abs/does-the-visual-salience-of-credit-card-features-affect-choice/BBD44889AEE0C6070F994FECFFCAB71F Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Flume “Go”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wypxk5H8kmE

What exactly is confidence? Peter Atwater describes it as the feelings of certainty and control that we have about our future self. He explains The Confidence Map framework and how our horizon preference and vulnerability first mindset change, based on our level of confidence. Peter Atwater is an adjunct professor of economics at Williams and Mary University, and the President of financial insights, a consulting firm that advises global policymakers on how social mood affects decision making, the economy and the markets. He is known for coining the “K-shaped recovery” which is an economic term used by political and economic leaders. Most recently, he has examined the hidden role of confidence in the choices we make, in his new book “The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity”. Confidence is inherently forward-looking and involves imagining the future, which is inherently uncertain. To illustrate this, Peter introduces us to the Confidence Map, a two-by-two grid with certainty on the x-axis and control on the y-axis. The upper right quadrant represents high confidence where there is both high certainty and control. This is the "comfort zone." The lower left quadrant represents low confidence due to low certainty and control. This is the "stress center." The other two quadrants represent situations where there is only one of the two factors needed for confidence. The "passenger seat" quadrant has uncertainty but no control, like being a passenger in a car. The "launchpad" quadrant has control but no certainty, like pulling the lever on a slot machine. Overconfidence and under confidence can both be issues. Organizations often ignore the vulnerability people feel during a crisis, focusing only on fixing the problem, as Boeing did during the 737 Max disasters. Listen to Tim and Kurt’s discussion with Peter and the following Grooving Session to learn how confidence can be both an input and output of decision-making and about the complex interplay between feelings, stories and actions. We hope you enjoy listening to our discussion with Peter and if you would like to support the work of Behavioral Grooves, we would love you to join our Behavioral Grooves Patreon membership. Topics (2:15) Welcome and speed round questions. (4:44) What is confidence? (7:50) The confidence quadrant. (12:55) Can you have too much confidence and can it be false? (15:49) How Behavioral Economics influences our financial decision making. (18:42) Why groups can overestimate outcomes. (20:42) Confidence is both an input and an output. (23:39) Horizon preference and confidence. (27:29) What is a vulnerability first mindset? (29:33) How Boeing focused on the wrong issue with the 737 Max disasters. (32:19) What music would Peter take to a desert island? (34:44) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on confidence. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Peter Atwater: https://peteratwater.com/ Peter Atwater’s book: The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity: https://amzn.to/3NB2gM3 Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky (1974) Judgment Under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases, Science: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.185.4157.1124 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/ Boeing 737 Max grounding: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_737_MAX_groundings Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Steve Sondheim “Send in the Clowns”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBuDSsc9Pak George Winston “Autumn”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKmqyQUDehs

Splashy headlines, sensational findings and world-first results grab our attention but they also leave us vulnerable to deception. Constantly being skeptical of research is an impractical stance, so how do we avoid being fooled by fraud? Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris tell us exactly how. If you’re one of the 13 million viewers of the Monkey Business Illusion video on YouTube, you are already familiar with the work of our guests on this episode, Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris. As long time experts in the areas of deception and fraud, they have just published an excellent new book on the topic; Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do About It. In our discussion with Dan Simons and Chris Chabris, we discuss ways to avoid being fooled and scammed based on insights from behavioral science. They talk about how habits and appealing information can make people vulnerable to deception. While being skeptical of everything all the time is impractical, people should be more skeptical when the stakes are high. Scientific fraud is a growing concern and has hit the headlines again in the field of behavioral science. Dan and Chris outline the problems with current incentives in academic research and a new approach to conducting research that reduces the push for only publishing statistically significant results. The snapshot takeaway from this monumental discussion though is when trying to figure out who to trust in a world swimming in disinformation, fraud and scams - look for the people who are routinely