Nudge

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!

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.

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.

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!