Episodit

  • 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 [email protected] for your chance to win!

  • 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 [email protected] 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

  • Puuttuva jakso?

    Paina tästä ja päivitä feedi.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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)

  • Is Your Job a Calling or a Burden?

    This week, we jump into the deep and sometimes challenging question: what role does work play in a meaningful life? Christopher Michaelson, one of the co-authors of Is Your Work Worth It? joins us to explore the philosophical and practical aspects of how we view work—as a job, a career, or a calling—and the impacts each perspective can have on our sense of purpose and fulfillment. While a calling can give us profound motivation, Christopher warns that it can also lead to burnout and even exploitation.

    One of the most poignant moments in our conversation reflects on research from 9/11, which reveals that for two-thirds of the victims, work was not a defining element in their life stories. This insight reminds us of the importance of balancing work with other meaningful aspects of life. Christopher also shares insights from his personal family history and invites us to redefine success beyond professional or financial achievements.

    Together, we consider how our “90-year-old self” might view the decisions we make about work and purpose today, and how these choices impact our journey toward a balanced life. Join us as we dig into the importance of examining our relationship to work to ensure it truly aligns with our broader life goals and values.

    ©2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Topics

    [0:00] Intro

    [4:11] Speed round

    [12:32] Exploring the nature of work

    [22:40] Is having “a calling” a bad thing?

    [36:24] Redefining success

    [48:30] Desert island music

    [53:48] Grooving Session: Work-life balance and living in the moment

    ©2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Links

    Is Your Work Worth It?: How to Think About Meaningful Work

    Christopher Michaelson

    9/11 Portraits of Grief Project

    Musical Links

    Phillip Glass “Prophecies”

    Allison Russell “Nightflyer”

    Boy Genius “Not Strong Enough

  • Has Behavioral Grooves turned into a political podcast?

    Not really (ok, maybe kinda it has - but for just a few weeks, we promise ). With the 2024 election days away, however, it’s felt nearly unavoidable for many people, including us. Attending the Norms and Behavior Change Conference (NoBeC), titled, Democracy Under Threat, sparked some essential thoughts and insights that we feel compelled to share.

    Democracy relies on fragile social norms that are under serious threat right now. From startling statistics about the rise of autocracies worldwide to the surge in misinformation, it’s clear that a renewed commitment to democratic norms is needed now more than ever. So, here’s a crucial question for all of us to consider: Is party loyalty more important than the stability of our democracy?

    Join us to rethink democracy—not just as a system but as a collective responsibility – bound together by shared beliefs. Your voice matters, your vote is essential, and together, we can help fortify democracy. If you don’t have a plan for where and when you’re going to vote, put one together. Get a friend to vote with you. You may feel disenfranchised or fatigued or angry or sad
just make sure you vote. And put a happy spin on your voting experience: celebrate the fact that we can vote by baking an election cake (or election pie or even election cookies) to bring to the polls! Democracy is fragile, please treat it with respect.

    ©2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Special Thanks to: Cristina Bicchieri, Kaushik Basu, Diana Mutz, Gretchen Helmke, Horacio Larreguy, Christoph Abels, Ryan Enos, Robert Talisse, Giulia Maimone, Erik Groenendyk, Nikos Nikiforkis, Cesar Nuñez, Karine Nyborg, Jan Voelkel and Ryan Enos for their participation in NoBeC and their fascinating research!

    Topics

    [0:08] Understanding Democracy and Social Norms

    [3:07] The Fragility of Democracy

    [9:34] Polarization and Media Influence

    [17:43] The Role of Political Elites

    [19:55] Gratitude and Closing Thoughts

    ©2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Links

    Find Your Polling Place

    Polarization Series

    Center for Social Norms and Behavioral Dynamics

    Cristina Bicchieri

    Kaushik Basu

    Diana Mutz

    Gretchen Helmke

    Horacio Larreguy

    Christoph Abels

    Ryan Enos

    Robert Talisse

    Giulia Maimone

    Erik Groenendyk

    Nikos Nikiforkis

    Cesar Nuñez

    Karine Nyborg

    Jan Voelkel

  • A special message from Kurt and Tim, all the way from Philadelphia:

    November 5th is fast approaching, and now, more than ever, participating in democracy matters. Casting your vote isn’t just a civic duty—it’s a way to find your groove in American democracy. Tune in to this short episode for practical advice and inspiration to make your vote count, and join in celebrating the great American experiment!

