In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Robert Kurzban, author of Why Everyone Else Is a Hypocrite, for an enlightening discussion on the modular nature of our brains and the evolutionary psychology behind our behaviors. Robert shares his extensive background in psychology and evolutionary biology, offering insights into how our brains are compartmentalized with different modules responsible for various functions and beliefs.

Throughout the conversation, Melina and Robert explore fascinating concepts such as strategic ignorance, the power of nonverbal communication in social interactions, and the complex interplay of competing motives within our minds. They also explore real-world applications of these ideas, including how subtle changes in context can significantly influence behavior.

In this episode:

• Understand the concept of modularity in the brain and its implications for human behavior.
• Explore the idea of strategic ignorance and how it plays out in everyday life.
• Learn about the impact of nonverbal communication on social interactions and cooperation.
• Discover the role of context in shaping behavior and the importance of considering it in behavioral economics.
• Gain insights into Robert's entrepreneurial venture, Bondzy, which uses behavioral economics principles to encourage reliability and commitment.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Dr. Robert Kurzban and the focus of today's episode on the modular brain and evolutionary psychology.

00:04:30 - Robert's Background Robert shares his journey in psychology and evolutionary biology, highlighting his work on modularity in the brain.

00:15:45 - Strategic Ignorance Discussion on the concept of strategic ignorance and how it manifests in real-world scenarios.

00:25:00 - Nonverbal Communication and Cooperation Exploration of how nonverbal cues can enhance cooperation and social bonds.

00:35:50 - The Role of Context Understanding the importance of context in influencing behavior and decision-making.

00:45:00 - Bondzy and Behavioral Economics Introduction to Bondzy, Robert's app that uses behavioral economics to promote reliability and commitment.

00:50:30 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

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Connect with Robert:

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• Substack

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Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite, by Robert Kurzban
• Indistractable, by Nir Eyal
• How to Change, by Katy Milkman
• Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman

Top Recommended Next Episode: Sludge (ep 384)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Habits (ep 256)
• Status Quo Bias (ep 376)
• Katy Milkman Interview (ep 151)
• Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368)
• Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428)

Other Important Links: 

• Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
• Bondzy