

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

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.

40 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 2h 27min
Interview: Rory Sutherland, author of Alchemy, on why irrational ideas work
In this engaging conversation, Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK and behavioral science maestro, discusses the power of embracing irrationality in marketing. He challenges conventional thinking, showcasing how small shifts can yield significant behavioral outcomes. The dialogue dives into innovative concepts like reverse benchmarking from Brazilian jiu-jitsu and reimagining how advertising can better reflect human decision-making. With rich anecdotes, Sutherland advocates for creativity in branding and the necessity of focusing on qualitative measures over purely quantitative metrics.

7 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 34min
Behavioral science for agencies: media planning
Discover how behavioral science transforms media planning by shifting focus from demographics to context. Explore the fundamental attribution error's impact on decision-making and learn why advertising effectiveness hinges on situational factors like timing and mood. Delve into creative strategies that target unique moments, such as when consumers are in a good mood or their age ends in nine. Gain actionable insights from peer-reviewed studies to foster credibility and enhance the impact of your marketing efforts.

Jun 4, 2025 • 32min
How Five Guys uses the illusion of effort to make their burgers taste even better
Explore how Five Guys revolutionizes the burger experience by leveraging behavioral science. Discover the peak-end rule and how the final moments of a meal can shape customer satisfaction. Learn about the illusion of effort and how visible kitchen practices enhance perceived quality. The importance of simplicity in branding is highlighted, showcasing how a focused menu builds trust and boosts consumer connection. Plus, enjoy lively debates on favorite burger toppings and unique ordering tips!

8 snips
May 29, 2025 • 54min
Interview: Steve Martin, author of Messengers, on the eight key traits of an effective messenger
In a candid discussion, Steve Martin, co-author of the influential book 'Yes!', shares his expertise in persuasion as the CEO of Influence at Work UK. He dives deep into the eight traits that define an effective messenger and emphasizes the powerful role these traits play in how messages are received. The conversation also explores the tricky nature of trust in today’s world, highlighting strategies for brands to enhance credibility and engage consumers effectively. Prepare for insights that blend science with practical marketing wisdom!

May 22, 2025 • 38min
How Oatly used the messenger effect to become the world's most successful milk alternative
Discover how Oatly used behavioral science to thrive in the plant-based market with innovative strategies. The ‘barista edition’ catered to coffee enthusiasts, boosting their popularity. Explore the impact of the messenger effect, where relatable endorsements heightened brand credibility. The discussion dives into shared identities driving consumer behavior and the importance of selecting credible opinion leaders. Cap off with a light, humorous chat about favorite caffeinated drinks, blending personal anecdotes and cultural insights.

May 15, 2025 • 51min
Interview: Adam Ferrier author of The Advertising Effect on why you should stop listening to your customer
In this session, Adam Ferrier, founder of the Australian agency Thinkerbell and author of The Advertising Effect, shares his insights into consumer psychology. He argues that blindly listening to customers can lead to uninspired advertising. Ferrier emphasizes how embracing imperfection can increase a brand's likability and explains the power of unexpected strategies in creating memorable campaigns. He also discusses the impact of brand status and nostalgia on marketing, illustrated with examples from iconic brands like IKEA and Apple.