

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

70 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 28min
Robert Cialdini: "Everyone Should Memorise This Persuasion Principle"
Robert Cialdini, a renowned behavioral scientist and author of the bestseller Influence, shares his insights on the art of persuasion. He explains the principle of reciprocity, emphasizing how giving first fosters obligation and increases returns. With compelling examples, he illustrates how small gifts can significantly boost donations and how matching gifts to needs creates value. Additionally, Cialdini discusses the consistency principle, showcasing how tiny commitments lead to larger actions and customer loyalty.

27 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 24min
Why Everyone’s Suddenly Drinking Aperol Spritz
Richard Shotton, an applied behavioral scientist and author specializing in marketing psychology, dives into the meteoric rise of the Aperol Spritz, a cocktail largely unknown before 2015. He explains how social proof and distinctiveness drove its popularity, revealing that our tendency to follow perceived trends influences our choices. The vibrant orange color of Aperol plays a crucial role in making its consumption visible, reinforcing the illusion of widespread appeal. Shotton shares fascinating insights into behavioral triggers and marketing strategies that can enhance product visibility and desirability.

50 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 21min
Five science-backed tips to become a better leader
In this engaging discussion, Professor Adam Galinsky, a leadership authority from Columbia Business School and author of "Inspire," shares his top five science-backed tips for becoming a better leader. He emphasizes the importance of offering autonomy to employees, which boosts creativity and productivity. Galinsky also discusses how asking for advice enhances loyalty, and how phrasing proposals as requests shapes perceptions positively. He concludes with the value of acknowledging others to build respect and status within teams.

26 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 21min
What Marge Simpson Can Teach You About Leadership
Micheal Hallsworth, Chief Behavioural Scientist at the Behavioural Insights Team and author, shares fascinating insights on leadership through the lens of Marge Simpson. He delves into Marge's contradictory stance against cartoon violence while defending Michelangelo's David. The discussion touches on why people despise hypocrites and how our own biases skew perceptions of others' actions. Hallsworth also highlights the implications for leaders: practicing what they preach is vital to avoid being labeled as inconsistent.

18 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 28min
Are leaders born or are they made?
Adam Galinsky, a Columbia Business School professor and author of Inspire, dives into the age-old debate of whether leaders are born or made. He explores captivating examples like how Tammy J. Schultz's calming presence during a crisis reassured passengers. Adam emphasizes the influence of vivid, expressive language in leadership, revealing how small gestures, like emailing staff on birthdays, can have a significant impact. He also discusses the power of repetition in enhancing memory and engagement, highlighting that effective leaders cultivate specific behaviors rather than relying solely on innate traits.

31 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 23min
How did Guinness become Britain’s most popular pint?
In this enlightening discussion, Richard Shotton, a behavioral scientist and author of "Hacking the Human Mind," reveals the psychology behind Guinness's marketing triumph. He explains how the brand turned its slow pour flaw into a marketing advantage with the slogan "Good things come to those who wait." They explore the impact of iconic ads and the pratfall effect, demonstrating that admitting flaws can enhance appeal. Shotton shares insights on how time and effort signal quality, illustrating that effort can make brands more relatable and credible.

46 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 24min
The Surprising Menu Psychology Behind Five Guys’ Success
Richard Shotton, an applied behavioral scientist and bestselling author, delves into the fascinating psychology behind Five Guys’ menu strategy, revealing how simplicity fueled their rapid growth. He discusses Kraft's clever reformulation of Mac & Cheese to retain consumers while altering the recipe. The conversation also touches on the elusive appeal of seasonal products like the Pumpkin Spice Latte, illustrating how limiting availability preserves excitement and demand. Brace for insights that transform the way we think about food and marketing!

36 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 25min
Why did Partygate Make Voters so Angry?
Michael Hallsworth, Chief Behavioural Scientist at the Behavioural Insights Team and author of The Hypocrisy Trap, explores the intense voter backlash from Partygate. He reveals how leaders breaking their own rules feels like betrayal, damaging public trust. Discussion includes why hypocrisy is easily spotted, the dangers of over-policing it, and how it ties to social status. Michael also explains schadenfreude, showing how exposing hypocrites can feel satisfying, and emphasizes that admitting mistakes can mitigate backlash.

117 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.

44 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.


