Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Kurt Nelson, PhD and Tim Houlihan
  • 4.9 (100)
  • 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. 3 DAYS AGO

    Groove Jams: Hypothetical Hangouts – Who Would You Choose?

    If you could spend a whole day with any historical figure, who would it be—and why? In this solo-sode of Groove Jams, we dive into this fascinating question, blending philosophy, psychology, and a bit of fun as we unpack our companion picks. From deep questions to unexpected lessons, we explore the impact of history’s iconic figures and the timeless wisdom they could offer. Who would you choose? Tune in for a playful and thought-provoking journey into the "what ifs" of history. Check out the video version of this episode on YouTube! Want to win a free book? Write us a review, screenshot it, and send it to our producer caroline@behavioralgrooves.com for your chance to win!

    16 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    Toxic Productivity Is Sabotaging Your Success | Israa Nasir

    What happens when the pursuit of productivity begins to harm your health, relationships, and happiness? In this episode, Israa Nasir joins us to discuss Toxic Productivity—the unhealthy obsession with achievement that can take a toll on your well-being. She outlines key warning signs, like disengagement and emotional dysregulation, and explores how societal pressures perpetuate this cycle. But it’s possible to break free. Israa shares practical strategies for reconnecting with your motivations, setting boundaries, and cultivating a healthier, more balanced relationship with productivity.   ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Want to win a free book? Write us a review, screenshot it, and send it to our producer caroline@behavioralgrooves.com for your chance to win! Topics [0:00] Introduction and a Behavioral Grooves giveaway! [6:59] Speed Round with Israa Nasir [12:36] Red Flags of Toxic Productivity [18:04] Slowing Down to Speed Up [24:47] Generational and Social Influences [30:07] Myths of Productivity [35:00] Emotional Awareness and Self-Reflection [45:23] Practical Advice for Avoiding Toxic Productivity [53:01] Desert Island Music [57:50] Grooving Session: Awareness, slowing down, and finding balance ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Take the Behavioral Grooves Survey! More About Israa Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More The Spotlight Effect and Social Anxiety Let’s End Toxic Productivity Musical Links Ella Fitzgerald - Summertime  John Mayer - Free Fallin’  Ghazal Music - Rafta Rafta Wo Meri

    1h 14m

  3. DEC 9

    What If There’s a Better Way to Solve Your Hardest Problems? | Wendy Smith

    Have you ever felt stuck between two seemingly opposite choices or found yourself seeing the world in absolutes? This week, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy Smith, author of Both/And Thinking, to uncover how embracing paradoxes can help us tackle life’s toughest problems. Wendy shares how shifting from an “either/or” to a “both/and” mindset can unlock better decision-making, foster creativity, and provide solutions to today’s complex challenges—from personal dilemmas to organizational leadership. In our Grooving Session, we dive deeper into the concept of “both/and” thinking and explore its applications in leadership, personal decision-making, and workplace dynamics. We examine the evolutionary roots of black-and-white thinking and discuss why embracing nuance is more important than ever in our interconnected world. Whether you’re navigating hybrid work policies, parenting challenges, or major life decisions, this perspective offers a fresh lens to solve problems both big and small. The easiest choice you’ll make today? Saying yes to this episode! Join us for an insightful conversation with Wendy and find out why even ice cream dilemmas are worth a second thought. ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Introduction - Ice Cream Dilemmas and Both/And Thinking [6:14] Speed round with Wendy Smith [14:22] Understanding Paradoxes and Both/And Thinking [23:19] Practical Applications of Both/And Thinking [33:25] Challenges and Emotional Complexity [40:12] Using Both/And Thinking in Leadership and Personal Life [45:58] Desert Island Music [47:42] Grooving Session: How to Embrace Both/And Thinking in Your Everyday Life ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems Wendy Smith, PhD Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman What is Both/And Thinking? Musical Links The Clash - Should I Stay or Should I Go  Wicked - Defying Gravity

    1h 9m

  4. DEC 2

    The Influence Equation: Simple Steps to Persuade Better | Steve Martin

    How can the science of persuasion reshape your workplace? This week, we sit down with Steve Martin to discuss the principles behind his latest book, Influence at Work, and unpack the “influence equation”—a powerful framework that blends evidence, economics, and emotion to drive ethical and effective persuasion. Steve shares actionable strategies for crafting influence, highlighting how small tweaks in incentives and timing can lead to surprising and meaningful behavioral shifts. We also dive into why behavioral insights shouldn’t be confined to a single department. Steve argues for embedding these principles across an organization, emphasizing how doing so can elevate decision-making, foster collaboration, and drive positive outcomes at every level. Whether you're leading a team, managing a project, or navigating workplace dynamics, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom to help you integrate behavioral science into your day-to-day decisions and harness the power of influence for good. Tune in to learn how understanding and applying these insights can transform not just your organization, but your role within it. ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro: The Power of Influence in Behavioral Science [3:51] Speed Round with Steve Martin [10:56] The Influence Equation and its Applications [17:12] Everyday Applications of Behavioral Science [35:41] The Role of Emotion and Timing in Influence [42:35] Desert Island Music [46:21] Grooving Session: Influence, the Importance of Incentives, and the Future of Behavioral Science ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Influence At Work: Capture attention, connect with others, convince people to act About Steve Martin Global Association of Applied Behavioral Scientists Influence by Robert Cialdini Musical Links ELO - Mr. Blue Sky  New Order - Blue Monday  The Beatles - Come Together

    1h 11m

  5. NOV 27

    Stress-Busting Tips for the Holidays (and Beyond!)

