

The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Melina Palmer
Consumers are weird. They don't do what they say they will do and don't act how we think they "should." Enter Melina Palmer, a sales conversion expert with a personal mission to make your business more effective and brain friendly. In this podcast, Melina will take the complex concepts of behavioral economics (the study and science of why people buy - or not) and provide simple, actionable tips you can apply right away in your business. Whether you're a small business or thriving corporation, Melina's tips can help your business increase sales and get more customers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
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.

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.

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.

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.

Aug 21, 2025 • 37min
525. Unpacking Left Digit Bias with Choiceology
Katie Milkman, host of the Choiceology podcast and a professor at the Wharton School, teams up with Melina Palmer to explore the fascinating left digit bias. They discuss how this psychological phenomenon affects our perception of prices, revealing why $4.99 feels much cheaper than $5. The conversation dives into its real-world implications in healthcare and consumer decisions, including intriguing stories about iTunes’ pricing strategy. Listeners will learn how being aware of this bias can enhance their decision-making skills.

22 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 35min
524. Relativity in Action: Why Your Brain Needs Comparisons to Decide
Explore how our brains rely on comparisons to determine value and make decisions. Discover why we might drive across town to save a few dollars on gas, yet hesitate to do the same for more expensive items. Learn about strategic pricing tactics like decoys that can influence consumer behavior. Delve into real-life examples, including subscription choices, and find out how to create compelling offers that enhance perceived value. This insightful discussion reveals the powerful effects of relativity on purchasing decisions.

Aug 14, 2025 • 18min
523. The Power of Not Yet: How to Do More
Dive into the power of 'not yet' as a transformative mindset for achieving goals. Discover the psychological triggers behind procrastination and learn about four cognitive biases that may be holding you back. Gain practical strategies to break down your aspirations into manageable tasks while harnessing the strength of accountability. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of patience and intentional focus in entrepreneurship. Get inspired to take meaningful action in your personal and professional life!

Aug 12, 2025 • 47min
522. Behind the Mic: Crafting a Brainy Podcast
Dive into the art of podcasting with expert tips on launching and growing your show. Discover the crucial role of strategy, consistency, and audience engagement in building trust. Learn how to navigate common challenges like 'podfade' and set realistic goals. Explore the significance of understanding your listeners and crafting high-quality content. From effective branding to practical planning tools, gain insights that can elevate your podcasting journey and make your voice stand out in a crowded landscape.

Aug 7, 2025 • 40min
521: Buycotting for Change
Diane Osgood, an environmental economist and author of 'Your Shopping Superpower,' discusses how consumer choices can drive sustainable change. She introduces the concept of buycotting, which contrasts with traditional boycotting, emphasizing values-based shopping. Listeners learn about shopping decisions based on people, planet, community, and health. Diane illustrates how small shifts in behavior can significantly impact industries and highlights the importance of brand transparency. She advocates for aligning personal values with purchasing decisions for a more sustainable future.

15 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 48min
520. Designing for Behavior Change
In this engaging discussion with Amy Bucher, Vice President of behavioral design at Lirio and author of 'Engaged: Designing for Behavior Change,' listeners explore how behavioral science intersects with design thinking. Amy highlights the critical role of empathy and thorough research in understanding consumer needs. She shares insights from healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes for behavior change. Real-world examples showcase successful interventions that resonate deeply with users, paving the way for innovative solutions.