Author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins us to explore “the mattering instinct,” the deeply human need to feel significant, worthy, and justified in our own eyes. From “mattering projects” and morality to fame, incels, AI, and entropy, this conversation dives into the psychological and philosophical forces shaping how we search for meaning and purpose in our lives. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Rebecca Goldstein [7:12] What is the “Mattering Instinct”? [11:57] Why Mattering Creates Co...
Jun 08, 2026•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 557
What if luck has less to do with chance and more to do with understanding the systems around us? We talk with Judd Kessler about the hidden markets shaping opportunities in everything from concert tickets and jobs to relationships and organ transplants. Together, we explore why so many systems feel unfair, how behavioral economics can improve them, and why learning the rules behind these invisible structures may be the key to getting a little luckier in life. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed...
Jun 01, 2026•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 556
Why do some spaces energize us while others drain us? This week, Leidy Klotz joins us to explore how our homes, workplaces, and everyday environments shape our behavior, creativity, and well-being. Drawing from his new book, In a Good Place , Leidy explains why humans crave agency, competence, and connection, and how the spaces around us can either support or suppress those needs. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Leidy Klotz [11:01] The Concept of “Good Place” [18:26] Psychological Needs...
May 25, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 555
In this throwback episode, we're determined to be happy. Psychologist Shige Oishi joined us to explore the three dimensions of a fulfilling life: happiness, meaning, and psychological richness. He shared insights from decades of research into subjective well-being and revealed 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...
May 21, 2026•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 553
Why do we avoid talking to strangers when connection is exactly what we need most? This week, Nick Epley returns to explore the psychology of “under-sociality” and why we consistently underestimate how rewarding social interaction can be. Nick explains why even small moments of openness, from conversations with strangers to deeper honesty with the people around us, can dramatically improve happiness, trust, and belonging. Turns out, the biggest social risk often isn’t reaching out, it’s staying ...
May 18, 2026•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 554
In this 500th episode celebration, we reflect on eight years of behavioral science insights, from habits and decision-making to why we so often misunderstand each other. Joined live by Nick Epley, we run a real-time experiment that reveals the gap between what we expect from conversations and what actually happens, and why asking better questions can transform how we connect. Topics [0:00] Eight Years, 500 Episodes, and Counting! [6:28] Introducing Nick Epley [11:24] Understanding Social Cogniti...
May 11, 2026•58 min•Ep. 552
What if the issue isn’t whether people love you, but whether you actually feel it? In this episode, Sonja Lyubomirsky joins us to explore the gap between being loved and feeling loved, and why that disconnect happens. Drawing from her book How to Feel Loved , we talk about the psychology behind connection, challenge common myths like love languages, and dig into how curiosity, vulnerability, and better conversations can help you build more meaningful relationships. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed ...
May 04, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 551
Fear at work isn’t obvious, but it is powerful. In this episode, Tom Rieger explains how fear of loss drives silos, misalignment, and inefficiency, and why AI and remote work may be making things worse, instead of better. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Tom Rieger [8:43] The Impact of Fear on Organizations [16:26] Behavioral Economics and Organizational Fear [23:39] The Role of AI in Organizational Fear [31:25] The Challenge of Breaking Status Quo [37:50] Advice to Managers and L...
Apr 27, 2026•59 min•Ep. 550
Should influence be about getting to “yes”? With Brian Ahearn, we explore a more ethical approach where persuasion is a responsibility, humility drives leadership, and real impact comes from helping others make better decisions. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Brian Ahearn [8:10] The Line Between Influence and Manipulation [12:25] Why Intent Matters in Persuasion [16:40] Aligning Influence with Personal Values [21:05] The Role of Humility in Leadership [25:30] Emotional Reactions and De...
Apr 20, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 549
What if the key to growth isn’t finding better answers, but asking better questions? In our April throwback episode, we revisit our conversation with Elizabeth Weingarten on her book How to Fall in Love with Questions , where we explore how embracing uncertainty can lead to greater self-awareness, resilience, and connection. Through practice and mindset shifts, Elizabeth tells us all the ways questions can lead to clarity and confidence. Elizabeth's book is available on paperback starting 4/15/2...
Apr 16, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 546
Marcus Buckingham joins us to challenge the belief that success comes from doing what you’re good at. Using decades of research, he argues that what truly drives performance and fulfillment is something else entirely: love. In this episode, we explore why most workplace strategies miss the mark and how focusing on what gives you energy can reshape the way you think about work, and maybe even life. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Marcus Buckingham [11:17] The Science of Excellence...
