Episodes
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits a compelling conversation with Dr. Sudy Majd, a leader and behavioral scientist with a rich background in e-commerce purchasing behaviors. Originally aired in early April 2020, this episode delves into Sudy's work at Candid, a company that helps people straighten their teeth with clear aligners, and her journey to incorporate behavioral science into business practices.
During the episode, Sudy shares insights from her research on consumer behavior, particularly focusing on the challenges of getting customers to return kits necessary for purchasing aligners. She discusses the surprising outcomes of applying behavioral science tactics and the importance of continuous testing and adaptation in real-world applications. The conversation also explores customer feedback, procrastination, and the psychological traits influencing consumer decisions.
In this episode:
Discover the intention-action gap and how it affects consumer behavior in e-commerce. Learn about the application of behavioral science tactics, such as nudging and social norms, in business. Explore the balance between qualitative and quantitative research in understanding consumer decisions. Understand the role of customer feedback in refining business strategies and improving conversion rates. Gain insights into the future of behavioral science in business and its application in digital spaces and big data. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces the episode and Dr. Sudy Majd, highlighting her expertise in behavioral science and e-commerce.00:02:00 - Sudy's Background
Sudy shares her journey from academia to applying behavioral science at Candid and other businesses.00:08:00 - Challenges in Consumer Behavior
Discussion on the challenges of getting customers to return kits and the initial application of behavioral science tactics.00:15:00 - Testing and Adaptation
Insights into the importance of testing and adapting strategies based on consumer feedback and psychological traits.00:23:00 - Overcoming Procrastination
Exploration of strategies to overcome consumer procrastination and improve conversion rates.00:27:00 - Future of Behavioral Science
Sudy discusses the future of behavioral science in business, including its application in digital spaces and big data.00:29:00 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Sudy:
LinkedIn
Learn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Alchemy, by Rory Sutherland Blindsight, by Matt Johnson and Prince Ghuman Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, by Nancy Harhut Immersion, by Paul ZakTop Recommended Next Episode: How to Set Up Your Own Experiments (ep 63)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
A Behavioral Economics Analysis of Costco (ep 47) Disney (ep 292) Peloton (ep 338) Starbucks: A Behavioral Economics Analysis (ep 73) Amazon (ep 159)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Jason Voiovich, author of Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress, for a fascinating discussion about the consumer revolution of the 1920s. Jason, with over 25 years of experience in launching innovative products, shares his insights into how the Roaring Twenties shaped modern consumer behavior and choice culture.
Jason discusses his journey from a family of artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs to becoming a fractional chief marketing officer and chief innovation officer. He emphasizes the importance of history in understanding consumer behavior and innovation, revealing how lessons from the past can inform present-day business strategies. The conversation explores the pivotal innovations of the 1920s, highlighting how mass production, mass marketing, and mass finance converged to create a culture of choice.
In this episode:
Discover the historical roots of modern consumer choice and behavior. Learn about the innovations that shaped the 1920s and their lasting impact. Understand the role of advertising and media in influencing consumer decisions. Explore the psychological aspects of identity and social proof in consumer culture. Gain insights into how historical lessons can inform current business strategies. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces Jason Voiovich and his book Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress.00:03:15 - Jason's Background
Jason shares his journey and the influence of his family's entrepreneurial spirit on his career.00:08:30 - The Importance of History
Jason discusses how historical insights can inform innovation and consumer behavior.00:15:45 - Innovations of the 1920s
The conversation explores key innovations of the 1920s, including GM's model year changes and product ladder.00:22:00 - Role of Advertising
Jason explains how advertising serves as a primary source for understanding consumer behavior.00:29:15 - Radio and Attention Management
The impact of radio on consumer choice and attention management is discussed.00:35:42 - Identity and Social Proof
Jason delves into the psychological aspects of identity and social proof in consumer culture.00:47:05 - Conclusion,
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Jason:
LinkedIn Jason’s WebsiteLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer The Experience Maker, by Dan Gingiss Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress, by Jason Voiovich Elements of Choice, by Eric Johnson Alchemy, by Rory SutherlandTop Recommended Next Episode: Roger Hurni Interview (ep 405)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Disney (ep 144) Rory Sutherland Interview (ep 373) Surprise & Delight (ep 60) Peak-End Rule: Why Averages Don’t Always Matter (ep 97) Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 157)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits the foundational concepts of choice architecture and nudges, crucial elements in the field of behavioral economics. Originally aired as episode 35, this episode sets the stage for understanding how subtle changes in the way choices are presented can significantly influence decision-making. Melina refreshes this episode to prepare listeners for her upcoming conversation with author Jason Vojovich.
