Behavioral Grooves Podcast
Episodes
Why Is It So Hard to Stick to Our Resolutions? | Ayelet Fishbach (Republish)
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year, Groovers! This week, we're taking some time-off and sharing an oldie but a goodie - our conversation with Ayelet Fishbach. The start...
Why We Gather: The Psychology of Holiday Rituals
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do holiday rituals matter so much to our happiness and sense of connection? In this pre-Christmas special, we unwrap (ho ho ho…) the behavioral ...
The Secret Ingredient of High-Performing Teams | Vanessa Druskat
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Individual emotional intelligence matters — but teams thrive when EI is built together, not carried by a few well-developed individuals. In this epi...
Why Great Leaders Still Get Stuck | Muriel Wilkins
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Executive coach and author Muriel Wilkins joins us to unpack the invisible beliefs that quietly shape how we lead. We explore why curiosity is the sta...
How Expectations Shape Who We Become
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode inspired by questions from our Facebook Community, we explore why big change feels intimidating even though most transformatio...
Why Split-Second Thinking Fuels Violence | Jens Ludwig
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is violence caused by “bad people,” too many guns, or something deeper? In this episode, University of Chicago researcher Jens Ludwig reveals why ...
The Science of Being Thankful
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why does gratitude feel so easy to feel yet so hard to say? In this Thanksgiving grooving session, we unpack the psychology behind our awkwardness aro...
The Leadership Wake-Up Call | Margaret Andrews
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Harvard instructor Margaret Andrews joins us to explore why effective leadership starts with self-awareness. We discuss blind spots, emotional intelli...
Why the Gender Revolution Stopped | Corinne Low
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the gender revolution never finished? Economist Corinne Low joins us to unpack why women have transformed the workforce while men’s roles at...
Is the American Dream Dead? | Mark Matson
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Financial advisor and author Mark Matson joins Behavioral Grooves to explore what the American Dream means today—and whether it’s truly attainable...
The Trick That Shapes Every Choice You Make | Mikael Klintman
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does framing influence the way we think, feel, and act? Sociologist and author Mikael Klintman joins us to explore how framing shapes nearly every...
Freaky Friday: Grooving on Scary Biases
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Halloween from Behavioral Grooves! In the spirit (OoooOoo) of the holiday, we're resharing one of our old episodes exploring the spooky side of ...
The Science of Superstition: Why Our Brains Believe in Magic
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This Halloween, we dive into the spooky science of superstition—why we knock on wood, wear lucky socks, and believe in things that defy logic. From ...
The Lies We Believe About Control | Dr. Wolfgang Linden
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist and author Dr. Wolfgang Linden joins us to explore why so much of our stress comes not from events themselves, but from our attempts to c...
Eight Years Grooving: How to Decide | Annie Duke (Republish)
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our mo...
Why Who You Know Still Matters | Toby Stuart
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the hidden forces of status and anointment with Professor Toby Stuart, author of Anointed: How Status Shapes Our Lives. Status influences c...
Eight Years Grooving: Why People Succeed | Bob McKinnon (Republish)
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our mo...
You’re Right - Meetings Are the Worst | Don Kieffer
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don Kieffer, co-author of There’s Got to Be a Better Way, shares why “common sense” often misguides leaders and how dynamic work design helps or...
Eight Years Grooving: Delighting in Death | Jodi Wellman (Republish)
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our mo...
The Secret Psychology Behind 17 Iconic Brands | Richard Shotton
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Shotton joins us to reveal the behavioral science secrets behind 17 iconic brands — from Guinness and Snickers to Apple and Dyson. He explai...
Eight Years Grooving: The Psychology of Scams | Dan Simons and Chris Chabris (Republish)
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our mo...
The #1 Driver of Employee Wellbeing | Mark Crowley
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Employee engagement scores have been stuck for decades—but belonging and wellbeing might be the missing pieces. We talk with Mark Crowley about why ...
Eight Years Grooving: Our Quest to Feel Significant | Arie Kruglanski PhD (Republish)
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our mo...
The Hidden Cost of Your Values | Steve Sloman
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive scientist Steve Sloman joins us to discuss The Cost of Conviction, exploring how sacred values shape our decisions and why they often lead t...
Eight Years Grooving: The Theory of Boredom | George Loewenstein (Republish)
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our mo...
Perfectionism Is Holding You Back | Bob Rosen
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist and author Dr. Bob Rosen joins us to discuss his book Detach and how hidden attachments—like perfectionism, control, and success—ofte...
Eight Years Grooving: They Thought We Were Ridiculous - Part 2 (Republish)
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our mo...
Why Most Teams Fail (and How to Fix Them) | Colin Fisher
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Colin Fisher, author of The Collective Edge, reveals why teams—not lone geniuses—drive innovation, how group identities invisibly shape our behavi...
