Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences influence your adult relationships and behaviors? This week, Kurt and Tim jump into attachment theory with renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Judy Ho. They explore the different types of secure and insecure attachment, and how our early bonds with primary caregivers shape our developmental years and influence our adult behavior and relationships. Dr. Ho explains how attachment styles can influence our worldview, and how these styles manifest in our self-talk and stress responses.  Our past doesn’t define our future, and the discussion highlights the importance of understanding and healing our attachment issues at any age.  And it wouldn’t be Behavioral Grooves without some music! Dr. Ho joins Tim and Kurt (mostly Tim) in a conversation about the therapeutic role music has on emotional regulation and self-care.  Music can help replace unhelpful patterns with healthier ones and can help ground us and promote mindfulness.  Mindfulness is key in this week’s Gr

Have you ever struggled with the pitfalls of imposter syndrome in the workplace? Been wracked with self-doubt when leading your teams? Join Kurt and Tim as they dive into these topics and many more with Martin Gonzalez, co-author of "The Bonfire Moment." They explore the intricacies of leadership, team dynamics, and overcoming obstacles in startups. Martin shares his expertise on uniting teams to solve problems through a unique workshop process and identifies common traps that founders often encounter. Listen in as Martin opens up about his journey with self-doubt and imposter syndrome as an immigrant, providing a candid look at the human side of leadership. Kurt, Tim, and Martin cover various topics including leadership styles, organizational structures, the pitfalls of over-functioning teams, and achieving a productive work-life balance. While you might never love everything about your job, it is possible to enjoy most of your job if you manage your expectations and strategize for success.  In startups, peo

When was the last time you wanted to speak up, but were too afraid to? This week, embark on a riveting exploration of silence with Kurt, Tim, and special guest Elaine Lin Herring, author of Unlearning Silence. Through rich conversation, they delve into the intricate dynamics of power, societal expectations, and the profound impact of silence in our personal and professional lives. Elaine illuminates the hidden complexities behind our communication patterns, urging listeners to challenge ingrained norms and create inclusive spaces where every voice is heard. From dissecting workplace dynamics to sharing personal anecdotes, the trio navigates the journey of self-awareness and collective empowerment with remarkable depth and clarity. As the conversation unfolds, we invite you to reflect on your own experiences of silence and consider the transformative potential of embracing diverse communication styles. This conversation offers practical strategies for fostering open dialogue and nurturing psychological safety

Ketamine therapy has recently been a hot topic in the mental health industry, but what exactly is ketamine therapy? Who is it for, and what are the benefits/risks associated with it? Dive into the forefront of mental health innovation with Kurt, Tim, and special guest Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo as they unpack the groundbreaking potential of ketamine therapy as a transformative treatment for depression and anxiety. Dr. Lombardo sheds light on the mechanisms behind ketamine therapy's effectiveness, sharing promising research findings and cautionary notes on its administration under careful medical supervision. Dr. Lombardo goes through the nuances of ketamine therapy, and how to use it as part of a comprehensive mental health strategy rather than a quick-fix solution. As always, the more you know, the better equipped you are to face life’s challenges. Beyond the cutting-edge realm of ketamine therapy, Kurt, Tim, and Dr. Lombardo look at practical coping strategies and evidence-based practices for enhancing mental w

Could asking the right questions transform your conversations? That’s the question of the week for Kurt and Tim, as they delve into the power of inquiry and active listening with this week’s esteemed guest, author Jeff Wetzler. Jeff, the author of "Ask," shares groundbreaking research and surprising insights about the impact of asking the right questions, offering listeners a roadmap to navigate the complexities of communication with wit and wisdom. From the boardroom to the dinner table, effective communication skills are essential. Discover how active listening can not only boost productivity and increase employee satisfaction but also foster deeper, more meaningful relationships. Through thought-provoking discussions and real-world examples, Kurt, Tim, and Jeff challenge conventional wisdom to help listeners gain a deeper understanding of how to engage authentically in both their professional and personal lives. Ready to level up your communication game? Tune in to this episode for actionable insights and