Melina delves into the work of Nobel laureate Richard Thaler and his co-author Cass Sunstein, explaining how their book Nudge has shaped our understanding of nudges. She uses practical examples, such as school cafeteria food placement, to illustrate how choice architecture can guide better decisions without restricting freedom of choice. This episode is packed with insights on how to apply these concepts in both personal and professional contexts.
In this episode:
Learn the core definitions of choice architecture and nudges. Understand the impact of subtle changes in choice presentation. Explore practical examples of nudges in everyday scenarios. Discover how to design better choices for improved decision-making. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces the episode and its relevance to the upcoming discussion with Jason Voiovich.00:02:15 - Definition of Nudges
Melina explains the core definition of a nudge and its significance in behavioral economics.00:05:30 - Richard Thaler's Contribution
An overview of Richard Thaler's Nobel Prize-winning work and the book Nudge.00:10:45 - School Cafeteria Example
Practical example of how food placement in school cafeterias can influence children's food choices.00:15:00 - Behavioral Insights Team
Discussion on the role of a Behavioral Insights team in implementing nudges at the policy level.00:20:00 - The Role of a Choice Architect
Explanation of what it means to be a choice architect and how it applies to various professions.00:25:00 - Ethical Considerations
Examination of the ethical implications of using nudges in decision-making.00:30:00 - Examples of Choice Architecture
Real-world examples of choice architecture in HR, healthcare, and other fields.00:35:00 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Sludge, by Cass SunsteinTop Recommended Next Episode: Cass Sunstein Interview (ep 371)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain (ep 1) Framing (ep 296) Priming (ep 252) Habits (ep 256) Prefactual Thinking: How to Turn “What If” Into “Why Not” (ep 71)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter Choice Architecture -
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Hunter Thurman, president of Alpha-Diver, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of neuroscience, market research, and consumer behavior. Hunter shares his journey from traditional market research to founding Alpha-Diver, a firm that leverages behavioral science to uncover the deeper motivations behind consumer actions. With a focus on the BEV 50 report, Hunter reveals fascinating insights into how pricing perceptions differ between high-interest, exploratory brands like Poppy and Olipop and routine staples like Coke and Pepsi.
Hunter explains how consumers' concerns about price are often inversely related to the actual cost per ounce, challenging the conventional wisdom that price directly dictates consumer behavior. This episode delves into the psychological factors that influence purchasing decisions, emphasizing that the perceived cost and social context often outweigh the actual price. Hunter and Melina discuss strategies for brands to navigate these complexities, whether they are market leaders looking to maintain their dominance or new entrants aiming to carve out a niche.