Eight Years Grooving: Value of an Open Mind | Jonathan Malesic (Republish)
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This October, we’re celebrating 8 years of Behavioral Grooves! To mark the occasion, we’re digging into our archives and re-sharing some of our mo...
Everything You’ve Heard About Screen Time Is Wrong | Jay Vidyarthi
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jay Vidyarthi blends Silicon Valley design expertise with mindfulness practice to show how you can “fight design with design” and create a healthi...
How to Stay Grounded When Life Feels Chaotic
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When life feels chaotic, how do we stay grounded? In this bonus episode, we reflect on a few years of personal upheaval and explore how temporal uncer...
Why Do Culture Wars Happen? | Michael Morris
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we instinctively form groups, follow leaders, and defend traditions—even when it hurts us? Columbia professor Michael Morris joins us to expl...
Get Real About Money | Daniel Crosby
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Daniel Crosby joins us to explore the soul of wealth — and why your bank account isn’t the best measure of a meaningful life. We dig into beha...
How to Silence Self-Doubt | Rosi Greenberg
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When author and leadership facilitator Rosi Greenberg found herself overwhelmed by self-doubt, she did something unexpected: she gave her inner critic...
The Happiness Secret You’ve Been Missing | Shige Oishi
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist Shige Oishi joins us to explore the three dimensions of a fulfilling life: happiness, meaning, and psychological richness. He shares insi...
How Grocery Stores Trick Your Brain
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From candy at checkout to calm music and “limit 4” signs, grocery stores are packed with subtle nudges that influence your behavior. In this month...
Science-Backed Tips to Make Work Worthwhile | Wes Adams & Tamara Myles
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wes Adams and Tamara Miles join the show to share their 3 C’s framework—Community, Contribution, and Challenge—for creating more meaningful work...
Why Brands That Get Personal Win Big | Ken Hughes
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Global behavior expert Ken Hughes joins us for a fast-paced, funny, and thought-provoking conversation about creativity, brand loyalty, and what it re...
Why Do We Struggle to Talk About Money? | Abby Davisson
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Abby Davisson, co-author of Money and Love, joins us to discuss why life’s biggest decisions—from careers to relationships—require both emotiona...
The Real Reason Remote Work Works | Raj Choudhury
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raj Choudhury joins us to explore how “Work From Anywhere” is more than a trend—it’s a research-backed blueprint for improving productivity, w...
Why Do Superstitions Feel So Good?
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you like Kurt, stuck wearing a pair of 'lucky socks' every time your team plays, no matter what the outcome of the game turns out to be? In this m...
Your Product Design Is Biased—Here’s How to Fix It | Alexis Mook PhD
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UX leader Alexis Mook joins us to talk about breaking bias in product design, defending the role of behavioral research inside corporate structures, a...
The Five Words That Change Lives | Zach Mercurio
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Zach Mercurio joins us to discuss the power of mattering—why it's a foundational human need and how it can be cultivated through small but meaningfu...
Can You Change Your Personality? | Olga Khazan
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if your personality isn’t fixed? Olga Khazan shares how she deliberately set out to become more extroverted, agreeable, and emotionally stable—...
Lessons on Life From Hospice Patients | Jordan Grumet
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hospice doctor, podcaster, and author Jordan Grumet joins us to explore why the traditional idea of “finding your purpose” might actually be makin...
How to Get Unstuck: Behavioral Science Strategies
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this monthly bonus episode, we tap into insights from our Facebook community to explore what keeps us feeling stuck in our habits and goals. With h...
The Top Reason You Make Bad Decisions - And How to Stop | Emily Falk
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do our brains choose what’s important to us? Emily Falk, neuroscientist and author of What We Value, joins us to decode what goes on behind the ...
Our Best Hope for Global Change | Faisal Naru
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Faisal Naru traces the explosive growth of behavioral science in policy from 2010 to today, highlighting how Global South nations are using it to addr...
6 Ways Questions Can Transform Your Life | Elizabeth Weingarten
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the key to growth isn’t finding better answers, but asking better questions? In this episode, Elizabeth Weingarten shares insights from her ...
The #1 Reason You Aren’t Happy - Yet. | Mark Fabian
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Economist and philosopher Mark Fabian joins the show to explore how we can move beyond the pursuit of happiness toward a deeper, values-driven life. D...
4 Powerful Ways to Make Conflict Less Stressful | Dr. Joel Salinas and Bob Bordone
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if we stopped trying to win or avoid conflict—and instead built the resilience to grow through it? In this episode, neurologist Joel Salinas an...
The Most Effective Way to Change People's Minds | David McRaney (Republish)
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special republish episode science journalist David McRaney joins us to explore the surprising science behind belief, persuasion, and why minds...
