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.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
28 min
AI is making work faster, but at what cost? It's weakening collaboration, eroding culture, and spawning new problems and costs that most organizations didn't see coming. In Part 1 of our deep-dive into modern AI, we're exploring the behavioral science behind AI adoption, why "work slop" is becoming a growing problem, and how you can use AI to strengthen, rather than damage, your workplace and teams.
Topics
[0:00] We need to talk about AI
[5:19] How AI changes collaboration and mentoring
[10:14] Cultural Thinning and Work Slop
[15:10] Slop in action
[20:20] What happens when AI is implemented poorly
[25:14] Mitigating AI's Negative Impacts
[26:55] Coming next: Trust, leadership, and cognitive surrender
5 days ago
5 days ago
1hr 27 min
Why do so many organizational change initiatives fail? This week, we’re joined by behavioral economist Julia Dhar, co-author of How Change Really Works, to explore the behavioral science behind successful change. From curiosity and anxiety to psychological safety, AI, and the difference between change fatigue and change disappointment, Julia shares practical strategies that help leaders turn good ideas into lasting change.
Topics
[0:00] Introduction and speed round with Julia Dhar
[10:34] The "cockpit" metaphor for leadership
[17:28] Why "if you build it, they will come" doesn't work
[22:13] Communication, alignment, and executive blind spots
[29:08] Curiosity and anxiety during change
[32:15] Gathering honest employee feedback
[36:47] Leadership's role in successful transformation
[38:52] Change fatigue vs. change disappointment
[44:47] Why endings matter more than leaders realize
[49:14] AI adoption and organizational behavior
[53:27] Jazz, orchestras, and the art of change
[58:09] Desert island music picks
[1:04:14] Grooving Session: Turning anxiety into engagement
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
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How Change Really Works by Julia Dhar, Kristy Ellmer, and Philip Jameson
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Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
1hr 11 min
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Election day traditions
[4:25] Speed round with AJ Jacobs
[9:44] Living Colonially: What I learned
[18:56] Epistemic humility and political perspectives
[23:52] Constitutional originalism
[36:29] How do we frame the constitution?
[40:40] Election cakes and celebrating democracy
[48:52] Embracing experimentation in everyday life
[52:56] Grooving session: open-mindedness, civic duty, and cake recipes
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
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The Year of Living Constitutionally
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Jul 2, 2026
Jul 2, 2026
1hr 9 min
In the final episode of our Robert Cialdini series, we explore the extraordinary legacy of one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers. We revisit the seven Principles of Influence through real-world business examples, hear how Cialdini's ideas inspired organizations around the world, and learn why colleagues like Angela Duckworth, Adam Grant, Dan Pink, and Katie Milkman believe his greatest contribution goes far beyond research. Join us as we celebrate the ideas and the person who helped shape modern behavioral science.
Topics
[0:00] From Utility Bills to Global Impact
[9:17] Full Cycle Social Psychology Explained
[16:00] Why Business Became a Partner in Behavioral Science
[22:47] The Seven Principles in Action
[30:20] Behavior Change for Good and Real-World Research
[45:49] The Ethical Compass Behind Influence
[52:39] Why Influence Still Matters Today
[58:02] A Career That Changed Behavioral Science
[1:04:08] Daniel Kahneman on Cialdini's Legacy
[1:08:04] Closing Thoughts
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
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Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
1hr 19 min
In the second episode of our three-part series, we go back into the time machine to see what shaped Robert Cialdini into one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers. We're exploring the childhood experience, career-defining decisions, undercover research, and surprising moments that led to Influence, pre-suasion, and the principles of unity.
Topics
[0:00] A breakup letter to social psychology
[9:24] What makes Bob Bob?
[16:03] Baseball, adaptability, and serendipity
[23:40] Falling in love with psychology
[27:46] Choosing freedom over prestige
[36:44] The littering study that predicted elections
[42:03] How Influence became a phenomenon
[53:18] The birth of pre-suasion
[1:08:18] Unity as the seventh principle
[1:15:13] The legacy of Robert Cialdini
[1:17:53] Coming up in Episode Three
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Jun 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
1hr 13 min
We kick off our three-part series on Robert Cialdini by exploring the research, mentors, and discoveries that shaped one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers. From social proof and energy conservation to the creation of Influence, we trace the path that brought behavioral science from the lab to millions of everyday readers.
