Behavioral Grooves Podcast

In this discussion, guest Jennifer Totsi-Kharas, a Professor of Organizational Behavior at Babson College and co-author of "Is Your Work Worth It?", sheds light on the intricate nature of work. She explores the downsides of pursuing a calling, like burnout and over-commitment. The conversation reveals surprising insights into job satisfaction between orchestral musicians and prison guards. Jennifer emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that harmonizes passion with practicality, helping listeners rethink their relationship with work.

Christopher Michaelson, a professor of ethics and business law and co-author of "Is Your Work Worth It?", delves into the profound question of work's role in life. He explores whether work should be a calling or a burden, and warns that the pursuit of a calling can lead to burnout. Sharing poignant insights, including research from 9/11 victims, he emphasizes redefining success beyond financial achievements and considering how our '90-year-old self' would view our current choices regarding work and life balance.

Hosts reflect on their experiences from a conference focused on the fragility of democracy. They highlight the alarming rise of autocracies and the importance of social norms in safeguarding democratic values. The discussion emphasizes the impact of political polarization and media on public discourse. A strong call to action urges listeners to prioritize democratic principles over party loyalty, stressing the power of voting and community engagement. It’s a mix of insights and a reminder to celebrate democracy with fun activities like baking for the polls!

Kurt and Tim highlight the importance of voting as a vital part of democracy, especially in Philadelphia. They discuss fun ways to engage in the electoral process, like baking treats while researching candidates. The joy of sharing baked goods at polling places connects the community and reflects historical traditions. They emphasize that every vote truly matters and encourage listeners to take ownership of their vote while supporting others in their civic duties. It's a celebration of democracy and collective responsibility!

AJ Jacobs, an author and journalist celebrated for his humorous takes on serious topics, joins Kurt and Tim to discuss a playful makeover for the U.S. Constitution. They debate potential changes, like Supreme Court justices’ term limits and clarifying the Second Amendment. The conversation also touches on making the amendment process more accessible and learning from global governance practices. Finally, they explore how community engagement can usher in collective happiness, emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity.

AJ Jacobs, a bestselling author and serial experimenter known for immersive projects like 'The Year of Living Biblically,' shares his latest venture about living according to the U.S. Constitution. He revives the festive spirit of Democracy by reintroducing Election Cakes, connecting civic pride with joyous communal baking. The conversation also emphasizes 'epistemic humility,' urging listeners to embrace openness and curiosity in a world filled with misinformation. With a mix of humor and historical reflection, AJ inspires a deeper engagement in democracy.

In this discussion, Nick Epley, a behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago, delves into the loneliness epidemic and the paradox of avoiding social interactions despite their benefits. He highlights how anxiety and misconceptions deter us from reaching out to others, even when those connections could be rewarding. Drawing on fascinating research examples, Epley encourages curiosity and openness to enrich our social lives. Discover how our beliefs impact our relationships and why even a simple hello can lead to unexpected joy.

 Ever wondered what it would be like to snag a backstage pass to history’s biggest moments? In Groove Jams' maiden voyage, Kurt, Tim, and special guest Christian Hunt take on the ultimate bucket list item: time travel. Prepare for a wild ride that’s part history lesson, part “what could possibly go wrong?” Tune in for a rollercoaster of laughs, deep thoughts, and ethical dilemmas as we explore the slippery slope of time-hopping. What are the risks and rewards? Could curiosity lead to chaos? And most importantly, could we save the Beatles from Yoko Ono?  

Co-hosts, meet co-creation! This week, Kurt and Tim are joined by special guests Aransas Savas and Dave Norton, hosts of the Experience Strategy Podcast. Together, they take on one of the biggest challenges companies face: truly understanding what their customers want and need. Data can be valuable, but how useful is it if you don’t fully grasp the “what” or “why” behind those numbers? Aransas and Dave explain why co-creating with customers is a more effective approach than relying solely on data or assumptions. They dive into how blending behavioral science with experience strategy can create lasting value for both customers and companies, while also breaking through common barriers like internal fears, egos, and dreaded groupthink (shudder). Listen in to discover how experience strategy complements behavior change and why clinging to past successes can lead to blind spots in a rapidly evolving market. Ready to take your customer experience strategy to the next level? Tune in and join the conversation—because the future of your business depends on truly understanding your customers. And share your thoughts with Kurt and Tim in our new Facebook Group! © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Book a time to talk to Tim about Behavioral Grooves here Topics [0:00] Introduction: Customer needs and preferences [3:14] Housekeeping: BG Updates! [5:29] Speed Round [9:35] Customer trends and the importance of outside perspectives [20:51] Challenges in engaging customers and the role of behavior change [26:42] Common pitfalls to avoid [30:30] Grooving session: customer engagement, listening, and considering needs © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Links  The Experience Strategy Podcast Subscribe to our YouTube for Groove Jams! Join our Groove Community!

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for (even if you didn’t know you were waiting)... Introducing Groove Jams! Tim and Kurt are launching an exciting new video-first mini-series where they dive into wild hypothetical scenarios and tackle thought-provoking questions about human behavior—and so much more. With help from some fan-favorite guests, each episode kicks off with an intriguing question that pushes the limits of imagination and reveals fresh perspectives on the world. Get ready for laughs, “aha” moments, and maybe even a few WTFs, every few weeks starting this October! Subscribe on YouTube to be the First to See Groove Jams!