Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Ever find yourself coasting on autopilot a bit too often in your daily routine? Seeking ways to be more present and truly connect with your habits to enhance your life? Join Kurt and Tim on a profound exploration into the world of sense foraging and breaking free from autopilot habits.

In this enlightening episode, Kurt and Tim are joined by special guests Norman Farb and Zindel Segal, esteemed researchers in psychology and neuroscience, and co-authors of the insightful book "Better in Every Sense." Together, they delve into the transformative power of intentional sensory exploration, curiosity, and savoring to elevate everyday experiences. Dive into the complexities of modern life, including the challenges of stress, burnout, and dysregulation, while gaining valuable insights into understanding your ?default mode? and the pivotal role of the salience network in directing your focus to the present moment.

Discover actionable strategies for integrating sense foraging into your daily life, from relishing the flavor of your morning coffee to heightening your awareness of the sensations in your environment. In their grooving session, Kurt and Tim underscore the importance of breaking away from habitual routines and fostering mindfulness to improve decision-making and overall well-being. Whether you're seeking to shift your perspective or embark on a journey toward intentional living, this episode offers invaluable guidance to kickstart your transformation. Tune in now and take the first step toward finding your groove!

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Topics 

[5:10] Intro and speed round

[7:30] Default mode - breaking out and toggling in

[11:56] House of Habit

[18:42] Perceptual inference and active inference

[23:53] How foraging leads to a better life

[29:26] Toggle in for engagement and break away from default mode

[39:12] Sensory engagement and learning

[44:33] Hearing vs. listening

[46:58] Desert island music

[53:44] Grooving session: habits, autopilot, and how to create your own groove moments

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Links 

Better in Every Sense: How the New Science of Sensation Can Help You Reclaim Your Life

Norman Farb

Zindel Segal

Default Mode Network (DMN)

Paying Attention to Senses Can Help Reset the Mind

Musical Links 

The Rolling Stones ?Winter?

Underworld ?Born Slippy? 

Cream ?Sunshine of Your Love? 

A Tribe Called Quest ?Can I Kick It?? 

 

What separates a ritual from a habit? Join Kurt and Tim this week as they delve into the intriguing world of rituals and habits with special guest Mike Norton, acclaimed author of The Ritual Effect. Together, they explore the nuances that distinguish rituals from mere habits, shedding light on how rituals infuse our daily lives with meaning and significance.

According to Michael, rituals are more than just actions; they're meaningful celebrations or purpose-driven practices that elevate our routines. From something as simple as brushing your teeth to larger group activities, the trio discusses how rituals add depth and emotion to our everyday experiences.

As the episode unfolds, Kurt, Tim, and Mike examine how rituals impact not only individuals but also relationships and work teams. They navigate the delicate balance between rituals that unite and those that divide, emphasizing the importance of consensus in fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction.

Through personal anecdotes and keen insights, the trio offers listeners a thought-provoking journey into the profound influence of rituals on behavior, perceptions, and relationships. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion! Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the rituals that shape our lives. And if you enjoy the episode, be sure to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform?we'd love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation.

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Topics 

[5:33] Intro and speed round

[10:24] Is brushing your teeth a ritual?

[14:00] The benefits and limitations of rituals and habits in daily life

[20:19] Rituals in relationships

[24:00] The meaning behind group rituals

[33:20] Corporate team-building activities

[42:33] The role of music in cultural rituals and traditions

[51:27] Grooving session: Rituals and their meanings in daily life

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Links

The Ritual Effect

Michael Norton

Michael's TED Talk - Why Rituals Matter

Musical Links

The Band ?Atlantic City?

Gillian Welch ?I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll?

Buddy Holly ?Rave On?

Arlo Guthrie ?Alice?s Restaurant Massacree?

 

Dive deep into the realm of behavioral science with Kurt and Tim this week as they explore the scalability of behavioral nudges and interventions through the groundbreaking research of Silvia Saccardo. Discover how Silvia's work sheds light on the effectiveness of interventions, from COVID-19 vaccination reminders to improving student sleep habits.

Unveil the nuanced impact of nudges and their effectiveness for motivated individuals, as Silvia shares insights from her studies and personalized intervention strategies. In their discussion, Kurt and Tim dissect the implications of Silvia's research, emphasizing the importance of precision in deploying nudges for maximum scalability and impact.

Join the conversation to learn how understanding behavioral principles can revolutionize intervention customization, catering to diverse contexts, populations, and behaviors. Gain invaluable insights into shaping habits effectively through cues and rewards, empowering you to encourage desired behaviors in everyday life. Tune in and unlock the secrets of behavioral science with practical applications.

