Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan
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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.
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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.
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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 Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube
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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.
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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.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 1min

Why Do We Struggle to Talk About Money? | Abby Davisson

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
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Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 14min

The Real Reason Remote Work Works | Raj Choudhury

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.
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Jun 26, 2025 • 20min

Why Do Superstitions Feel So Good?

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!
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Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 1min

Your Product Design Is Biased—Here’s How to Fix It | Alexis Mook PhD

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
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Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 12min

The Five Words That Change Lives | Zach Mercurio

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.

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