In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Goldie Chan, author of Personal Branding for Introverts, to explore the often misunderstood concept of personal branding. For many, the term evokes excitement, while others feel overwhelmed or skeptical, especially those who identify as introverts. Goldie shares her journey of building her own personal brand as an introvert, creating over 800 consecutive daily LinkedIn videos, and how that led to numerous opportunities, inclu...
May 28, 2026•53 min•Ep. 579
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer delves into the fascinating world of color theory and its profound impact on branding and consumer behavior. Discover why certain colors evoke specific emotions and how they can influence perceptions of your business. Melina discusses the psychological associations of various colors, from the excitement of red to the calming effect of blue, and how these associations can make or break your brand identity. Listeners will learn about th...
May 21, 2026•39 min•Ep. 578
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes back Roger Dooley, author of the new book The Persuasion Engine. Together, they dive into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and behavioral economics, exploring how AI can enhance our understanding of human behavior rather than diminish it. Roger shares his insights on how AI can democratize access to behavioral science, making it more approachable for small businesses and individuals who may not have the...
May 14, 2026•51 min•Ep. 577
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits one of the foundational topics that has shaped her approach to behavioral economics: the top five wording mistakes businesses make. Originally aired nearly eight years ago, this episode dives deep into how the words you choose can significantly impact customer understanding and action. Listeners will learn about the common pitfalls of being too literal, too boring, too much, too vague, and too confusing in business messaging....
May 07, 2026•49 min•Ep. 576
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Bri Williams, a behavioral strategist and author, to explore the art and science of applying behavioral economics in practical and impactful ways. The conversation dives into the common misconceptions around behavioral science, particularly the belief that simply knowing the principles is enough. Bri emphasizes that real change comes from experimentation and understanding the context in which these principles are applie...
Apr 30, 2026•42 min•Ep. 575
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Michael Manniche, founder and CEO of The Littery, to discuss a groundbreaking approach to tackling littering through behavioral economics. Michael shares his unique perspective on why traditional methods of educating people about littering have failed and how he has redefined the problem by turning litter into a lottery ticket. Listeners will be captivated by the story behind The Littery's innovative app and smart litter bins...
Apr 23, 2026•57 min•Ep. 574
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Dr. Wolfgang Linden, author of The Illusion of Control, to explore the intricate connections between stress, control, and our everyday lives. Wolfgang, a clinical psychologist and seasoned researcher, sheds light on how our beliefs about control can significantly influence our emotions, productivity, and overall well-being. Listeners will discover the impact of cognitive patterns on how we perceive our capabilities and ...
Apr 16, 2026•54 min•Ep. 573
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Matt Johnson, co-author of the insightful book Blindsight , to explore the powerful relationship between consumer perception and brand experience. As we navigate a world where expectations shape reality, Dr. Johnson shares his expertise in cognitive neuroscience to shed light on how brands can intentionally influence consumer beliefs and emotions. Listeners will discover the importance of crafting compelling brand narrati...
Apr 09, 2026•46 min•Ep. 572
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer explores storytelling in business and how it relates to the customer journey. With a focus on the idea that your brand is not the hero of the story, Melina explains the importance of understanding your role (whether as a mentor, sidekick, or sword) in helping customers achieve their goals. She shares insights on how storytelling can enhance connection, memory, decision-making, and value perception, all of which are essential for effec...
Apr 02, 2026•45 min•Ep. 571
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by Ben Wise and Darren Chiu, co-founders of Captivate, to dive into the often-overlooked dynamics of B2B sales and the crucial role behavioral economics plays in this space. Many believe that B2B transactions are purely logical, but as Ben and Darren reveal, human emotions and interpersonal relationships are at the heart of every decision, even in corporate environments. Throughout the episode, they discuss the complexities ...
Mar 26, 2026•53 min•Ep. 570
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Luke Freeman, the former global CEO of Giving What We Can, for a deep dive into the complexities of charitable giving in today's fast-paced world. As organizations compete for attention in a crowded marketplace, understanding the psychology behind donor decision-making has never been more crucial. Luke shares insights on how cognitive load affects potential donors and why it's essential to simplify the decision-making process...
Mar 19, 2026•46 min•Ep. 569
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes back Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Hooked, Indistractable, and his latest work, Beyond Belief. Together, they explore the profound impact of beliefs on our behaviors, habits, and relationships. Nir shares insights from his new book, discussing how our hidden assumptions shape our reality and dictate what we see, feel, and do. Listeners will discover the three powers of belief: the power of attention, anticipation, and agenc...
Mar 12, 2026•51 min•Ep. 568
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Dr. Colin Fisher, author of The Collective Edge, to explore the intricate dynamics of teamwork and group effectiveness. Have you ever felt the frustration of being part of a team that just doesn't click? You're not alone. Dr. Fisher shares his extensive research on group dynamics, shedding light on why some teams thrive while others struggle, even when filled with talented individuals. Together, they discuss the critica...
Mar 05, 2026•53 min•Ep. 567
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Nilofer Merchant, author of Our Best Work, for a thought-provoking discussion about the often-dreaded topic of office politics. While many people cringe at the mention of politics in the workplace, Nilofer argues that avoiding it can actually limit your success and the success of your team. With decades of experience working with major companies like Apple and Autodesk, she provides valuable insights into the 24 invisible nor...
Feb 26, 2026•44 min•Ep. 566
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina dives into the concept of uncertainty aversion, a phenomenon that impacts our decision-making in profound ways. As we navigate a world filled with unpredictability (from job security in the age of AI to the ever-changing landscape of social media), Melina explores how our natural aversion to uncertainty can shape our choices, both personally and professionally. Originally aired in December 2022, this refreshed episode is especially relevant ...