admit when they’re wrong. These are the people you can trust. Interviewing Dan and Chris was definitely a highlight of the 350+ episodes of Behavioral Grooves Podcast. We love bringing you insights from the best minds in the field of behavioral science. If you’d like to support our ongoing work, please consider becoming a Behavioral Grooves Patreon member. Topics (4:04) Welcome and speed round questions. (6:56) What readers can get out of the book, Nobody’s Fool. (11:06) Why is a book about deception timely? (15:31) Who can we trust? (18:52) The replication crisis in behavioral science. (21:36) Registered reports - a new method for publishing research. (23:46) How to ask the right questions. (26:38) How to detect fraud in scientific papers? (32:59) The tension between individual choice and incentives in research. (37:58) Normalizing a lack of confidence in your own research results. (41:49) The bullshit receptivity scale research. (45:09) Tips on evading selection. (50:43) What music Dan and Chris would take to a desert island. (55:53) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on being fooled. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links The Monkey Business Illusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGQmdoK_ZfY Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris’ book, Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do About It: https://amzn.to/3pHdkz6 Pennycook, G., Cheyne, J. A., Barr, N., Koehler, D. J., & Fugelsang, J. A. (2015). Bullshit Receptivity Scale: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037/t52525-000 Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Talking Heads “Once in a Lifetime”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IsSpAOD6K8 Dan Ani Difranco “Both Hands”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th-GDhsveM4&ab_channel=HybridFalcon Wax Tailor “Come With Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzGmze5erMo&pp=ygUKd2F4IHRheWxvcg%3D%3D Bjork “Human Behaviour”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0mRIhK9seg&ab_channel=bj%C3%B6rk Supertramp “Breakfast in America”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YQb-0P320s&ab_channel=KRM Chris U2 “Original Of The Species”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu9rQ8lkQ5c Bob Mould “I Don’t Know You Anymore”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ0ZEpJRpAE&ab_channel=MergeRecordsonYouTube

Between disinformation and misinformation, it’s difficult to know what and who to trust, especially during a crisis. When disaster does strike, it is critical that scientific information is communicated clearly. Oceanographer Christopher Reddy discusses his experiences relaying vital information during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. Scientists are bathing in uncertainty. It is the basis of their work. As Chris says “if I’m certain about something, I’m not going to research it.” But during a disaster, people crave answers, not a comprehensive research paper published 5 years after the event! So a huge challenge for scientists is how to communicate effectively to both the media, the public and all of the stakeholders involved in disaster relief. In this episode, we’ve reached outside of our traditional box of guests and are talking with a sharp, witty and very informative scientist, Christopher Reddy. Chris is a chemist, but for reasons he explains in the podcast, he most often refers to himself as an oceanographer. He is a leader in the study of marine pollution and the development of environmentally friendly industrial chemicals and works as a senior scientist in the Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry at Woods Hole Oceanographic. When the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster struck in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, Chris was one of the sets of boots on the ground, leading the field operations. His expertise in the science of oil spills meant he was thrust into a public facing role which later got him personally entangled in the BP legal case surrounding the liability for the spill. He’s written about this experience in his new book, Science Communication in a Crisis: An Insider’s Guide. We love bringing you interesting and funny conversations from people like Chris. If you would like to support our work, please share this episode on social media, write a review on your app or become a Behavioral Grooves Patreon member. Topics (3:57) Welcome and speed round questions. (7:57) How communicating can make you a better scientist. (13:02) Who are the most important stakeholders in the communication process? (16:16) Mistrust in science is a big challenge. (18:04) How to communicate uncertainty. (22:32) Public statements have real world consequences. (25:33) Why you shouldn’t start a conversation with your PhD qualifications! (30:18) The hardest part of the Deepwater Horizon disaster for Chris. (35:05) Clair Patterson’s impact on the world. (39:11) Advice on how to become a science communicator. (40:46) Why Chris can’t listen to music. (46:19) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on communicating. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Chris’ book: Science Communication in a Crisis: An Insider’s Guide: https://amzn.to/3rfrKan Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepwater_Horizon Clair Patterson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clair_Cameron_Patterson Clair Patterson, the Hero Who Got the Lead Out of Gasoline: https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/science/environment/clair-patterson-got-lead-out-of-gasoline/ Freddie Mercury: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Mercury Larry Bird: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Queen “We are the Champions”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY Queen “We will Rock You”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJYN-eG1zk Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ

