

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

Oct 8, 2025 • 49min
Interview: William Poundstone, author of Priceless, on anchoring, fairness, and the myth of “fair value”
In this conversation, William Poundstone, author of Priceless, explores the intriguing realm of pricing psychology. He dives into the concept of anchoring, discussing how high-priced items can make others seem like bargains. Poundstone reveals the flat-rate bias in subscription services and its impact on consumer choices. He also shares how perceived fairness influences buying decisions and the psychology behind menu design tactics that drive sales. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of presenting multiple reasons for customers to perceive value.

Oct 1, 2025 • 55min
Interview: Adam Alter, NYU marketing professor and author of Irresistible, on nine-enders, fluency, and naming that sells
Adam Alter, an NYU marketing professor and bestselling author, dives into the nuances of how behavioral science influences decision-making. He discusses intriguing concepts like 'nine-enders,' a phenomenon where significant life choices often occur at ages ending in nine, shaping marketing strategies. Alter emphasizes the impact of fluency in communication—how simpler, more pronounceable names build trust. He also explores the power of context in decision-making, demonstrating how environment and language can construct perceived value in products.

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Interview: Orlando Wood, author of Lemon and Look Out, on why showmanship beats salesmanship
Orlando Wood, Chief Innovation Officer at System1 and author of 'Lemon and Look Out,' dives into the art of advertising. He explains why today’s ads struggle to engage and how showmanship can outshine salesmanship. Wood emphasizes the emotional power of humor and connection, revealing that ads that resonate emotionally can achieve commercial success. He also discusses the importance of leaving space for audience engagement and the impact of nostalgia in branding. His insights challenge brands to create more captivating and memorable advertising.

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.

27 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.