
Behavioral Science For Brands: Leveraging behavioral science in brand marketing.
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 24, 2025 • 29min
How GEICO use the principle of concreteness to make memorable ads
The podcast delves into GEICO's advertising genius, spotlighting the memorable gecko mascot. It highlights how concrete imagery boosts recall, making visuals more impactful than abstract concepts. Listeners learn about the effectiveness of fluent devices in ads and the importance of consistency in branding. The transformation of GEICO's market presence through clever character design is discussed, alongside interesting comparisons to UK brands using similar strategies. Ultimately, it emphasizes the role of behavioral science in creating unforgettable advertising.

Apr 17, 2025 • 48min
Interview with Gareth Harvey: former professor of consumer psychology turned behavioral science consultant
Gareth Harvey, a former professor of consumer psychology and now a director at Decide, discusses the practical implications of behavioral science for brands. He shares insights on how retailers can effectively frame special offers and utilize music to enhance the shopping experience. The conversation delves into the challenges of translating academic research into real-world retail strategies, such as creating engaging store atmospheres. Harvey also highlights the importance of understanding consumer behavior and employing analytics to better influence purchasing decisions.

Apr 10, 2025 • 28min
How Hendrick's distinctive use of nostalgia explains their marketing success
Discover how Hendrick's Gin stands out with its quirky marketing and vintage flair. The podcast delves into the powerful role of distinctiveness, showcasing how unconventional branding grabs attention in a crowded market. Explore the nostalgia-driven strategies that forge emotional connections with consumers, making memories a key ingredient in their marketing success. Finally, the intriguing link between childhood favorites and successful branding is discussed, painting a vivid picture of how flavors from the past can influence consumer choices today.

15 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 38min
Interview: Melina Palmer, author of What your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You
In this engaging conversation, Melina Palmer, an expert in behavioral economics and author of 'What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You,' shares her insights into the psychological nuances of brand marketing. She discusses how luxury brands like Hermes manipulate scarcity to enhance desirability. The episode dives into Costco's clever pricing strategies that boost value perception. Melina also emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior through the lens of empathy and group identity, making a compelling case for nuanced marketing.

Mar 27, 2025 • 34min
How Zoom proved that behavioral science is just as effective in B2B settings as it is in B2C
Dive into the fascinating world of B2B marketing, where behavioral biases hold significant power. Discover how Zoom effectively harnessed social proof to build credibility and trust among clients. Learn about the impact of small friction in decision-making, particularly in professional environments like medicine and finance. The discussion also highlights how reducing barriers can drastically enhance user engagement. It's an eye-opening exploration of why behavioral science remains underutilized in B2B, yet offers immense potential.

Mar 20, 2025 • 57min
Interview: Charles Spence, author of Gastrophysics, on the science of taste appeal
In this engaging discussion, Charles Spence, an Oxford professor and the mastermind behind 'Gastrophysics,' dives into the fascinating world of multisensory perception. He reveals how sounds, visuals, and even weight can drastically alter our taste experiences. Highlights include experiments demonstrating that crunch affects snack perception and that heavier items are perceived as more premium. Spence also touches on how sensory marketing can reshape consumer behavior in retail and explores the cultural history of foods like pineapples and celery.

15 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 50min
Interview: Nir Eyal, author of Hooked, on how to form lasting habits
Nir Eyal, the author of 'Hooked' and 'Indistractable,' is a leading expert on habits and behavioral design. He discusses how brands can cultivate lasting customer habits through the Hook Model, highlighting the importance of internal triggers and variable rewards. Eyal dives into how digital products can engage consumers more effectively than physical ones, emphasizing personalized experiences. He also connects ancient survival strategies with modern consumer behavior, sharing insights that can transform brand marketing strategies.

Mar 6, 2025 • 25min
How using humor helped Aviation gin laugh all the way to the bank
In this episode we explore the behavioral science principles behind Aviation Gin’s success. In particular we look at why humor is such an effective (but underused) tool for brands. We cover work by Nisbett on the halo effect that shows if a brand improves its standing in one particular metric (like being funny) it will improve even unrelated characteristics, such as being perceived as trustworthy or modern.

10 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 36min
Interview: Roger Dooley, author of Brainfluence, on the practical marketing lessons from behavioural science
Roger Dooley, author of "Brainfluence" and "Friction," dives into the fascinating world of neuromarketing. He emphasizes the need to make desired customer behaviors as easy as possible to boost engagement. Experimentation and prioritizing behavioral biases are critical for brands. Dooley discusses the delicate balance between self-service options and human interaction in retail. By analyzing industry giants, he illustrates how reducing friction can lead to increased sales and highlights the importance of integrating behavioral science into effective marketing strategies.

Feb 20, 2025 • 31min
How Eleven Madison Park applied the peak-end rule to become the best restaurant in the world
Discover how Eleven Madison Park became a culinary icon through the lens of behavioral science. Explore the concept of 'unreasonable hospitality' and the peak-end rule that shapes unforgettable dining experiences. Learn about their innovative approach to personalized service, creating memories that linger long after the meal. The importance of thoughtful gestures over extravagant costs is emphasized, illustrating how genuine connections foster customer loyalty. Dive into the power of small rewards in forming lasting impressions for diners of all ages.
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