When we pretend to know something that we don’t or start a comment with “everyone knows that...”, we create an atmosphere where answers become irrelevant. It closes off our openness to new ideas, ways of thinking and discovering new information. This is the curse of knowingness. On this episode of Behavioral Grooves, Jonathan Malesic discusses the concept of "knowingness" - the tendency people have to act like they already know something when in fact they don't. This false sense of knowledge can prevent learning and understanding. Overcoming knowingness requires maintaining a healthy skepticism and openness to new evidence. Knowingness afflicts all corners of our politics. And I think that it's a real problem when it starts afflicting people whose job is to inform us. Jonathan Malesic teaches writing at Southern Methodist University and creative nonfiction at the University of Texas at Dallas. He’s a philosopher and scholar and cares a lot about something we do every week: science communication. And he's also a previous guest on the show when he discussed how to end burnout on episode 302. Writing for an audience can help develop empathy and moral imagination by forcing writers to imagine the needs and perspective of their readers. Jonathan argues that learning to write is an ethical training that teaches us to relate to others beyond ourselves. With the emergence of new AI tools like ChatGPT it begs the question of whether writing needs to be taught at all. But Jonathan doesn’t feel threatened by AI. He explains that with a lack of empathy, AI will never be able to effectively write for its audience. Topics (3:12) Welcome and speed round questions. (7:02) Our problem isn’t misinformation, it’s knowingness. (9:16) Is knowingness a type of confirmation bias? (11:31) How already knowing makes it impossible to learn anything new. (15:04) The role of the internet and social media on confirmation bias. (18:43) Cognitive dissonance and the structure of scientific revolutions. (20:54) How can we overcome knowingness? (28:55) How do you change someone’s mind? (30:54) Do we still need to teach writing now that we have ChatGPT? (39:09) How do we relate to people we imagine? (43:24) What music would Jon take to a desert island? (47:18) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on knowingness. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Episode 302, You Have Dignity Because You’re Human, Not Because You Work | Jonathan Malesic: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/you-have-dignity-jonathan-malesic/ Jonathan Malesic’s book “The End of Burnout: Why Work Drains Us and How to Build Better Lives”: https://amzn.to/3tDdS8j Jonathan Lear “Open Minded: Working Out the Logic of the Soul”: https://amzn.to/3PyP2SJ “Our big problem is not misinformation; it’s knowingness” by Jonathan Malesic: https://psyche.co/ideas/our-big-problem-is-not-misinformation-its-knowingness Buffalo Sabres: https://www.nhl.com/sabres Thomas Kuhn “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions”: https://amzn.to/3JqLe1O Oedipus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oedipus 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/ Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Neil Young “Harvest Moon”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2MtEsrcTTs Fiona Apple “Criminal”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFOzayDpWoI

We all get stuck. In relationships, in jobs or in creative endeavors. It’s a universal experience, yet most people feel incredibly lonely when they’re stuck. By shedding light on the latest research, bestselling author Adam Alter expertly unravels the psychological and practical steps you need to get unstuck. Adam Alter PhD is a professor of Marketing at New York University's Stern School of Business with an affiliate appointment in the Psychology Department. Adam has spent the past two decades studying how people become stuck and how they free themselves to thrive. He is the author of bestsellers Drunk Tank Pink and Irresistible but we talk with him on this episode about his latest book, Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most. As someone who has kept decades of notes on interesting observations from his life, Adam peppers all his work with relatable personal stories. One of the trends of Adam’s observations from over the years is that music has provided a stream of interesting anecdotes. So it will come as no surprise to regular listeners of the Behavioral Grooves, that Tim thoroughly enjoyed talking about how music has influenced Adam’s life, research and writing! We hope you enjoy listening to our light hearted discussion with Adam and if you would like to support the work of Behavioral Grooves, you can become a Patreon member of the show: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves. Topics (3:30) Welcome and speed round questions. (4:31) Creativity