Nudge

Dive deep into the world of psychological priming and discover its controversial standing in behavioral science. After interviewing 60 Brits and conducting five experiments, the narrator raises serious doubts about priming's effectiveness. Unpack failed attempts to replicate famous studies, including the infamous Florida effect, and explore why proven principles might be more effective. Challenge your understanding of influence in marketing and behavior change, and learn why the reliability of priming is under scrutiny.

Will Storr, an award-winning author renowned for his insights into storytelling, delves into the fascinating journey of Apple's iconic 1984 ad. He contrasts it with a little-known 1983 campaign that flopped, uncovering the critical role of narrative in marketing success. Storr explores how storytelling shapes consumer perceptions and decision-making. He also highlights its power in building community and driving behavior change, using compelling examples from both advertising and public health.

Join Bas Wouters, an expert in persuasion and behavioral design, as he reveals how Instagram transformed from a struggling app to a digital titan. He discusses the pivotal behavioral science model that ignited its success. Discover how a simple question can skyrocket reviews by 400% and the psychology behind effective prompts that drive engagement. Wouters shares insights on why unique offers enhance perceived value and how curiosity fuels audience interaction, providing invaluable strategies for boosting your online marketing.

In this engaging discussion, marketing expert Louis Grenier, known for his frank advice and the 'Everyone Hates Marketers' podcast, puts his skills to the test by creating a memorable ad in just one hour. He shares insights on the importance of meaningful differentiation and creative branding, using unusual examples like a pink demolition company. The hosts also compare conventional versus creative advertising strategies while analyzing the power of visuals in memory retention. It’s a lively exploration of what truly makes marketing effective!

Patrick Fagan, a behavioral scientist and psychologist who has collaborated with major companies like Google, shares his year-long experiment of trying something new each week. He explores a wide array of activities, from acupuncture to cuddle workshops, revealing the surprising happiness they brought him. The conversation highlights the science behind experiential joy versus material possessions, the value of shared experiences, and the power of empathy gained from diverse interactions. Patrick's intriguing journey offers fresh insights into personal growth and happiness.

In this engaging discussion, Bas Wouters, author of 'Online Influence' and CEO of the Cialdini Institute, shares his expertise on persuasion in marketing. He reveals how a single word can boost email open rates by over 6% and discusses a tiny reward that led to thousands of 5-star reviews for a café. Listeners will discover why framing messages around potential losses can reduce cancellations and learn practical tactics rooted in behavioral science to enhance online marketing effectiveness.

Chris Baker, author of 'Obsolete' and founder of Change Please, shares insights on how eco-brands leverage behavioral science to boost their appeal. He discusses Tony's viral advent calendar and Oatly's impactful coffee redesign. Baker reveals how Ecosia keeps users engaged through clever nudges and the IKEA effect's role in brand loyalty. His work emphasizes the importance of transparency and innovative marketing in transforming consumer habits towards sustainability.

Oliver Burkeman, bestselling author of 'Four Thousand Weeks', shares wisdom on productivity and time management. He reveals that historical figures like Darwin and Woolf thrived on a three to four-hour workday, a practice that enhances focus and creativity. Burkeman introduces the concept of a 'done list' to shift focus from tasks undone to accomplishments. He also discusses combating procrastination with the mental trick 'just go to the shed.' Embrace flexibility and accept human limitations to find lasting productivity and peace.

In this conversation with Oliver Burkeman, an acclaimed author known for his insights on time management and modern living, the power of deep observation takes center stage. He explores how dedicating three hours to a single painting can enhance productivity and well-being. Burkeman delves into the irony of modern choices, the relationship between perceived control and happiness, and the importance of patience in a world filled with distractions. He offers practical wisdom on appreciating art, life’s imperfections, and cultivating a more intentional existence.

How did a marketing campaign lead to one of the worst public health disasters in American history? In this episode, I investigate the rise and fall of the Sackler family, the pharmaceutical empire they built, and the marketing tactics that got millions addicted to opioids.You’ll learn:How reframing turned OxyContin from a last resort into a “safe” everyday drug.Why a vague letter (not a study) became the foundation for Purdue’s 1% addiction claim.How the Sacklers used doctors, pain groups, and celebrities to exploit authority bias.Why repeating a false claim makes it more believable (feat. the mere exposure effect).How behavioural science helped sell a deadly drug—and what we can learn from it.---Shatterproof non-profit: https://shatterproof.org/Empire of Pain: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612861/empire-of-pain-by-patrick-radden-keefe/Sign up to my newsletter: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/mailing-listConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phill-agnew-22213187/Watch Nudge on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nudgepodcast/---Sources:ABC News. (2025). Purdue Pharma, Sackler family to pay $7.4 billion opioid settlement [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n2uuX1NaQoLastWeekTonight. (2016). Opioids: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pdPrQFjo2oCBS News. (2019). OxyContin maker facing over 2,000 opioid death-related lawsuits [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwGGlEFKrSsABC News. (2019). Local governments file lawsuit against the family behind OxyContin [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlSDhuhLedgCBS News. (2022). Trump Organization’s accounting firm cuts ties over financial statements [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csAS4WLvMaoBBC News. (2013). Serpentine Sackler Gallery Opening [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YThcpSZIN0cCBS New York. (2021). Metropolitan Museum Of Art Will Remove Sackler Name From Galleries [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_u29BL2CQECBC News. (2019). Dozens Storm The Guggenheim Museum In Protest Of Donor [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci_yOI3WytoCBS News. (2019). Protestors stage a “Die In” at the Guggenheim Museum in New York [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYVvIwbxX2ICNBC Television. (2020). Would have done ‘nothing’ differently in opioid crisis: Kathe Sackler says [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRl-Zjyf2UESTAT. (2017). 1998 Purdue Pharma marketing video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaxlJXpwkzsGoLocal LIVE. (2019). Purdue Pharmaceutical Commercial 1998-Oxycontin [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCOl1exq3IMCBS News. (2017). Behind Purdue Pharma’s marketing of OxyContin [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-jxKPpMvmALastWeekTonight. (2019). Opioids III: The Sacklers: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaCaIhfETsMLastWeekTonight. (2021). McKinsey: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiOUojVd6xQCBS News. (2018). Whistleblower: Purdue Pharma continued deceptive sales practices after guilty plea [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5qQf3Po31MWashington Post. (2019). Inside the opioid industry’s marketing machine [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIlpd40CpT0CBC News. (2018). How One Man Made The Opioid Crisis Possible [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2AUIBB34nICBC News. (2019). Nan Goldin ‘Blizzard of Prescriptions’ Sackler Pain Guggenheim Protest & Die-In 2/9/19 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2A4Tb8cOxEKeefe, P. R. (2021). Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty. Doubleday.  Cialdini, R. B. (2006). Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Revised ed.). Harper Business.