Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Jay Vidyarthi blends Silicon Valley design expertise with mindfulness practice to show how you can “fight design with design” and create a healthier, more joyful relationship with your tech. Instead of guilt or digital detoxes, he offers strategies for reframing boundaries into rituals, focusing on what’s good about your devices, and making intentional use easy by shaping your environment. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Jay Vidarthi [9:40] Reconciling Tech and Mindfulness [15:26] Practical Strategies for Managing Tech [25:00] The Importance of Tech Design [32:28] The Impact of AI [38:18] Self-Awareness to Prevent Burnout [47:00] Embracing Uncertainty [50:39] Desert Island Music [56:28] Grooving Session - Using Tech Joyfully ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE Show! More About Jay Reclaim Your Mind Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links The White Stripes - Blue Orchid All Them Witches - Real Hippies A

When life feels chaotic, how do we stay grounded? In this bonus episode, we reflect on a few years of personal upheaval and explore how temporal uncertainty affects our decision-making and well-being. We share behavioral science tools—like micro-anchors, cognitive reframing, and environmental cues—that can help us stay centered when life refuses to slow down. Topics [0:00] Intro: What’s Going on with Tim? [4:29] Impacts of Temporal Uncertainty [9:50] Cognitive Overload and Decision Fatigue [13:04] Strategies for Managing Uncertainty [23:02] Social Connections and Support [28:55] Final Thoughts and Advice ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves LIVE Show! Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube

Why do we instinctively form groups, follow leaders, and defend traditions—even when it hurts us? Columbia professor Michael Morris joins us to explore the three tribal instincts—peer, hero, and ancestor—that shape how we cooperate and clash. From case studies at GM and Reddit to the surprising origins of Thanksgiving, we uncover how culture evolves—and how understanding it can make us better leaders, change-makers, and collaborators.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Michael Morris [6:19] Understanding the Importance of Tribes [15:05] Peer Instinct and Early Human Coordination [21:09] Hero Instinct and Status-Seeking Behavior [29:50] Bottom-up vs. Top-down Cultural Change [37:58] Case Studies: GM and Reddit [52:30] Desert Island Music [56:49] Grooving Session: Applying Tribal Instincts to Leadership ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links More About Michael Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together by Michael Morris Join us on Substack! Join t

Dr. Daniel Crosby joins us to explore the soul of wealth — and why your bank account isn’t the best measure of a meaningful life. We dig into behavioral finance, how to align spending with your values, and the power of behavioral judo: using your psychological biases to your advantage.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and speed round with Daniel Crosby [8:00] What does it mean for wealth to have a “soul”? [17:00] Consumerism, comparison, and the myth of liquid happiness [25:10] What is behavioral finance, really? [30:20] The four big biases: ego, emotion, attention, conservatism [37:30] Moral spending and voting with your dollars [48:00] Good Vibrations, theremins, and musical genius [52:00] Desert island music [54:00] Grooving Session: The soul of wealth and behavioral judo ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links More About Daniel The Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Radioh

When author and leadership facilitator Rosi Greenberg found herself overwhelmed by self-doubt, she did something unexpected: she gave her inner critic a name — Sam — and drew him into a whimsical, deeply personal book that blends creativity, vulnerability, and behavioral insight. In this episode, Rosi shares how visualizing and engaging with that critical voice helped her build emotional resilience and lead with more empathy. Together, we explore how naming your inner critic can reframe fear, unlock creative expression, and reshape how we show up for ourselves and others. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Rosi Greenberg [8:22] The birth of Sam [11:00] From depression to creative healing [16:50] How self-soubt shows up in leadership [24:08] Working with leaders on self-doubt [35:35] Reframing the Inner Critic [47:00] Letting go of “shoulds” [50:28] Desert island music [52:00] Grooving Session: framing, leadership, and self-talk ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Everyone Has a Sam by Rosi Greenberg T

Psychologist Shige Oishi joins us to explore the three dimensions of a fulfilling life: happiness, meaning, and psychological richness. He shares insights from decades of research into subjective well-being and reveals how personality traits, life experiences, and cultural contexts shape what we consider a “good life.” From challenging the “happiness trap” to embracing life’s rich diversity, this conversation is a roadmap for deeper self-reflection and greater fulfillment. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Shige Oishi [10:28] The Happiness Trap [18:38] Eudaimonic and Hedonic Approaches to Happiness [27:30] The Correlation Between Psychological Richness and Personality [35:00] Gratitude and Social Connection [44:10] What Makes a Happy Society? [48:00] Desert Island Music [1:05:25]  Grooving Session: How to Pursue a Fulfilling Life ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Shige Life in Three Dimensions by Shigehiro Oishi Happiness is Everything, or Is It? Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves comm