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Topics 

[6:17] Intro and speed round

[11:18] Scalability and the effectiveness of interventions

[14:19] COVID vaccination reminders: Study

[26:15] Sleep interventions and their impact on academic performance: Study

[34:21] The effectiveness of cue rewarding in sleep interventions

[40:12] The impact of small incentives of sleep habits

[47:19] Desert island music

[51:39] Grooving Session: Nudges, scalability, and interventions in behavioral science

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Links

Silvia Saccardo

Behavioral Nudges Increase COVID-19 Vaccinations

Improving Educational Performance Through Better Sleep Habits

Musical Links

Måneskin ?OFF MY FACE?

Taylor Swift ?Cruel Summer?

Ed Sheeran ?Thinking Out Loud?

Curious about how prioritizing happiness can transform leadership and workplace dynamics? Well, look no further than this week?s discussion with Gonzalo Camiña Ceballos, CEO of BeWay, a Mexico City/Madrid-based company paving the way in bringing the principles of behavioral science to the workplace.  In this conversation, Kurt, Tim, and Gonzalo dive deep into the realms of humanistic management, personal fulfillment, and the concept of ?eudaimonic leadership?, and how all these factors can make or break your experience in the workplace. 

Gonzalo emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the happiness and fulfillment of employees to achieve organizational success and challenges conventional leadership norms while advocating for a more holistic approach to employee well-being.  In a post-pandemic world where RTO mandates are on the rise, all of us need to find deeper connections and meaning in our jobs. Throughout the conversation, Gonzalo helps us to see a future where people have passion and purpose in their work and feel a greater sense of community in their daily jobs and beyond. 

Join Kurt, Tim, and Gonzalo as they navigate the intersections of leadership, happiness, and personal fulfillment, offering thought-provoking insights into redefining success and finding your groove in both work and life. Whether you're a leader seeking innovative approaches to organizational management or an individual on a quest for personal growth and self-discovery, this episode offers valuable perspectives and inspiration to guide you on your journey.

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Topics

[4:18] Intro and speed round

[6:55] Behavioral science in corporate work departments

[16:13] Using behavioral science in debt collection

[26:53] Career development

[31:06] Prioritizing employee happiness in business

[35:47] Leadership, employee happiness, and scalability

[41:27] Desert island music choices

[46:08] Finding one's groove in life

[54:17] Grooving session: leadership, management, and behavioral science

 

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Links

BeWay - The Behavioral Way

Are Happy Employees More Productive?

Musical Links

Shakira ?La Tortura?

Post Malone ?Circles?

So many voices, who do we listen to? The loudest, most senior or most popular voice?

Our lives are rife with pivotal moments yet it?s harder to get decisions right. However, amidst this whirlwind, we at Behavioral Grooves recently made a resounding decision ? to tune in and sit down with a guest who could help us untangle the intricacies of decision-making in the modern noisy world.

Enter Nuala Walsh, the insightful author of ?Tune In ? How to Make Smarter Decisions in a Noisy World?. Joining Kurt and Tim, she delves deep into the labyrinth of misjudgement, reveals the ten PERIMETERS? traps dissecting the cognitive mechanisms that stop us hearing the voices that really matter. In this illuminating dialogue, the trio navigates the idea of psychological ?deaf spots? ? why we tune out and offers pragmatic strategies for becoming a more powerful and influential Decision Ninja.

Discover the significance of concepts like ?tuning in? versus ?tuning out?, and how our biases can be exacerbated by unchecked information filtering and neglected interpretation. Arm yourself with the revolutionary SONIC framework and explore the notion of ?decision friction?.

Throughout the conversation, Walsh provides fascinating examples and actionable insights to recalibrate our thought processes towards more deliberate and well-considered judgement calls. Judgment isn?t taught but it is assumed especially in positions of power.

As always, our episode culminates in a Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim, where they bare personal anecdotes of cognitive biases and memory lapses ? showcasing the myriad ways our judgment can be swayed.

Whether you?re grappling with a monumental decision or not, this episode is a must-listen for all. Don?t fall victim to the narrow thinking of the PERIMETERS effect ? tune in and make more socially responsible decisions, not just to protect your career but to save time, money and lives.

