Curious Minds at Work

We live in a world of markets. The ones we can easily see, like grocery stores or restaurants. And the ones that are less obvious, like college admission, waitlists, even your schedule.

Yet these less obvious markets play an important role in our lives. That’s why I wanted to speak with University of Pennsylvania economist, Judd Kessler, author of the book, Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get What You Want. He not only helps us recognize these hidden markets, but he also arms us with the knowledge we need to succeed in them.

This is a book that will help you see the world with fresh eyes. You’ll not only understand how these less obvious markets work, but you’ll gain tips on more effectively designing your own.

Related Links

Is There a More Fair Way to Sell World Cup Tickets?

The Hidden Economy Deciding Who Gets into Your Favorite Concert, Restaurant, and Theme Park

‘AI Killed the Cover Letter.’ This Wharton Economist Says the Hiring Ritual’s Days Are Numbered

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

Subscribe

Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

It would be great if we could gain success overnight. In a matter of hours, we’d be happier, smarter, maybe even wealthier. But when we step back and assess how much time success actually takes, we can feel overwhelmed.

Those are the feelings Eric Zimmer certainly had. Faced with his own challenges, he knew he needed to change. And, over time, his curiosity about what change actually requires led him to the field of behavioral science.

The lessons Eric’s learned from his research – and his own life experience – are what he writes about in his masterful book, How a Little Become a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. And there are insightful nuggets and how-tos in every chapter.

Related Links

Wendy Wood on the Science of Habits

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

Subscribe

Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe

When life gets hard, humor can feel like a luxury. Like an indulgence we don’t deserve or have time for. But science tells a different story.

Researchers have learned that humor can help with healing and grief, and it can improve our social connections. And innovators often call out the role fun plays in getting curious and acting on their ideas.

One of these innovators is Chris Duffy, a stand-up comedian, TV writer, and host of TED’s hit podcast, How to Be a Better Human. Chris sees humor as a powerful life practice, an argument that lies at the heart of his book, Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy.

In this conversation we talk about how to build our humor muscle, what to avoid when going for a laugh, and why humor is really about the other person. Chris has written a book that is fun to read and fun to talk about. Talking to Chris, I can already feel my humor muscle getting stronger.

Related Links

How to Be a Better Human podcast with Chris Duffy

Chris Duffy on Substack

How to Find Laughter Anywhere, Chris Duffy’s TED Talk

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

Subscribe

Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Anthony Klotz believes we’re just one event away from quitting our jobs. Anthony is a professor of organizational behavior at University College London’s School of Management and the person who coined the phrase, “the Great Resignation.” He’s also author of the book, Jolted: Why We Quit, When to Stay, and Why It Matters.

Anthony’s research shows just how much leaders and employees need to learn about quitting. Employees, you have more options than you think. And leaders, you can pick up some important tips on how to manage employee resignations a whole lot better.

Interviewing, hiring, and onboarding are a key part of an employee’s success and a leader’s responsibilities. And this book shares tips on all of it.

Related Links

New Research on How to Get Workplace Rituals Right

Research: To Retain Employees, Promote Them Before the Job Market Heats Up

Interview with Annie Duke, author of the book, Quit

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

Subscribe

Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

In those moments when we want to disagree, why do we often stay silent? At those times when we want to opt out, why do we often just go along?

A key reason is that it’s hard to defy. It’s hard to question the way something’s always been done. To challenge comments, behaviors, and systems. Yet it’s in those moments of defiance that we flex our values and craft an identity.

That’s why I wanted to talk to Sunita Sah, organizational psychologist at Cornell University and author of the book, Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes. Her research reveals the importance of defiance and the skills we need to do it well. In her book – and in this conversation – she shares ways we can practice it and support others doing the same.

Related Links

Interview with Vanessa Patrick, author of The Power of Saying No

Speak up at Thanksgiving. Your Health Demands It.

America Thinks It’s a Country of Free Thinkers. But We’re Actually Compliant

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

Subscribe

Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.