Apr 13, 2026•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 548
What does it mean to truly “click” with someone—and why does it matter so much at work? With researcher Maya Rossignac-Milon, we explore the science of shared reality and how authentic, off-script interactions lead to stronger relationships, greater meaning, and better performance. This episode reframes connection not as a bonus, but as a core driver of success. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Maya Rossignac-Milon [10:11] Defining Shared Reality [14:43] Reality and Work Performance [19:...
Apr 06, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 547
Are nudges enough to change behavior at scale? Nick Chater argues they’re not. In this episode, we explore the limits of individual-focused solutions and why lasting change often requires shifting systems, not just choices. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Nick Chater [13:00] What Does Nudging Really Do? [18:30] I-Frame vs S-Frame Thinking [25:00] Nudges and Politics [28:09] Limitations in Public [33:39] System vs Individual Responsibilities [42:04] Case Study: Retirement Saving S...
Mar 30, 2026•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 545
AI pioneer Sandy Pentland joins us to explore how storytelling and shared wisdom shape human culture, and how artificial intelligence could either strengthen or freeze that process. From the history of AI to the future of democracy, we discuss collective intelligence, distributed decision-making, and how AI tools might actually improve civic dialogue if designed the right way. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Sandy Pentland [8:09] Could AI make society less intelligent? [12:21] Wh...
Mar 23, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 544
What truly helps people live longer, healthier lives? In this episode, we talk with journalist and author Ken Stern about the science behind longevity and why social connection may matter more than diet or exercise alone. From loneliness being compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day to cultures that keep older adults engaged through work and community, we explore how purpose, relationships, and social structures shape healthy aging. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Ken Stern [6:47] Big C...
Mar 16, 2026•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 543
In memory of our friend, Sam Tatam. Sam was a pioneer in his field, and he joined us for a discussion full of creativity, resolve, and a love of behavioral science. He will be missed. Innovation does not always come from inventing something entirely new. Often, the natural world has already solved the problem. In this throwback conversation, we explore the concept of biomimicry with behavioral scientist Sam Tatam, author of Evolutionary Ideas: Unlocking Ancient Innovation to Solve Tomorrow’s Cha...
Mar 12, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 542
Why do we say yes when we mean no? In this episode, we talk with Sunita Sah about the psychology of compliance and defiance. From Stanley Milgram’s experiments to the hidden force of insinuation anxiety, we explore why compliance is not the same as consent and how to train yourself to act in alignment with your true values. Topics [0:00] Intro and speed round with Sunita Sah [14:57] Stanley Milgram’s Shock Experiments [20:19] Defiance and True Consent [29:18] Insinuation Anxiety and Conflict of ...
Mar 09, 2026•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 541
Relationships change because people change. In this episode, we explore what it means when someone you love no longer feels like the person you once knew. Using behavioral science, we examine why personality shifts over time, why growth does not always happen in the same direction, and how to decide whether to reconnect, recalibrate, or let go. Topics [0:00] Understanding Relationship Changes [7:07] Relationship Changes Over Time [13:28] Self-Expansion Theory and Michelangelo Phenomenon [22:08] ...
Mar 02, 2026•50 min•Ep. 540
What if your mood, focus, and energy aren’t random—but driven by internal clocks you rarely think about? This week, circadian rhythm expert Daniel Forger explains why jet lag hits so hard, why sleep timing may matter more than sleep duration, and what your wearable data actually means. If you’ve ever questioned your “sleep score” or wondered whether you’re a morning person by design, this conversation will change how you understand your body’s timing system. Topics [0:00] Psychologist Off the Cl...
Feb 23, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 539
In this special Grooving session, we unpack what happens when shared facts collapse and preferred beliefs take their place. Sparked by Kurt's firsthand experience during unrest in Minneapolis, this conversation explores why people reject lived experience, how identity defense and motivated reasoning shut down dialogue, and when it’s rational to stop trying to persuade altogether. Drawing on behavioral science, persuasion research, and real-world encounters, we examine how to choose your battles,...
