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...
Oct 11, 2024•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Now…back to work! We’re back to the weekly grind this week on Behavioral Grooves and exploring a topic Kurt and Tim know like the back of their hands - Behavioral Science in the workplace. Joined by Scott Young, a seasoned behavioral science practitioner with years of experience in the private sector, they dive into how we can improve work environments by tweaking work policies rather than replacing them entirely. Scott shares insights from his work and a recent paper he authored for the Behavio...
Oct 07, 2024•59 min•Ep 437•Transcript available on Metacast So…is there hope? Kurt and Tim think so! In this wrap-up of our polarization series, Kurt and Tim reflect on how much the political landscape has changed since they started recording last December. With the presidential campaign in full swing and November’s election approaching, it’s more important than ever to critically evaluate the news and information we consume. In this quick, engaging episode, they revisit the most impactful ideas from their conversations with researchers. From “nut-pickin...
Oct 05, 2024•15 min•Ep 437•Transcript available on Metacast In the final episode of the polarization series, Kurt and Tim delve into "affective polarization," where emotional distrust, rather than ideological differences, has deepened the divide between political parties. Drawing on insights from the recent MIT conference, they explore how these negative feelings have escalated over time. Stanford postdoc Jan Voelkl shares eye-opening research showing a marked decline in positive feelings across party lines over the past few decades. But there's hope on ...
Oct 02, 2024•55 min•Ep 437•Transcript available on Metacast Why do we so easily form ‘us vs. them’ mentalities, and how does it impact our society? In the second part of this series, Kurt and Tim dive into the psychological roots of polarization, starting with the famous Robbers Cave Experiment. They explore how easily group identities and loyalties form, even among strangers, and how this translates into in-group loyalty and out-group hostility. The discussion expands to cover the role geography plays in shaping political views, as explained by research...
Sep 30, 2024•45 min•Ep 436•Transcript available on Metacast Are we more divided than ever? How can people see past their differences and come together for the greater good? In this three-part series, Kurt and Tim explore the psychology behind the rise of political polarization in the United States. Tracing its roots back to the late 60s and 70s, they examine how the advent of cable news has played a pivotal role in shaping today’s divisive landscape. With insights from researchers around the globe, this episode highlights key findings from interviews con...
Sep 23, 2024•58 min•Ep 435•Transcript available on Metacast Do you struggle with maintaining healthy eating habits? Are you, like Kurt, stashing Oreos in the basement to avoid temptation? Believe it or not, making small changes to your environment can be more effective for managing your health than relying on willpower alone. This week, Kurt and Tim are joined by nutrition expert Monica Reinagel—an opera singer turned nutritionist and podcaster. Monica shares her unique insights on weight management and what really matters when starting your personal hea...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 434•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready for a moo-ving conversation! This week, Kurt and Tim sit down with Gregory Berns, a psychology professor at Emory University, to explore the secret world of cows. Gregory shares his journey from academic to accidental farmer during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a group of miniature cows changed his life. There’s moo-re to cows than meets the eye, and Gregory reveals how his farming adventure turned into a real-life exploration of cow psychology, unveiling behaviors that challenge commo...
Sep 09, 2024•59 min•Ep 433•Transcript available on Metacast Do women in the workplace have to choose between being likable and assertive? This week, Alison Fragale, author of The Likable Badass joins Kurt and Tim to look at the challenges women face in the workplace and how they can overcome. With her powerful concept of the “likable badass”, Alison teaches listeners the art of blending warmth with assertiveness to achieve success without sacrificing authenticity. Alison unpacks and explores the historical disadvantages women have faced due to gender and...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 432•Transcript available on Metacast Are generational labels dead weight? This week—after many technical difficulties and a nearly-forgotten anniversary—Kurt talks with organizational culture expert Jessica Kriegel about generational divides and why they are ultimately pointless and unproductive for both personal and professional growth. Jessica introduces her “culture equation” framework, revealing three critical elements that drive revenue growth and how missing these elements can lead to stagnation. A key focus of the conversati...
Aug 26, 2024•56 min•Ep 431•Transcript available on Metacast This week, we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Bob McKinnon, host of the Attribution podcast and author of America's Dreaming. Bob unpacks the complex factors that determine success and failure, drawing from his own experiences and broader societal influences. He challenges the "fundamental attribution error," where we often credit personal effort over external factors, and how this bias can distort our perceptions of ourselves and others. Through powerful stories, Bob discusses h...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 430•Transcript available on Metacast Double the Episodes, Double the Insights! This week, Kurt and Tim are back at it, diving deeper into the world of habits, rituals, and routines. In this special double episode, they take us on a journey through the fascinating neuroscience of habit formation, unpacking how the basal ganglia in our brains can shape our behaviors—for better or worse (cue ominous music…). The discussion moves beyond the basics, examining how our habitual actions can both enhance and sometimes limit our ability to f...
Aug 15, 2024•22 min•Ep 429•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wonder why some habits stick effortlessly while others feel impossible to maintain? In this episode, Kurt and Tim explore the powerful forces of habits, routines, and rituals that shape our daily lives. They dig into what habits are, how they form, and why they're so hard to change. From understanding the role of cues and rewards to distinguishing between habits and routines, Kurt and Tim break down the science and strategies behind these everyday behaviors. They also discuss the importance...
