
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

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.

6 snips
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.

32 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h
Interview: Sarah Carter, co-author of How Not to Plan, on using behavioural science to improve health and sustainability
Join Sarah Carter, Global Planning Partner at Adam and Eve DDB and co-author of 'How Not to Plan,' as she delves into the fascinating world of behavioral science in marketing. She discusses how to effectively encourage healthier choices like eating vegetables and practicing safe sex. With insights on emotional engagement through music and storytelling, Sarah highlights innovative campaigns like 'Eat Them to Defeat Them' that make vegetables appealing to kids. She also explores the significance of empowering agency and tailored messaging in advertising.

Feb 6, 2025 • 29min
How Kraft kept their healthier product secret to avoid the problem of expectation assimilation
Discover the fascinating behavioral science behind the successful launch of a healthier Kraft Mac and Cheese. Learn how the brand overcame the challenge of maintaining taste expectations while reformulating its recipe. Explore innovative packaging strategies designed to catch shoppers' eyes, leveraging the allure of face-like shapes. Dive into the power of subtle marketing tweaks that improve consumer perceptions and engagement. Plus, enjoy nostalgic anecdotes about beloved childhood meals, sparking warmth and connection.

25 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 36min
Interview: Todd Rogers, Harvard psychologist and author of Writing for Busy Readers, on the psychology of great copywriting
In this conversation, Todd Rogers, a Harvard professor and behavioral science expert, shares insights on effective communication strategies. He reveals the surprising power of brevity, showing how shorter messages lead to higher engagement. Todd emphasizes the importance of clarity and design in writing, and how simple language can boost comprehension. He also discusses innovative memory aids used in marketing, like themed signage in airports, highlighting the responsibility of marketers to prioritize user experience. Prepare your writing to be more engaging with Todd's practical tips!