In this episode:
Explore the unexpected relationship between price and consumer perception. Understand the importance of social context in influencing purchasing decisions. Learn about the different psychological drivers for routine and exploratory brands. Discover actionable strategies for both established and emerging brands to thrive in a competitive market. Gain insights into how to leverage behavioral science to better understand and predict consumer behavior. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces Hunter Thurman and the focus of today's episode on pricing insights from the BEV 50 report.00:04:30 - Hunter's Background
Hunter shares his journey from traditional market research to founding Alpha-Diver and applying behavioral science to understand consumer behavior.00:10:15 - The BEV 50 Report
Hunter discusses the BEV 50 report and the surprising findings about consumer perceptions of price and value.00:15:45 - Price Perception vs. Actual Cost
Hunter explains how consumers often perceive lower-priced routine brands as more expensive compared to higher-priced exploratory brands.00:25:00 - Psychological Drivers
The conversation shifts to the psychological factors that drive consumer behavior and how brands can leverage these insights.00:30:20 - Strategies for Market Leaders
Hunter provides actionable advice for established brands to navigate pricing challenges and maintain consumer interest.00:35:50 - Strategies for Emerging Brands
Hunter shares tips for new brands looking to enter the market and differentiate themselves.00:45:00 - The Promised Land
Hunter describes the "promised land" for brands that successfully balance routine use with high consumer interest.00:50:30 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Hunter:
LinkedIn
Learn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
The Truth About Pricing, by Melina Palmer The Power of Scarcity, by Mindy Weinstein Influence, by Robert Cialdini The Psychology of Price, by Leigh Caldwell Semiotics In Retail, by Rachel LawesTop Recommended Next Episode: Sigi Hale Interview (ep 335)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Quality Vs Value (ep 357) The Truth About Pricing (ep 356) How to Stack and Bundle Products and Services (ep 84) How to raise your prices (ep 354) Pain of Paying (ep 240)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter Alpha-Diver Website -
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and behavioral economics with Sam Albert, Chief Digital Officer at Behaviorally. Sam shares his extensive experience in the research industry and discusses the innovative work his team is doing with Flash.AI to create predictive models that help businesses increase sales and improve customer connections.
Sam explains how Behaviorally leverages a rich database of system one and system two behaviors, along with advanced image recognition, to predict consumer actions and reactions. He provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of AI models and the importance of continuously updating them to reflect real-world changes. Sam also shares compelling case studies that illustrate how Flash.AI can help businesses make informed decisions about product packaging and placement, ultimately leading to better market performance.
In this episode:
Discover the power of combining AI and behavioral economics to create predictive models. Learn about the dynamic nature of AI models and the importance of continuous updates. Explore compelling case studies that demonstrate the impact of Flash.AI on product packaging and placement. Understand the importance of context and nuance in evaluating consumer behavior. Gain insights into the future of AI and its role in market research and consumer behavior analysis. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces Sam Albert and highlights the focus of the episode on AI and behavioral economics.00:02:45 - Sam Albert's Background
Sam shares his journey from a pre-law political science major to Chief Digital Officer at Behaviorally, detailing his extensive experience in the research industry.00:08:15 - The Evolution of Behavioral Science
Sam discusses the early days of behavioral science and the innovative tools and techniques used to understand consumer behavior.00:13:55 - Introduction to Flash.AI
Sam explains how Flash.AI leverages a rich database of system one and system two behaviors, along with advanced image recognition, to predict consumer actions and reactions.00:19:30 - The Dynamic Nature of AI Models
Sam emphasizes the importance of continuously updating AI models to reflect real-world changes and ensure accurate predictions.00:24:55 - Case Studies
Sam shares compelling case studies that illustrate how Flash.AI helps businesses make informed decisions about product packaging and placement.00:34:20 - The Future of AI in Market Research
Sam discusses the future of AI and its role in market research and consumer behavior analysis, emphasizing the importance of context and nuance.00:44:10 - AI Summary
Melina wraps up the conversation, highlighting the key takeaways and encouraging listeners to explore the potential of AI in their own businesses.00:49:35 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Sam:
LinkedIn Behaviorally Website Behaviorally on TwitterLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
The Truth About Pricing, by Melina Palmer The Power of Scarcity, by Mindy Weinstein Influence, by Robert Cialdini The Psychology of Price, by Leigh Caldwell Semiotics In Retail, by Rachel LawesTop Recommended Next Episode: Unboxing Videos: Why Do They Work? (ep 180)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Quality Vs Value (ep 357) The Truth About Pricing (ep 356) How to Stack and Bundle Products and Services (ep 84) How to raise your prices (ep 354) Pain of Paying (ep 240)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter Flash.AI Case Studies -
In episode 439 of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes William Mailer, Chief Behavioral Scientist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, to discuss the intersection of behavioral science and financial well-being. William, who leads the bank's Behavioral Science Center of Excellence, shares insights on how his multidisciplinary team of economists, psychologists, and data scientists work to improve financial well-being and climate action outcomes for millions of Australians. The episode explores the innovative projects led by Will’s team, including Benefits Finder, which has connected Australians to over $1.2 billion in government benefits.