is a result of productivity not insight. (6:38) Where do people get stuck in their lives? (7:42) Narrow bracketing - how to get rid of the messy middle. (9:55) Why is it so hard to get unstuck? (12:08) How to reframe difficulties as challenges. (15:52) In hierarchical organizations, the personality of leaders matters. (18:30) How to fail well. (23:07) Are constraints liberating? (26:34) The 3 part process of a friction audit? (29:29) What is hardship inoculation? (34:06) Finding the people who magically unstick your team. (38:48) What makes a great band? (42:46) How Universal Basic Income (UBI) can harness creative breakthroughs. (45:28) Why music is a huge part of Adam’s book. (48:10) How the economy actually dictates our musical choices. (53:39) The music that Adam listens to. (57:37) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on getting unstuck. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Adam Alter’s book “Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most”: https://amzn.to/3NHkQ6z Episode 276, How To Stay Motivated So You Exceed Your Goals with Ayelet Fishbach PhD: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/motivation-to-exceed-your-goals/ Episode 307, Groove Track - Mind Over Milkshakes: Why Expectations Matter A Lot: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/mind-over-milkshakes-groove-track/ Michael Lewis “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game”: https://amzn.to/46dqbJV Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, “The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure”: https://amzn.to/3NSRItb Episode 64, Danny Oppenheimer: Governance and Helicopter Parenting: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/danny-oppenheimer-governance-and-helicopter-parenting/ Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links EDM, trance music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xptn9MHiAdo Alice in Chains “Man In The Box”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAqZb52sgpU Bob Dylan “Like A Rolling Stone”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwOfCgkyEj0

Saying yes to tasks that we want to say no to is a common problem. But how do we decide which requests to turn down? Dr Vanessa Patrick PhD strategically breaks down asks into 4 useful categories. Learn to say yes to requests that align with your identity and how to communicate an empowered refusal. “A no that stems from your identity is a much more empowered no” Dr Vanessa Patrick PhD is a Professor of Marketing and the Associate Dean for Research at the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. Her recent book “The Power of Saying No: The New Science of How to Say No That Puts You in Charge of Your Life” is an extremely practical guide in how to turn down the requests that don’t align with your identity. While Vanessa’s academic research is rigorous and interesting, it is her poetic ability to translate her findings into useful frameworks and practical advice that makes her work resonate so powerfully. Her analogy of persistent askers being like a walnut tree evokes beautiful imagery that helps illustrate her point. And Tim’s favorite quote from the conversation is “we leak power through our nonverbal skills.” Join our discussion to learn how this elegant nugget of wisdom can help us overcome our communication weaknesses. Producer of Behavioral Grooves, Mary Kaliff, joins regular host Tim Houlihan on this podcast episode to ask Vanessa the questions that will help you communicate empowered refusals. We figure out how to say no to tasks that don’t align with our identity and our personal priorities. But we also delve into some areas that Vanessa doesn’t address in the book, such as the social norms in individualistic and collective societies, and of course, the musical influences that have shaped Vanessa’s life. And for regular listeners, you’ll be relieved to know that while Kurt Nelson sadly missed the interview with Vanessa, he joins Tim and Mary in the Grooving Session to summarize and develop the key points from the discussion. Topics (2:56) Welcome and speed round questions. (5:13) Should we frame a refusal with “I can’t” or “I don’t”? (6:37) Saying no to a complete stranger compared to friends & family. (7:28) What is an empowered refusal? (10:30) Should we sometimes say yes? (12:44) How to overcome the flattery of being asked. (15:07) Why women are at much greater risk of saying yes. (16:59) How to break down asks into 4 categories. (20:26) Why you don’t want to be walnut tree! (23:44) Why it’s harder to say no to more powerful people. (25:07) What is compassionate self control? (30:41) The difference with empowered refusal in collective vs individualistic societies. (32:46) The 3 competencies of empowered refusal. (35:46) Life choices that have influenced Vanessa’s musical choices. (41:13) Grooving Session with Tim, Mary and Kurt on saying no! © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Vanessa’s book, “The Power of Saying No: The New Science of How to Say No That Puts You in Charge of Your Life”: https://amzn.to/42N3cm1 Episode 277, No Regrets? Really? Why Regrets Actually Bring Us Hope with Daniel H. Pink: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/why-regrets-bring-us-hope/ Episode 350, How One Small Word Can Transform Our Motivation, Success And Relationships with Jonah Berger: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/words-can-transform-jonah-berger/ Episode 278, How Can Smart, Kind People Harness Their Influence? Zoe Chance: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/harness-influence-zoe-chance/ Episode 325, Can You Unlearn History And Still Love Your Country? With Dolly Chugh: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/dolly-chugh/ Episode 18, Stars – Cores – Laggards – Better Incentives for Your Sales Reps featuring Dr. Michael Ahearne: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/stars-cores-laggards-better-incentives-for-your-sales-reps-featuring-dr-michael-ahearne/ Patrick, Vanessa & Hagtvedt, Henrik. (2012). “I Don’t” versus “I Can’t”: When Empowered Refusal Motivates Goal-Directed Behavior. Journal of Consumer Research: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239810645_I_Don't_versus_I_Can't_When_Empowered_Refusal_Motivates_Goal-Directed_Behavior Patrick, Vanessa and Mead, Nicole (2016) , The taming of desire: Unspecific postponement reduces desire for and consumption of postponed temptations: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3602254 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz: https://amzn.to/3NdIHcw Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Phantom of the Opera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGb4hj-EXt0 Elvis Presley “Hound Dog”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNYWl13IWhY

Understanding how we think can change our thinking. From confirmation biases, to uncertainty, to overconfidence, we are all blessed with the same thinking patterns that affect our decision making. Yale professor, Dr Woo-kyoung Ahn walks us through the latest cognitive research on “thinking problems”, and most importantly, how we can overcome them. Woo-kyoung Ahn is a psychology professor and the director of the Thinking Lab at Yale University. Recently she wrote a riveting book titled “Thinking 101: How to Reason Better to Live Better.” On this episode of Behavioral Grooves, she joins Tim Houlihan and producer Mary Kaliff to make the case that there are some good reasons behind our ways of thinking. For example, confirmation bias can save us energy and help bring consistency to our lives. Dr Ahn illustrates her book and this discussion with many relatable, personal stories that illustrate our patterns of thinking. Our favorite is that she recently updated her lecture notes for her class at Yale on the planning fallacy. She had optimistically estimated it would take her 3 days. Ironically, it took her 3 weeks! As always, the most useful part of the conversation on Behavioral Grooves are the practical tips that we can use in our everyday life. And Woo-kyoung offers us plenty of useful ways we change our perspective and improve our lives. Join Tim and Mary for further discussion in the Grooving Session on how to apply Woo-kyoung’s work. Topics (3:16) Welcome and speed round questions. (6:26) Who is Thinking 101 written for? (9:58) What are “thinking problems” and what exactly is confirmation bias? (12:29) What is the link between maximizing, satisficing and confirmation bias? (18:09) Should we change people's minds or change our perspective? (20:33) Why are we overconfident about what others are thinking? (23:22) Why is confirmation bias hardwired in us? (26:25) Why are highly educated women biased against other highly educated women? (28:38) What can we do about confirmation bias in job selection? (31:43) How do collective societies vs individualistic societies affect our identity? (34:18) The difference between emotional theory of mind and cognitive theory of mind. (35:42) How to combat the planning fallacy. (41:40) How uncertainty affects our decision making. (46:11) What music would Woo-kyoung take to a desert island? (47:49) Grooving Session with Tim and Mary about uncertainty and decision making. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Woo-kyoung Ahn: https://wkahn.com/about Thinking 101: How to Reason Better to Live Better: https://amzn.to/3MW7dQH Episode 300, You Can Change Someone’s Mind But Are You Sure You Want To? | David McRaney: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/changing-minds-david-mcraney/ 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 345, The Tools You Need To Embrace Uncertainty | Nathan and Susannah Harmon Furr: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/tools-to-embrace-uncertainty/ Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links YoYo Ma playing J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite No.1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObSD2fXWU0I BTS “ Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXpOEzNZ8hQ&ab_channel=HYBELABELS

