Brainfluence

Roger Dooley

Roger Dooley is the author of Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince Consumers with Neuromarketing, and has been studying the effects of psychology, behavior research, and neuroscience on persuasion and marketing in business, leadership and everyday life. In every episode, Roger shares brain-oriented tactics, along with the expertise of his guests, to increase persuasion with concrete, research-based neuromarketing advice. Guests include best-selling authors and thought leaders like Robert Cialdini, Dan Pink, Guy Kawasaki, Jonah Berger, Chris Brogan, Maria Konnikova, and many more. Learn more and join the conversation at RogerDooley.com

  1. 1 day ago

    How Ron Johnson Built the Apple Store with Steve Jobs | Shop Different

    Ron Johnson built the Apple Store from a blank sheet of paper, turning a company that couldn't get shelf space at Best Buy into the most profitable retailer on earth. Before that he helped make Target "Tar-zhay," and after it he had one of the most publicly dissected tenures in retail history as CEO of JCPenney. In this episode of Brainfluence, Roger Dooley talks with Ron about his new book, Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius (co-written with Zander Nethercutt), and the lessons behind each chapter of that career. Ron explains why good design costs no more than bad design, what architect Michael Graves taught him about creating instead of copying, and how half an hour with the Ritz-Carlton's head of HR changed the entire vision of the Apple Store, including the bar that "dispensed advice instead of alcohol." He also makes the case that stores still work in an online world, weighs the future of department stores, and gives his candid account of JCPenney's everyday-pricing experiment: a strategy he still defends, executed at a speed he now regrets. Show notes page with audio, text, resources: https://www.rogerdooley.com/ron-johnson-shop-different/ Amazon - Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius: https://link.amazon/B0iLSKZTu LinkedIn - Ron Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-johnson-589233b9/ Connect with Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/ https://www.facebook.com/roger.dooley https://www.instagram.com/rogerdooley/ Roger's Stuff: Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com Neuromarketing: https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/

    How Ron Johnson Built the Apple Store with Steve Jobs | Shop Different
  2. 1 day ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing MIKAYLA NOGUEIRA EXCLUSIVE: The Story She’s Finally Ready to Tell from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Jay sits down with beauty creator Mikayla Nogueira to go beyond the online persona and share the real story behind her rise. Mikayla opens up about the struggles that shaped her before finding success, the viral moment that changed her life overnight, and the painful reality of a marriage impacted by addiction and divorce. She also shares how she found her way forward, reconnected with her high school first love, and launched her own beauty brand with Sephora. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Built-in protections for teens. JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Why Share Your Story Now? 01:31 Beyond The Influencer Persona 02:46 Childhood Memories That Shaped Her 03:45 Bullying & Discovering Makeup At Age 10 05:24 The Insecurities Behind the Confidence 06:48 Expressing Her True Self Online 08:55 The Origin Of Her Passion For Makeup 11:18 Work Ethic And Thinking Big 12:37 Creating Her Very First YouTube Video 13:58 Presenting A 50-Page Business Plan 16:30 Returning To Her Hometown & Donating Makeup 18:00 Getting Hired At Ulta Beauty 23:52 Letting Go of the Future She Planned 28:10 Losing Her Job and Finding a New Path 31:34 The First Viral Video 37:08 Manifesting Success & Building A Content Engine 41:53 Experiencing Her First Cancellation 45:25 Reflecting on Past Controversies 48:56 The Mental Health Toll of Rapid Growth 52:54 The Boston Accent 56:48 Meeting Her Ex-Husband Cody 59:41 Navigating Addiction In A Relationship 01:04:08 Dating An Influencer & Dating An Addict 01:05:56 Marriage Through Addiction and Relapse 01:13:00 A Harrowing Late-Night Emergency 01:18:11 Making the Decision to Divorce 01:33:53 The Path To Divorce 01:40:46 Finally A Fresh Start 01:46:45 Reconnecting With High School First Love, Zach 01:52:21 Building Her Beauty Brand (POV) 01:57:30 Looking Back 01:59:34 Mikayla On Final Five Episode Resources: Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/share/1C43BCLCFi/?mibextid=wwXIfr TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylanogueira Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mikaylajmakeup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
  3. 24 Aug

