
Behavioral Grooves Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Jan 1, 2024 • 31min
Groove Through 2023: A Year in Review with Kurt and Tim
Happy New Year from Kurt and Tim!
As we reflect on the past year, join us in revisiting some of the most impactful and insightful conversations from Behavioral Grooves in 2023. Grateful for the time and wisdom shared by our wonderful guests, we delve into key topics through the lens of behavioral science, aiming to provide you with valuable insights for both your professional and personal life.
From embracing uncertainty and cultivating growth mindsets to exploring the power of "magic words" and understanding your future self, this compilation covers a diverse range of subjects, including the psychology of scams and the challenges of parenting. Settle in, unwind, and take a moment to revisit the highlights of 2023 as we gear up for what the future holds (as much as we can anticipate!).
As always, thank you for listening to Behavioral Grooves. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to many more exciting developments in 2024!
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
(2:17) Yael Schonbrun, parenting, and fostering growth mindsets.
(8:48) Nathan and Susannah Furr, embracing uncertainty
and embracing possibility.
(13:23) Jonah Berger, the enchantment of "magic words" and the art of reframing language.
(18:54) Hal Hershfield, navigating your future self and shedding light blind spots
(23:06) Daniel Simons & Chris Chabris, the intricate world of scams, and maintaining hope.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Monkey Business
Yael Schonbrun on Parenting
Nathan & Susannah Furr on Embracing Uncertainty
Jonah Berger and Magic Words
Hal Hershfield and Your Future Self
Daniel Simons & Christopher Chabris on Falling for Fraud

Dec 26, 2023 • 26min
Grooving with Knowledge: Kurt and Tim’s Best Behavioral Science Books of 2023
Kurt and Tim share their favorite behavioral science books of 2023, covering topics such as uncertainty, effective communication, parenting, and attention span. They discuss the impact of literature on understanding human behavior and offer condensed versions of why each book was influential. The hosts mention 'The Power of Brevity' by Todd Rogers, 'Humanizing Rules' by Christian Hunt, 'Anatomy of a Breakthrough' by Adam Alter, and 'Nobody's Fool' by Dan Simons and Chris Shebrey.

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 20min
Balancing Work Friction and Fatigue | Huggy Rao
Have you or someone you know fallen victim to the detrimental effects of Jargon Monoxide? If so, there might be compensation waiting for you.
Joining Kurt and Tim in this episode, Huggy Rao delves into the critical aspects of organizational friction and the looming specter of burnout within workspaces. Huggy underscores the need for clear and transparent communication to escape the wearisome trap of workspeak, identified here as "jargon monoxide."
Tune in for a succinct and transparent conversation as Huggy dissects the challenges organizations encounter with an inherent bias towards addition, prioritizing the incorporation of new elements over the removal of unnecessary ones. He sheds light on the paradoxical scenario where leaders receive accolades for their additive contributions, leaving the significance of subtraction undervalued and misunderstood.
In the episode's conclusion, Kurt and Tim steer the discussion towards reframing friction as an avenue for improvement rather than a hindrance. They explore effective strategies for mitigating workplace friction and beyond, providing valuable insights for those grappling with end-of-the-year work fatigue. Don't miss out on this episode if you're seeking a fresh perspective on navigating workplace challenges.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
(6:12) Intro and Speed Round
(12:21) Good Friction vs Bad Friction
(17:38) Health Pyramids and Reframing the Workplace
(25:07) Rational vs Emotional
(30:25) Corporate time wasters
(37:04) Addition bias and Obliviousness
(45:10) Jargon Monoxide
(54:55) Grooving Session: Strategies for Burnout and Friction
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
The Friction Project
Bandolini's Law
Huggy Rao
Musical Links
Camarón De La Isla Como El Agua (Tangos)
Yo Yo Ma - Yo-Yo Ma - Bach: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prélude (Official Video)

Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 11min
The Eight Superpowers of Confidence | Lisa Sun
Step into a captivating conversation as Tim and Kurt engage with Lisa Sun, the author of Gravitas. Lisa introduces the intriguing concept that each of us possesses superpowers—not the extraordinary kind, but those that ignite leadership, achievement, and self-belief. In this discussion, Lisa unveils the eight superpowers that make up confidence.
Moving beyond mere behavioral traits, Lisa emphasizes that confidence is fundamentally a mindset. Uncover the key to building self-confidence by recognizing strengths and celebrating past successes. While we may not possess telekinetic abilities, join Lisa, Kurt, and Tim as they explore how shifting our mindset, silencing our inner critic, and reframing challenges as opportunities can foster a stronger sense of self-worth.
This engaging episode offers insights into gender differences in confidence and the societal need for a redefined understanding of this crucial trait. During the Grooving Session, Kurt and Tim share practical strategies for altering perspectives on life's challenges and reframing emotions for better understanding and management.
Ready to unlock your mental superpowers? Join Lisa, Kurt, and Tim in this enlightening episode and embark on your journey to a more confident self.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
(2:37) Intro and Speed Round
(4:06) Creativity, self-confidence, and personal growth
(9:09) Ageism, self-doubt, and confidence
(12:15) Building self-confidence
(20:45) Inner child and inner critic
(25:58) Self-awareness, self-confidence, and overcoming fears
(35:48) Leadership qualities, gender, and confidence
(41:32) Workplace culture and gender bias
(53:11) Grooving Session: Confidence and self-expression
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
The Confidence Language Quiz
About Gravitas
Gravitas Women
The Gravitas Blend
Kelly Shue and Women’s Promotions
Musical Links
John Lennon “Imagine” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8
The King and I “Shall We Dance” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgVPnWmUqd4
Boys II Men “Motownphilly” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rciee-oQLoI
Mariah Carey “We Belong Together” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0habxsuXW4g

7 snips
Dec 4, 2023 • 1h 12min
Rethinking Behavioral Science | Adam Mastroianni
Researcher Adam Mastroianni challenges the status quo of behavioral science, discussing the fraudulent study controversy, lack of groundbreaking discoveries, and the need for a paradigm shift. They also question the effectiveness of flossing and explore the importance of different perspectives in science and academia. This thought-provoking conversation encourages fresh thinking and innovation.

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 6min
Navigating Societal Rifts | Michèle Lamont
Tensions around the dinner table? Trouble finding common ground with friends and family? Renowned sociologist Michèle Lamont joins Tim and Kurt to unravel why the world seems more polarized than ever.
In this episode, Lamont delves into pressing societal issues, from tribalism to media polarization, offering expert insights and defining key terms with historical context. She explores generational shifts in perspectives on recognition and identity, asking how we can bridge divides between different worldviews.
Beyond analysis, Lamont inspires change, discussing the transformative power of reframing narratives to cultivate hope. Join us for a conversation challenging stereotypes, and promoting a society where everyone feels valued. Kurt and Tim end the episode with a Grooving Session where they encourage us to strengthen the recognition of our shared humanity and invite listeners to be part of the change. Tune in for a fresh perspective on navigating a divided world.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
(03:22) Michèle Lamont intro and Speed Round
(08:08) Bridging generational divides
(20:49) Changing hearts and minds to address inequality
(26:36) Countering negative narratives
(36:59) Generational differences in identity and inclusion
(41:24) Race, identity, and mental health
(47:23) Grooving session: Overcoming polarization
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Michelle’s Book: Seeing Others
Monbiot, George, “Neoliberalism – the ideology at the root of all our problems,” The Guardian, 15 April 2016. Article
Peter Harvey research and article: How Schools Teach Children about their Social Station
Jean Twenge The Future of Generational Differences
National Domestic Workers Alliance
Musical Links
The Doors “Break on Through (To The Other Side)”
Patti Smith “Because the Night”
Leonard Cohen “Hallelujah”
Gordon Lightfoot “If You Could Read My Mind”
“Four Strong Winds”

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 10min
Evolving Minds: A Conversation on Attention Spans | Gloria Mark PhD
"A conversation on attention spans" features guest Gloria Mark, a researcher. The podcast explores the impact of the digital world on attention spans and offers tips for enhancing concentration. They discuss myths and facts about attention span, the relationship between attention and flow, and strategies for staying focused. The podcast also delves into the connection between attention, free will, and musical rhythm. Overall, it's an insightful episode on navigating distractions in today's evolving world.

24 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 2min
The Power of Brevity | Todd Rogers
Todd Rogers, co-author of 'Writing for Busy Readers', shares practical steps and techniques for effective communication in the 21st century. Focus on concise writing, reading navigation, and the impact of shorter sentences. Conduct a live experiment on overconfidence and explore the importance of brevity in communication. Choose musical artists for a desert island and discuss the challenges of effective communication in a fast-paced world.

22 snips
Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 5min
Unlocking the Power of Effective Communication | Matt Abrahams
Join Kurt and Tim as they talk to communication expert Matt Abrahams about the secrets to effective communication, including active listening, paraphrasing, and overcoming anxiety. They also discuss the importance of structure and understanding the audience's needs. Kurt and Tim share their own experiences with public speaking and offer tips for unlocking your communication potential.

Oct 30, 2023 • 50min
Why Sleep Is Vital for Academic Success | David Creswell PhD
Sleep researcher David Creswell discusses the correlation between sleep duration and academic success, specifically in college students. Getting less than 6 hours of sleep may be harmful. Hosts Kurt and Tim share their sleep patterns and strategies to improve insomnia.