

Behavioral Grooves Podcast
Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan
Stories, science and secrets from the world’s brightest thought-leaders. Behavioral Grooves is the podcast that satisfies your curiosity of why we do what we do. Explanations of human behavior that will improve your relationships, your wellbeing, and your organization by helping you find your groove.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 3min
Eight Years Grooving: Value of an Open Mind | Jonathan Malesic (Republish)
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.

Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 7min
Everything You’ve Heard About Screen Time Is Wrong | Jay Vidyarthi
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.

10 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 30min
How to Stay Grounded When Life Feels Chaotic
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.

4 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 20min
Why Do Culture Wars Happen? | Michael Morris
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.

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 14min
Get Real About Money | Daniel Crosby
Dr. Daniel Crosby, a behavioral finance expert and author of "The Soul of Wealth," delves into the deeper meaning of wealth beyond financial statistics. He highlights the importance of aligning spending with personal values and discusses the psychological biases that shape our financial behaviors. Topics include the myth of liquid happiness, moral spending, and using behavioral insights to make better financial decisions. Crosby’s engaging insights encourage listeners to rethink their relationship with money and prioritize what truly brings fulfillment.

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 6min
How to Silence Self-Doubt | Rosi Greenberg
Rosi Greenberg, an author and leadership facilitator, dives into her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt. She introduces 'Sam,' her inner critic, showcasing how naming this voice transformed her creative process and emotional resilience. The conversation highlights the role of empathy in leadership and the benefits of embracing self-doubt as a pathway to growth. Rosi shares insightful reflections on self-acceptance and encourages listeners to engage with their insecurities, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Happiness Secret You’ve Been Missing | Shige Oishi
Shige Oishi, a psychologist and professor known for his research on subjective well-being, dives into the three dimensions of a fulfilling life: happiness, meaning, and psychological richness. He discusses the 'happiness trap' and stresses the importance of appreciating everyday joys over chasing fleeting happiness. Delving into how personality traits and cultural contexts shape our understanding of a good life, Oishi encourages deep self-reflection, challenging conventional notions of success. His insights offer a refreshing roadmap to deeper fulfillment.

Jul 24, 2025 • 18min
How Grocery Stores Trick Your Brain
From candy at checkout to calm music and “limit 4” signs, grocery stores are packed with subtle nudges that influence your behavior. In this month's bonus groove, we uncover the psychological tricks behind supermarket design and how to shop more intentionally.
Topics
[0:00] Intro: The Psychology of Supermarkets
[3:54] Techniques to Make You Buy
[9:47] Checkout Lane Temptations
[11:34] How Music Influences What You Buy
[13:44] Free Samples!
[15:01] Final Takeaways and Practical Tips
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
Links
In-store Music Affects Product Choice
Priceless: The Myth of Fair Value by William Poundstone
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Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 17min
Science-Backed Tips to Make Work Worthwhile | Wes Adams & Tamara Myles
Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, co-authors of 'Meaningful Work', share insights on how to cultivate meaningful workplaces through their 3 C's framework: Community, Contribution, and Challenge. They discuss the profound impact of small gestures like gratitude on employee engagement. The duo explores how leaders can enhance workplace meaning, the repercussions of meaningful work on productivity, and the evolving landscape of work dynamics. Their engaging anecdotes and research-backed advice make a strong case for intentional leadership that fosters authentic connections.

Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 11min
Why Brands That Get Personal Win Big | Ken Hughes
Ken Hughes, a global customer experience strategist, delves into the intricate dance of creativity and emotional loyalty. He humorously shares his experiences of trying something new daily, from painting toenails to peculiar drinks. The discussion highlights the need for brands to foster emotional connections and break out of routine thinking. Ken emphasizes the importance of creativity in workplace culture and how vulnerability can enhance customer experiences. He also addresses how leadership's emotional intelligence can shape brand intimacy in a digital world.