    Between job uncertainty, political tension, holiday anxiety, and the general state of the world, stress and emotional exhaustion are at an all-time high. In this special ‘emergency episode’ ahead of the holidays, we break down why humans often unintentionally create stress through perception—and how our brain’s negativity bias amplifies it. As you prep your holiday meal, tune in for science-backed strategies to reduce stress, from naming emotions and reframing self-talk to cultivating gratitude. We’ll also explore the power of healthy habits like sleep, exercise, and digital detoxes, plus how social connections—whether with loved ones or strangers—can help build resilience. Later in the episode, producer Caroline shares her inspiring journey fostering rescue dogs and how it strengthened her sense of purpose and self-efficacy during tough times. Join us for this timely discussion, and connect with the Groove Community on Facebook to share your own stress-busting tips. Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Emotional exhaustion and stressors [5:25] Coping with stress and emotional awaredness [15:27] Gratitude and journaling practices [26:08] Healthy habits and reducing stress [34:58] Social connection and purpose [39:51] Volunteering and personal growth [45:12] Conclusion: Managing stress and finding community  ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Daily Shift Journal Join our Groove Community! “A Life Worth Breathing” by Max Strom Follow Caroline’s Foster Journeys!

    48 min

  6. NOV 25

    The Simple Shift That Transforms Employee Engagement | Brad Shuck

    What makes a workplace truly thrive? This week, Brad Shuck returns to share how practicing gratitude as an intentional discipline can transform employee engagement and appreciation. We dive into Brad’s three key factors driving workplace culture and productivity, exploring real-world examples illustrating how companies can breathe new life into struggling cultures. Brad challenges the traditional approach to workplace morale—hint: pizza parties won’t cut it. He emphasizes that culture isn’t a top-down directive; it grows from the ground up. While managers and team leaders may not control the entire organizational culture, their influence at the team level is powerful. They play a vital role in fostering belonging and purpose for employees. If you’re ready to spark a workplace revolution—one where employees feel safe to speak up, innovation thrives, and gratitude becomes second nature—tune in to hear Brad’s firsthand strategies for transforming your company culture today. ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro - Gratitude in corporate culture [5:35] Speed Round with Brad Shuck [10:54] The role of gratitude in organizational success [14:42] What role do leaders play in shaping culture? [22:31] The challenges of cultivating gratitude in a fast-paced work culture [37:18] Desert Island Music [41:02] Grooving Session: Work, gratitude, and psychological safety ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Brad Shuck Studies by Brad (et al…) Above the Line vs Below the Line Leadership What is Psychological Safety? Musical Links Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah  Mumford & Sons - Ghosts That We Knew  Woody Guthrie - Tear the Fascists Down

    55 min

  7. NOV 21

    Groove Jams: Immortality–Blessing or Curse?

    What would you do differently if you could live for 1,000 years? In this episode of Groove Jams, we’re joined by fan-favorite Annie Duke to dive headfirst into the wild possibilities of a much longer life. The conversation kicks off with a controversial babysitting prank that sparked Annie’s lifelong fear of death, leading to a lively debate about how immortality could reshape society. Would 80-year-old presidents be no big deal? Would archaeology become the most boring subject ever? Join us as we unravel ethical dilemmas, debate questionable life choices, and find out if Annie can finally conquer her fear of mortality.  Don’t wait 1,000 years to tune in—hit play now while it’s still relevant!

    26 min

  8. NOV 18

    The Downside of Dream Jobs | Jennifer Totsi-Kharas

    This week, we continue exploring jobs, careers, and callings with Jen Totsi-Kharas, co-author of Is Your Work Worth It? For a deeper dive into this topic, check out our conversation with Jen’s co-author, Christopher Michaelson, on last week’s episode! We sit down with Jen to explore the complex nature of work and how it can be defined as a job, career, or calling, with a particular focus on the potential downsides people face when they try and pursue their “callings”. While having a strong calling can boost engagement and life satisfaction, it also has its risks, including over-commitment, burnout, and a disconnection from the practical realities of one’s career. Discover who has stronger work satisfaction - orchestral musicians or prison guards, and explore how expectations and daily demands shape well-being across professions.  Together with Jen, we discuss how calling can change over time and the importance of self-discovery in aligning work with personal values and aspirations.  There is value in finding meaningful work, even if it’s not a perfect calling, and Jen helps us explore the need for a balanced approach that considers both passion and practicality in our career choices.  ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro: Dream job or prison guard? [4:44] Speed Round with Jen Totsi-Kharas [10:17] Happiness in “callings” vs. “jobs” [15:27] The benefits and downsides of callings [29:46] The difference between callings and jobs [34:42] The role of callings in different professions [40:44] The importance of finding meaningful work [46:37] Grooving session: understanding the nuances of work satisfaction ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Jennifer Tosti-Kharas Is Your Work Worth It?: How to Think About Meaningful Work Zookeepers, Callings, and the Double-edged Sword of Deeply Meaningful Work Musical Links Indigo Girls Closer to Fine Tori Amos Cornflake Girl (Live)

    1h 11m
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4.9
out of 5
100 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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    455
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Behavioral Grooves . All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Behavioral Grooves Podcast

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