Will also explores his journey into behavioral science, starting from his early career in economics and various roles that focused on understanding human behavior. He provides valuable advice on building a behavioral science team within an organization, emphasizing the importance of establishing relationships with academic researchers and thinking creatively to solve problems. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of operational transparency in financial products, showcasing how showing trade-offs in credit card options can lead to higher customer retention and reduced financial distress.
In this episode:
Learn about the innovative Benefits Finder project and its impact on financial well-being in Australia. Discover the importance of operational transparency in financial products. Understand the criteria for selecting high-impact behavioral science projects. Gain insights into building and leading a multidisciplinary behavioral science team. Explore Will Mailer's journey and experiences in the field of behavioral science. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces William Mailer and sets the stage for an insightful conversation on behavioral science and financial well-being.00:02:30 - Will's Background
Will shares his journey into behavioral science, including his early career in economics and roles focused on understanding human behavior.00:10:00 - Building a Behavioral Science Team
Will discusses the importance of establishing relationships with academic researchers and thinking creatively to solve problems.00:15:45 - Benefits Finder Project
Will introduces the Benefits Finder project, which has connected Australians to over $1.2 billion in government benefits.00:25:00 - Operational Transparency in Financial Products
Will explains the importance of showing trade-offs in credit card options to improve customer retention and reduce financial distress.00:35:45 - Selecting High-Impact Projects
Will shares the criteria his team uses to select high-impact behavioral science projects.00:45:30 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with William:
LinkedIn Profile XLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
Behavioral Investor, by Daniel Crosby Tightwads and Spendthrifts, by Scott Rick The Power of Regret, by Daniel Pink Dollars and Sense, by Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler Money Mindsets, by Vishal GeorgeTop Recommended Next Episode: Quique Belenguer Interview (ep 435)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Chuck Howard Interview (ep 213) Scott Rick Interview (ep 369) Can Behavioral Economics Increase Savings? (ep 65) Anthony Damtsis Interview (ep 415) Booms and Busts (ep 30)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter https://www.biorgpartnership.com/case-studies CBA’s ‘Benefits finder’ connects customers to $1 billion The Upside of Highlighting a Product's Downsides - HBS Working Knowledge -
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits the impactful announcement of the Apple Card and its behavioral economics implications. Originally aired in April 2019, this episode explores the strategic genius behind Apple's reveal of its new financial product.
Melina discusses the anticipation and expectations built by Apple, the delayed pricing strategy, and the clever use of framing and herding behaviors to captivate potential customers. She also explores how familiarity and celebrity endorsements are crucial to Apple's marketing success. Melina's analysis provides valuable lessons for businesses in any industry, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of the status quo and seeing opportunities from a fresh perspective.
In this episode:
Understand the behavioral economics behind Apple's announcement of the Apple Card. Learn how anticipation and expectations can be strategically built to enhance customer engagement. Discover the importance of framing and herding behaviors in marketing. Explore the role of familiarity and celebrity endorsements in successful branding. Gain insights into how businesses can break free from the status quo and innovate. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces the episode and explains the relevance of revisiting the Apple Card announcement.00:04:30 - Building Anticipation
Discussion on how Apple built anticipation and expectations through their strategic announcements.00:09:15 - Delayed Pricing Strategy
Exploration of Apple's decision to delay pricing announcements and its impact on customer perception.00:14:45 - Framing and Herding
Analysis of how Apple used framing and herding behaviors to influence customer decisions.00:20:10 - Familiarity and Celebrity Endorsements
Examination of the role of familiarity and celebrity endorsements in Apple's marketing strategy.00:25:30 - Subscription Models
Insights into Apple's use of subscription models and their appeal to consumers.00:30:45 - Apple Card Features
Detailed breakdown of Apple Card's features and how they are framed to appeal to customers.00:35:50 - No Fees Message
Discussion on the framing of Apple Card's no fees message and its implications.00:40:20 - Cashback Rewards
Analysis of Apple Card's cashback rewards and their behavioral economics impact.00:42:10 - Personal Financial Management
Exploration of Apple Card's personal financial management tools and their user-friendly design.00:44:00- Conclusion,
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Alchemy, by Rory Sutherland Blindsight, by Matt Johnson and Prince Ghuman Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, by Nancy Harhut Immersion, by Paul ZakTop Recommended Next Episode: Paul Zak Interview (ep 437)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
A Behavioral Economics Analysis of Costco (ep 47) Disney (ep 292) Peloton (ep 338) Starbucks: A Behavioral Economics Analysis (ep 73) Amazon (ep 159)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In episode 437 of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Paul Zak, a distinguished University professor at Claremont Graduate University and a top 0.3% most cited scientist. Known for his pioneering research in behavioral neuroscience, Paul has authored several influential books, including Trust Factor and The Moral Molecule. His latest book, Immersion, explores the neuroscience behind happiness and extraordinary experiences. Paul is also a four-time tech entrepreneur and the founder of Immersion Neuroscience, a platform that measures brain activity to improve outcomes in various fields such as entertainment, education, and advertising.
