Behavioral Grooves Podcast

What if every digital interaction you had—every like, purchase, or GPS ping—could be used to create a detailed map of who you are? Sandra Matz, a leading behavioral scientist and data researcher, joins us to explore the fascinating world of behavioral residue, the digital traces we leave behind, and their profound impact on our lives.  This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of psychology, technology, and ethics, offering thought-provoking ideas for anyone interested in the future of data and its role in shaping our behavior and society. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] - Introduction to Sandra Matz and the concept of behavioral residue. [4:46] - Speed Round with Sandra Matz [10:20] - Algorithms vs. human predictions of behavior. [28:11] - How marketing firms adopted psychological profiling. [34:56] - Personalized ads: A 55% increase in purchases. [40:04] - Using data to improve savings habits and mental health. [44:52] - The concept of echo chamber swaps to reduce polarization. [49:30] - What lies ahead: Regulation, data co-ops, and taming the digital storm. [55:18] - Desert Island Music [57:59] - Grooving Session: Asking for more control over personal data. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Sandra Matz Mindmasters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior The Open Data Institute Check Your Digital Footprint! Musical Links Taylor Swift - Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)  Kolektiv Turmstrasse - Sorry I Am Late  Linkin Park - The Emptiness Machine

How can a tiny fly in an airport urinal transform human behavior? This week, we sit down with Eva van den Broek and Tim den Heijer, authors of The Housefly Effect, to uncover how subtle environmental cues can shape our decisions in powerful and surprising ways. With Eva’s expertise in behavioral economics and Tim’s background in advertising, they reveal the fascinating impact nudges have on our daily lives. From casino design to placebo crosswalk buttons, the world around us is filled with real-life applications of behavioral science that influence our behavior—even when we know they’re at play. Join us for practical tips, captivating stories, and thought-provoking insights into how these small interventions can make a big difference in your life. So sit back, relax, and discover the invisible forces of behavioral science all around you. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro - Flies in Urinals? [6:57] Speed Round with Eva and Tim [10:58] Exploring the House Fly Effect [22:07] Why Knowing About Nudges Doesn’t Stop Them [32:20] Regulating Nudges in Online Casinos [41:36] Personal Applications of Behavioral Science [50:37] Desert Island Music [56:17] Grooving Session: The Bigger Picture of Behavioral Science ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links The Housefly Effect: How Nudge Psychology Steers Your Everyday Behaviour Illusion of control: Why the world is full of buttons that don’t work Have You Been Nudged? Musical Links David Bowie - Space Oddity  Prince - When Doves Cry Arooj Aftab - Mehram  Benjamin Britten - Mozart: Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K.183 - 1. Allegro con brio  

Happy New Year, Groovers! The start of a new year often brings fresh goals, ambitious resolutions, and a renewed sense of motivation. But what’s the psychology behind this goal-oriented mindset? In our first episode of the year, we’re joined by Dr. Ayelet Fishbach, a renowned expert in behavioral science, to explore the science of achieving goals and rethink the traditional belief that success is all about willpower. Whether you’re a leader looking to energize your team, a professional pursuing career aspirations, or someone striving to stay on track with personal resolutions, this episode will inspire you to think differently about motivation. Discover how to align your efforts with purpose, make progress more enjoyable, and build lasting momentum to achieve meaningful goals in the year ahead. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Motivation and Willpower - a New Perspective with Ayelet Fishbach [3:19] The Marshmallow Test and Its Misinterpretation [7:52] Meta Motivation and Its Implications [14:28] The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation [18:17] Problems Around Goal Achievement [32:41] The Important of Aspirational Goals [42:58] Strategies for Overcoming the Problem of "the Middle" [48:33] Key Takeaways Links Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation Motivation Isn’t About Being Strong, It’s About Being Wise Understanding the Power of Intrinsic Motivation NIH: Intrinsic Motivation

Happy Holidays from Behavioral Grooves! We're taking a week off to get ready for all the new and exciting content we have in store for our listeners coming in 2025. If you'd like to help us make next year's show amazing please help us by filling out the Behavioral Grooves survey here! In the meantime, please enjoy this republish of one of our favorite episode this year, enjoy! How can we turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and connection? In this episode, Kurt and Tim dive into the science of meaningful conversations with David Robson, author of The Laws of Connection. Together, they explore how to deepen our understanding and build stronger connections with the people around us. Disagreements don’t have to signal the end of a conversation. Instead, with compassionate curiosity and a willingness to listen, we can turn them into constructive dialogues that bridge divides. © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics  [0:00] A message from Tim [3:05] Welcome back, David! [5:27] Intro and speed round [10:05] Misconceptions about connecting with strangers [16:59] The importance of social connections [25:43] The art of successful conversation [31:09] Creating a shared reality [34:44] Effective communication strategies for disagreements [38:42] Using personal experience to persuade others [42:17] Effective feedback delivery [53:55] Grooving session: Building connections, overcoming fear, and improving relationships © 2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Kwame Christian’s “Compassionate Curiosity” approach Trotsky’s principle on empathy and statistics The Laws of Connection David Robson Music Links Judy Collins - Spellbound Taylor Swift - Fortnight West Side Story - America