Feb 19, 2026•36 min•Ep. 565
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Patrick Leddin, co-author of the insightful book Disrupt Everything and Win. Together, they explore the concept of disruption not just as a force of chaos, but as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Patrick shares his unique journey, from a military career to entrepreneurship and academia, illustrating how embracing disruption can lead to a more fulfilling life. Listeners will discover the five roles of posi...
Feb 12, 2026•52 min•Ep. 564
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Nick Glimsdahl, author of The Heart of Service, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on customer experience. As businesses increasingly turn to AI, the conversation tackles the critical question: how can organizations implement these technologies effectively without losing the human touch? Nick shares insights on the alarming statistic that up to 95% of AI initiatives fail, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful imple...
Feb 05, 2026•46 min•Ep. 563
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits the captivating concept of the Paradox of Choice. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by options when shopping, scrolling through streaming services, or planning a vacation? This episode dives deep into why having too many choices can lead to decision paralysis, stress, and ultimately dissatisfaction. Melina discusses the foundational work of Barry Schwartz, who popularized this idea, and explores how the abundance of options can ...
Jan 29, 2026•41 min•Ep. 562
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Leslie John, a behavioral scientist at Harvard Business School and author of the thought-provoking book, Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing. Together, they challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding sharing personal information, arguing that the real risk lies not in oversharing, but in undersharing. Leslie's research reveals that revealing more about ourselves can strengthen connections, foster trust, an...
Jan 22, 2026•41 min•Ep. 561
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Matt Salem, co-author of the insightful book, Unpacked: Predict Packaging That Sells . Together, they explore the profound impact of packaging on pricing, sales, and consumer choice, challenging the common misconception that packaging is merely an afterthought. Matt, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience studying shopper behavior, shares how packaging acts as a "silent salesperson" that can significantly influenc...
Jan 15, 2026•44 min•Ep. 560
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives into the intriguing concept known as the Cobra Effect, exploring how well-intentioned solutions can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Drawing on historical examples, Melina illustrates how policies aimed at solving problems can backfire spectacularly, resulting in outcomes that are often worse than the original issue. Listeners will learn about the infamous cobra bounty in colonial India, where the attempt to eliminate ...
Jan 08, 2026•31 min•Ep. 559
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of the inspiring book, Be Yourself at Work. Together, they explore the importance of authenticity in the workplace and how embracing your true self can lead to greater creativity, connection, and success. Claude shares her journey, highlighting her mission to foster an environment where empathy and vulnerability are celebrated. The conversation delves into the psych...
Jan 01, 2026•51 min•Ep. 558
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer shares her reflections on the most important books she read in 2025. With a focus on behavioral economics and psychology, Melina categorizes her top picks into seven key themes, showcasing the insights and lessons that shaped her understanding throughout the year. Listeners will discover a diverse range of books, from foundational texts like Lucky by Design by Judd Kessler, which explores choice architecture, to Ask This Book by Vicky...
Dec 25, 2025•38 min
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer speaks with Muriel Wilkins, author of Leadership Unblocked: The Beliefs That Limit Your Potential. Together, they delve into the often-hidden beliefs that can hinder effective leadership and personal growth. Muriel, an executive coach with over 20 years of experience, shares insights from her extensive work with C-suite leaders, revealing seven common beliefs that can create barriers to success. The conversation explores how these bel...
Dec 18, 2025•46 min•Ep. 556
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Bastian Bergman, author of the insightful book, Press Play: Why Every Company Needs a Gaming Strategy. Together, they delve into the transformative power of gaming and how understanding the psychology of play can enhance engagement across various industries. Bastian, co-founder and COO of Solsten, shares his expertise in leveraging psychological insights to design experiences that captivate consumers. The discussion covers th...
Dec 11, 2025•49 min•Ep. 555
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Judd Kessler, author of the insightful book, Lucky by Design. Together, they explore into the intriguing world of hidden markets…those unseen dynamics that influence our decisions in everyday life, from securing concert tickets to navigating job offers. Judd, a professor at the Wharton School, shares his expertise in behavioral economics and market design, revealing how understanding the rules of these hidden markets can ...
Dec 04, 2025•48 min•Ep. 552
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Matt Sucha, author of the highly anticipated book, The Hidden Yes. This insightful conversation explores the often-overlooked barriers that prevent people from saying yes, revealing how removing these obstacles can lead to greater success in sales and customer interactions. Matt, the CEO of Mindworks and editor-in-chief of Inside Be, shares his extensive experience in applying behavioral science across various industries, inc...
Nov 27, 2025•44 min•Ep. 553
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Dan Willingham, a cognitive psychologist and author of Outsmart Your Brain. They explore the intricacies of learning and memory, exploring how to effectively adapt our study habits in an ever-evolving world filled with information and distractions. Dan shares practical insights from his book, emphasizing that intention alone is not enough for effective learning; structure and meaningful connections are essential. The conv...
Nov 25, 2025•53 min•Ep. 552
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Nick Kinley, author of The Power Trap. They explore the profound effects of power on leadership, exploring how it can alter decision-making, amplify personal traits, and impact organizational dynamics. Nick, a psychologist and leadership expert, shares insights from his extensive career, including his experiences in forensic psychotherapy and corporate leadership roles. Listeners will lea...
Nov 20, 2025•48 min•Ep. 551
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits a foundational lesson that underscores the importance of understanding the problems we face before jumping to solutions. Drawing from her extensive experience, Melina emphasizes that the quality of your results is directly linked to the quality of your questions. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that taking the time to define the problem can lead to more effective and innovative solutions. Listeners will explore com...
Nov 18, 2025•25 min•Ep. 550