If you compare executive pay of men and women in C suite jobs, you will often not find a discrepancy in their wages. You will also be completely missing the point. The gender pay gap exists because it is more difficult for women to reach executive level success. Throughout their career progression, but particularly early on, women face more discrimination than men, and so fewer women are ultimately promoted to the highest level of an organization. Gender discrimination is one of the recent topics covered by Alex Imas PhD, in his research. Alex is a behavioral economist with a focus on dynamic decision-making. His research explores topics related to choice under uncertainty, discrimination, mental representation, and how people learn from information. Most recently, Alex has been the recipient of the 2023 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship which seeks to stimulate fundamental research by early-career scientists and scholars of outstanding promise. Alex’s work on discrimination in the workplace sheds vital light on the cause of the problem which isn’t just found within the hiring process. But before Kurt and Tim discuss this topic with Alex, the conversation kicks off with the fascinating findings that have fed off Robert Cialdini’s founding work - that scarcity drives consumer demand. It was back in episode 71, that Alex was originally a guest on Behavioral Grooves. And Tim was more than happy to rekindle the initial musical discussion around Tom Waits and Bob Dylan. But Alex also delights us with how the pandemic altered his listening behavior and opened him up to some new favorite bands. Topics (4:59) Welcome and speed round questions. (7:!8) How exclusivity can drive demand. (14:56) Access desire is the key to driving demand. (16:50) What are Alex’s plans with being awarded the Sloan Fellowship? (21:41) Integrating behavioral science into the workplace. (26:17) The latest research on gender discrimination in the workplace. (32:11) Why looking at salaries for men and women doing the same job is not enough. (36:20) How algorithms can exacerbate and scale biases. (40:20) How Tom Waits’ music has inspired Alex to explore new areas of creativity. (47:38) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on discrimination. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Alex Imas: http://www.aleximas.com/ NBER: https://www.nber.org/ Episode 355, Want Marketing That’s Effective? Use a Behavioral Science Perspective | Nancy Harhut: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/marketing-using-behavioral-science/ Episode 71, Alex Imas: Clawback Incentives and Tom Waits: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/alex-imas-clawback-incentives-and-tom-waits/ Alex Imas & Kristóf Madarász (2022) “Superiority-Seeking and the Preference for Exclusion”: https://www.nber.org/papers/w30334 Episode 226, The Power of Unity: Robert Cialdini Expands His Best Selling Book Influence: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/cialdini-unity-in-influence/ Benjamin Handel: https://www.benjaminhandel.com/ Imas, J. A. Bohren and M. Rosenberg (2019) "The Dynamics of Discrimination: Theory and Evidence," American Economic Review: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57967bc7cd0f68048126361d/t/5cdf2d4c7d1b310001d046fc/1558129997622/BohrenImasRosenberg_DynamicsDiscrimination_January2019.pdf Episode 293, Women Do Too Much Non-Promotable Work: How To Say No More with Linda Babcock: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/women-do-too-much/ Episode 204, How Shellye Archambeau Flies Like an Eagle: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/shellye-archambeau-like-an-eagle/ Musical Links Tom Waits “Downtown Train”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLtZKkCIVmI Bob Dylan “My Back Pages”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92cF_KCH7TU Bob Dylan “Johanna”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwuCF5lYqEE Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs “Way Out”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh3DXuNH9A0 The Strokes “Last Nite”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOypSnKFHrE The Vines “Get Free”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asOvnGHwtDU The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY Fontaines D.C. “Jackie Down The Line”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AoOfJP3r40 Bright Eyes “First Day of My Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUBYzpCNQ1I

Want people to comply with rules at work? Stop assuming that they are going to break the rules. The vast majority of people want to do the right thing. So if you’re finding that people aren’t complying, you’ve got a rule problem, not a people problem. Our expert guest and friend of the show, Christian Hunt turns compliance on its head in this episode: “I thought compliance was all about rules and regulations, which it is, but that is the organization's perspective on it. The organization needs to comply with these rules. That's the organization’s challenge. But to get that solved, you’ve got to be thinking about things from the perspective of the people that are going to deliver or not deliver that mission.” Thinking about the people behind the rules is the crux of Christian’s new book “Humanizing Rules: Bringing Behavioural Science to Ethics and Compliance”, which we are thrilled to be discussing on this episode of Behavioral Grooves. We’ve had the pleasure of recording with Christian a number of times. Most notably at the Abbey Road Studios in London where we talked about the risks and benefits of cheating in episode 326. We have also delved into how to not outsource your critical thinking during in episode 122, as well as covering the 5 principles of human risk - in other words, the myths that humans cling to that don’t help us - way back in episode 86. And most recently, Christian joined in our conversation in episode 339, giving very practical tips on how to read a book quickly. Christians is a fellow podcaster, hosting a fantastic show called The Human Risk Podcast (you should definitely take a listen) which explores the idea of human decision-making as a risk and what we can do to mitigate