

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

Jun 19, 2025 • 49min
507. Navigating Money and Love
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Abby Davisson, co-author of the insightful book, Money and Love. Together, they explore the complexities of decision-making in life and relationships, discussing a powerful framework called the Five Cs that can help individuals navigate significant choices with clarity and intention. Abby shares her journey from social innovation leader to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of integrating both emotional and financial considerations when making life decisions. The conversation dives into how to clarify what's truly important, communicate effectively with those impacted by your choices, and broaden your perspective by considering a range of options. Abby also highlights the value of checking in with trusted resources and exploring the potential consequences of your decisions, ensuring a holistic approach to navigating life’s biggest questions. In this episode: Discover the Five Cs framework for making thoughtful life decisions: Clarify, Communicate, Consider, Check-in, and Consequences. Learn how to identify your decision-making style and the importance of balancing emotional and rational approaches. Explore practical strategies for discussing significant topics with partners and loved ones to foster healthier relationships. Understand the importance of reframing choices to avoid analysis paralysis and uncover creative solutions. Gain insights into how to evaluate the long-term implications of your decisions for a more fulfilling life. Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/507. Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further? Learn With Us on our website. Subscribe to Melina’s Newsletter Brainy Bites. Let’s connect: Send Us a Message Follow Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube The Brainy Business on Instagram

13 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 42min
506. The Bright Side of Bias: Understanding Optimism in Decision Making
Dive into the intriguing world of optimism bias and discover how it shapes our beliefs and decisions. This discussion showcases the dual nature of optimism, presenting its inspiring benefits alongside its potential pitfalls. Learn how it can lead to overconfidence in personal and professional scenarios, influencing everything from project timelines to consumer behavior. Explore practical strategies to balance this bias for better decision-making, ensuring you're not blinded by positivity as you navigate life's challenges.

Jun 12, 2025 • 45min
505. The Like Button: A Small Click with a Massive Impact w/ Bob Goodson
Bob Goodson, co-author of 'Like: The Button That Changed the World' and the first employee at Yelp, dives into the fascinating journey of the 'like' button. He shares its origins, revealing how this small feature reshaped online interactions and consumer behavior. Bob examines the psychological impacts of social media, the evolution of language intertwined with technology, and the shift from customer experience to customer context. He also discusses the dual effects of the like button on society, from positive engagement to potential addiction.

17 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 35min
504. The Hidden Influence of Mirror Neurons on Consumer Behavior
Explore the intriguing world of mirror neurons and their role in shaping empathy and consumer behavior. Discover how these neurons allow us to learn through observation, even influencing a monkey's reaction to seeing ice cream. Learn about the power of storytelling and visual cues in marketing, as they can enhance customer engagement and foster authentic connections. Plus, uncover how imagery can promote honesty and drive effective marketing strategies. This episode is a deep dive into how our actions and expressions impact those around us.

Jun 5, 2025 • 50min
503. Innovating Through Adversity - Lessons from the Great Depression
In this engaging conversation, Jason Voiovich, a fractional chief marketing officer with 25 years of experience and the author of 'Bullfrogs, Bingo, and The Little House on the Prairie,' discusses how the Great Depression fueled creativity and innovation. He shares intriguing tales of necessity driving inventions like Scotch tape and flour sack dresses. Jason emphasizes the importance of understanding customer psychology in innovation and highlights how historical lessons can inform today's marketing strategies, revealing that challenges can lead to incredible opportunities.

Jun 3, 2025 • 42min
502. How Maker's Mark Redefined Loyalty During Crisis
Greta Harper, who champions Maker's Mark's advocacy efforts for the service industry, shares the brand's innovative crisis response during the pandemic. She discusses the impact of empathy and reciprocity on customer loyalty, highlighting how Maker's Mark supported struggling bars and restaurants through initiatives like virtual cocktail classes and meal support. Their commitment to long-term thinking and sustainability not only strengthened community ties but also led to impressive growth in the aftermath of the crisis.

11 snips
May 29, 2025 • 23min
501: The Psychology of Unboxing: Why We Can't Look Away
Explore the captivating psychology behind unboxing videos, where the thrill of anticipation meets sensory engagement. Discover how mirror neurons and dopamine elevate viewing experiences, making them irresistible. Learn about the power of priming and the importance of engaging all five senses to heighten excitement. Uncover actionable tips for creating compelling content that resonates with audiences, and find out why viewers feel joy even when they don't own the item being unboxed.

May 27, 2025 • 56min
500. Celebrating Episode 500 with Pat Flynn
Join Pat Flynn, host of Smart Passive Income and author of Lean Learning, as he shares his incredible journey in digital entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of 'just in time' learning to avoid overwhelm and the power of micromastery for skill enhancement. Pat reveals his strategy of focused bursts of effort, dubbed 'Power 10s', to drive significant results. He also dives into the importance of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and reflects on the balance between personal fulfillment and professional goals.

May 22, 2025 • 46min
499: Falling in Love with Questions
Elizabeth Weingarten, a journalist and applied behavioral scientist, discusses her book, 'How to Fall in Love with Questions.' She highlights the transformative power of curiosity and how embracing uncertainty fuels personal growth. Elizabeth delves into the four Cs: curiosity, conversation, commitment, and community, illustrating their importance in navigating life's challenges. Through engaging anecdotes, she shares how reframing our questions can lead to deeper connections and greater clarity, inviting listeners to explore the art of inquiry.

May 20, 2025 • 27min
498. From Questions to Innovation: The Path to Better Answers
Dive into the transformative power of questioning and its impact on innovation and decision-making. Discover how to generate 'beautiful questions' that inspire change and creativity. Explore the shift from traditional brainstorming to 'question storming' as a means to unlock groundbreaking ideas. Emphasize curiosity as a tool for both personal and professional growth, finding new opportunities through thoughtful inquiry. Unravel the complexity of mental associations and how they aid in effective questioning.