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

Wes Adams and Tamara Miles join the show to share their 3 C’s framework—Community, Contribution, and Challenge—for creating more meaningful workplaces. Backed by large-scale research and packed with practical leadership advice, this episode explores how small moments, like a thank-you or an empowering gesture, can spark a virtuous cycle of engagement and growth. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Wes and Tamara [7:40] The Three C’s Framework [12:44] How Leaders Can Enhance Meaningful Work [20:26] The Benefits of Meaningful Work [34:10] The Three C’s in Practice [41:42] Everyone Follows the Bride [46:56] Desert Island Music [51:42] The Importance of Authentic Leaders ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Wes About Tamara Meaningful Work by Wes Adams and Tamara Myles VIA Character Strengths Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Marisa Monte - Ainda Lembro (Portas Ao Vivo) Taylor Swift - Delicate Bo

Global behavior expert Ken Hughes joins us for a fast-paced, funny, and thought-provoking conversation about creativity, brand loyalty, and what it really takes to build emotional connections in a digital world. From painting his toenails to drinking his own urine (seriously), Ken shares lessons from a year of trying something new every day—alongside sharp insights on how companies can break out of routine thinking, embrace vulnerability, and create customer experiences that truly matter. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Ken Hughes [10:44] Efficiency vs. Creativity: Why Getting Lost Matters [14:54] Creativity in the Workplace [24:38] Emotional Loyalty and Brand Intimacy [30:40] Brand Intimacy Examples: United and Virgin Airlines [39:48] Emotional Intelligence in Leadership [45:57] Advice for Leaders on Navigating Change [48:13] Desert Island Music [51:01] Grooving Session: The Role of Diversity and Creativity at Work ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Ken Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Gro

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 YouTu

Raj Choudhury joins us to explore how “Work From Anywhere” is more than a trend—it’s a research-backed blueprint for improving productivity, well-being, and talent access. From managing time zones to building culture without offices, Raj breaks down what it takes to make remote work really work. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Raj Choudhury [4:16] Benefits of Work From Anywhere [12:14] Challenges and Solutions to Remote Work [18:50] Real Company Examples: Zapier, Cisco, Atlassian [24:00] Why Leaders Resist Remote Work [35:15] Bringing WFA to Traditional Organizations [42:30] What’s Changed since 2020 [44:00] Desert Island Music Picks [46:00] Grooving Session: Rethinking How We View Work ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Raj The World is Your Office by Raj Choudhury Tulsa Remote Program Make My Move - Remote Work Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love Tagore - Unending Love

Are you like Kurt, stuck wearing a pair of 'lucky socks' every time your team plays, no matter what the outcome of the game turns out to be? In this month's bonus, we explore why we hold onto superstitions, like lucky socks, even when we know they don't work. From BF Skinner's pigeons to social identity theory, we unpack the behavioral science behind our game-day rituals, however irrational, and discuss the sense of agency, control, and belonging that they create.  Topics [0:00] Intro: Kurt's Lucky Socks [3:38] The Placebo Effect [7:27] Mistaking Correlation for Causation [11:58] Social Identity and Group Belonging [16:34] The Psychological Benefits of Superstitions Links Join our Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube  

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 joins us to discuss the power of mattering—why it's a foundational human need and how it can be cultivated through small but meaningful interactions. From leadership strategies to personal stories, we explore how feeling seen, heard, and valued changes everything. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Zach Mercurio [3:31] Why Mattering Matters [11:29] Purpose, Meaning, and Mattering: What’s the Difference? [16:21] Mattering as a Survival Instinct [26:14] “If It Wasn’t For You…” [35:22] The Importance of Mattering in Leadership [40:55] The Role of Mattering in Organizational Culture [45:37] The Impact of Mattering on Employee Engagement [49:50] Desert Island Music Picks [52:42] Grooving Session: Mattering is Common Sense, Not Common Practice ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links More About Zach The Power of Mattering by Zach Mercurio Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Won’t Back Down Foo Fighters - The Pretend

