Behavioral Grooves Podcast

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.

Abby Davisson, co-author of Money and Love, joins us to discuss why life’s biggest decisions—from careers to relationships—require both emotional insight and rational thinking. She shares her 5C framework for making confident choices, reveals how love and money are more connected than we think, and offers practical tools to navigate values, identity, and financial conversations—no matter your relationship status. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Abby Davisson [7:59] What Factors Influence Relationship Satisfaction [13:05] The 5C Framework for Decision Making [22:46] Applying 5C to Different Life Stages [32:23] Balancing Finanvial Decisions and Relationships [39:00] Desert Island Music [45:00] Grooving Session: Identity, Emotion, and Applying 5C to Your Life ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links More About Abby Money and Love: An Intelligent Roadmap For Life’s Biggest Decisions by Myra Strober and Abby Davisson Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Beyoncé - American Requiem The Beatles - Come Together

Raj Choudhury, researcher and author of "Work From Anywhere," delves into the transformative potential of remote work. He highlights how geographic flexibility can boost productivity and employee well-being while providing access to global talent. Raj discusses overcoming communication challenges in diverse time zones and ways to create a vibrant remote culture. He also addresses why some leaders resist this shift and shares real-world examples from companies like Zapier and Cisco, advocating for a rethinking of traditional work structures.

Ever wondered why people cling to lucky socks for game day? The podcast dives into the fascinating world of superstitions, exploring how irrational beliefs create a sense of control and community. Humor meets psychology as they discuss the illusion of control in sports fandom. Listeners learn about the emotional comfort derived from these rituals and the social connections they foster among fans. From BF Skinner’s pigeons to the psychological benefits of belonging, this exploration makes you rethink your own superstitions!

UX leader Alexis Mook joins us to talk about breaking bias in product design, defending the role of behavioral research inside corporate structures, and making the leap from academia to tech. From wrongful convictions to third-party testing, this conversation reveals why saying “no” might be a researcher’s greatest superpower. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Alexis Mook [7:50] Alexis’s Role and Journey at IBM [20:58] Challenges and Biases in UX Research [22:03] Impact of Research on Product Development [31:49] The Shift from Academia and Career Satisfaction [43:10] Grooving Session: Reducing Bias and Challenging Overconfidence ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Alexis on LinkedIn Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Miley Cyrus - Flowers Blink-182 - All the Small Things

Zach Mercurio, author of 'The Power of Mattering,' dives deep into the essential human need for recognition. He discusses how mattering transforms personal and professional interactions, emphasizing that feeling seen and valued is crucial for wellbeing. From impactful leadership strategies to personal stories about the significance of small gestures, Zach highlights how cultivating genuine connections boosts motivation and engagement in the workplace. He also reflects on the role of intentional attention and its power in fostering meaningful relationships.

Olga Khazan, a journalist and author known for her insightful writing on health and culture, dives into the transformative potential of personality change. She shares her journey to become more extroverted and emotionally stable through improv and mindfulness. The discussion highlights the tension between nature and nurture, revealing that personality traits can be shaped by our environments. Olga emphasizes the importance of social connections for personal growth and explores the role of music in uplifting our moods.

Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor and author, dives into the essence of purpose from his experiences with patients nearing the end of life. He challenges conventional ideas of 'big P' Purpose, suggesting they often create anxiety. Instead, he advocates for 'little p' purposes—simple joys and daily activities that connect us. Grumet shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on embracing small pleasures and overcoming perfectionism, encouraging a life rich in meaningful yet accessible pursuits. Discovering joy in the little things is the true pathway to fulfillment.

Dive into the emotional complexities of feeling stuck and the psychological barriers to personal growth. Discover how fear and comfort zones hold us back, and learn behavioral science strategies to push through inertia. Explore the 'faking it till you make it' concept to boost self-confidence and navigate professional challenges. Engage with community support while embracing risk and change. Trust your instincts and step beyond the familiar to unlock new potentials.

Emily Falk, a neuroscientist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into the fascinating world of decision-making. She discusses how our brains value information, from seemingly trivial choices to serious social interactions. Falk explains the interplay of emotional and rational factors in shaping our decisions and emphasizes the importance of reducing defensiveness for better communication. The conversation also touches on how music and shared experiences can enhance social relevance and strengthen connections in both personal and professional settings.