Behavioral Grooves Podcast Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan

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 episode. Nick talks through his extensive research about talking to people we encounter and how it actually boosts our wellbeing.
While many of us may default to surface-level exchanges, Nick challenges us to embrace the depths of genuine connection. But let's not forget the elephant in the room – initiating these conversations can be a daunting task. Fear not! Nick equips us with the tools to overcome our hesitations and dive headfirst into meaningful dialogue.
Nick Epley is the John Templeton Keller Professor of Behavior Science and Director of the Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. With his unparalleled expertise in social cognition, Nick sheds light on why understanding one another is often easier said than done. Nick wrote the book “Mindwise: Why We Misunderstand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want” and through its pages, Nick invites us to peer into the inner workings of the human mind. 
As always, hosts Kurt and Tim end the show with a Grooving Session, distilling the essence of our conversation into actionable insights. But if there is just one thing you take away from this episode, dear listeners, is never hesitant to seize the opportunity to pay a compliment.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[3:40] Welcome and speed round questions.
[4:57] Why it’s better to have a deep and meaningful conversation with a stranger?
[7:18] Why are we reluctant to talk to strangers about something meaningful?
[13:46] Why did Nick start studying undersociality?
[21:06] What happens when strangers talk on a train?
[29:33] How do you start a conversation with a stranger?
[33:20] The benefits of a compliment.
[39:21] Nick’s work in the future.
[43:35] The mind-blowing way to get someone else’s perspective?
[47:49] What music influences Nick.
[51:24] Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim discussing what we learned from Nick Epley.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Nicholas Epley
“Mindwise: Why We Misunderstand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want” by Nick Epley
Gary Becker
Liz Dunn at University of British Columbia
Music Links
Metallica “Master of Puppets”
David Tolk, piano player “Amazing Grace”
“All Creatures Great and Small” music 
 

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, effective communication skills are essential. Discover how active listening can not only boost productivity and increase employee satisfaction but also foster deeper, more meaningful relationships. Through thought-provoking discussions and real-world examples, Kurt, Tim, and Jeff challenge conventional wisdom to help listeners gain a deeper understanding of how to engage authentically in both their professional and personal lives.
Ready to level up your communication game? Tune in to this episode for actionable insights and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or simply a curious listener, get ready to embark on a journey of compassionate curiosity and active listening. Join the conversation and let us know what questions you have about this episode or Behavioral Grooves! We’d love to hear from you.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[5:40] Introduction and Speed Round
[11:22] The “Ask Approach” and the power of curiosity
[18:00] Effective listening and learning from others
[26:06] Creating a safe space for open communication
[34:43] Using curiosity to interrupt certainty and gain new perspectives
[43:35] Vibe listening and interpreting conversations
[48:51] Desert Island music
[53:51] Grooving session - the importance of asking questions, active listening, and micro-expressions
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links 
** Rankin, Paul T. “The Importance of Listening Ability.” The English Journal, vol. 17, no. 8, 1928, pp. 623–30. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/803100. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
Ask by Jeff Wetzler
More about Jeff
What is Active Listening?
Musical Links 
Paul Simon - 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Indigo Girls - Closer to Fine
Dave Carter and Tracey Grammer - When I Go

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 Sense." Together, they delve into the transformative power of intentional sensory exploration, curiosity, and savoring to elevate everyday experiences. Dive into the complexities of modern life, including the challenges of stress, burnout, and dysregulation, while gaining valuable insights into understanding your ‘default mode’ and the pivotal role of the salience network in directing your focus to the present moment.
Discover actionable strategies for integrating sense foraging into your daily life, from relishing the flavor of your morning coffee to heightening your awareness of the sensations in your environment. In their grooving session, Kurt and Tim underscore the importance of breaking away from habitual routines and fostering mindfulness to improve decision-making and overall well-being. Whether you're seeking to shift your perspective or embark on a journey toward intentional living, this episode offers invaluable guidance to kickstart your transformation. Tune in now and take the first step toward finding your groove!
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[5:10] Intro and speed round
[7:30] Default mode - breaking out and toggling in
[11:56] House of Habit
[18:42] Perceptual inference and active inference
[23:53] How foraging leads to a better life
[29:26] Toggle in for engagement and break away from default mode
[39:12] Sensory engagement and learning
[44:33] Hearing vs. listening
[46:58] Desert island music
[53:44] Grooving session: habits, autopilot, and how to create your own groove moments
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links 
Better in Every Sense: How the New Science of Sensation Can Help You Reclaim Your Life
Norman Farb
Zindel Segal
Default Mode Network (DMN)
Paying Attention to Senses Can Help Reset the Mind
Musical Links 
The Rolling Stones “Winter”
Underworld “Born Slippy” 
Cream “Sunshine of Your Love” 
A Tribe Called Quest “Can I Kick It?” 
 