  • What if you could give the U.S. Constitution a makeover?

    Ahead of the 2024 U.S. election, AJ Jacobs joins Kurt and Tim to dive into the lighter side of politics, taking a playful look at what really needs fixing in America’s founding documents (hint: it starts with grammar).

    While the spelling of Pennsylvania is no longer up for debate, the trio tackles plenty of other things that could — and maybe should — be changed for the better. What does the 2nd Amendment really mean? Should cabinet members have veto power? Are we missing out on some much-needed retirement parties for Supreme Court justices? Tune in to Groove Jams for a lively conversation and share your thoughts!

    After all, it’s a free country!

    Want to watch along? Check out the video version on YouTube

  • Ahead of the 2024 US Election, Kurt and Tim sit down with bestselling author and serial experimenter AJ Jacobs to discuss his latest project, The Year of Living Constitutionally. AJ spent a year living life according to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, adopting 18th-century customs along the way. From wearing tricorn hats and writing with quill pens to exploring the deeper philosophical underpinnings of democracy, AJ brings history to life while reflecting on the balance between rights and responsibilities, a concept that feels more urgent than ever today.

    AJ also shares his mission to revive one of America’s sweetest (and largely forgotten) traditions—Election Cakes! In the 1700s, Election Day was a festival of civic pride, complete with parades, music, and community-baked cakes shared at the polls. In true AJ fashion, he’s on a quest to bring this tradition back, reminding us that democracy can be both a serious and joyful act.

    Throughout the episode, AJ, Kurt, and Tim dive into the importance of ‘epistemic humility’ - aka, the acknowledgment that we don’t have all the answers and must remain open to learning. From Benjamin Franklin’s introspection to modern-day challenges of misinformation, AJ challenges listeners to approach life and democracy with curiosity, gratitude, and a willingness to improve both ourselves and our society. So grab a slice of election cake (or pie!) and join us for this thought-provoking, timely conversation on what it means to live constitutionally.

    Need help finding a voting location near you? Check here!

    ©2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Topics

    [0:00] Election day traditions

    [4:25] Speed round with AJ Jacobs

    [9:44] Living Colonially: What I learned

    [18:56] Epistemic humility and political perspectives

    [23:52] Constitutional originalism

    [36:29] How do we frame the constitution?

    [40:40] Election cakes and celebrating democracy

    [48:52] Embracing experimentation in everyday life

    [52:56] Grooving session: open-mindedness, civic duty, and cake recipes

    ©2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Links

    Join our Facebook Group!

    AJ’s Substack

    The Year of Living Constitutionally

    More about AJ

    The History of Election Cakes

    The US Constitution

    Musical Links

    Royal American Medley - Songs of the Revolutionary War

    Yankee Doodle

  • Why do we avoid the very thing that could bring us more joy—connecting with others?

    In this episode, behavioral scientist and human interaction expert Nick Epley returns to the podcast to help Kurt and Tim explore the paradox of social connection. Despite living in a time often described as a loneliness epidemic, many of us still choose to limit our social interactions and shy away from new experiences. While we’re hardwired to thrive on positive connections, anxiety and inaccurate assumptions often hold us back. Nick sheds light on why we consistently underestimate how enjoyable social interactions will be—and how this leads to missed opportunities for meaningful connection.

    Drawing from his research at Chicago’s Mindworks facility, where people from all walks of life participate in behavioral experiments, Nick shares fascinating insights into our social nature. His team’s real-world studies have uncovered how our expectations and assumptions can prevent us from fully engaging in new social experiences.

    Tune in to learn how our beliefs can shape our social lives and how curiosity and openness can transform any interaction into something rewarding. Nick offers practical advice on how behavioral science can help us lead more connected, fulfilling lives. And hey, next time you’re getting your morning coffee, say hi to the barista—you never know where that small interaction might lead!

    ©2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Topics

    [0:00] Intro: Connecting with strangers

    [9:50] Nick Epley and Mindworks research facility

    [23:16] Experiments at Mindworks

    [30:55] Insights from social interaction experiments

    [39:34] The role of expectations in social interactions

    [47:01] How to create positive interactions

    [51:18] Grooving session: Curiosity, compassion, and engaging with strangers

    ©2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Links

    Mindworks

    About Nick Epley

    Mistakenly Seeking Solitude

    Join our Facebook Group!

  • Ever wondered what it would be like to snag a backstage pass to history’s biggest moments? In Groove Jams' maiden voyage, Kurt, Tim, and special guest Christian Hunt take on the ultimate bucket list item: time travel. Prepare for a wild ride that’s part history lesson, part “what could possibly go wrong?”

    Tune in for a rollercoaster of laughs, deep thoughts, and ethical dilemmas as we explore the slippery slope of time-hopping. What are the risks and rewards? Could curiosity lead to chaos? And most importantly, could we save the Beatles from Yoko Ono?

  • Co-hosts, meet co-creation! This week, Kurt and Tim are joined by special guests Aransas Savas and Dave Norton, hosts of the Experience Strategy Podcast. Together, they take on one of the biggest challenges companies face: truly understanding what their customers want and need.

    Data can be valuable, but how useful is it if you don’t fully grasp the “what” or “why” behind those numbers? Aransas and Dave explain why co-creating with customers is a more effective approach than relying solely on data or assumptions. They dive into how blending behavioral science with experience strategy can create lasting value for both customers and companies, while also breaking through common barriers like internal fears, egos, and dreaded groupthink (shudder).

    Listen in to discover how experience strategy complements behavior change and why clinging to past successes can lead to blind spots in a rapidly evolving market.

    Ready to take your customer experience strategy to the next level? Tune in and join the conversation—because the future of your business depends on truly understanding your customers. And share your thoughts with Kurt and Tim in our new Facebook Group!

    © 2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Book a time to talk to Tim about Behavioral Grooves here

    Topics

    [0:00] Introduction: Customer needs and preferences

    [3:14] Housekeeping: BG Updates!

    [5:29] Speed Round

    [9:35] Customer trends and the importance of outside perspectives

    [20:51] Challenges in engaging customers and the role of behavior change

    [26:42] Common pitfalls to avoid

    [30:30] Grooving session: customer engagement, listening, and considering needs

    © 2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Links

    The Experience Strategy Podcast

    Subscribe to our YouTube for Groove Jams!

    Join our Groove Community!

  • And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for (even if you didn’t know you were waiting)...

    Introducing Groove Jams! Tim and Kurt are launching an exciting new video-first mini-series where they dive into wild hypothetical scenarios and tackle thought-provoking questions about human behavior—and so much more. With help from some fan-favorite guests, each episode kicks off with an intriguing question that pushes the limits of imagination and reveals fresh perspectives on the world. Get ready for laughs, “aha” moments, and maybe even a few WTFs, every few weeks starting this October!

    Subscribe on YouTube to be the First to See Groove Jams!

  • Now
back to work!

    We’re back to the weekly grind this week on Behavioral Grooves and exploring a topic Kurt and Tim know like the back of their hands - Behavioral Science in the workplace. Joined by Scott Young, a seasoned behavioral science practitioner with years of experience in the private sector, they dive into how we can improve work environments by tweaking work policies rather than replacing them entirely.

    Scott shares insights from his work and a recent paper he authored for the Behavioral Science Policy Association about the real-world challenges behavioral science practitioners face when working with large corporations. From defining behavior change to navigating organization resistance, the trio explore the challenges of their work and offer practical solutions to overcome these barriers.

    Throughout the conversation, Scott walks listeners through a multi-step process for workplace success, focusing on defining goals, understanding content, ideating interventions, and rigorously testing solutions. Tune in for a roadmap for business leaders on how to leverage these concepts effectively by aligning them with existing challenges and integrating them into everyday operations.

    © 2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Topics

    [0:00] Intro and Behavioral Grooves announcements!

    [7:39] Speed round with Scott Young

    [11:41] Behavioral science in the real world

    [15:10] Potential of behavioral science in business

    [21:41] Challenges to applying behavioral science in the real world

    [31:02] How to frame behavioral science to business leaders

    [36:50] Solutions and looking to the future

    [41:59] Desert Island music

    [46:18] Grooving Session: Integrating behavioral science into organizations

    © 2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Links

    Bridging the Divide - Scott's Paper

    BeScy.org

    BASF commercial

    BSPA

    Join our Facebook Group!

    Join the Patreon!

    Musical Links

    Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing

    Counting Crows - Hanginaround

  • So
is there hope? Kurt and Tim think so!

    In this wrap-up of our polarization series, Kurt and Tim reflect on how much the political landscape has changed since they started recording last December. With the presidential campaign in full swing and November’s election approaching, it’s more important than ever to critically evaluate the news and information we consume.

    In this quick, engaging episode, they revisit the most impactful ideas from their conversations with researchers. From “nut-picking”—focusing on extreme examples of the opposing side—to the challenge of living in a fragmented reality, Kurt and Tim discuss how we can push back against the media’s efforts to keep us divided. Instead, they urge us to focus on bridging divides and coming together for the sake of democracy.

    Polarization is powerful, but it’s not unbreakable. So, stay informed, talk to each other, and most importantly—register to vote!

    Links

    Register to Vote!

    Ep. 434 – What’s Really Driving Political Polarization? The Science Explained

    Ep. 435 - Are We Acting Differently Because of Politics? Here’s What the Research Shows

    Ep. 436 - A Less Polarized Future: Real Solutions to Heal Our Divided World

  • In the final episode of the polarization series, Kurt and Tim delve into "affective polarization," where emotional distrust, rather than ideological differences, has deepened the divide between political parties. Drawing on insights from the recent MIT conference, they explore how these negative feelings have escalated over time. Stanford postdoc Jan Voelkl shares eye-opening research showing a marked decline in positive feelings across party lines over the past few decades.

    But there's hope on the horizon! Kurt and Tim explore proven interventions aimed at reducing polarization by fostering cooperation and shared identities. Through game-based approaches and collaborative strategies, they demonstrate that cross-party cooperation is not only possible but achievable. Featured researcher Josh Green explains how his game-based method helps bridge the partisan divide, offering an optimistic outlook for improving political discourse.

    The duo also speaks with Kati Kish Bar-On, a postdoc at MIT, who provides a philosophical perspective on polarization and how we engage with one another, while Yph Lelkes offers historical context and a dose of optimism for the future based on the 2022 election results.

    The series concludes with a compassionate, forward-thinking conversation, offering practical strategies to critically assess polarized messaging and steps toward healing the growing political divide.

    © 2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Topics

    [0:00] Introduction: A final look at polarization

    [4:07] Hope for American democracy - Jan Voelkl

    [12:23] Game-based interventions - Josh Greene

    [20:28] Polarization: a philosophical perspective - Kati Kish Bar-On

    [28:28] History and hope: Yph Lelkes

    [31:54] Grooving session - America, democracy, and critical thinking

    [41:30] BONUS TRACK: Young scientists look at polarization - Miles and Isaac Rand

    © 2024 Behavioral Grooves

    Links

    Kati Kish Bar-on

    Jan Voelkl

    Josh Greene

    Yph Lelkes

    Register to Vote Here!