Aug 12, 2024•46 min•Ep 428•Transcript available on Metacast “Here is a small fact: You are going to die.” – Markus Zusak, The Book Thief This week, Kurt and Tim confront death. Well - they confront death and Jodi Wellman, author of “You Only Die Once” in a lively discussion on how we can use mortality as a motivator for living life to the fullest. Wellman bring an irreverent humor to the conversation, as well as inspiring insights on how we can prioritize joy and find meaning in our daily lives. The trio dives into the heart of Wellman’s philosophy and e...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep 426•Transcript available on Metacast How can we turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and connection? In this episode, Kurt and Tim dive into the science of meaningful conversations with David Robson, author of The Laws of Connection . Together, they explore how to deepen our understanding and build stronger connections with the people around us. Disagreements don’t have to signal the end of a conversation. Instead, with compassionate curiosity and a willingness to listen, we can turn them into constructive dialogues tha...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep 425•Transcript available on Metacast Mythbusters or Behavioral Grooves? This week, we step back in time with Kurt and Tim (2023) to tackle the common belief that willpower alone is enough to achieve your goals. They delve into the critical roles that environment and routines play in goal attainment. Through engaging real-life examples, they demonstrate how small adjustments in your physical and social surroundings can simplify desired behaviors and reduce the need for sheer willpower. Routines are essential for success, providing t...
Jul 22, 2024•21 min•Ep 424•Transcript available on Metacast Is AI about to take over the world, or is it simply…misunderstood? Tim takes on a solo-sode with guest Ben Manning , a PhD candidate at MIT who is currently writing a thesis on the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. They explore the intricacies of AI, defining key terms, and discussing the hierarchy within AI, machine learning, and large language models. From spell check to ChatGPT, the world of AI is diverse and ever-expanding, and Ben explains the potential...
Jul 15, 2024•44 min•Ep 423•Transcript available on Metacast Budget hotel or 5-star experience? Pack a lunch or grab it to-go? Save your money or spend it? Are you a tightwad or a spendthrift? Scott Rick, author of "Tightwads and Spendthrifts," joins Kurt and Tim on this week’s episode to discuss all things related to personal finance and our relationship with money. Scott explains the distinctions between tightwads and spendthrifts, detailing how these traits influence your financial habits and impact your life and relationships. Through his expertise, S...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep 422•Transcript available on Metacast Take a deep breath. Step outside. Smell the coffee. Tune in to Behavioral Grooves. This week, Kurt and Tim sit down with Emma Seppälä, author of " Sovereign ," to discuss the importance of understanding and embracing our emotions, practicing self-compassion, and relying on intuition in our decision-making process. In this empowering conversation, Emma emphasizes the transformative power of self-compassion and self-love in our daily lives. Do you have trouble accepting praise from others? Is your...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 421•Transcript available on Metacast This week on Behavioral Grooves, things get personal – or at least professionally personal – as Kurt and Tim are joined by Becky Frayer , founder and CEO of Behavioral Fusion. Becky shares valuable tips and strategies for overcoming challenges in large organizations and explores the practical applications of behavioral science in the business world. Throughout their discussion, Kurt, Tim, and Becky emphasize the importance of applying behavioral science practices in the workplace. They explain h...
Jun 24, 2024•57 min•Ep 420•Transcript available on Metacast How often do you question the 'facts' you encounter in everyday life? This week, Alex Edmans, author of May Contain Lies , joins Kurt and Tim to question the world around us. They explore the significance of critical thinking and cognitive diversity, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and evidence-based reasoning. They discuss the differences between facts and statements, the dangers of misleading inferences from evidence, and the impact of perception on communication. Creating an en...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 419•Transcript available on Metacast How do we make sense in a world that often seems nonsensical? In this week’s episode, Kurt and Tim team up with Saul Perlmutter and Rob MacCoun, co-authors of Third Millennium Thinking , to try and answer these unanswerable questions for listeners. Together, they bring the scientific method from theory to practice as they explore key aspects of scientific inquiry, probabilistic thinking, and the significance of embracing uncertainty in problem-solving. Saul and Rob help bring scientific practice...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep 418•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep 416•Transcript available on Metacast 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 e...
May 27, 2024•2 hr 34 min•Ep 415•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ingrain...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 414•Transcript available on Metacast 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, sh...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 406•Transcript available on Metacast Originally published as Why Talking To Strangers Is Actually Good For Your Wellbeing | Nick Epley Embark on a journey of rediscovery as we revisit an episode that's sure to reignite your passion for meaningful connections. Join us as we delve into the timeless wisdom of Nick Epley, whose insights continue to resonate with listeners old and new. Do you strike up a conversation with a stranger on a plane or while waiting in line? If you don’t already, you will after listening to Nick Epley in this...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 413•Transcript available on Metacast 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, effe...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep 412•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Se...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep 411•Transcript available on Metacast 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 rou...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 410•Transcript available on Metacast 
