Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Arie Kruglanski, a distinguished psychologist and professor at the University of Maryland, dives into the powerful role of motivation in our lives. He highlights how the quest for significance drives human behavior, from childhood to adulthood, influencing everything from personal goals to social movements. Kruglanski explains his 3N Model of Radicalization, emphasizing how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations intertwine. He also discusses the need for constructive alternatives to violence and offers hopeful insights on redirecting powerful drives through education.

Cognitive scientist Steve Sloman, author of The Cost of Conviction, delves into how our sacred values shape our decisions and fuel polarization. He reveals that many of our beliefs are borrowed from our communities rather than individually constructed. The discussion highlights the sacred value trap and how reframing conversations can lead to more productive dialogues. Steve explores the contrast between sacred values and consequentialism, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics in politics, business, and personal relationships.

In this engaging discussion, George Loewenstein, a pioneer in behavioral economics from Carnegie Mellon University, dives into the uncharted waters of boredom. He explores how boredom can enhance attention and productivity, especially in workplace settings. Loewenstein shares fascinating insights on curiosity and the dynamics of meetings, advocating for strategies that transform tedium into meaningful engagement. He also connects emotions, flow, and even music, revealing that boredom might be the secret ingredient to unlocking deeper focus and creativity.

Bob Rosen, a psychologist and best-selling author, dives into the pitfalls of perfectionism and its hidden impacts on success. He discusses how attachments often masquerade as virtues, constraining our growth. Topics include the necessity of self-awareness, confronting discomfort, and building trust in hybrid work environments. Bob shares insights on navigating leadership challenges, embracing vulnerability, and accepting life's ups and downs. He encourages listeners to transform their attachments into aspirations for a more fulfilling life.

In this engaging discussion, Andy Luttrell, host of Opinion Science, joins renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman, famed for his pivotal work in behavioral economics. They delve into the skepticism faced by pioneers like Kahneman and Tversky in merging psychology with economics. Explore how cognitive biases shape decision-making, the intriguing journey of behavioral economics from doubt to acceptance, and how collaborative innovation has transformed our understanding of human judgment. Their shared insights make for a thought-provoking and enlightening conversation.

Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at University College London and author of The Collective Edge, dives into the world of team dynamics and innovation. He discusses how teams—not lone innovators—create breakthroughs, using insights from jazz and Harry Potter. Fisher emphasizes the importance of structure over process in collaboration and explores how group identity influences individual behavior. With anecdotes from his jazz background, he illustrates how belonging and psychological safety can unleash a team's hidden potential.

In a captivating discussion, Jonathan Malesic, a writer and philosopher from Southern Methodist University, delves into the perils of 'knowingness' and its impact on learning and communication. He emphasizes the need for empathy and moral imagination in writing, advocating for open-mindedness in a world saturated with information. The conversation also touches on the limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT and the importance of genuine connections. Malesic inspires listeners to embrace uncertainty and foster curiosity for deeper understanding.

In this discussion, Jay Vidyarthi, an author and Silicon Valley product designer, challenges the negative perceptions surrounding screen time. He introduces innovative strategies for blending mindfulness with technology, advocating for intentional engagement instead of digital detoxes. Jay emphasizes the importance of designing our tech interactions to support well-being, addressing the impact of AI and social media on society. With personal anecdotes and a focus on agency, he inspires listeners to reclaim joy in their tech use.

Chaos can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to find stability. Explore how temporal uncertainty influences our choices and well-being. Discover behavioral science tools like micro-anchors and cognitive reframing that help us manage uncertainty. Personal stories illustrate the struggle for belonging and the impact of social connections in navigating life's upheavals. Grounding activities, such as journaling and maintaining routines, play a key role in emotional resilience amidst chaos.

Michael Morris, a Columbia professor and expert in cultural psychology, dives into the primal instincts of human behavior. He discusses how our need for belonging (peer instinct), admiration (hero instinct), and historical connection (ancestor instinct) shape cultural dynamics. Insights from case studies at GM and Reddit illuminate the differences between top-down and grassroots cultural changes. Morris also reflects on the historical significance of Thanksgiving as a unifying force and emphasizes the importance of understanding our tribal nature for better leadership and collaboration.