Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan
  • 4.9 (102)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Want to Close the Gender Gap? Start Here | Kweilin Ellingrud

    Kweilin Ellingrud, McKinsey’s Global Chief of Diversity and Inclusion, joins us to discuss The Broken Rung—the missed first promotion that derails many women's careers before they even begin. She shares how to build “experience capital,” why soft skills matter more than we think, and how the right first moves can lead to long-term equity and empowerment. With practical advice for women and leaders alike, this episode is a call to action to fix the ladder from the bottom up. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Kweilin Ellingrud [5:39] What is the “Broken Rung”? [12:00] Strategies for Overcoming the Broken Rung [20:36] Building Skills to Future-Proof Careers [30:39] Addressing Biases and Cognitive Biases [35:47] Personal Health and Financial Well-being [41:10] Desert Island Music [43:19] Grooving Session - Networking, Bias, and Building Experience Capital ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links The Broken Rung - by Kweilin Ellingrud, Lareina Yee, and Mareia del Mar Martinez More About Kweilin Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Shakira - La Tortura Ed Sheeran - Shape of You

    1h 2m

  2. APR 14

    Are You Being 'Reasonable' -- Or Just Privileged? | Dr. Rosalind Chow

    Dr. Rosalind Chow joins us to explore how status, power, and perspective shape what we view as “reasonable”—and why marginalized voices are often held to a different standard. From stalled DEI efforts to the illusion of objectivity among dominant groups, Rosalind challenges us to rethink who gets to define what counts as change. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round [6:26] The difference between sponsorship and mentorship [10:13] Why corporate relationships are important [16:05] Why DEI efforts often stall [27:00] The moral cost of assimilations [31:20] Well-meaning allies [46:56] Desert Island music [50:15] Grooving Session - The importance of Mentorship ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Rosalind Chow The Doors You Can Open - by Rosalind Chow The Social Psychology of Inequality - CUNY Graduate Center Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Rent - La Vie Boheme Beatles - Revolution

    1h 3m

  3. APR 7

    Reclaim Your Brain and Escape Digital Chaos | Richard Cytowic

    Neuroscientist Richard Cytowic takes us on a journey through the world of synesthesia and how it reveals the fascinating ways our brains interpret reality. But that’s just the beginning. We dive into the challenges of our Stone Age brains in the digital age, busting the multitasking myth, exploring the cognitive costs of social media, and discovering why silence and imagination are more crucial than ever. Tune in to reclaim your focus and rethink your relationship with technology.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro: Synesthesia and Richard Cytowic [4:11] Speed Round: Nature vs Nurture? [10:06] Social Media - Necessary evil? [17:52] The myth of multitasking [28:54] The importance of boredom [37:06] Why silence is essential [45:32] Emotional intelligence and resilience [52:31] Grooving Session: Digital media, mental health, and what lies ahead ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age About Richard Cytowic Synesthesia The Shallows by Nicholas Carr Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Babbling Brook - Background Noise for Work  Forest and River Sounds - Relaxing Background Noise

    1h 20m

  4. MAR 31

    How to Spark Creativity in Work & Life | Matt Arnold and Adam Hansen

    Creativity isn’t reserved for the select few—it’s in all of us. This episode explores the science behind innovation with experts Matt Arnold and Adam Hansen, uncovering why we doubt our creative abilities and how to overcome the cognitive barriers that stifle new ideas. From breaking free of negativity bias to embedding innovation into workplace culture, this conversation is packed with insights to help you unlock your full creative potential.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Introduction - Are We Natural Innovators? [6:57] What Blocks Innovations [12:28] The Power of Brain Breaks [19:34] Leadership and Fostering Innovation [29:44] The Interaction of Behavioral Science and Innovation [40:20] Practical Tips to Foster Creativity [49:10] How Organizations Can Utilize Innovation [58:15] How to Overcome Negativity and Bias in Brainstorming [1:08:09] Innovation Challenges at Big Companines [1:17:00] Psychological Safety in Innovation [1:34:45] Why Businesses Struggle with Long-Term Innovation [1:42:15] Practical Steps for Bringing Innovation to Work [1:47:30] Grooving Session: Innovation, Science, and How to Manage ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Contact Matt Arnold Contact Adam Hansen How to Write One Song by Jeff TweedyOrbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MackenziePredictably Irrational by Dan Ariely Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Billie Holiday - Blue Moon  Woody Guthrie - Tear the Fascist Down

    1h 60m

  5. MAR 27

    Your Behavioral Science Questions (and more!) Answered.