What if your personality isn’t fixed? Olga Khazan shares how she deliberately set out to become more extroverted, agreeable, and emotionally stable—using improv, mindfulness, and science-backed strategies. Based on her book Me, But Better, this conversation explores how real change happens, and why connecting with others may be the key to becoming who you want to be. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Olga Khazan [5:59] Experiment: Can I Change My Personality? [9:59] Results: What Changed, What Didn’t? [17:43] Nature vs. Nurture in Personality [21:46] Personality Traits as Tools for Life [29:31] Can Older Adults Still Change? [38:39] Solitude vs. True Connection [43:45] Olga’s Music Playlist [45:46] Grooving Session: Working on the Personality We Want ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Olga Me, But Better by Olga Khazan Big 5 Personality Test Nathan Hudson’s Research Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links ODESZA - The Last Goodbye Chapell Roan -

Hospice doctor, podcaster, and author Jordan Grumet joins us to explore why the traditional idea of “finding your purpose” might actually be making us miserable. Drawing from his work with patients at the end of life, Jordan challenges the pressure to chase big, lofty goals—or what he calls “big P” Purpose—and instead invites us to embrace “little p” purposes: the simple, joyful activities that ground us and connect us to others. From childhood passions to quiet regrets, Jordan shares practical ways to identify what truly lights you up and how to build a life that feels meaningful—without overhauling everything. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Jordan Grumet [7:01] Why Is Purpose So Important? [10:52] Why Big P Goals Can Cause Anxiety [16:43] Childhood Joys, Baseball Cards, & Writing [19:32] You Can’t Fail Little P Purpose [24:09] Overcoming Barriers to Purpose [34:41] Regret vs. Disappointment [46:25] Grooving Session: Creativity, Cadence, and Purposeful Context ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Mor

In this monthly bonus episode, we tap into insights from our Facebook community to explore what keeps us feeling stuck in our habits and goals. With help from behavioral science, we unpack the hidden forces behind inertia, fear, and comfort zones — and share practical strategies to break free. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and get back in your groove, this one’s for you. Topics [0:00] Behavioral Boot Camp! [2:15] Insights from Groove Questions [6:34] Self-Confidence [10:03] Risk Aversion and Community Support [13:25] Final Thoughts - Trust Your Instincts! ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves on Substack Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube

How do our brains choose what’s important to us? Emily Falk, neuroscientist and author of What We Value, joins us to decode what goes on behind the scenes with our decisions - everything from what to eat for breakfast to how to respond to trolls on social media - and how emotional, rational, and social information is integrated by the brain to guide our choices. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Emily Falk [8:29] Understanding Value Calculations [12:58] Research Methods and fMRI [18:01] Self-Relevance and Social Relevance Systems [28:41] Defensiveness and Social Norms [40:49] The Importance of Being "In Sync" [58:17] The Role or Music in Self/Social Relevance [1:07:45] Grooving Session: Communication, Social Norms, and Behavioral Science at Work ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Emily What We Value by Emily Falk Communication Neuroscience Lab Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Indigo Girls - Galileo Dar Williams - As

Faisal Naru traces the explosive growth of behavioral science in policy from 2010 to today, highlighting how Global South nations are using it to address complex problems like poverty and public health. He makes the case for embedding behavioral science teams into organizations long-term—moving from quick “silver bullet” fixes to enduring “golden nuggets” of insight. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Faisal Naru [6:42] Behavioral Science Policy Units and Global Trends [15:23] Global Approaches - North vs. South [24:33] How Different Systems Support Behavioral Science [36:25] The Golden Nuggets of Behavioral Policy [48:55] Desert Island Music [51:22] Grooving Session: The Future of Behavioral Science Links About Faisal OECD Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Bob Marley - Is This Love Dizee Rascal - Baseline Junkie

What if the key to growth isn’t finding better answers, but asking better questions? In this episode, Elizabeth Weingarten shares insights from her book How to Fall in Love with Questions, exploring how embracing uncertainty can lead to greater self-awareness, resilience, and connection. Blending personal stories, behavioral science, and wisdom from poet Rilke, she introduces the idea of a “questions practice” — a mindset shift that helps us navigate life’s toughest moments with curiosity and clarity.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Elizabeth Weingarten [11:04] The Power of Loving Questions [15:50] The Biological Need for Certainty [21:48] The Role of Patience in Asking Questions [39:18] Questions and the Role of Behavioral Science [47:57] Desert Island Music [50:38] Grooving Session: The Value of Sitting With Questions ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links More About Elizabeth Better Life Lab How to Fall in Love with Questions Torch Leadership Join the Behavioral Grooves community