Throughout the episode, Paul shares insights from his extensive research, including the profound effects of oxytocin on human behavior and the importance of storytelling in building trust. He discusses the concept of immersion, a state of deep engagement driven by neurochemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, and how businesses can leverage this to create memorable customer experiences. Paul also introduces his latest venture, the SIX app, designed to measure and enhance emotional wellness by tracking peak moments of engagement.
In this episode:
Discover the science behind immersion and its impact on customer engagement. Learn how storytelling can build trust and influence behavior. Explore practical strategies for creating memorable customer experiences. Understand the role of emotional wellness in employee performance. Get insights into the SIX app and its potential to improve emotional health. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces Dr. Paul Zak and his extensive background in behavioral neuroscience and entrepreneurship.02:00 - Paul's Background
Paul shares his journey, including his roles at Claremont Graduate University and Immersion Neuroscience.07:00 - Neuroscience as a Service
Discussion on the concept of neuroscience as a service and its applications in various industries.12:00 - The Power of Oxytocin
Paul explains the behavioral effects of oxytocin and its role in building trust.17:00 - Immersion and Engagement
Exploration of the concept of immersion and how it drives customer engagement and memorable experiences.23:00 - Storytelling and Trust
Discussion on the importance of storytelling in creating trust and influencing behavior.28:00 - Practical Applications
Paul shares examples of how businesses can create high-immersion experiences to enhance customer loyalty.33:00 - Emotional Wellness and Employee Performance
Introduction to the SIX app and its role in measuring and improving emotional wellness.38:00 - Real-Time Feedback and Emotional Health
Discussion on the app's features, including real-time feedback and its potential to enhance emotional health.51:00 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Paul:
LinkedIn Immersion AppLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer The Experience Maker, by Dan Gingiss Choice Hacking, by Jennifer Clinehens Immersion, by Paul Zak Alchemy, by Rory SutherlandTop Recommended Next Episode: Work with Your Brain: Unleashing the Power of the DOSE Chemicals (Refreshed Episode) (ep 360)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Disney (ep 144) Rory Sutherland Interview (ep 373) Surprise & Delight (ep 60) Peak-End Rule: Why Averages Don’t Always Matter (ep 97) Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 157)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In episode 436 of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives into the fascinating biases our brains have toward novelty and stories. This episode, originally aired in 2019, is part of an eight-part series on biases and offers a rapid-fire overview of how our brains respond to new and intriguing stimuli. Melina explains concepts like the bizarreness effect, humor effect, pareidolia, and more, illustrating how these biases impact our decisions and interactions in both personal and professional settings.
Melina also touches on the importance of storytelling in building trust and engagement, setting the stage for her upcoming interview with Dr. Paul Zak, a pioneer in the study of oxytocin and its role in storytelling. This episode is packed with insights on how to leverage our natural inclinations toward novelty and stories to enhance marketing strategies, improve customer interactions, and create compelling presentations.
