Discover the fascinating insights of a 102-year-old marketing book and its surprising relevance in today's world. Learn how curiosity-driven slogans can boost engagement and the power of personalization in advertising. Hear about a sewing machine manufacturer who skyrocketed sales by nine times and delve into psychological biases that shape consumer behavior. Finally, explore how negative messaging can actually enhance marketing effectiveness, challenging long-held beliefs about advertising strategies.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Charan Ranganath, a Professor at the Center for Neuroscience and author of 'Why We Remember', delves into the complexities of memory. He reveals how memory can be more fiction than fact, discussing the infamous Satanic Panic and how false memories were manipulated. Listeners learn that even reputable sources can misremember, and hear shocking studies where many believed they'd committed crimes they never did. This exploration of implanted memories raises profound questions about our recollections and the reliability of memory itself.

In a fascinating discussion, Gerd Gigerenzer, a world-renowned psychologist and former director of the Max Planck Institute, challenges traditional hiring practices. He explores Elon Musk’s unconventional method of asking just two questions, arguing it can outperform elaborate interviewing techniques. Gigerenzer highlights how experienced managers intuitively make better hiring decisions through heuristics. Surprisingly, he reveals that having multiple interviewers can dilute the quality of candidate assessments, advocating for a more streamlined approach to hiring.

Dr. Charan Ranganath, a Professor at the Center for Neuroscience and author of 'Why We Remember,' shares fascinating insights into the science of memory. He explains why forgetting is a natural process that can actually benefit us. Listeners discover how multitasking disrupts memory and why recording concerts might undermine our experiences. Ranganath also reveals techniques used by memory athletes that can help enhance recall, urging us to adopt strategies that promote intentional learning and improve memory retention.

Gerd Gigerenzer, a world-renowned psychologist and former director at the Max Planck Institute, shares insights on the power of intuition in decision-making. He argues that gut instincts often outperform complex data analyses, especially in high-pressure situations like sports and business. Gigerenzer discusses how overthinking can hinder performance, and presents studies showing that simple rules can predict outcomes better than intricate models. He challenges the conventional reliance on data, emphasizing that less can indeed be more when making decisions.

Tom Goodwin is a marketing and digital transformation expert, celebrated as a top voice on LinkedIn and author of "Digital Darwinism." He discusses the staggering ineffectiveness of most ads, attributing failures to short-term thinking and a lack of creativity. Goodwin emphasizes the hidden benefits of repeated exposure and how aesthetics can enhance ad persuasion. He argues that targeting is overrated, advocating for a focus on consistent messaging to create impactful campaigns. Expect insights on improving marketing without straining budgets!

Tim den Heijer, a creative strategist and founder of Brain Creatives, shares insights from his extensive experience in advertising. He discusses how scarcity can drive demand using pineapple rentals and the powerful impact of a simple $5 voucher on Uber's customer loyalty. Tim also highlights the framing effect, noting how '95% fat-free' yogurts outperform '5% fat' versions. With valuable lessons from Tropicana’s rebranding misstep, he emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological principles to influence consumer behavior effectively.

Eva van den Broek, a behavioral economist and co-author of "The Housefly Effect," joins Tim Houwerzijl, an expert in merging behavioral science with creativity. They discuss how tiny nudges, like the Delboeuf illusion impacting children's eating habits, can significantly shift our choices. Schiphol Airport's fly paintings illustrate a clever nudge design. Loss aversion is shown to improve teachers' performance, and IKEA’s low-cost ice cream leverages the peak-end rule to enhance customer satisfaction. Discover how these subtle changes can alter behavior for the better!

Dive into the world of behavioral science and discover how it can revolutionize business practices. Learn about an innovative initiative led by the UK's behavioral insights team. The discussion also unveils a new course aimed at helping professionals master these concepts to tackle operational challenges more effectively. This blend of science and practicality promises to enhance decision-making and drive transformation.

Alex Edmans, a finance professor at London Business School and author of 'May Contain Lies', delves into the pitfalls of bestselling business books. He discusses how cognitive biases, like confirmation bias, distort our understanding and acceptance of oversimplified advice. Edmans critiques popular concepts, from the Atkins diet to Simon Sinek's 'Start With Why', highlighting the danger of black-and-white thinking. He urges listeners to critically evaluate the claims made in these books and emphasizes the importance of nuanced, evidence-based insights.