Topics
[0:00] The Utility Bill That Changed Behavior
[9:28] Meet Robert Cialdini
[12:41] The Famous Door Hanger Study
[20:30] Social Proof and Opower's Success
[22:16] The Book That Changed Behavioral Science
[28:45] The Mentors Behind Cialdini's Thinking
[41:30] Three Research Strategies That Defined His Career
[56:01] Building the Science of Influence
[1:01:01] Writing Influence for the Public
[1:10:21] Why Cialdini's Work Still Matters Today
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
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Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
1hr 9 min
As we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month, we sit down with Neri Karra Sillaman to explore what immigrant entrepreneurs can teach us about resilience, leadership, and long-term success. We discuss why luck is a skill, how reframing challenges creates opportunity, and the mindset behind companies that stand the test of time
Topics
[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Neri Karra Sillaman
[6:26] The Secret to Creating Your Own Luck
[10:51] How to Reframe Problems Into Opportunities
[16:37] Eight Traits of Long-Lasting Entrepreneurs
[22:25] The Leadership Trait Most Founders Miss
[29:11] What Makes Businesses Last for Decades?
[37:17] The Biggest Myth About Immigrant Entrepreneurs
[44:57] Why the American Dream Still Matters
[46:11] Grooving Session: Why Challenges Create Innovation
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
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Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs by Neri Karra Sillaman
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Jun 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026
1hr 22 min
In keeping with our themes of mattering, meaning, and connection this June, we wanted to reshare a conversation with had with author Emily Falk. In this conversation, we decode what goes on behind the scenes with our decisions - everything from what to eat for breakfast to how to respond to trolls on social media - and how emotional, rational, and social information is integrated by the brain to guide our choices. Emily's book is now available on paperback wherever you get your favorite reads.
©20256 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Emily Falk
[8:29] Understanding Value Calculations
[12:58] Research Methods and fMRI
[18:01] Self-Relevance and Social Relevance Systems
[28:41] Defensiveness and Social Norms
[40:49] The Importance of Being "In Sync"
[58:17] The Role or Music in Self/Social Relevance
[1:07:45] Grooving Session: Communication, Social Norms, and Behavioral Science at Work
©2025 Behavioral Grooves
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Jun 15, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
1hr 17 min
Why do smart organizations become slow, bureaucratic, and resistant to change? Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner, authors of The Octopus Organization, explore why so many companies fall into the trap of becoming “Tin Man Organizations” and what leaders can do instead. We discuss distributed decision-making, psychological safety, incentives, organizational learning, and why adaptability, not control, is often the key to long-term success.
Topics
[0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Jana Werner and Phil Le-Brun
[9:25] What “Bulls!t Bingo” Reveals About Corporate Language
[17:18] Psychology as a Leadership Tool
[25:14] Explaining Octopus Organization
[32:10] Challenges of Tin Man Organizations
[39:13] The Role of Psychology for Transformation
[45:56] Complex vs Complicated Systems
[50:50] Building an “Octopus Soundtrack”
[54:13] Grooving Session: Incentives, Rewards, and Recreating Systems
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
Links
The Octopus Organization by Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner
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Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
1hr 33 min
In our June throwback episode (and in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month), we're revisiting our conversation with Marin Gonzalez about leadership, self-doubt, and the challenges of building a successful team. Martin shared with us his experience as both an immigrant and an entrepreneur, offering a candid look at how he overcame imposter syndrome, navigated uncertainty, and ultimately helped create organizational cultures where people could thrive. We loved the vulnerability, insights, and practical lessons Martin brought to our conversation, and we hope it inspires you to solve problems and find greater fulfillment in your professional life.
Topics
[5:58] Introduction and Speed Round
[10:16] What is a bonfire moment?
[14:02] Why soft skills are more important than soft skills
[17:54] Leadership styles and their impact on success
[22:37] Common start-up traps
[32:10] Startup myths, leadership, and best practices
[41:11] Overcoming blind spots and insecurities in leadership
[46:43] Imposter Syndrome and gender stereotypes
[55:04] Productivity, creativity, and music preferences
[1:01:14] Grooving Session: Leadership, emotional intelligence, and scaling business
©2026 Behavioral Grooves