    Cockroaches, Bridges, and Beer: The Weirdest Experiments in Behavioral Science

    In this solo Brainfluence episode, Roger Dooley argues that the strangest-looking experiments in behavioral science are usually the most useful ones. He opens in 1969, when psychologist Robert Zajonc put 72 cockroaches through mazes in front of an audience of other cockroaches. That setup wasn't a joke. It was a precise piece of engineering: strip out self-consciousness, and you can finally see whether an audience by itself changes performance. The organizing idea comes from Dan Ariely, who describes a good experiment as a painting rather than a photograph. You don't reproduce every detail of the real-world problem. You capture its essence and build a tiny world containing that and almost nothing else. Roger walks through four studies built exactly that way: a swaying suspension bridge two hundred thirty feet above a canyon, a beer menu at a Chapel Hill brewery, a pile of Lego Bionicles, and an energy drink sold at two different prices. Each one carries a direct lesson for marketers and managers, from why people can't tell you why they bought something to why discounting can make a product objectively worse. The episode closes with four rules that separate experiments which transfer from experiments that produce a one-time winner, and a twist: fifty years on, someone re-ran the cockroach study, and only half of it survived. Show Notes page with audio, text, resources: https://www.rogerdooley.com/weird-behavioral-science/ Dan Ariely on how he designs experiments: https://danariely.substack.com/p/on-experiments Neuromarketing - the beer study: https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog/articles/behavioral-science-beer.htm Video - why the same wine tastes better at a higher price: https://youtu.be/uN1gIsuEUfI Connect with Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/ https://www.threads.net/@rogerdooley https://www.facebook.com/roger.dooley https://www.instagram.com/rogerdooley/ Roger's Stuff: Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com Neuromarketing: https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/

    Cockroaches, Bridges, and Beer: The Weirdest Experiments in Behavioral Science
  4. 26 May

    The Persuasion Engine: AI-Powered Neuromarketing and Behavioral Science

    In this solo episode of Brainfluence, host Roger Dooley shares ideas from his new book, The Persuasion Engine (Wiley). The big shift he wants every marketer, business owner, and leader to notice isn't the customer—people still decide partly consciously, partly unconsciously, and mostly emotionally, just as they always have. What's changed are three things happening at once: the tools for understanding customers have gotten dramatically cheaper, decades of behavioral science now live inside AI models you can talk to, and AI has turned out to be surprisingly good at predicting how humans will react to a message—even though it can't feel anything itself. Roger calls this combination Neuromarketing 2.0. Along the way he explains why the real bottleneck was never the psychology but access to it, how to "critique before you create," why AI can flag the empathy gap in tone-deaf corporate messages, and how reducing resistance often beats pushing harder. He closes with a simple three-question audit you can run on any message that matters—no book required. Show Notes page with audio, text, resources: https://www.rogerdooley.com/persuasion-engine-podcast Amazon - The Persuasion Engine: https://amzn.to/3MfaL2b Connect with Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/ https://www.threads.net/@rogerdooley https://www.facebook.com/roger.dooley https://www.instagram.com/rogerdooley/ Roger's Stuff: Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com Neuromarketing: https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/

  5. 16/12/2025

    The Housefly Effect and Other Nudges That Change Behavior | Brainfluence

    In this Brainfluence episode, host Roger Dooley sits down with behavioral scientist Eva van der Broek and advertising creative Tim den Heijer, co-authors of the intriguing new book, The Housefly Effect: The Nudge Psychology That Steers Our Everyday Behavior. Together, they dive into the quirky yet profound ways that tiny changes—think a simple housefly sticker in a urinal—can dramatically shift our decisions and habits. Join us as Eva and Tim unpack the stories and science behind these small interventions, from the power of naming an "effect," to surprising marketing strategies, the influence of groupthink, and real-world examples like the "Cobra Effect." Along the way, you'll learn why imperfections can make products more appealing, how unintended consequences play out in public policy, and why sometimes being nudged in the right direction matters more than knowing exactly why you changed your behavior. Whether you're a marketer, policy maker, or just curious about how our minds work, this episode is packed with playful insights and practical advice on harnessing the subtle art of nudging. Show Notes page with audio, text, resources: https://www.rogerdooley.com/the-housefly-effect/ Amazon - The Housefly Effect: https://amzn.to/3Ky34E4 LinkedIn - Eva van der Broek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evdbroek/ LinkedIn - Tim den Heijer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timdenheijer/ Connect with Roger:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/ https://www.threads.net/@rogerdooley https://www.facebook.com/roger.dooley https://www.instagram.com/rogerdooley/ Roger's Stuff: Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com Neuromarketing: https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog  Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/

  6. 19/11/2025

    How To Make People Buy with Thomas Zoega Ramsoy - Brainfluence

    In this episode of Brainfluence, Roger Dooley is joined by Thomas Ramsoy, CEO and founder of Neurons, to discuss the evolving fields of neuromarketing and consumer neuroscience. Thomas Ramsoy shares insights from his book, "How to Make People Buy," which delves into the science behind what drives consumer behavior—emphasizing that genuine engagement, interest, and desire are far more effective than manipulation or trickery. He highlights how the understanding of unconscious decision-making, micro-decisions, and behavioral design is transforming the way marketers approach their craft. The conversation also covers the practical implications of neuroscience and AI in marketing, including the importance of capturing attention within the first second of a digital ad and avoiding common design pitfalls such as the "corner of death." Thomas Ramsoy explains how AI is making neuromarketing tools and insights more accessible to businesses of all sizes, enabling more precise prediction and optimization of campaigns. By integrating neuroscience methods and advanced machine learning models, companies can diagnose and improve their customer engagement strategies while keeping ethical considerations at the forefront. Show notes, audio, transcript, resources: https://www.rogerdooley.com/thomas-ramsoy-buy/ BOOK: How to Make People Buy (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4i2EGGE Connect with Thomas: Website - https://www.neuronsinc.com/  Website: https:/thomasramsoy.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tzramsoy/ Connect with Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/ https://twitter.com/rogerdooley https://www.threads.net/@rogerdooley https://www.facebook.com/roger.dooley https://www.instagram.com/rogerdooley/ Roger's Stuff: Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com Neuromarketing: https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/

    How To Make People Buy with Thomas Zoega Ramsoy - Brainfluence
  7. 20/05/2025

    The Activator Advantage with Matt Dixon

    In this episode of Brainfluence, host Roger Dooley welcomes back Matt Dixon, founding partner of DCM Insights and co-author of the bestselling "The Challenger Sale." Dixon shares insights from his latest book, The Activator Advantage: What Today's Rainmakers Do Differently, which is rooted in groundbreaking research on how top professionals win and grow client relationships in the increasingly competitive world of professional services. Dixon unpacks the five distinct profiles that partners in fields like law, accounting, and consulting tend to fall into, with a particular focus on the "Activator"—a proactive, well-networked rainmaker who brings new ideas to clients and promotes deep collaboration within firms. Dixon explains that while only about 15–20% of partners naturally exhibit strong activator traits, everyone can learn to adopt key behaviors that set activators apart: maintaining a regular business development cadence, building broad and deep networks, and proactively creating value for clients. He reveals that the biggest client complaint isn't over-contact; instead, it's wishing they heard more from their trusted advisors with fresh insights and opportunities. The conversation offers practical takeaways for both leaders and individuals in professional services who want to move beyond waiting for the phone to ring and instead, become indispensable partners in their clients' success. The Activator Advantage on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3FjUSED Connect with Matt: Website - https://www.dcminsights.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewxdixon/ Show notes, audio, text, links - https://www.rogerdooley.com/activator-advantage-matt-dixon/ Connect with Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/ https://twitter.com/rogerdooley https://www.threads.net/@rogerdooley https://www.facebook.com/roger.dooley https://www.instagram.com/rogerdooley/ Roger's Stuff: Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com Neuromarketing: https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/ About Matt Dixon: Matt Dixon is an acclaimed business researcher and author best known for co-writing "The Challenger Sale," published in 2011. After the book's release, he spent years traveling internationally to share its groundbreaking B2B sales insights with teams across the globe. Early in his journey—around 2012 or 2013—Dixon was invited to present his research to one of the world's top strategy consulting firms, marking the start of his influential role in shaping sales practices for leading professional organizations.

    The Activator Advantage with Matt Dixon
  8. 03/05/2025

    Audacious with Mark Schaefer: How Humans Win in an AI World

    Brainfluence host Roger Dooley sits down with marketing thought leader and bestselling author Mark Schaefer, who returns to the show with insights from his latest book, Audacious. Mark shares his unique approach to writing—how each of his books is inspired by real problems facing marketers—and discusses the existential challenges and opportunities posed by AI-driven marketing. Discover how both brands and individuals can stand out in an age of overwhelming content, why out-humaning AI is the key to survival, and what it means to be "audacious" in a world often dominated by the dull and predictable. From tangible examples, like the unforgettable fiberglass pig in a barbecue joint and Liquid Death's disruptive branding, to innovative uses of AI and QR codes, Mark offers practical strategies for earning attention, regardless of budget. He also tackles the importance of organizational culture, the role of fear in stifling creativity, and the critical connection between personal branding and professional audacity. Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or just hungry for the latest thinking on breaking through the noise, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice you won't want to miss. Audacious on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4k55iqp Connect with Mark:  Website - https://businessesgrow.com/ X - https://x.com/markwschaefer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer Show notes, audio, text, links - https://www.rogerdooley.com/audacious-mark-schaefer/ Connect with Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/  Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com Mark W. Schaefer is a globally recognized keynote speaker, educator, business consultant, and bestselling author of ten books. With over 30 years of experience in global sales, PR, and marketing, he serves as the Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions and holds faculty positions at Rutgers University and the University of Tennessee. Known for insightful and practical books like Audacious, which addresses navigating the AI world, and KNOWN, considered the world's number one book on personal branding, his work is used as textbooks at over 70 universities and translated into 15 languages. Schaefer's blog {grow} is hailed as one of the top marketing blogs in the world, and he is the founder and co-host of The Marketing Companion, one of the top 10 marketing podcasts. He consults for diverse clients from successful start-ups to global brands. His work often focuses on helping marketers rise above the noise by emphasizing humanity and finding ways to stand out in the digital age and amidst the rise of AI.

About

Roger Dooley is the author of Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince Consumers with Neuromarketing, and has been studying the effects of psychology, behavior research, and neuroscience on persuasion and marketing in business, leadership and everyday life. In every episode, Roger shares brain-oriented tactics, along with the expertise of his guests, to increase persuasion with concrete, research-based neuromarketing advice. Guests include best-selling authors and thought leaders like Robert Cialdini, Dan Pink, Guy Kawasaki, Jonah Berger, Chris Brogan, Maria Konnikova, and many more. Learn more and join the conversation at RogerDooley.com

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