The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

Melina Palmer
undefined
Sep 25, 2025 • 51min

535: I Need That: Unpacking the Psychology of Perceived Need

Laurier Mandin, a seasoned product marketer and founder of Graphos Product, dives into the psychology of perceived need in this engaging conversation. He highlights how emotions drive consumer behavior, distinguishing between wants and needs. Laurier introduces the 'coveted condition,' illustrating it with a personal cycling story that shows how products can help shape aspirational identities. Listeners will gain insights on effective marketing strategies, the importance of validation, and the transformative power of demonstrating products to evoke emotional connections.
undefined
15 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 46min

534. Shifting Perspectives: The Science of Changing Opinions

Dr. Andy Luttrell, a social psychologist and host of the Opinion Science podcast, dives into the intriguing world of how opinions are formed and shifted. He discusses the impact of cultural context on self-perception and the nuances of moral conviction in persuasion. Andy emphasizes tailoring messaging strategies to align with audience values and personality traits, and he shares tactics for fostering brand loyalty through identity connection. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and the ever-changing landscape of opinions.
undefined
Sep 18, 2025 • 56min

533. Stand Out: Authentic Branding in a Crowded Marketplace

Louis Grenier, creator of the Everyone Hates Marketers podcast and author of Stand the F Out, shares his insights on crafting authentic, bold branding in a saturated market. He emphasizes the importance of insight foraging through real customer conversations over misleading data. Louis critiques traditional marketing tactics, urging brands to connect through shared struggles rather than arbitrary niching. He introduces the 'Trojan horse' approach, advising brands to first address what consumers think they need before delivering true value.
undefined
Sep 16, 2025 • 36min

532. Conquering Procrastination in Business

Dive into the quirks of bikeshedding, where distractions over minor details can derail significant progress. Discover how this phenomenon blocks productivity and learn to prioritize what truly matters. Unpack Parkinson's Law of Triviality and its real-world implications on decision-making. Gain practical strategies to overcome procrastination, set clear goals, and maintain momentum. Explore how tight deadlines can enhance focus, turning pressure into productivity. It's all about stopping the sidetrack and making impactful decisions!
undefined
11 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 43min

531. Learn From Losing: The Psychology of Resilient Leadership

Sebastian Page, Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and author of The Psychology of Leadership, shares insights blending sports psychology with leadership. He discusses how embracing losses fosters resilience and transforms challenges in business. Discover the dangers of goal-induced blindness, the optimal stress levels for performance, and the crucial need for self-care among leaders. Page emphasizes that effective leadership isn't just about winning but learning and maintaining a long-term mindset in decision-making.
undefined
12 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 48min

530. Building Authentic Brands

Tessa Misiaszek, co-author of Branding That Means Business and head of research at the Korn Ferry Institute, discusses the integration of organizational culture with brand authenticity. She emphasizes how aligning internal values with external promises builds consumer trust. Tessa explores the role of empathy in understanding customer needs and effective marketing strategies. The conversation also covers the necessity of transparency in branding, using examples like Patagonia to illustrate how organizations can deeply connect with their audiences.
undefined
Sep 4, 2025 • 16min

529. Lights, Camera, Brainy: Launching Our New YouTube Channel

The podcast celebrates the launch of a new YouTube channel focused on behavioral economics. It dives into the importance of timing and readiness for business expansion. Listeners learn about the unique challenges of content creation for video, especially the need to customize rather than repurpose old material. The fascinating case of Crystal Pepsi serves as a case study on audience expectations in marketing. Engaging shorts and deeper dives into human behavior promise an exciting new format for fans.
undefined
10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 29min

528. Nostalgia and Tradition: The Emotional Ties that Drive Consumer Behavior

Discover how nostalgia and tradition shape consumer choices and brand loyalty. The emotional connections we cherish can drive decision-making and influence marketing strategies. Explore the origins of nostalgia and its benefits for emotional well-being. Learn how sensory experiences, like music and scents, can trigger memorable purchasing decisions. Reflect on the significance of rituals and traditions in fostering happiness. Finally, evaluate how your own practices can enhance consumer connection and bring a fresh approach to your business.
undefined
Aug 28, 2025 • 48min

527. Deep Listening: The Secret to Connection and Understanding

In this engaging discussion, Emily Kasriel, an award-winning journalist and executive coach, shares insights from her Deep Listening Project, aimed at bridging communication divides. She emphasizes the transformative power of deep listening in forging stronger relationships and effective leadership. Listeners discover the eight essential steps to practice deep listening, the importance of silence and presence, and how empathy can enhance our connections. Through poignant anecdotes, Emily illustrates that understanding diverse perspectives is crucial, even in the face of disagreement.
undefined
Aug 26, 2025 • 50min

526. Bridging the Gap: How Simple Conversations Can Combat Loneliness

Nick Epley, a Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago, dives into the impact of everyday conversations on combating loneliness. He highlights how small gestures like greetings can significantly improve well-being. Epley discusses the psychological barriers that inhibit genuine interactions, revealing how assumptions often prevent us from engaging meaningfully. By exploring practical strategies for initiating conversations and building deeper connections, he emphasizes that embracing these moments can enrich our lives and those around us.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app