Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Economist Corinne Low, author of *Having It All*, explores the stalled gender revolution. She discusses how, despite women thriving in the workforce, men's household roles remain largely unchanged since the 1970s. Corinne introduces the concept of 'having it almost' to describe the pressures women face. She advocates for better parental leave, equitable distribution of household tasks, and the need for structural changes to support family life. The conversation also highlights how cultural shifts and identity transformation are essential for progress.

Mark Matson, a financial advisor and author, delves into the concept of the American Dream, suggesting it's more about mindset than material wealth. He discusses the cognitive biases that often lead investors to sabotage their own success. Mark advocates for purpose-driven financial planning and emphasizes the importance of defining 'enough.' He shares rules for smarter investing that focus on discipline and diversification, while also addressing the balance between personal responsibility and systemic challenges in achieving financial well-being.

Mikael Klintman, a sociologist and author of "Framing: The Social Art of Influence," dives into the powerful concept of framing. He explains how subtle shifts in language can change our perceptions in politics and everyday conversations. Mikael contrasts rough versus smooth framing techniques and discusses how expanding our frames can foster social connections. He also shares insights on how framing affects cultural norms and even music experiences. Tune in for valuable lessons on recognizing and leveraging framing in your life!

Dive into the spooky side of cognitive biases just in time for Halloween! Discover how confirmation bias can fuel conspiracy theories, and learn about the planning fallacy that leads to perpetual project delays. Explore the fundamental attribution error and why we misjudge others' actions. Unpack survivorship bias, which often mistakes success for mere skill, and laugh at the Dunning-Kruger effect, where the less skilled overestimate their abilities. Awareness is your secret weapon against these tricks!

This Halloween special explores the intriguing world of superstitions. Discover why we cling to rituals like knocking on wood and wearing lucky socks. The hosts dissect the psychological need for control and how these beliefs can both stress and support us. Learn how superstitions can improve performance but also lead to magical thinking. They even draw connections to Stevie Wonder's wisdom. Curiosity about our rituals is encouraged for a more balanced approach, especially in an age where AI might introduce new superstitions.

Psychologist and author Dr. Wolfgang Linden joins us to explore why so much of our stress comes not from events themselves, but from our attempts to control them. Drawing on 40+ years of research and clinical experience, he breaks down the “illusion of control” and argues that we only truly have power over two things: how we respond and where we direct our energy. We dive into his emotion–thought–behavior framework, the dangers of suppressing emotions, and how small shifts in attention and behavior can interrupt toxic cycles. From relationships to health to life goals, Wolfgang shows how letting go can actually give us more peace, more agency, and a clearer path forward—sometimes even by knowing when to quit. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Dr. Wolfgang Linden [6:08] Emotions: friend or foe? [13:38] Behavior change and depression [17:51] When to persist vs. when to quit [26:23] Stress, values, and life priorities [31:39] Saying yes to opportunities [36:05] What to do when stuck in a rut [43:37] Desert Island music [48:36] Grooving session: attention, focus, and letting go ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Dr. Wolfgang Linden The Illusion of Control: A Practical Guide to Avoid Futile Struggles by Wolfgang Linden Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath Franz Schubert - Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished)

Annie Duke, decision-making expert and author, shares her insights on improving choices in uncertain situations. She introduces concepts like the Archer’s Mindset and Free Rolls, emphasizing educated guessing and decision processes. Duke challenges common beliefs about intuition, arguing it can mislead, and advocates for the power of negative thinking to foresee potential failures. Her practical tools aim to enhance goal-setting and outcomes, making decision-making easier and fostering happier lives.

Toby Stuart, a Professor at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business and author of *Anointed: How Status Shapes Our Lives*, discusses the vital role of status in shaping careers and culture. He explores how traditional markers of merit are increasingly overshadowed by societal shortcuts like pedigree in an AI-driven world. Stuart delves into the Matthew Effect, demonstrating how small advantages can snowball over time. With insights on status hierarchies and biases in networking, he challenges listeners to reconsider how status influences their lives and decisions.

Bob McKinnon, a researcher and podcaster known for his work on social mobility and success narratives, explores the complex interplay of luck, privilege, and hard work in achieving success. He discusses how the stories we tell often overlook systemic barriers that shape outcomes. McKinnon illustrates the 'fundamental attribution error' and shows how recognizing our biases can foster empathy. Drawing on personal experiences, he emphasizes the need for compassionate curiosity to bridge societal divides and enhance understanding.

Don Kieffer, a former factory leader and co-author of "There's Got to Be a Better Way," delves into the pitfalls leaders face when relying on common sense. He passionately argues that meetings can be the worst form of organizational abuse, calling for a shift to dynamic work design. By partnering frontline workers with experts, creating visibility in workflows, and experimenting with solutions, organizations can enhance adaptability and efficiency. Kieffer even likens effective teamwork to jazz, where structure and improvisation spark innovation.