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Topics 

[5:50] Introduction and Speed Round

[10:42] Tuning in/out in a noisy world

[15:13] Decision-making and the impact of individual choices

[19:48] Ethics and whistleblowers

[22:57] Cognitive biases and judgment traps

[30:14] Decision-making strategies and mindset

[37:01] Desert island music choices

[40:39] Grooving session: Attention, focus, and savoring everyday moments

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Links 

Nuala Walsh's Website

Tune In 

Global Association of Applied Behavioral Sciences 

Course: The Science of Well-Being

www.mindequity.co.uk 

Musical Links 

Celine Dion ?It?s All Coming Back to Me Now?

Bruce Springsteen ?Dancing in the Dark?

Depeche Mode ?Enjoy the Silence?

March always feels like one of those months where you hit a slump. Work is back in full force, there are no holidays in sight, and life can start to feel a bit overwhelming like you can?t catch a break. In other words, if you?re reading this, you might be feeling burnt out.

But what exactly is burnout? Is it real? Or is it just a dramatic way of saying ?I?m tired?? Join Kurt and Tim as they chat with Dr. Kandi Wiens, author of Burnout Immunity, about the very real psychological syndrome of burnout and how it can affect our day-to-day lives.  In this episode, Dr. Wiens explores the symptoms of burnout and teaches us how we can build immunity to burnout through emotional intelligence and self-awareness. 

In this insightful interview, Dr. Wiens emphasizes the signs of escalating stress levels and offers practical and easily implementable strategies for stress management in your daily life. Fighting burnout isn't just about a quick fix; it's about reevaluating work priorities and self-perception?and yes, the role of music in emotional regulation, much to Tim's joy!

The episode winds down with a grooving session between Kurt and Tim, where they discuss how they?ve experienced burnout in their own lives and offer listeners actionable steps to safeguarding against burnout and fostering emotional resilience in the workplace and beyond. If you are feeling at risk for burnout or have experienced it in the past, you won?t want to miss this episode!

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Topics 

[3:58] Introduction and Speed Round

[6:02] Burnout and common symptoms associated with it

[15:25] Workplace burnout and generational differences

[20:05] Strategies for avoiding burnout

[29:57] Managing stress and uncertainty at work

[34:26] Emotional intelligence, self-care, and negative self-talk

[39:47] Music?s role in emotional regulation

[44:56] Grooving session: Burnout, stress, and language

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Links 

The Burnout Quiz

Burnout Immunity: How Emotional Intelligence Can Help You Build Resilience and Heal Your Relationship with Work

Dr. Kandi Wiens? Website

Musical Links

Garth Brooks ?The Dance?

Dave Matthews Band ?Ants Marching?

We?re back to our regularly scheduled program this week and full of energy - or should we say Energy Rising?

Join Kurt and Tim as they embark on a captivating exploration of emotional intelligence in this episode featuring Dr. Julia DiGangi, author of "Energy Rising." Delve into the intricate relationship between neuroscience and emotions as Dr. DiGangi uncovers the transformative potential of understanding our emotional landscape.

Discover how our emotions serve as the catalyst for our actions and choices, and why confronting emotional discomfort is crucial for personal evolution. Dr. DiGangi advocates for embracing uncertainty and anxiety, highlighting how these experiences can foster deeper connections, self-awareness, and confidence.

Through insightful analysis, Kurt and Tim delve into Dr. DiGangi?s perspectives on trauma recovery, the incremental growth of emotional intelligence, and the significance of starting small to build resilience gradually. As they say, you don?t start skiing on a black diamond ? it?s all about mastering the bunny slope first (unless, of course, you?re Kurt, but that?s a story for another podcast).

If you?re seeking inspiration to push beyond your comfort zone and challenge your own stagnation, tune in to glean wisdom from Dr. DiGangi on how to fortify your resilience and elevate your energy. Discover the transformative power of emotional intelligence and witness your energy soar.

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Topics

[5:52] Intro and Speed Round

[8:55] Emotional pain and how it impacts our lives

[13:54] Emotional intelligence and decision-making

[24:17] Embracing pain for personal growth

[32:36] How emotions impact our nervous system

[38:11] Trauma, healing, and the intersection of science and faith

[48:40] Desert Island music

[50:23] Grooving Session: Emotions, risk, and uncertainty

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Links

John Bowby?s Attachment Theory

Marcus Aurelius - Mediations

Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power

Dr. Julia DiGangi

Musical Links

The Eagles ?Hotel California?

John Mayer ?Gravity?

Don Henley ?The Boys of Summer?

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=GYQfWJNWe3I 

Marconi Union - Weightless Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYnA9wWFHLI&t=6831s

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 one's biases. 

(25:03) Self-awareness and personal growth. 

(31:50) Finding your groove. 

 

© 2023 Behavioral Grooves, LLC

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