Want to Close the Gender Gap? Start Here | Kweilin Ellingrud
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kweilin Ellingrud, McKinsey’s Global Chief of Diversity and Inclusion, joins us to discuss The Broken Rung—the missed first promotion that derails...
Are You Being 'Reasonable' -- Or Just Privileged? | Dr. Rosalind Chow
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Rosalind Chow joins us to explore how status, power, and perspective shape what we view as “reasonable”—and why marginalized voices are ofte...
Reclaim Your Brain and Escape Digital Chaos | Richard Cytowic
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Neuroscientist Richard Cytowic takes us on a journey through the world of synesthesia and how it reveals the fascinating ways our brains interpret rea...
How to Spark Creativity in Work & Life | Matt Arnold and Adam Hansen
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Creativity isn’t reserved for the select few—it’s in all of us. This episode explores the science behind innovation with experts Matt Arnold and...
Your Behavioral Science Questions (and more!) Answered.
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s about time we put Kurt and Tim in the hot seat! This week, we’re turning the tables and making them answer your questions. Pulling from our r...
The Existential Playbook: How to Make Sense of Your Life | Dr. Steve Heine
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Steve Heine, cultural psychologist and author of Start Making Sense, joins us to explore the psychology of meaning. We discuss the four essential ...
Work Isn’t Fair—Here’s How to Fix It | Iris Bohnet
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can we design workplaces to be truly fair? Behavioral economist Iris Bohnet joins us to explore how implicit biases, stereotypes, and in-group prefere...
The 10 Conversations You Need to Master at Work | Melody Wilding
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Managing up isn’t about sucking up—it’s about taking control of your career. This week, executive coach and author Melody Wilding joins us to br...
Why Self-Improvement Is Holding You Back | Oliver Burkeman
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Oliver Burkeman joins us to explore the power of imperfectionism and why waiting for the “perfect moment” is a trap. We discuss how perfectionism,...
Groove Jams: What's Your Vice?
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you could remove one vice from your life, what would it be? In this month's Groove Jams, Tim and Kurt are joined by friend of the show Brad Shuck t...
Lost Touch? How to Rebuild Friendships and Strengthen Your Social Life | Adam Dorsay
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Adam Dorsay joins us to explore what it truly means to connect in a digital age. From the four key types of connection—self, others, the world, ...
Fact-Checking Love: The Truth About Romance Movies | Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How accurate are rom-coms when it comes to love? Relationship scientists Paul Eastwick & Eli Finkel, co-hosts of Love Factually, put movie romance...
The Science of a Thriving Relationship | Rachel Glik
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can love alone sustain a relationship? Probably not. In this pseudo-Valentine’s Day episode, therapist Rachel Glik explores the pillars of a soulful...
Why Is Everyone So Angry? The Science of Outrage | Kurt Gray
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we see some people as victims and others as villains? Kurt Gray joins us to explore moral typecasting, the prey vs. predator mindset, and why h...
Turn a Negative Trait into Your Greatest Strength | Jenny Wood
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if personality traits deemed “negative” were actually the key to success? In this captivating conversation, former Google exec and author of ...
Groove Jams: Inside the Creation of Rock’s Greatest Albums
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever wondered what puts the “Groove” in Behavioral Grooves, this episode has the answer! We’re diving headfirst into the mesmerizing...
The Data and Influence Behind Your Digital Footprint | Sandra Matz
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if every digital interaction you had—every like, purchase, or GPS ping—could be used to create a detailed map of who you are? Sandra Matz, a ...
Behavioral Science Hacks for Everyday Life | Eva van den Broek and Tim den Heijer
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can a tiny fly in an airport urinal transform human behavior? This week, we sit down with Eva van den Broek and Tim den Heijer, authors of The Hou...
Kickstart the New Year and Achieve Your Goals | Ayelet Fishbach
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year, Groovers! The start of a new year often brings fresh goals, ambitious resolutions, and a renewed sense of motivation. But what’s the...
Building Better Conversations | David Robson [Republish]
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Holidays from Behavioral Grooves! We're taking a week off to get ready for all the new and exciting content we have in store for our listeners c...
2024's Best Books to Transform Work, Life, and Thinking
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Want to help us improve Behavioral Grooves? Take our listener survey here! Looking for your next great read? We’ve got you covered! It’s time for ...
Groove Jams: Hypothetical Hangouts – Who Would You Choose?
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you could spend a whole day with any historical figure, who would it be—and why? In this solo-sode of Groove Jams, we dive into this fascinating ...
Toxic Productivity Is Sabotaging Your Success | Israa Nasir
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when the pursuit of productivity begins to harm your health, relationships, and happiness? In this episode, Israa Nasir joins us to d...
