

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.