Ever find yourself coasting on autopilot a bit too often in your daily routine? Seeking ways to be more present and truly connect with your habits to enhance your life? Join Kurt and Tim on a profound exploration into the world of sense foraging and breaking free from autopilot habits. In this enlightening episode, Kurt and Tim are joined by special guests Norman Farb and Zindel Segal, esteemed researchers in psychology and neuroscience, and co-authors of the insightful book "Better in Every Sense." Together, they delve into the transformative power of intentional sensory exploration, curiosity, and savoring to elevate everyday experiences. Dive into the complexities of modern life, including the challenges of stress, burnout, and dysregulation, while gaining valuable insights into understanding your ‘default mode’ and the pivotal role of the salience network in directing your focus to the present moment. Discover actionable strategies for integrating sense foraging into your daily life, from relishing the fl

What separates a ritual from a habit? Join Kurt and Tim this week as they delve into the intriguing world of rituals and habits with special guest Mike Norton, acclaimed author of The Ritual Effect. Together, they explore the nuances that distinguish rituals from mere habits, shedding light on how rituals infuse our daily lives with meaning and significance. According to Michael, rituals are more than just actions; they're meaningful celebrations or purpose-driven practices that elevate our routines. From something as simple as brushing your teeth to larger group activities, the trio discusses how rituals add depth and emotion to our everyday experiences. As the episode unfolds, Kurt, Tim, and Mike examine how rituals impact not only individuals but also relationships and work teams. They navigate the delicate balance between rituals that unite and those that divide, emphasizing the importance of consensus in fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction. Through personal anecdotes and keen insights, the tr

Dive deep into the realm of behavioral science with Kurt and Tim this week as they explore the scalability of behavioral nudges and interventions through the groundbreaking research of Silvia Saccardo. Discover how Silvia's work sheds light on the effectiveness of interventions, from COVID-19 vaccination reminders to improving student sleep habits. Unveil the nuanced impact of nudges and their effectiveness for motivated individuals, as Silvia shares insights from her studies and personalized intervention strategies. In their discussion, Kurt and Tim dissect the implications of Silvia's research, emphasizing the importance of precision in deploying nudges for maximum scalability and impact. Join the conversation to learn how understanding behavioral principles can revolutionize intervention customization, catering to diverse contexts, populations, and behaviors. Gain invaluable insights into shaping habits effectively through cues and rewards, empowering you to encourage desired behaviors in everyday life. Tu

Curious about how prioritizing happiness can transform leadership and workplace dynamics? Well, look no further than this week’s discussion with Gonzalo Camiña Ceballos, CEO of BeWay, a Mexico City/Madrid-based company paving the way in bringing the principles of behavioral science to the workplace.  In this conversation, Kurt, Tim, and Gonzalo dive deep into the realms of humanistic management, personal fulfillment, and the concept of “eudaimonic leadership”, and how all these factors can make or break your experience in the workplace.  Gonzalo emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the happiness and fulfillment of employees to achieve organizational success and challenges conventional leadership norms while advocating for a more holistic approach to employee well-being.  In a post-pandemic world where RTO mandates are on the rise, all of us need to find deeper connections and meaning in our jobs. Throughout the conversation, Gonzalo helps us to see a future where people have passion and purpose in their

So many voices, who do we listen to? The loudest, most senior or most popular voice? Our lives are rife with pivotal moments yet it’s harder to get decisions right. However, amidst this whirlwind, we at Behavioral Grooves recently made a resounding decision – to tune in and sit down with a guest who could help us untangle the intricacies of decision-making in the modern noisy world. Enter Nuala Walsh, the insightful author of “Tune In – How to Make Smarter Decisions in a Noisy World”. Joining Kurt and Tim, she delves deep into the labyrinth of misjudgement, reveals the ten PERIMETERS™ traps dissecting the cognitive mechanisms that stop us hearing the voices that really matter. In this illuminating dialogue, the trio navigates the idea of psychological ‘deaf spots’ – why we tune out and offers pragmatic strategies for becoming a more powerful and influential Decision Ninja. Discover the significance of concepts like ‘tuning in’ versus ‘tuning out’, and how our biases can be exacerbated by unchecked information

