

Behavioral Science For Brands: Leveraging behavioral science in brand marketing.
Consumer Behavior Lab
The Consumer Behavior Lab is dedicated to teaching marketersacross the United States how behavioral science principles can beapplied to help their brands. By decoding the underlying motivationsof how consumers make decisions, the CBL seeks to make a betterindustry - where both brands and agencies put proven sciencebehind their decision making.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 19min
Hacking the Human Mind - Book Preview: Pringles
Dive into the fascinating world of behavioral science as MichaelAaron and Richard preview their upcoming book. Discover how Pringles harnessed catchy rhymes and innovative packaging to heighten brand memorability. Unpack the psychology behind consumer preferences and the effectiveness of familiar slogans. Learn about the delicate balance between marketers' ambitions and brand growth. They also emphasize the importance of shared goals in brand partnerships, highlighting how aligned interests can drive success.

Sep 10, 2025 • 28min
How Heinz used precision and the pratfall effect to make its ketchup unforgettable
This episode dives into the behavioral science behind Heinz’s iconic brand. Discover how specificity, self-deprecating honesty, and inviting consumer participation help make Heinz ketchup more memorable, trusted, and irresistible at the table.

15 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 49min
Interview: Nancy Harhut, author of Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, on the behavioral triggers that boost engagement
Nancy Harhut, a behavioral marketer and co-founder of HBT Marketing, shares her expertise in leveraging behavioral science for brand engagement. She discusses the power of social proof and personalized marketing, revealing how these tactics drive significant conversions, illustrated by her work with Nationwide. The episode also explores the principles of reciprocity and the effectiveness of rhyming phrases in advertising, plus how simplifying language can enhance consumer understanding and decision-making in the financial sector.

4 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 32min
How Klarna uses present bias and temporal reframing to make shopping feel irresistible
Dive into the psychology behind Klarna's Buy Now, Pay Later model, which capitalizes on present bias to enhance online shopping. Discover how our evolutionary past influences decision-making, leading many to prefer immediate rewards over future savings. Learn about the impact of temporal reframing on how consumers perceive pricing, making costs feel more manageable. The discussion reveals costless pricing strategies that can elevate sales for brands of all sizes—turning the act of spending into an irresistible choice.

Aug 20, 2025 • 19min
Hacking the Human Mind - Book Preview: Häagen-Dazs
Discover how Häagen-Dazs transformed ice cream into a luxury experience through foreign branding and strategic pricing. The hosts dive into the psychology behind consumer perceptions, revealing how names and packaging evoke a sense of exclusivity. They also tackle ethics in marketing, discussing the balance between behavioral science and consumer well-being. Additionally, learn about the impact of price relativity on purchasing decisions and how brands can evaluate their market positioning through consumer psychology.

Aug 13, 2025 • 53min
Interview: Uri Gneezy, author of Mixed Signals, on why misaligned incentives backfire
Uri Gneezy, a behavioral economist and professor at the Rady School of Management, dives into the intricacies of incentives and decision-making. He highlights how poorly designed incentives can backfire, emphasizing the importance of aligning goals with desired outcomes. Gneezy discusses societal perceptions of charitable donations and how they affect donor behavior. Additionally, he shares insights on using anticipated regret to influence consumer choices and warns about common branding pitfalls that arise from misunderstanding customer incentives.

6 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 30min
Hacking the Human Mind - Book Preview: Dyson
Dive into the fascinating world of brand marketing with insights from Dyson's unique approach. Discover how the 'illusion of effort' builds consumer trust and the power of perceived effort in product design. The journey of James Dyson reveals how innovation stems from understanding user frustrations. Learn how precise communication enhances brand credibility, and see why transparency in effort can influence consumer satisfaction. This exploration highlights the intersection of behavioral science and marketing strategies revolutionizing industries.

Jul 30, 2025 • 50min
Interview: David Robson, author of The Expectation Effect, on how beliefs shape behavior
David Robson, a science journalist and author of The Expectation Effect, shares intriguing insights into how our beliefs influence health and behavior. He discusses the placebo effect and how expectations can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. Robson also explores the role of intuition in significant purchases and how food presentation alters perception. He emphasizes the mind-body connection in pain management and offers strategies for brands to enhance consumer experiences through effective expectation management.

Jul 23, 2025 • 41min
Interview: Patrick Fagan, author of Hooked, on the behavioral shortcuts that influence what we buy
Join Patrick Fagan, a behavioral scientist and co-founder of Capuchin Behavioral Science, as he dives into the fascinating world of consumer psychology. He discusses how marketers can leverage behavioral shortcuts like social proof and scarcity to influence buying decisions. The curiosity gap—sparking engagement through contrasts between expectations and reality—is another highlight. Fagan also shares insights on the powerful impact of branding and the mistakes brands make when they stray from their established identities. A must-listen for marketers!

7 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 51min
Interview: Phil Graves, author of Consumerology, on the hidden flaws of market research
In a captivating discussion with Phil Graves, author of Consumerology and founder of Shift Consultancy, listeners dive into the pitfalls of traditional market research. Phil explains the gap between consumer statements and actual behavior, emphasizing the power of behavioral science. He critiques outdated methods, advocates for innovative research techniques, and shares insights on live testing, particularly in observing consumer habits. The conversation sheds light on the challenges small businesses face with data and discusses the future of behavioral insights in an age of AI and quantum computing.