What If There’s a Better Way to Solve Your Hardest Problems? | Wendy Smith
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt stuck between two seemingly opposite choices or found yourself seeing the world in absolutes? This week, we’re joined by Dr. Wend...
The Influence Equation: Simple Steps to Persuade Better | Steve Martin
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can the science of persuasion reshape your workplace? This week, we sit down with Steve Martin to discuss the principles behind his latest book, I...
Stress-Busting Tips for the Holidays (and Beyond!)
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Between job uncertainty, political tension, holiday anxiety, and the general state of the world, stress and emotional exhaustion are at an all-time hi...
The Simple Shift That Transforms Employee Engagement | Brad Shuck
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a workplace truly thrive? This week, Brad Shuck returns to share how practicing gratitude as an intentional discipline can transform employ...
Groove Jams: Immortality–Blessing or Curse?
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What would you do differently if you could live for 1,000 years? In this episode of Groove Jams, we’re joined by fan-favorite Annie Duke to dive hea...
The Downside of Dream Jobs | Jennifer Totsi-Kharas
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we continue exploring jobs, careers, and callings with Jen Totsi-Kharas, co-author of Is Your Work Worth It? For a deeper dive into this to...
The Truth About Work and Life Balance | Christopher Michaelson
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is Your Job a Calling or a Burden? This week, we jump into the deep and sometimes challenging question: what role does work play in a meaningful life?...
Democracy at the Crossroads: Beyond Party Lines
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Has Behavioral Grooves turned into a political podcast? Not really (ok, maybe kinda it has - but for just a few weeks, we promise ). With the 2024 ele...
Get Out and Vote!
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A special message from Kurt and Tim, all the way from Philadelphia: November 5th is fast approaching, and now, more than ever, participating in democr...
Groove Jams: We're Throwing Out the US Constitution!
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could give the U.S. Constitution a makeover? Ahead of the 2024 U.S. election, AJ Jacobs joins Kurt and Tim to dive into the lighter side o...
How Can We Revive Our Democracy? | AJ Jacobs
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of the 2024 US Election, Kurt and Tim sit down with bestselling author and serial experimenter AJ Jacobs to discuss his latest project, The Year...
The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Are We Avoiding Social Interactions? | Nick Epley
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we avoid the very thing that could bring us more joy—connecting with others? In this episode, behavioral scientist and human interaction expe...
Groove Jams: History’s Biggest What-ifs
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what it would be like to snag a backstage pass to history’s biggest moments? In Groove Jams' maiden voyage, Kurt, Tim, and special g...
Top Secrets to Customer Success | Arsanas Savas and Dave Norton
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Co-hosts, meet co-creation! This week, Kurt and Tim are joined by special guests Aransas Savas and Dave Norton, hosts of the Experience Strategy Podca...
Coming Soon: Groove Jams!
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for (even if you didn’t know you were waiting)... Introducing Groove Jams! Tim and Kurt are launching a...
Top Tips to Transform Your Business | Scott Young
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Now…back to work! We’re back to the weekly grind this week on Behavioral Grooves and exploring a topic Kurt and Tim know like the back of their ha...
Breaking the Cycle of Polarization: What You Can Do for the 2024 Election
05 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So…is there hope? Kurt and Tim think so! In this wrap-up of our polarization series, Kurt and Tim reflect on how much the political landscape has ch...
A Less Polarized Future: Real Solutions to Heal Our Divided World
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of the polarization series, Kurt and Tim delve into "affective polarization," where emotional distrust, rather than ideological d...
Are We Acting Differently Because of Politics? Here’s What the Research Shows
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we so easily form ‘us vs. them’ mentalities, and how does it impact our society? In the second part of this series, Kurt and Tim dive into ...
What’s Really Driving Political Polarization? The Science Explained
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are we more divided than ever? How can people see past their differences and come together for the greater good? In this three-part series, Kurt and T...
Healthy Habits Made Simple | Monica Reinagel
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle with maintaining healthy eating habits? Are you, like Kurt, stashing Oreos in the basement to avoid temptation? Believe it or not, mak...
The Secret Lives of Cows | Gregory Berns
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready for a moo-ving conversation! This week, Kurt and Tim sit down with Gregory Berns, a psychology professor at Emory University, to explore the...
Crack the Code: How Women Can Win Big at Work | Alison Fragale
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do women in the workplace have to choose between being likable and assertive? This week, Alison Fragale, author of The Likable Badass joins Kurt and T...
Why Generational Labels Are Holding Your Company Back | Jessica Kriegel
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are generational labels dead weight? This week—after many technical difficulties and a nearly-forgotten anniversary—Kurt talks with organizational...
The Real Reason Some People Succeed | Bob McKinnon
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Bob McKinnon, host of the Attribution podcast and author of America's Dreaming. Bob unpa...