March always feels like one of those months where you hit a slump. Work is back in full force, there are no holidays in sight, and life can start to feel a bit overwhelming like you can’t catch a break. In other words, if you’re reading this, you might be feeling burnt out. But what exactly is burnout? Is it real? Or is it just a dramatic way of saying “I’m tired”? Join Kurt and Tim as they chat with Dr. Kandi Wiens, author of Burnout Immunity, about the very real psychological syndrome of burnout and how it can affect our day-to-day lives.  In this episode, Dr. Wiens explores the symptoms of burnout and teaches us how we can build immunity to burnout through emotional intelligence and self-awareness.  In this insightful interview, Dr. Wiens emphasizes the signs of escalating stress levels and offers practical and easily implementable strategies for stress management in your daily life. Fighting burnout isn't just about a quick fix; it's about reevaluating work priorities and self-perception—and yes, the role

We’re back to our regularly scheduled program this week and full of energy - or should we say Energy Rising? Join Kurt and Tim as they embark on a captivating exploration of emotional intelligence in this episode featuring Dr. Julia DiGangi, author of "Energy Rising." Delve into the intricate relationship between neuroscience and emotions as Dr. DiGangi uncovers the transformative potential of understanding our emotional landscape. Discover how our emotions serve as the catalyst for our actions and choices, and why confronting emotional discomfort is crucial for personal evolution. Dr. DiGangi advocates for embracing uncertainty and anxiety, highlighting how these experiences can foster deeper connections, self-awareness, and confidence. Through insightful analysis, Kurt and Tim delve into Dr. DiGangi’s perspectives on trauma recovery, the incremental growth of emotional intelligence, and the significance of starting small to build resilience gradually. As they say, you don’t start skiing on a black diamond –

In their final wrap-up, Kurt and Tim reflect on their recent series "They Thought We Were Ridiculous" and the insightful conversations they shared with leading figures in behavioral economics. Throughout this engaging discussion, they delve into how small, dedicated groups have catalyzed significant shifts in both thought and practice within the field. They emphasize that behavioral economics didn't emerge fully developed; rather, it required the combined efforts of brilliant minds, collaboration, and unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity to shape the impactful field we know today. During the episode, Kurt and Tim stress the importance of effecting change from within existing systems and encourage listeners to identify and capitalize on fortunate opportunities. Success isn't by chance - it often hinges on embracing uncertainty and seizing unforeseen circumstances. Tune in for invaluable insights into the evolution of behavioral economics and discover actionable strategies for driving meaningful cha

Join Kurt and Tim as they exhale a collective sigh of relief and take a moment to reflect on the completion of their monumental project, "They Thought We Were Ridiculous" (available now! Wherever you listen to podcasts). In this captivating conversation, Kurt and Tim delve into the wealth of insights they've gleaned from their immersive and unexpectedly prolonged journey into the annals of behavioral economics history. From navigating the intricacies of managing a side project within a side project to riding the tumultuous waves of multi-party collaboration, they candidly explore the peaks and valleys of their remarkable experience. But true to the essence of "Behavioral Grooves," Kurt and Tim infuse a touch of scientific rigor into their reflections. They dissect the hurdles they encountered, drawing upon their knowledge of behavioral science and human tendencies to dissect how these factors both aided and hindered them along the way. After all, they know all too well that the planning fallacy isn't just a c

Exploring the future of Behavioral Economics, we talked to three young researchers who are pushing the field further. A new generation of researchers is striving to understand decision-making in the developing world, how brains process economic decisions, and how bigger, more transparent scientific methods can shed light on basic principles of choice.   However, the journey toward new discoveries is not without its challenges. Behavioral Economics faces an identity crisis amid shifting perspectives, prompting a reevaluation of its approaches. Discover how this introspection may catalyze a more pragmatic ethos within the field, prioritizing real-world impact over theoretical abstraction. Join us as we navigate this nuanced landscape, engaging with the innovative minds shaping the future of behavioral economics with a blend of boldness, innovation, and pragmatism. Discover How behavioral economics is revolutionizing farming in developing nations Discover groundbreaking revelations about the decision-making proc

