

Nudge
Phill Agnew
Nudge is the UK's #1 marketing podcast, breaking down the hidden psychology behind what we do and why we do it. No BS, just smart, science-backed insights that actually work.
Episodes
Mentioned books

55 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 27min
How HubSpot’s CMO Uses AI: 4 Important Tips
Kipp Bodnar, HubSpot’s CMO and AI expert, shares his insights on integrating AI into marketing. He explains how rapid advancements in AI are reshaping creative production and consumer interactions. Kipp argues that designers will shift focus from repetitive tasks to strategy as AI handles production. He also discusses the importance of tailored messaging and the evolving role of AI in enhancing brand discovery, while emphasizing that human creativity remains irreplaceable. His four tips highlight adapting to AI for rapid insights and content strategy improvements.

35 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 23min
How sights, smells and sounds alter what you buy
In this discussion, Adrian North, a psychology professor at Curtin University and expert on music's effect on consumer behavior, reveals fascinating truths about how our senses influence purchasing decisions. He explains how Coca-Cola's white can altered taste perception despite no change in formula. Adrian discusses sound symbolism's impact on perception, the role of music in selecting wines, and how ambient factors like tablecloths can enhance taste. He shares surprising insights on scent's influence on quality perception and how tempo affects shopping habits.

63 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 37min
Is this famous team-building model wrong?
Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at UCL School of Management and author of The Collective Edge, critiques the classic team-building framework by Tuckman. He argues that success often creates team cohesion faster than trust-building exercises. Colin discusses how norms can quickly form and influence performance, substantiated by notable studies. He also highlights the importance of social sensitivity and its correlation with collective intelligence, emphasizing that designing motivating work environments is essential for team success.

51 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 28min
Why (often) you're less productive in a team
Join Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at UCL and author of 'The Collective Edge', as he dives into the surprising downsides of teamwork. He discusses social loafing and how group size can impact individual contributions. Colin shares insights on when collaboration is beneficial and when going solo might yield better results. Plus, discover fascinating research on group dynamics, challenging the notion that teamwork is always the key to productivity. Unpack the delicate balance between collective effort and individual brilliance!

92 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 24min
Why AI-generated content won't move you
Matt Johnson, a Professor of Consumer Psychology at Harvard, discusses the intriguing disconnect between our attraction to AI-generated art and our emotional responses once we know its origin. He explores how storytelling enhances the value of art, and why human creativity remains unmatched. Johnson reveals that while AI can mimic human qualities, it often lacks the emotional depth that connects us to genuine art. He also touches on branding challenges for AI in the creative realm, suggesting a future where AI collaborates with human artistry.

40 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 26min
This small change can make a politician electable
Phil Graves, a consumer psychologist and author of 'Consumerology,' dives into the surprising factors that influence voter behavior. He reveals that emotions and social norms often outweigh logical reasoning when choosing candidates. The conversation explores how minor changes in speech can sway opinions during debates and the significant role of social proof in marketing and politics. Additionally, Phil discusses the impact of perception and opinion polling on electoral outcomes, highlighting how these psychological insights can reshape political strategies.

46 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 37min
When Schiphol Airport shredded 400 squirrels (and why no one was to blame)
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.

10 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 21min
Dissecting Zohran Mamdani’s winning marketing tactics
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.

67 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 30min
Did I Get It Wrong? | Revisiting Priming
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.

67 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 30min
‘New Coke’ and the marketing blunder of the century
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!