Behavioral Grooves Podcast
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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How Expectations Shape Who We Become
<p>In this special episode inspired by questions from our Facebook Community, we explore why big change feels intimidating even though most transformation happens quietly in our daily lives. Kurt and Tim dig into the micro-shifts we overlook, the powerful role expectations play in shaping our confidence and identity, and why surrounding yourself with people who expand your sense of possibility truly matters. They also revisit classic and modern goal-setting research — from Kurt Lewin’s “levels of aspiration” to today’s best evidence — to show how balancing past performance with future dreams helps you find the motivating sweet spot that keeps you mo...
Why Split-Second Thinking Fuels Violence | Jens Ludwig
<p>Is violence caused by “bad people,” too many guns, or something deeper? In this episode, University of Chicago researcher Jens Ludwig reveals why most violent acts stem not from evil intent but from ordinary people in unforgiving situations. We explore how behavior, context, metacognition, and split-second decision-making shape violent outcomes — and why small, scalable interventions like pocket parks, foot traffic, and reflective thinking can dramatically reduce harm. If you care about safer communities, more innovative policymaking, or just want to understand human behavior better, our conversation with Jens will forever reshape how you view violence. </p> Topics <p>[0:00] Intro and Sp...
The Science of Being Thankful
<p>Why does gratitude feel so easy to feel yet so hard to say? In this Thanksgiving grooving session, we unpack the psychology behind our awkwardness around expressing appreciation—from miscaliberated assumptions to the belief that people can “just tell” how grateful we are. Drawing on research from Nick Epley and others, we explore how gratitude rewires the brain, boosts well-being, and strengthens relationships, and we share simple, science-backed nudges to help you connect more deeply with the people you love this holiday season.</p> <p>A Note From Our Team:</p> <p>This Thanksgiving, support the science you love. Behavi...
The Leadership Wake-Up Call | Margaret Andrews
<p>Harvard instructor Margaret Andrews joins us to explore why effective leadership starts with self-awareness. We discuss blind spots, emotional intelligence, team norms, and the internal work leaders must do to better understand their impact. Margaret offers practical tools for developing people and navigating organizational context, showing how self-understanding reshapes culture, communication, and long-term leadership success.</p> Topics <p>[0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Margaret Andrews</p> <p>[7:10] What Managers Get Wrong</p> <p>[16:59] Challenges of Leading Others</p> <p>[21:42] Emotional Intelligence and Leadership</p> <p>[27:20] The “Best Boss” Exercise</p> <p>[35:54] Leading for the Long Term</p> <p>[39:56] Advice for...
Why the Gender Revolution Stopped | Corinne Low
<p>What if the gender revolution never finished? Economist Corinne Low joins us to unpack why women have transformed the workforce while men’s roles at home have barely changed. Drawing on insights from her book Having It All, Corinne reveals why so many families are stretched thin, caught between data, social pressure, and outdated norms. Together, we explore what it means to “have it almost,” and how smarter boundaries, parental leave, and fairer divisions of labor could finally help us reach true balance at home and at work.</p> <p> ©2025 Behavioral Grooves</p> Topics <p>[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Cor...
Is the American Dream Dead? | Mark Matson
<p>Financial advisor and author Mark Matson joins Behavioral Grooves to explore what the American Dream means today—and whether it’s truly attainable for everyone. We dig into his view that fulfillment comes from mindset, not money, and examine how behavioral biases can sabotage our financial decisions. But as we discuss the tension between personal responsibility and systemic headwinds, we also ask: can discipline and optimism alone really guarantee success?</p> Topics <p>[0:00] A quick word with Kurt and Tim - Struggling with the American Dream</p> <p>[5:08] Speed Round with Mark Matson</p> <p>[9:20] Cognitive Biases in Investing</p> <...
The Trick That Shapes Every Choice You Make | Mikael Klintman
<p>How does framing influence the way we think, feel, and act? Sociologist and author Mikael Klintman joins us to explore how framing shapes nearly every part of life — from art and politics to health and everyday conversations. We discuss how subtle shifts in language and context can change our perceptions, why framing itself is neutral but powerful, and how expanding or contracting our frames can unite or divide us. Tune in for practical insights on recognizing framing in action and using it to see the world differently.</p> Topics <p>[0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Mikael Klintman</p> <p>[6:29] Fr...
Freaky Friday: Grooving on Scary Biases
<p>Happy Halloween from Behavioral Grooves! In the spirit (OoooOoo) of the holiday, we're resharing one of our old episodes exploring the spooky side of biases - why we have them, and how we can overcome them. Tune in while you're painting your face for that halloween party, or maybe play it on the speakers outside to really scare the kids with some cold hard science. </p> <p>No tricks, just treats — and by treats, we mean thoughtful behavioral science stories told without ads or sponsors. </p> <p>Help Behavioral Grooves stay independent and science-focused by becoming a paid subscriber or m...
The Science of Superstition: Why Our Brains Believe in Magic
<p>This Halloween, 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.”</p> Topics <p>[0:00] Happy Halloween from Behavioral Grooves!</p> <p>[2:08] Common superstitions and their rationality</p> <p>[6:40] Psychological and cultural aspects of superstitions</p> <p>[9:13] Superstitions: The positives and negatives</p> <p>[14:36] The hidden wisdom of Stevie Wonder</p> <p>[16:14...
The Lies We Believe About Control | Dr. Wolfgang Linden
<p>Psychologist and author Dr. Wolfgang Linden joins us to explore why so much of our stress comes not from events themselves, but from our attempts to control them. Drawing on 40+ years of research and clinical experience, he breaks down the “illusion of control” and argues that we only truly have power over two things: how we respond and where we direct our energy. We dive into his emotion–thought–behavior framework, the dangers of suppressing emotions, and how small shifts in attention and behavior can interrupt toxic cycles. From relationships to health to life goals, Wolfgang shows how letting go can a...