it. Unbelievably, despite this being the 5th time on Behavioral Grooves, this is the first time we get to hear Christian’s musical picks. And as always, this part of the discussion reveals a bit more about our guest that we didn’t know before. Topics (4:33) Welcome and speed round questions. (7:02) Should rules be designed for bad people or good people? (12:24) Why Compliance Officer is the worst job title! (15:31) Christian’s journey into compliance. (20:24) Don’t focus on what you'd like people to do, but focus on what people are likely to do. (24:12) The difference between recoverable and irrecoverable issues. (27:44) Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. (31:06) People problem or rule problem? (34:27) Who the hell is Mr Logic? (43:13) How to get people to pay attention to compliance. (47:19) Learning about compliance from sexologists! (53:01) What music would Christian take to a desert island? (58:32) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on compliance. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Human Risk Podcast: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/ Christian’s book, “Humanizing Rules: Bringing Behavioural Science to Ethics and Compliance”: https://amzn.to/428gp8s Episode 326, Grooving on Cheating: Kurt, Tim, Christian Hunt, and Koen Smets: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/grooving-on-cheating/ Episode 122, Don’t Outsource Your Critical Thinking with Christian Hunt: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/c-19-dont-outsource-your-critical-thinking-with-christian-hunt/ Episode 86, Christian Hunt: Mitigating Human Risk and The Algorithmic Mind: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/christian-hunt-mitigating-human-risk-and-the-algorithmic-mind/ Episode 339, Top 2 Tips on How to Read a Book Quickly: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/how-to-read-a-book-quickly/ Mr Logic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab6yslxLRyQ&ab_channel=ViolenceMatters Human Risk and the sexologist, Jill McDevitt: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/sexologist-dr-jill-mcdevitt-on/ Herbert Grönemeyer: https://www.groenemeyer.de/ Happy 60th, Herbert Grönemeyer: https://www.dw.com/en/herbert-gr%C3%B6nemeyer-germanys-most-successful-musician-turns-60/a-19180054 Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links The Beatles “I Feel Fine”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrAV5EVI4tU Herbert Grönemeyer singt "Bochum" live im Stadion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFRQQCZglwI

Goals are as common and as misunderstood as mobile phones. We think we know how to use them, but we don’t get it right every time. And if we were asked to explain how they work, we’d be clueless. In this Grooving Session, Kurt and Tim discuss the magic of goals and how to best utilize them. We discuss some goal-setting studies – both published and unpublished – and some fundamental reasons why goals are important. We also get into some complementary research on the illusionary progress to goal and the goal gradient theory, both linked to the work of Ran Kivetz, from Columbia University. It’s a quick discussion of some important applications of how to make goals work better for YOU! CONTEST ALERT! And as a special thank-you, we’re going to select a single listener to be our special guest on a future podcast. To let us know you’re interested in being our special guest, use #IWANTTOBEYOURSPECIALGUEST when you forward this episode on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook and we’ll select a winner. We want YOU to be our special guest to hear YOUR questions about behavioral sciences. This is a republished episode that was originally episode 27 of Behavioral Grooves, back in September 2018 (yes Tim and Kurt really have been podcasting that long!) But we felt the content of this episode was timeless. And the offer of being a guest on the show? Yes, we still mean it! Share the hashtag and come join Kurt and Tim on a future episode! © 2023 Behavioral Grooves

Between setting your goals and reaching your goals, there is a void that we assume willpower can fill. But to achieve success, it takes more than willpower alone. Thankfully there are some well researched tools that we can set in place to help us flourish. Hosts of Behavioral Grooves Kurt Nelson and Tim Houlihan sit down for a succinct Groove Track episode summarizing the myths about willpower, what other factors are at play when striving for our goals, and the tools we can use to help us succeed. Key takeaways: Willpower is not enough on its own. Your environment - both your physical and social contexts - influence your behavior. Routines can help you achieve your goals. And routines work best when they: Fit into our lifestyle. Focus on the steps to the goal. Fuel consistency. Provide intrinsic or extrinsic reward. And tools are useful to: Help remind and motivate. Assist with planning and strategizing. Track and measure our progress. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Mazuch & Rona (2005), “Creating healing environments: humanistic architecture and therapeutic design”: https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/creating-healing-environments-humanistic/docview/212385610/se-2 McMains & Kastner (2011), “Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21228167/ Wendy Wood, “Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick”: https://amzn.to/3LTMlYl Katy Milkman, “How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be”: https://amzn.to/3pzBb3t The Brain/Shift Journal - Scientifically Proven Guided Journal for Goal Setting and Achieving: A 13-Week Undated Planner, Organizer, and Notebook for Personal Productivity: https://amzn.to/42rjilP

