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Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan

Stories, science and secrets from the world’s brightest thought-leaders. Behavioral Grooves is the podcast that satisfies your curiosity of why we do what we do. Explanations of human behavior that will improve your relationships, your wellbeing, and your organization by helping you find your groove.

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Avg 1 hr 5 min
English

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#587
Monday · 1 hr 12 min
How Social Media Manipulates You | Jay van Bavel
Why are we becoming more divided, and how are AI and social media changing the way we relate to one another? Social psychologist Jay van Bavel, co-author of The Power of Us, explores the psychology of outrage, AI sycophancy, social identity, and the hidden costs of digital connection. Discover how leaders and organizations can rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and create healthier social norms. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Jay van Bavel [13:12] Why Are We So Mean to Each Other Online? [18:17] How Social Media Algorithms Reward Outrage [22:31] How Online Behavior Changes Our Perception of Social Norms [27:59] Is AI Making Us Worse at Relationships? [34:41] The Hidden Social Costs of Remote Work and AI [39:16] Why Individual Solutions Aren’t Enough [43:46] Can We Push Back Against Technology’s Influence? [46:45] What Leaders Can Do to Rebuild Human Connection [50:56] The Time Jay Taught a Class From a Stuck Elevator [56:00] Desert Island Music [1:01:34] Grooving Sessions: Group Identity and Authenticity ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Jay The Power of Us by Jay van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil Radiohead - Burn the Witch
#588
October 30 · 10 min
The #1 Thing That Gets People to Vote
"My vote doesn't count." Or does it? Millions of people vote when the odds of their individual vote are a drop in the bucket, so why do we feel the need to do it? In this special mini-episode ahead of the US Midterm Elections, we explore the science behind voter turnout and the surprising power of social pressure. So, how much of our decision to vote comes from what we believe, and how much comes from the groups we belong to and the expectations of those around us? We unpack what this reveals about human behavior and why the same social forces influence everything from volunteering to recycling. The last day to vote is Tuesday, November 3rd. Make sure your voice is heard.
#586
October 26 · 21 min
Throwback Monday: The Spooky Science of Superstition
Happy Halloween! We're throwing it back as we dive into the spooky science of superstition—why we knock on wood, wear lucky socks, and believe in things that defy logic. From the psychology of control and uncertainty to research on how superstition both stresses and strengthens us, we mix science, humor, and a dash of Stevie Wonder to show why “superstition ain’t the way.” Topics [0:00] Happy Halloween from Behavioral Grooves! [2:08] Common superstitions and their rationality [6:40] Psychological and cultural aspects of superstitions [9:13] Superstitions: The positives and negatives [14:36] The hidden wisdom of Stevie Wonder [16:14] Why we should be curious about our rituals ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition Delacroix, Eva & Valérie Guillard. (2008). Understanding, defining and measuring the trait of superstition. Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Stevie Wonder - Superstition Nightmare Before Christmas - This Is Halloween
#585
October 19 · 1 hr 7 min
Throwback Monday: Why Willpower Fails (and What Actually Work)
Behavioral Grooves HQ is busy this week, so please enjoy a continuation of our recent conversation on habits with a throwback episode with Monica Reinagel. Please enjoy, and we'll be back with new content soon! What if the secret to healthier habits has less to do with willpower and more to do with your surroundings? If you’ve ever hidden Oreos from yourself or struggled to stick to a diet, nutrition expert Monica Reinagel joins Kurt and Tim to explain why your environment may be sabotaging your goals, and how small changes can make healthy choices easier. ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Oreo habits and environmental adjustments [9:22] Introduction and speed round [13:50] Are New Year’s Resolutions bad? [20:08] Eating, emotions, and environment [24:32] From opera singer to nutritionist – finding your passions [31:35] How we can look at nutrition through behavioral science [38:30] Tracking nutrition with the Nutrition GPA App [45:00] Desert island music [51:32] Grooving Session: influencing behavior by changing your environment ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves Facebook Group! Nutrition GPA app Monica on Instagram Change Academy Podcast Music Links Bach - Spirits of Meditation - Suite #5 Aria Mozart - Symphony No. 40 in G minor