    It’s about time we put Kurt and Tim in the hot seat! This week, we’re turning the tables and making them answer your questions. Pulling from our recent listener survey, they sit down with their producer to tackle everything from the making of Behavioral Grooves to insights on behavioral science—and, of course, the all-important question of what they’d do with a hippo-sized corgi. Tune in for a fun, behind-the-scenes bonus episode! Check out our YouTube for a video version of this episode! Topics  [0:00] New to BG - Ask Us Anything! [2:03] How Kurt and Tim Met [4:24] Inspiration to Join Behavioral Science [8:08] Behavioral Grooves’ Origin Story [19:28] Behavioral Science Myths and Misconceptions [30:04] Adopting Behavioral Science in Workplaces [43:15] Fields That Need Behavioral Science [47:34] Rhino or Corgi? Have a Question?  Fill out this survey for a chance to be featured on our next AMA!

    51 min

  6. MAR 24

    The Existential Playbook: How to Make Sense of Your Life | Dr. Steve Heine

    Dr. Steve Heine, cultural psychologist and author of Start Making Sense, joins us to explore the psychology of meaning. We discuss the four essential connections that shape a fulfilling life, why existential anxiety is on the rise, and how nostalgic reflection and storytelling help us make sense of our experiences. Plus, we dive into his “meaning audit” tool—a practical way to strengthen purpose and connection. Topics [0:00] Intro - Did Kurt take a psychology class? [5:24] Speed Round with Dr. Steve Heine [8:54] Was Sisyphus actually happy? [10:37] The importance of process over destination [19:48] Cultural differences in meaning-making [25:10] Why we rationalize our life choices [31:17] How storytelling shapes our identity [42:46] Practical tips for building a meaningful life [48:42] Grooving session: Building community and connecting with each other ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Start Making Sense by Dr. Steve Heine More about Dr. Steve Heine Joseph Campbell's The Hero’s Journey Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime  The Beatles - Don’t Let Me Down

    1h 13m

  7. MAR 17

    Work Isn’t Fair—Here’s How to Fix It | Iris Bohnet

    Can we design workplaces to be truly fair? Behavioral economist Iris Bohnet joins us to explore how implicit biases, stereotypes, and in-group preferences shape decision-making in the workplace—and what we can do about it. From the impact of blind auditions to the power of small structural changes, we dive into science-backed strategies for fostering more equitable organizations. Topics [0:00] Episode Intro - Can We Make Work Fair? [5:58] Speed Round with Iris Bohnet [7:29] The Hidden Impact of In-Group Bias [14:35] Implicit Bias and the IAT Test - Explained [18:44] Nature vs. Nurture in Bias [24:45] Case Study: NYC Fire Department and Hiring Reform [35:41] The Power (and Pitfalls) of Incentives and Fairness [41:35] Desert Island Music [45:23] Grooving Session: The Impact of In-Group Bias on Organizations ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Iris Bohnet’s book: Make Work Fair Take the Implicit Association Test (IAT) Study on NYC Fire Department’s hiring process About Iris Bohnet Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Adele - Make You Feel My Love  Bob Marley - Is This Love  Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer

    1h 3m

  8. MAR 10

    The 10 Conversations You Need to Master at Work | Melody Wilding

    Managing up isn’t about sucking up—it’s about taking control of your career. This week, executive coach and author Melody Wilding joins us to break down the ten essential workplace conversations that help you set boundaries, advocate for yourself, and navigate office dynamics with confidence. From understanding communication styles to negotiating your worth, Melody shares practical scripts and psychological insights that can help you work smarter—not just harder.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [00:00] Introduction to Melody Wilding [01:15] Redefining Managing Up: What It Really Means [02:52] The 10 Conversations That Matter Most at Work [04:47] How You Teach People How to Treat You [10:32] Communication Styles: The Key to Navigating Workplace Dynamics [22:25] The Money Conversation: How to Ask for a Raise the Right Way [28:15] How to Push Back Diplomatically on Low-Value Tasks [33:50] The Role of Visibility and Navigating Office Politics [41:58] The "Me Manual": Understanding & Asserting Your Own Style [50:16] Finding Your Groove: Melody's Career Journey [57:35] Grooving Session: Managing Up ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Melody Wilding's Website Managing Up (Book) Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links Arcade Fire - Reflektor Death Cab For Cutie - Soul Meets Body

    1h 22m
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Trailers

4.9
out of 5
102 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    476
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Behavioral Grooves . All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Behavioral Grooves Podcast

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