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 routines. From something as simple as brushing your teeth to larger group activities, the trio discusses how rituals add depth and emotion to our everyday experiences.
As the episode unfolds, Kurt, Tim, and Mike examine how rituals impact not only individuals but also relationships and work teams. They navigate the delicate balance between rituals that unite and those that divide, emphasizing the importance of consensus in fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction.
Through personal anecdotes and keen insights, the trio offers listeners a thought-provoking journey into the profound influence of rituals on behavior, perceptions, and relationships. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion! Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the rituals that shape our lives. And if you enjoy the episode, be sure to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform—we'd love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[5:33] Intro and speed round
[10:24] Is brushing your teeth a ritual?
[14:00] The benefits and limitations of rituals and habits in daily life
[20:19] Rituals in relationships
[24:00] The meaning behind group rituals
[33:20] Corporate team-building activities
[42:33] The role of music in cultural rituals and traditions
[51:27] Grooving session: Rituals and their meanings in daily life
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
The Ritual Effect
Michael Norton
Michael's TED Talk - Why Rituals Matter
Musical Links
The Band “Atlantic City”
Gillian Welch “I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll”
Buddy Holly “Rave On”
Arlo Guthrie “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree”
 

Dive deep into the realm of behavioral science with Kurt and Tim this week as they explore the scalability of behavioral nudges and interventions through the groundbreaking research of Silvia Saccardo. Discover how Silvia's work sheds light on the effectiveness of interventions, from COVID-19 vaccination reminders to improving student sleep habits.
Unveil the nuanced impact of nudges and their effectiveness for motivated individuals, as Silvia shares insights from her studies and personalized intervention strategies. In their discussion, Kurt and Tim dissect the implications of Silvia's research, emphasizing the importance of precision in deploying nudges for maximum scalability and impact.
Join the conversation to learn how understanding behavioral principles can revolutionize intervention customization, catering to diverse contexts, populations, and behaviors. Gain invaluable insights into shaping habits effectively through cues and rewards, empowering you to encourage desired behaviors in everyday life. Tune in and unlock the secrets of behavioral science with practical applications.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[6:17] Intro and speed round
[11:18] Scalability and the effectiveness of interventions
[14:19] COVID vaccination reminders: Study
[26:15] Sleep interventions and their impact on academic performance: Study
[34:21] The effectiveness of cue rewarding in sleep interventions
[40:12] The impact of small incentives of sleep habits
[47:19] Desert island music
[51:39] Grooving Session: Nudges, scalability, and interventions in behavioral science
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Silvia Saccardo
Behavioral Nudges Increase COVID-19 Vaccinations
Improving Educational Performance Through Better Sleep Habits
Musical Links
Måneskin “OFF MY FACE”
Taylor Swift “Cruel Summer”
Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud”

Curious about how prioritizing happiness can transform leadership and workplace dynamics? Well, look no further than this week’s discussion with Gonzalo Camiña Ceballos, CEO of BeWay, a Mexico City/Madrid-based company paving the way in bringing the principles of behavioral science to the workplace.  In this conversation, Kurt, Tim, and Gonzalo dive deep into the realms of humanistic management, personal fulfillment, and the concept of “eudaimonic leadership”, and how all these factors can make or break your experience in the workplace. 
Gonzalo emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the happiness and fulfillment of employees to achieve organizational success and challenges conventional leadership norms while advocating for a more holistic approach to employee well-being.  In a post-pandemic world where RTO mandates are on the rise, all of us need to find deeper connections and meaning in our jobs. Throughout the conversation, Gonzalo helps us to see a future where people have passion and purpose in their work and feel a greater sense of community in their daily jobs and beyond. 
Join Kurt, Tim, and Gonzalo as they navigate the intersections of leadership, happiness, and personal fulfillment, offering thought-provoking insights into redefining success and finding your groove in both work and life. Whether you're a leader seeking innovative approaches to organizational management or an individual on a quest for personal growth and self-discovery, this episode offers valuable perspectives and inspiration to guide you on your journey.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics
[4:18] Intro and speed round
[6:55] Behavioral science in corporate work departments
[16:13] Using behavioral science in debt collection
[26:53] Career development
[31:06] Prioritizing employee happiness in business
[35:47] Leadership, employee happiness, and scalability
[41:27] Desert island music choices
[46:08] Finding one's groove in life
[54:17] Grooving session: leadership, management, and behavioral science
 
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
BeWay - The Behavioral Way
Are Happy Employees More Productive?
Musical Links
Shakira “La Tortura”
Post Malone “Circles”