#584
October 12 · 1 hr 7 min
The Science of Violence | Dr. Gary Slutkin
What if violence is contagious? Dr. Gary Slutkin argues that violence spreads like an epidemic, and that public health strategies can help stop it. We explore social pain, belonging, violence interrupters, and the science behind preventing violence before it spreads. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Dr. Gary Slutkin [8:23] Why Do We Treat Violence as a Moral Problem? [11:25] What Happens When Our Diagnosis Is Wrong? [20:00] Exposure, Susceptibility, and the Pain of Violence [25:12] Can Belonging Stop the Cycle of Violence? [31:26] Finding the Warning Signs Before Violence Happens [37:44] Why Community Health Workers Matter [41:30] How to Cool Down a Potentially Violent Situation [47:54] How Communities Can Build Systems to Prevent Violence [49:00] Grooving With Gary: Music, Guitar, and Leonard Cohen [54:13] Grooving Session: Breaking the Cycle Through Connection ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Dr. Gary Slutkin Cure Violence Global The End of Violence by Dr. Gary Slutkin Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Dire Straits - So Far Away John Coltrane - Locomotion
#583
October 5 · 1 hr 24 min
The Psychology of Habits | Charles Duhigg
What does it really take to change a habit? Charles Duhigg, journalist and author of The Power of Habit, joins us to explore how our understanding of habits has evolved and why lasting change may start with changing how we see ourselves. From the “habit window” and keystone habits to habit chaining and identity shifts, we challenge long-held assumptions about willpower and explore how small changes in behavior and perspective can lead to lasting transformation. Topics [0:00] The Food Noise and GLP-1s [10:47] Speed Round with Charles Duhigg [16:50] The Habit Loop: What We Get Right and Wrong [22:34] The Hidden Cues Behind Our Habits [27:23] Keystone Habits, Habit Chaining, and Identity [35:51] Temptation Bundling and Making Habits Easier [40:07] How GLP-1 Medications Change Our Relationship With Willpower [49:02] Why Researchers Should Work With Businesses [55:09] Desert Island Music: The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones [59:34] Groove Session: Why Your Actions Shape Your Identity ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Charles The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links The Beatles - A Hard Day’s Night The Rolling Stones - Beast of Burden
#581
September 28 · 44 min
What We Got Wrong About the Stanford Prison Experiment
Have we misunderstood two of psychology’s most famous experiments? We revisit the Stanford Prison Experiment and the Robbers Cave experiment with science historians Thibault Le Texier and Gina Perry, who uncovered a much messier story behind the research we learned about in school. What can these experiments actually tell us about human behavior, and what happens when researchers become more invested in a specific conclusion than challenging their own assumptions? Topics [0:00] Two Famous Experiments, One Bigger Problem [6:47] Part One: The Stanford Prison Experiment [12:26] Were the Guards Coached to Be Cruel? [18:14] Is the Real Lesson About Leadership? [19:22] Part Two: The Robbers Cave Experiment [24:04] The Forgotten Middle Grove Experiment [28:38] Engineering the Robbers Cave Experiment [32:38] What Can We Actually Learn From These Experiments? [36:09] When the Story Gets in the Way of the Science [41:36] What Happens When a Story Sounds Too Tidy? ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Investigating the Stanford Prison Experiment: History of a Lie by Thibault Le Texier About Gina Perry Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves
September 23 · 54 sec
Behavioral Grooves: Behavioral Science Explained
Why do we do what we do? Behavioral Grooves explores the science of human behavior with researchers, authors, and thinkers who help us make sense of ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
#580
September 21 · 1 hr 17 min
Behavioral Economics: When Markets Clash with Morals | Al Roth
Horse meat, kidneys, prostitution. What happens when the things people want to buy, sell, and trade collide with what society has deemed “off-limits”? Nobel Prize-winning economist Alvin “Al” Roth joins us to explore the behavioral science behind controversial markets, from repugnance and social norms to black markets, incentives, and informed consent. We also dig into his work redesigning the kidney exchange market and how asking a different question can open up new possibilities for solving seemingly impossible problems. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Alvin “Al” Roth [9:21] What Is a Market? [13:10] Repugnance vs. Disgust [20:00] How Social Norms Shape Markets and Morality [24:12] Do Laws Change Morality, or Does Morality Change Laws? [28:25] Drugs, Hitmen, and the Social Support Behind a Ban [34:23] Rethinking the Market for Prostitution [38:12] Can Money Be Coercive? [46:12] Redesigning Kidney Donation With Incentives [50:42] What Do We Do When the Data Can't Change Minds? [52:47] “Ought Implies Can” and the Limits of Moral Rules [1:03:05] Grooving Session: What We Learned From Al Roth ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Alvin E. Roth Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al Leonard Cohen - I’m Your Man
#579
September 18 · 51 min
Bridging the Gap Between Behavioral Science & Policy | BSPA
What happens when behavioral science leaves the classroom and enters the real world? In this special episode, we explore the past and future of the Behavioral Science & Policy Association with founders Sim Sitkin and Craig Fox and incoming leader Crystal Hall. We talk about bridging the gap between research and practice, the growing importance of interdisciplinary behavioral science, and why understanding the human side of AI may be one of the field's biggest opportunities. Topics [0:00] What Is the Behavioral Science & Policy Association? [7:45] BSPA's First Big Breakthroughs [12:12] How BSPA Helped Legitimize Applied Behavioral Science [17:14] What AI Gets Wrong About Behavioral Science [25:06] The Next Frontier for Behavioral Science [32:34] Why Behavioral Science Is at a Critical Moment [42:19] What AI Means for Behavioral Science [46:20] A New Vision for BSPA [49:10] How to Get Involved With BSPA ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links BSPA Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves
#578
September 14 · 1 hr 8 min
How to Make Work Fun | Bree Groff
What if work didn’t have to be something we simply “get through” five days a week? This week, we sit down with Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun, to explore how small changes in the way we interact, communicate, and lead can make work more human and mostly fun, most days. We talk about work-life balance, chronic overwork, psychological safety, AI, and the importance of protecting the relationships, health, creativity, and small moments of joy that make our lives meaningful. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Bree Groff [9:45] Treat your brain like a Stradivarius [13:18] Why this isn't a typical business book [19:52] The five-minute check-in [27:41] The benefits of psychological safety and cognitive offloading [30:55] The hidden cost of chronic overwork [36:16] Why “love what you do” is an exhausting goal [43:09] Why work should be mostly fun, most days [49:07] The truth about AI at work [53:45] What happens when we outsource thinking? [54:37] Bree's writing soundtrack [59:45] Grooving Session: Making work fun ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Bree Today was Fun by Bree Groff Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Vulfpeck - Back Pocket Qveen Herby - The Fool
#577
September 7 · 1 hr 5 min
The Behavioral Science of Psychological Safety | Jeremy Pollack
This week, Dr. Jeremy Pollack joins us to explore the neuroscience of conflict, trust, mistakes, uncertainty, and psychological safety. We discuss how these obstacles and miscommunications can affect our work environments, what to do when you notice them, and how to build healthier teams by breaking old conflict patterns before they start. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Jeremy Pollack [9:20] Can our brains rewire conflict patterns? [14:21] The neuroscience behind conflict resolution [19:50] How organizational systems can fuel conflict [32:32] Creating psychological safety at work [38:55] Why our brains crave certainty [42:09] How to rewire the nervous system after trauma [49:04] Desert Island Music Picks [50:36] Grooving Session: Self-regulation techniques for leaders ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Jeremy Wired for Peace by Jeremy Pollack, Ph.D. Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Grateful Dead - Friend of the Devil Phish - Sample in a Jar
#576
August 31 · 1 hr 15 min
How to Disagree Better | Julia Minson
Disagreements are inevitable, but they don’t have to become conflicts. Harvard Kennedy School professor Julia Minson joins us to explore why we struggle to see perspectives different from our own and how openness, curiosity, and humility can lead to more productive conversations. We also get practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations, from asking better questions to understanding what we actually know versus what we’re simply assuming. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Julia Minson [6:16] Does Feeling Heard Make Us More Receptive? [19:23] Why Context Matters in Conflict [21:13] What Is Naive Realism? [37:37] Why Receptiveness Isn't Weakness [42:00] What Is "Boomer Asking"? [44:39] How to Start a Difficult Conversation [47:23] What Do You Actually Know? [49:30] Asking Better Questions [51:12] Are You Actually Being Curious? [52:30] Using Notes to Have Better Conversations [57:19] Grooving Session: Practical Tips for Better Disagreements ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Julia How to Disagree Better by Julia Minson Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Taylor Swift - august Noah Kahan - The Great Divide
#575
August 27 · 1 hr 37 min
The Science Behind Constraints | David Epstein
What if constraints could actually make us more creative? This week, we use behavioral science to explore how limits on our time, resources, and choices can focus our attention, spark creativity, and help us make better decisions. With author David Epstein, we look at how creatives like Bach and Dr. Seuss used constraints to generate new ideas, and how identifying bottlenecks at work can help us focus on the problems that matter most. We’ll also share practical ways to embrace constraints, think differently, and get more done. Topics [0:00] Intro and speed round with David Epstein [15:00] Choice overload and endless options [22:31] How constraints can unlock creativity [29:53] Innovation and limitations [36:14] Great thinkers and the obstacles that met them [43:55] The Green Eggs and Ham Effect [51:10] AI and creativity [59:40] Finding the Bottleneck [1:04:02] Knowing your own constraints [1:11:13] Bach: the maestro of constraint [1:18:43] Grooving Session: Exploring the power of constraints ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About David Epstein Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Bach - Air on the G String (Orchestral Suite No. 3) London Grammar - Hey Now
#574
August 24 · 1 hr 20 min
The Science of Trust, Identity, and Tension | Claude Steele
What happens when we enter a conversation with someone we assume is different from us? Social psychologist Claude Steele argues that the tension and nerves we feel may have less to do with prejudice than we think. In his new book, Churn, Claude explores how identity threats can affect our performance and relationships, why we fear being misjudged, and how empathy, listening, and understanding can help reduce that tension and foster trust. We discuss why context matters, how our attitudes can follow our behavior, and why “colorblindness” can make it harder to understand another person’s experience. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Claude Steele [11:28] Does attitude follow behavior? [15:02] What exactly is “churn”? [20:12] The fear of being stereotyped [30:21] Trust as the antidote to tension [35:31] Can you really be “colorblind?” [47:48] Barack Obama and the cross-identity bridge to understanding [53:40] Why you need to look at circumstances [1:01:58] Desert Island Music [1:07:05] Grooving Session: Why our brains churn ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Claude Churn: The Tension That Divides Us and How to Overcome It Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Miles Davis & Gil Evans - The Duke Stevie Wonder - Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing
#573
August 17 · 1 hr 28 min
How Culture Shapes Human Behavior | Oliver Sweet
How does culture shape the way we think, behave, and interact with one another? In this episode, anthropologist Oliver Sweet explores the hidden social rules that influence human behavior, from communication and cultural norms to social media, artificial intelligence, and changing generational values. We discuss the psychology and anthropology of culture, how "vibe shifts" emerge, whether technology is making us more narcissistic, and what AI could mean for collaboration, empathy, creativity, and human connection. Topics [0:00] Intro & Speed Round with Oliver Sweet [7:54] Can You Be Too Fat for an Imaginary Boat? [13:08] The Hidden Rules That Shape Our Behavior [18:47] How Social Norms Change Over Time [21:14] What Is a "Vibe Shift"? [28:23] AI, Social Media & Culture [32:37] The Return of Subliminal Messaging [36:53] AI and the Rise of Digital Narcissism [46:51] How Technology Changes Risk-Taking [52:17] Can Counterculture Predict the Future? [58:56] What Happens When AI Replaces Human Connection? [1:09:33] Grooving Session: The Reality and Illusions of AI ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Oliver The Rules That Make Us: How Culture Shapes the Way We Act, Think, Believe, and Buy by Oliver Sweet Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves
#572
August 10 · 1 hr 3 min
Has Social Media Stolen Your Individuality? | Patricia Martin
Who are you when no one is watching? We welcome author Patricia Martin to discuss how social media, algorithms, and AI are reshaping our sense of self. From persona fog and chronic self-doubt to the future of human agency, we explore what it means to build an authentic identity in an increasingly performative digital world. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Patricia Martin [9:18] From Research to Me-Search [13:10] Why the Self Has Become a Consumer Product [19:24] Persona Fog, Self-Doubt & Cascading Crossroads [24:13] Healthy Personas vs. Fracturing Online Identities [31:30] The Self as Consumer Commodity [36:07] Construction Not Subtraction [43:33] Desert Island Music [50:32] Grooving Session: To Thine Own Self Be True? Links About Patricia Will the Future Like You? By Patricia Martin Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Aretha Franklin - Chain of Fools Eminem - The Real Slim Shady
#571
August 3 · 1 hr 22 min
You're Not the Only One Feeling Lonely | Bill von Hippel
Why does modern life leave so many of us feeling disconnected? We explore the surprising evolutionary forces behind loneliness, autonomy, and technology, and share practical ways to build stronger relationships without giving up the conveniences of modern life. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Bill von Hippel [11:09] Were hunter-gatherers actually happier? [15:40] Why evolution favors connection over autonomy [22:43] How cities created innovation (and loneliness) [31:16] The cost of choosing autonomy [37:57] Social media, AI, and the future of human connection [47:56] Practical ways to create more community [56:17] Evolutionary mismatches and modern fears [1:02:23] Desert Island Music [1:09:32] Grooving Session: Choose connection ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Bill The Social Paradox by Bill von Hippel Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run Credence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen the Rain
#570
July 27 · 1 hr 13 min
The Truth About Crime Prevention | Jennifer Doleac
What actually stops crime? Economist Jennifer Doleac joins us to explore the behavioral science behind safer communities, revealing why certainty of consequences, not harsher punishments, is the key to changing behavior and how evidence can lead to smarter criminal justice policy. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Jennifer Doleac [9:15] How an economist found criminal justice [13:56] Why DNA databases reduce crime [16:53] Certainty vs. severity of punishment [21:11] Redemption, incentives, and justice [25:05] Second chances for first-time offenders [30:50] Jobs, criminal records, and Ban the Box [37:57] When good intentions backfire [44:08] Rethinking prisons and parole [50:24] Why evidence struggles to shape policy [57:58] Desert Island Music [1:00:30] Grooving Session - Reforming our criminal justice systems ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Jennifer The Science of Second Chances Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Miley Cyrus - Used to Be Young Zach Bryan - I Remember Everything
#569
July 23 · 34 min
Is AI Making Us Dumber? (Part 2)
AI can make us more efficient, but it can also change how we think, collaborate, and trust one another. As we continue to groove on AI, we dig into the concepts of cognitive surrender, creative convergence, trust erosion, and the new challenges facing managers as the race to adopt AI takes over corporate America. If you want to improve human connection and navigate AI's impact thoughtfully, take a listen to this episode. We have a few ideas that just may help. Topics [0:00] Intro: What is cognitive surrender? [4:15] How to use AI without giving up critical thinking [9:33] Why teams become less innovative [15:25] How AI quietly erodes workplace trust [20:42] Why AI-generated communication feels disingenuous [24:06] The growing strain on frontline managers [30:39] Helping organizations build healthier AI practices Links The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking

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