Earning your 10th cup of coffee for free isn’t nearly as satisfying as being randomly awarded a free coffee from your barista. These uncertain rewards are a genius way of enforcing new habits, which our guest Richard Shotton outlines in his fantastic new book. In fact, Richard’s book “The Illusion of Choice: 16 ½ psychological biases that influence what we buy" is a treasure trove of research and anecdotes which bridge the gap between the very technical world of academia and the “wild” application of behavioral science in real world marketing. Kurt and Tim don’t delve into all 16 ½ psychological biases from the book, but their conversation with Richard jumps into some fascinating topics. Among them are the seemingly contradictory chapters in Richard’s book that are titled “Make It Easy” and “Make It Difficult”. So which is it - should we add or remove friction to products? In fact, it’s both! And (as we love to say on Behavioral Grooves) it depends on the context and ultimately what your marketing goal is. “You've got to be very clear about what is the barrier, or what is the problem you are trying to resolve as a marketer. And once you're clear about that, then it's easy to match the right behavioral science experiment, and therefore the right recommendation to that problem.” We discuss the power of simple, concrete language; why we perceive precise numbers to be more accurate; and how authoritarian language can discourage customers, employees and possibly citizens. As mentioned in the show, we were recently honored to be awarded the 2023 Behavioral Science Podcast of the Year by GAABS. Thank you to the wonderful team at GAABS, and all our listeners who made this possible, we really appreciate your ongoing support. Topics (5:33) Welcome and speed round question. (7:57) Why randomly being awarded a coffee is so satisfying. (13:00) Closing the gap between academia and applied behavioral science. (15:12) The power of concrete over abstract words. (20:48) Breaking prices down to unit price is perceived as better value. (24:32) How precise pricing increases the acceptance rate. (28:38) Why simple language is so important. (33:40) When is it best to increase friction and when should you remove friction? (40:44) Is there actually a replication “crisis” in behavioral science? (42:48) Authoritarian messages could have a negative effect on customers and employees. (47:36) What musical artists would Richard take to a desert island? (52:20) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on Richard’s work. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links GAABS: https://gaabs.org/ Richard Shotton’s book “The Illusion of Choice: 16 ½ psychological biases that influence what we buy”: https://amzn.to/3LxOCs5 Astroten: https://www.astroten.co.uk/ Dishoom restaurant: https://www.dishoom.com/ Ian Begg (1972) “Recall of meaningful phrases”, Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behaviour: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022537172800240 Robert Schindler & Richard Yalch (2006), “It Seems Factual, But Is It? Effects of Using Sharp versus Round Numbers in Advertising Claims” Advances in Consumer Research: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279544736_It_Seems_Factual_But_Is_It_Effects_of_Using_Sharp_versus_Round_Numbers_in_Advertising_Claims Episode 64, Danny Oppenheimer: Governance and Helicopter Parenting: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/danny-oppenheimer-governance-and-helicopter-parenting/ Daniel Oppenheimer (2006) “Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly” Applied Cognitive Psychology: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227513726_Consequences_of_erudite_vernacular_utilized_irrespective_of_necessity_Problems_with_using_long_words_needlessly Ig Nobel Prizel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ig_Nobel_Prize The IKEA effect: https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/ikea-effect#:~:text=The%20IKEA%20effect%2C%20named%20after,expended%20effort%20to%20create%20them. Felicia Pratto & Oliver John (1991) “The attention-grabbing power of negative social information”: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/21213504_Automatic_Vigilance_The_Attention-Grabbing_Power_of_Negative_Social_Information Episode 350, How One Small Word Can Transform Our Motivation, Success And Relationships | Jonah Berger: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/words-can-transform-jonah-berger/ Variable Ratio Reinforcement: https://practicalpie.com/variable-ratio-reinforcement/ Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links David Bowie “Starman”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRcPA7Fzebw&pp=ygUTZGF2aWQgYm93aWUgc3Rhcm1hbg%3D%3D The Strokes “Last Night”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOypSnKFHrE&pp=ygULdGhlIHN0cm9rZXM%3D The Verve “Bitter Sweet Symphony”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyu1KKwC74&ab_channel=TheVerveVEVO The Cure “Pictures Of You”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmFFTkjs-O0&ab_channel=TheCureVEVO Wonder Stuff “Don’t Let Me Down Gently”: