Behavioral Grooves Podcast Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan

How often do you question the 'facts' you encounter in everyday life?
This week, Alex Edmans, author of May Contain Lies, joins Kurt and Tim to question the world around us. They explore the significance of critical thinking and cognitive diversity, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and evidence-based reasoning. They discuss the differences between facts and statements, the dangers of misleading inferences from evidence, and the impact of perception on communication.
Creating an environment where individuals can express their viewpoints freely is crucial. This includes fostering a culture where a devil’s advocate can provide critical feedback and considering alternative explanations to avoid confirmation bias in our everyday lives.
For a bit of fun (and for Tim too!), Alex explains his research on how music preferences can predict stock market trends and the challenge of separating emotional effects from fundamental factors. During their Grooving Session, Kurt and Tim encourage listeners to apply a scientific mindset when evaluating information and to promote cognitive diversity within their workspaces. Tune in to enhance your critical thinking skills, appreciate the nuances in decision-making, and learn how to foster a culture of scientific inquiry in your workplace and beyond.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[5:07] Intro and speed round
[9:30] The importance of critical thinking and avoiding confirmation bias
[16:37] Misinformation and how it’s presented
[27:56] How to evaluate scientific claims by checking sources
[33:08] The importance of cognitive diversity
[42:07] Using music to predict stock market trends
[49:26] Grooving Session: Overcoming biases to make informed decisions
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Alex Edmans ‘May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases - And What We Can Do About It’
Wason Selection Task
Sports Sentiment and Stock Returns
How Cognitive Biases Influence the Way You Think and Act
Musical Links 
Earth, Wind, and Fire “September”
Fleetwood Mac “The Chain”

How do we make sense in a world that often seems nonsensical? In this week’s episode, Kurt and Tim team up with Saul Perlmutter and Rob MacCoun, co-authors of Third Millennium Thinking, to try and answer these unanswerable questions for listeners. Together, they bring the scientific method from theory to practice as they explore key aspects of scientific inquiry, probabilistic thinking, and the significance of embracing uncertainty in problem-solving. 
Saul and Rob help bring scientific practice into reality and cover various topics from the role of experimentation in identifying cause-and-effect relationships, the importance of assigning probabilities in decision-making, and the virtues of persistence and optimism in tackling challenges. 
In today’s increasingly polarized climate, it’s important to understand the value of seeking diverse perspectives to avoid mental traps and the power of collective cognition in decision-making. From probabilistic thinking to scientific optimism this conversation showcases how applying the scientific method can enhance not only our individual way of thinking but our interactions with the world. 
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[4:08] Intro and speed round
[7:48] Scientific method and experimentation in various fields
[16:54] Using probability to make informed decisions
[21:34] Dangers of polarization and the importance of making quick estimates
[28:08] Using mathematical estimates to solve problems
[32:55] Scientific optimism in the face of challenges
[43:05] Collective cognition and the importance of acknowledging uncertainty
[50:35] Grooving Session: Using the scientific method to improve thinking
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links 
Third Millennium Thinking: Creating Sense in a World of Nonsense
Nobel Prize - Saul Perlmutter
Rob MacCoun
Steven Pinker
The Law of Group Polarization
Musical Links
Jazz Classics
John Williams, Star Wars

Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences influence your adult relationships and behaviors?
This week, Kurt and Tim jump into attachment theory with renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Judy Ho. They explore the different types of secure and insecure attachment, and how our early bonds with primary caregivers shape our developmental years and influence our adult behavior and relationships. Dr. Ho explains how attachment styles can influence our worldview, and how these styles manifest in our self-talk and stress responses.  Our past doesn’t define our future, and the discussion highlights the importance of understanding and healing our attachment issues at any age. 
And it wouldn’t be Behavioral Grooves without some music! Dr. Ho joins Tim and Kurt (mostly Tim) in a conversation about the therapeutic role music has on emotional regulation and self-care.  Music can help replace unhelpful patterns with healthier ones and can help ground us and promote mindfulness. 
Mindfulness is key in this week’s Grooving Session, with Kurt and Tim emphasizing the importance of slowing down and being mindful in daily life.  Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they wrap up the episode with actionable advice and valuable strategies for personal growth and emotional well-being. 
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[5:27] Intro and speed round
[8:19] Attachment theory and its impact on adult behavior
[10:50] Attachment styles and relationships
[15:53] Understanding attachment styles and their impact
[25:07] Self-help techniques to manage emotions
[34:29] The importance of mindfulness
[42:51] Music’s role in self-care
[50:07] Grooving Session: Attachment theory, self-regulation, and mindfulness
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links 
The New Rules of Attachment: How to Heal Your Relationships, Reparent Your Inner Child, and Secure Your Life Vision
APA Definition of Attachment Theory
Dr. Judy Ho
Penn State Worry Questionnaire (Free-Abridged)
Mindfulness Meditation
LaFreniere LS, Newman MG. “Exposing Worry's Deceit: Percentage of Untrue Worries in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment,” Behavioral Therapy. 2020 May; 51(3):413-423. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2019.07.003. Epub 2019 Jul 17. PMID: 32402257; PMCID: PMC7233480. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233480/ 
Musical Links 
Aretha Franklin “Think”
John Lennon “Stand By Me”

Have you ever struggled with the pitfalls of imposter syndrome in the workplace? Been wracked with self-doubt when leading your teams?
Join Kurt and Tim as they dive into these topics and many more with Martin Gonzalez, co-author of "The Bonfire Moment." They explore the intricacies of leadership, team dynamics, and overcoming obstacles in startups. Martin shares his expertise on uniting teams to solve problems through a unique workshop process and identifies common traps that founders often encounter.
Listen in as Martin opens up about his journey with self-doubt and imposter syndrome as an immigrant, providing a candid look at the human side of leadership. Kurt, Tim, and Martin cover various topics including leadership styles, organizational structures, the pitfalls of over-functioning teams, and achieving a productive work-life balance. While you might never love everything about your job, it is possible to enjoy most of your job if you manage your expectations and strategize for success. 
In startups, people issues need to take center stage, and the trio highlights the need for vulnerability, effective communication, and nurturing relationships within growing companies. If you’re looking for new motivation and a confidence boost at work, don't miss this insightful episode packed with valuable takeaways for anyone involved in the startup world!
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
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
 
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links 
“The Bonfire Moment - Bring Your Team Together to Solve the Hardest Problems Startups Face” by Joshua Yellin and Martin Gonzales
About Martin
Culture Amp
How Corporate Leadership and Turnover Affect Startup Success
Musical Links 
Eric Clapton “Wonderful Tonight”
Elton John “Your Song”
Mozart “Lacrimosa”

When was the last time you wanted to speak up, but were too afraid to?
This week, embark on a riveting exploration of silence with Kurt, Tim, and special guest Elaine Lin Herring, author of Unlearning Silence. Through rich conversation, they delve into the intricate dynamics of power, societal expectations, and the profound impact of silence in our personal and professional lives. Elaine illuminates the hidden complexities behind our communication patterns, urging listeners to challenge ingrained norms and create inclusive spaces where every voice is heard. From dissecting workplace dynamics to sharing personal anecdotes, the trio navigates the journey of self-awareness and collective empowerment with remarkable depth and clarity.
As the conversation unfolds, we invite you to reflect on your own experiences of silence and consider the transformative potential of embracing diverse communication styles. This conversation offers practical strategies for fostering open dialogue and nurturing psychological safety within teams and organizations. Break free from the confines of silence, and learn how to foster a culture of authenticity, innovation, and belonging. Tune in to this enlightening episode as we journey towards unlearning silence and amplifying voices in a world hungry for change.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[2:34] Introduction and speed round
[4:29] The pros and cons of silence and speaking up
[9:35] Workplace silence and its impact on employees
[15:37] The negative effects of silencing
[20:08] Communication preferences and their impact on team dynamics
[25:16] Creating open communication environments
[34:48] Unlearning silence and social isolation
[46:55] Music’s impact on life
[49:58] Grooving Session: Speaking up and the culture of accountability
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links 
Unlearning Silence - How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully
Elaine Lin Hering
What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Social Isolation
Lessons from The Challenger
Harvard Negotiation Project
Musical Links
Miles Davis - So What
Elevation Worship - Praise

Ketamine therapy has recently been a hot topic in the mental health industry, but what exactly is ketamine therapy? Who is it for, and what are the benefits/risks associated with it?
Dive into the forefront of mental health innovation with Kurt, Tim, and special guest Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo as they unpack the groundbreaking potential of ketamine therapy as a transformative treatment for depression and anxiety. Dr. Lombardo sheds light on the mechanisms behind ketamine therapy's effectiveness, sharing promising research findings and cautionary notes on its administration under careful medical supervision. Dr. Lombardo goes through the nuances of ketamine therapy, and how to use it as part of a comprehensive mental health strategy rather than a quick-fix solution.
As always, the more you know, the better equipped you are to face life’s challenges. Beyond the cutting-edge realm of ketamine therapy, Kurt, Tim, and Dr. Lombardo look at practical coping strategies and evidence-based practices for enhancing mental well-being. From cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to the healing power of nature and gratitude, they share personal stories and insightful perspectives to empower listeners on their mental health journey. With a compassionate approach and a focus on holistic healing, this episode offers actionable insights and thought-provoking dialogue that promise to inspire and inform. 
Tune in for an engaging exploration of mental health and resilience that challenges conventional wisdom and fosters hope for a brighter future. Join the conversation and discover new ways to nurture your well-being, one step at a time.
Disclaimer: The discussion of ketamine in this episode of Behavioral Grooves is purely exploratory and should not be interpreted as medical advice or encouragement to use ketamine. Any consideration of ketamine therapy should be approached cautiously and only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Topics 
[0:00] A quick note from Kurt and Tim on ketamine therapy and depression
[5:38] Introduction and speed round
[7:00] Mental health treatment options and stigma
[12:04] Stress, anxiety, and new frontiers in therapy
[16:32] Mental health signs and seeking help
[21:17] Ketamine therapy for depression and anxiety
[31:21] Combining ketamine therapy with other mental health interventions
[37:05] Educating others on ketamine therapy
[40:17] Desert island music
[46:58] Mental illness, ketamine treatment, and self-care options
[49:28] Grooving session: Mental health treatments, coping strategies, and research
© 2024 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
Mindbloom
NIH on Major Depression
Harvard Medical School: When is KT safe for treatment-resistant depression?
CBT
Musical Links
Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
Maroon 5 - This Love