Feb 19, 2026•52 min•Ep. 538
Dating in 2026 feels broken. The apps promise infinite choice, rom-coms on our screens promise “the one”, and yet frustration, ghosting, and mismatched expectations seem to be more normal than anything actually working out. This week, Tim Ash, author of Primal Dating, joins us as we explore why dating in the modern world feels so unstable and why many of today’s relationship struggles aren’t personal failures, but predictable outcomes of our ancient instincts clashing with modern environments an...
Feb 16, 2026•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 537
Love is in the air this Valentine's Day...or is that science? Today, we're throwing it back to 2021, when we had the privilege of chatting with Logan Ury, Director of Relationship Science at Hinge, about the challenges people face in modern dating. From getting ready for a first date to maintaining a relationship long term, Logan gives us valuable insights and advice on how to overcome common hurdles and make the most out of each stage or the dating life. So, the question of the day is - are you...
Feb 12, 2026•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 536
You think you know what you want in a partner, but behavioral science says attraction doesn’t work that way. Relationship scientist Paul Eastwick breaks down why dating apps and checklists fail, how attraction actually forms, and why real compatibility grows through interaction, timing, and shared history. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Paul Eastwick [8:21] Why dating checklists and apps fail us [14:45] The myth of universal attractiveness [21:03] How attraction develops over ti...
Feb 09, 2026•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 535
Why do certain phrases stay with us for life? In this episode, were joined by James Geary, author of The World in a Phrase , to explore how aphorisms shape judgment, decision-making, and meaning. From fortune cookies to philosophy, they unpack why short sayings act as cognitive heuristics, how they guide thinking without giving answers, and why the aphorisms that serve us best often change over time, just as we do. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with James Geary [7:30] The Laws of Ap...
Feb 02, 2026•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 533
This Grooving Session feels personal for us. We’re combining our own experiences with behavioral science to explore why civil discourse seems so fragile right now. Over the weekend, tensions rose as ICE activity increased in Minneapolis, and Kurt’s neighborhood was deeply affected. When political tension is high, factors such as fear, proximity to events, and social identity can worsen polarization. It’s easy to forget that we have more in common than we think. We’re here to support you, and we ...
Jan 29, 2026•56 min•Ep. 534
Why do smart people keep making predictably bad decisions? Behavioral economist Alex Imas joins us to unpack The Winner’s Curse , loss aversion, and the persistent biases that shape markets, policy, and everyday choices. We explore why classic economic models fall short and what behavioral economics reveals about how humans really decide. Topics [0:00] Introduction and speed round with Alex Imas [11:55] The Winner’s Curse and its implications [21:13] Behavioral economics and standard economic ma...
Jan 26, 2026•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 532
January often feels like a letdown instead of a fresh start. In this episode, we explain the behavioral science behind the January slump, why motivation drops after the holidays, and how reflection, recovery, and smaller milestones can help individuals and teams regain energy and momentum. Topics [0:00] Are you feeling that January Slump? [3:34] Reflecting and recharging [4:56] What leaders can do [8:00] Milestones for motivation [11:42] Final thoughts and next steps ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Lin...
Jan 22, 2026•13 min•Ep. 531
Boredom feels unpleasant, but that may be the point. Psychologist Dr. Erin Westgate joins us to explain why boredom is a signal rather than a flaw, how meaning and attention shape it, and what it can teach us about work, burnout, and living a psychologically rich life. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Erin Westgate [8:05] Do we think for pleasure? [13:11] Why men would rather shock themselves than be bored [15:50] The MAC model [25:23] Is boredom useful? [29:07] Enjoyable vs. interesting...
Jan 19, 2026•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 529
It’s Throwback Thursday at Behavioral Grooves , and we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations with bestselling author Jonah Berger on the surprising power of words. Tiny shifts in language can shape behavior, influence relationships, and even change how others see us. Jonah reveals the “magic words” that captivate, motivate, and persuade, and shares practical tips for turning actions into identities, priming behavior with language, and making every word count. Topics [3:27] Welcome and ...
Jan 15, 2026•47 min•Ep. 530
What if the key to better work isn’t doing more, but moving more, resting better, and thinking differently? Dr. Natalie Nixon joins us to unpack her Move, Think, Rest framework and explain why creativity thrives when we step away from hustle culture. From walking meetings and daydreaming to embracing ambiguity and redesigning how we work, this episode offers a powerful reframe for anyone feeling burned out or stuck. Topics [0:00] Introduction and speed round with Natalie Nixon [10:20] Burnout, h...
Jan 12, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 528
