Nudge

Dan Davies, an economist and author of 'The Unaccountability Machine', dives into the alarming trend of corporate irresponsibility. He recounts the bizarre incident where Schiphol Airport shredded 400 squirrels due to bureaucratic blunders, highlighting the chilling effects of unaccountable systems. Davies also critiques marketing tactics that distort consumer behavior and examines the parallels between mishaps at Boeing and irresponsible corporate governance. He urges a reevaluation of how organizations operate to regain ethical boundaries in decision-making.

Join Phil Agnew, a political strategist, as he discusses the groundbreaking marketing tactics of NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani with Jon Weigell, host of The Hustle Daily Show. They delve into how vulnerability and authenticity helped the campaign resonate with voters. Discover the significance of likability and the psychological principles that encourage autonomy in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the art of distinctive messaging and how unique communication can set candidates apart in a crowded political landscape.

Phil Graves, a consumer psychologist and founder of Shift Consultancy, delves into the intriguing world of priming and its effects on consumer behavior. He argues that context plays a crucial role in influencing decision-making. The discussion highlights how factors like wine pricing and packaging subtly alter perceptions of taste. Contextual cues, such as scents and artwork, significantly impact consumer evaluations, revealing the power of environment in shaping choices. Listeners gain insights into the conscious and subconscious forces driving their purchasing decisions.

In this engaging discussion, consumer psychologist Philip Graves, author of *Consumerology*, delves into why Coca-Cola's New Coke failed. He suggests that the issue wasn’t poor market research but the inherent flaws within it. Graves explores how unconscious influences and emotional connections drive consumer behavior. He also highlights the complexities of branding, illustrating how biases can mislead consumer preferences. Tune in for a fresh perspective on one of marketing's biggest missteps!

Paul Zak, a neuroeconomist and Professor at Claremont Graduate University, dives into the fascinating world of consumer behavior. He reveals how physiological responses, particularly oxytocin, can predict purchasing decisions and enhance charitable giving. Zak discusses the impact of immersion in advertising, using Super Bowl ads as a case study. He emphasizes that emotional engagement often trumps mere likability in ads, and highlights how novelty in marketing can capture attention. His insights challenge traditional measures of ad effectiveness, advocating for objective, neurological assessments.

Paul Mellor, managing director of Mellor and Smith and executive producer of the indie film 'Boiling Point', shares insights on how the film industry can utilize psychology to outperform Hollywood giants. He covers the thrilling challenges of filming in one continuous shot, strategies to build distinctiveness in marketing, and how underdog brands can thrive by embracing uniqueness. Drawing on creative examples, including an engaging tale of a foul-mouthed parrot, Mellor emphasizes the importance of breaking norms to capture attention and drive consumer loyalty.

Toby Park, Director of Climate, Energy and Sustainability at the Behavioural Insights Team, shares fascinating insights on using psychology to promote sustainable behavior. He reveals how renaming a meat-free dish as 'field-grown' dramatically increased sales. By targeting home-movers, biking participation soared by 400%. The conversation also highlights the power of social norms in boosting sales and how reframing household appliance options led many Brits to choose energy-efficient fridges. Tune in for a deep dive into behavior-driven sustainability strategies!

Ramli John, founder of Delight Path and author of Eureka, dives into the gaming phenomenon of Super Mario Bros. He unpacks psychological strategies that keep players hooked for 40 years, such as quick wins that drive motivation. John discusses how the game teaches players through immersive design, avoiding explicit instructions. He also highlights the importance of gradually increasing challenges to maintain engagement, while limiting choices to prevent decision fatigue. These insights reveal what makes Super Mario a timeless classic in game design.

Dr. Giulia Tagliaferri, Head of Evaluation at the Behavioural Insights Team, dives into groundbreaking research on nudging vaccination rates among girls. They uncovered how a simple text framing the HPV vaccine as 'reserved for you' boosted uptake by 45%. The discussion addresses the alarming decline in vaccination rates in Georgia and explores strategies using behavioral science to improve public health. Giulia also shares insights on how perceived ownership affects consumer behavior, revealing the complexities of personalized messaging.

Will Storr, a bestselling author and storytelling expert, delves into the psychology of persuasion. He reveals how mimicry can ease tensions, as showcased by Mandela's strategic communication during apartheid's end. Storr discusses the surprising influence of status over monetary incentives, particularly in areas like hospital hand hygiene compliance. He highlights how social media capitalizes on our desire for status, turning interactions into competitive dynamics. Listeners will find fresh insights into building connections and fostering effective communication.