Eventually, Behavioral Economics emerged as an influential perspective. It’s become mainstream in Economics, and it’s helped inform programs and policies that affect real people every day. But where do we see this impact? Explore the pervasive influence of Behavioral Economics in our everyday lives and beyond, from shaping individual decision-making to informing government policy design. Witness the ongoing evolution of this once radical field as it continues to inspire innovation and shape policies for better societal outcomes.  Discover Explore how behavioral economics conquered economics’ stronghold Discover how psychology integration sparks innovative retirement savings solutions Uncover the UK and US government’s bold ventures into science-driven policy making Witness the global expanison of behvioral insights teams and their impact on addressing complex societal challenges

 Behavioral Economics was using psychology to understand economics, but what did economists and psychologists think about their unexpected marriage? Slowly, this fledgling field weathered a flurry of criticism from both sides as it doggedly held onto data-driven ideas about economic decision-making. This tension epitomized a broader struggle within Behavioral Economics, which aimed to harmonize insights from both disciplines while challenging traditional economic paradigms.   Embark on a journey that wasn't always smooth sailing. Unearth the fundamental clash between economists and psychologists, revealing their contrasting views on empirical evidence and theory. From contentious debates over ownership to deliberations on what to name it, the path to integrating these fields was filled with unforeseen twists, turns, and triumphs.  Discover Economists push back to new behavioral approaches How psychologists fought for a seat at the table Where did the name “behavioral economics” come from? The benefits we gain

The notion of merging psychology with economics initially faced staunch skepticism, with errors perceived as random rather than systematic. However, everything changed when psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky joined forces, armed with groundbreaking ideas about human decision-making. Their meticulous research not only introduced a fresh perspective on understanding people’s choices but also ignited the flames of Behavioral Economics. Through collaboration with other influential figures in the field, including Richard Thaler, their work spearheaded a transformative movement that challenged conventional economic assumptions, propelled novel ideas forward, and seamlessly integrated psychological theories into economic theory and practice. Discover Are errors random or systematic? The challenges of merging psychology with economics Why we rely on quick mental shortcuts in decision-making How a single question can short-circuit the rational mind The importance of marrying psychology and economics for un

For decades, neoclassical economists clung to the belief that humans are rational decision-makers, but a daring group of social scientists dared to question this notion. Join us as we explore their pioneering work, from the revolutionary concept of bounded rationality to the eye-opening Cab Driver Study. Through meticulous observations and rigorous analysis, these trailblazers shattered the status quo, ushering in a new era of economic thought. Discover how real-world scenarios defied the rationality assumption, from the baffling fluctuations in stock market behavior to the surprising insights gleaned from everyday decision-making. As we unravel the complexities of economic behavior, we invite you to join us on a radical journey of discovery and transformation. Together, let's challenge traditional notions, advocate for a more nuanced understanding of human behavior, and pave the way for a brighter future in economics and beyond. This is more than just a podcast—it's a revolution. Discover Are humans really r

Feeling indecisive? Ever wondered what it takes to master the art of decision-making? Join us on a thrilling journey with Elspeth Kirkman, the brilliant mind behind the groundbreaking book 'Decision Scape: The Art of Getting Perspective.'  In this episode, Kurt and Tim dive deep into the captivating world of decision-making as Kirkman takes us on an adventure through the intricacies of perspective. What if decision-making was more than just a process – what if it was an art form? Prepare to be captivated as we explore the four pillars of perspective – distance, viewpoint, composition, and frame – and uncover their essential role in navigating life's choices.  Buckle up and get ready to challenge your perceptions as we delve into the profound influence of language, culture, and even the power of voice in shaping our decisions. Are you ready to embrace multiple perspectives and unlock the secrets to making informed choices? Kirkman's insights offer a fresh and dynamic approach to decision-making, empowering lis