The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Consumers are weird. They don't do what they say they will do and don't act how we think they "should." Enter Melina Palmer, a sales conversion expert with a personal mission to make your business more effective and brain friendly. In this podcast, Melina will take the complex concepts of behavioral economics (the study and science of why people buy - or not) and provide simple, actionable tips you can apply right away in your business. Whether you're a small business or thriving corporation, Melina's tips can help your business increase sales and get more customers.
10
Unpacking the Power of Packaging with Behaviorally
<p></p> <p>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.</p> <p></p> <p>Matt, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience studying shopper behavior, shares how packaging acts as a "silent salesperson" that can significantly influence purchasing decisions. The discussion delves into the importance of contrast in packaging design and introduces the 4S framework: Be Seen, Shoppable, Seductive...
The Cobra Effect: When Good Intentions Backfire
<p >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.</p> <p >Listeners will learn about the infamous cobra bounty in colonial India, where the attempt to eliminate cobras led to the creation of cobra farms, exacerbating the problem. Similar stories from Hanoi, Georgia, and Bogota highlight the pervasive nature of this phenomenon...
Heartfelt Leadership with Claude Silver
<p >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.</p> <p >Claude shares her journey, highlighting her mission to foster an environment where empathy and vulnerability are celebrated. The conversation delves into the psychological barriers that often prevent individuals from being their authentic selves and the strategies that can help overcome these challenges. Listeners will...
My Top Books of 2025
<p >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.</p> <p >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 Tan, an interactive guide to better questioning. Each category highlights a top book and an honorable mention, offering a...
From Limiting Beliefs to Leadership Breakthroughs
<p >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.</p> <p >The conversation explores how these beliefs—such as "I need to be involved" and "I can't make a mistake"—shape our behaviors and decision-making processes. Muriel emphasizes the importance of self...
Press Play: The Power of Gaming in Business
<p >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.</p> <p >Bastian, co-founder and COO of Solsten, shares his expertise in leveraging psychological insights to design experiences that captivate consumers. The discussion covers the misconceptions surrounding gamification, the importance of understanding your audience, and how brands like Chipotle and Burberry have successfully integrated gaming strategies to foster loyalty and...
Lucky By Design: Strategies for Success in a Scarcity Economy
<p >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.</p> <p >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 empower individuals to achieve their goals. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing when to "go for gold" versus when to "se...
Removing Barriers to Drive Engagement w/ Matt Sucha
<p >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.</p> <p >Matt, the CEO of Mindworks and editor-in-chief of Inside Be, shares his extensive experience in applying behavioral science across various industries, including banking and telecommunications. He introduces listeners to his SURF method—a structured approach designed to help professionals identify and eliminate hidden barriers in communication and de...
Unlocking Learning Potential
<p >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.</p> <p >Dan shares practical insights from his book, emphasizing that intention alone is not enough for effective learning; structure and meaningful connections are essential. The conversation covers the importance of distributed practice, the pitfalls of cramming, and how our self-image as learners can influence our success. Listeners will appreciate the...
The Power Trap: Understanding How Leadership Shapes Our Minds
<p >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.</p> <p >Listeners will learn about the six common effects of power that can change individuals in leadership positions, including increased impulsivity, reduced empathy, and the amplification of internal biases. Nick emphasizes...