In this episode:
Understand the bizarreness effect and how novelty impacts memory. Learn how humor and bizarreness can be effectively used in marketing. Explore the role of pareidolia in capturing attention. Discover the power of storytelling in building trust and engagement. Gain insights into biases like the empathy gap, optimism bias, and authority bias. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces the topic of biases toward novelty and stories and sets the stage for a rapid-fire overview of related concepts.00:01:45 - Bizarreness Effect
Explanation of the bizarreness effect and how our brains remember unusual items better than common ones.00:03:30 - Humor Effect
Discussion on the humor effect and how humorous content is more likely to be remembered.00:05:15 - Pareidolia
Exploration of pareidolia and how our brains are primed to see faces in random objects.00:07:00 - Identifiable Victim Effect
Examination of the identifiable victim effect and how personal stories are more impactful than statistics.00:08:45 - Survivorship Bias
Discussion on survivorship bias and the importance of considering all data, not just the successful cases.00:10:30 - Just World Hypothesis
Explanation of the just world hypothesis and how it affects our perception of fairness and morality.00:12:15 - Authority Bias
Exploration of authority bias and why we trust opinions from perceived authorities more than others.00:14:00 - Reciprocity and Ben Franklin Effect
Discussion on reciprocity and the Ben Franklin effect, and how favors influence future behavior.00:15:45 - Social Desirability Bias
Examination of social desirability bias and how it impacts the way we report our behaviors and characteristics.00:17:30 - Omission Bias
Explanation of omission bias and how we judge actions more harshly than inactions.00:19:15 - Licensing Effect
Discussion on the licensing effect and how doing something good can lead to justifying bad behavior.23:12- Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer The Life Saving Skill of Story, by Michelle Auerbach Magic Words, by Jonah Berger Metaphors We Live By, by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson Bridges and Barriers, by Troy AndrewsTop Recommended Next Episode: Prince Ghuman Interview (ep 344)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Michelle Auerbach Interview (ep 288) Jonah Berger Interview (ep 301) David Paull Interview (ep 289) Biases Toward Novelty and Stories (ep 54) Sarah Thompson Interview (ep 259)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Quique Belenguer, the global lead of behavioral economics at BBVA. This insightful discussion centers on the internal structuring of behavioral economics teams within organizations, offering valuable lessons and strategies for those looking to incorporate behavioral science into their business practices.
Quique shares his experience at BBVA, where he has been instrumental in developing a behavioral economics unit over the past six years. He discusses the evolution of their approach, from focusing on small tweaks to integrating behavioral insights into broader strategic projects. Quique emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions, collaborating with other departments, and creating frameworks that encourage collective problem-solving.
The conversation also covers the significance of having internal advocates, understanding the key performance indicators (KPIs) of stakeholders, and the benefits of reskilling existing employees to build a diverse and effective behavioral science team. Quique provides practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow a behavioral economics unit, highlighting the need for flexibility, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the business context.
In this episode:
Learn about the evolution of BBVA's behavioral economics unit and its integration into various projects. Understand the importance of asking the right questions and collaborating with other departments. Discover strategies for starting and growing a behavioral economics team within an organization. Gain insights into the significance of having internal advocates and understanding stakeholder KPIs. Explore the benefits of reskilling existing employees to build a diverse behavioral science team. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces Quique Belenguer and the focus of today's discussion on the internal structuring of behavioral economics teams.00:02:15 - Quique's Background
Quique shares his journey at BBVA and the evolution of their behavioral economics unit over the past six years.00:08:50 - Asking the Right Questions
It is important to ask the right questions and collaborate with other departments to create effective solutions.00:15:30 - Internal Advocates
The role of internal advocates in promoting behavioral science within organizations and securing resources for the team.00:22:10 - Understanding KPIs
The significance of understanding stakeholder KPIs and aligning behavioral interventions with business goals.00:28:45 - Reskilling Employees
The benefits of reskilling existing employees to build a diverse and effective behavioral science team.00:35:20 - Practical Advice
Quique provides practical advice for starting and growing a behavioral economics unit within an organization.00:43:10 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Quique:
LinkedIn
Learn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Influence, by Robert Cialdini influence Is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance You Have More Influence Than You Think, by Vanessa Bohns Invisible Influence, by Jonah BergerTop Recommended Next Episode: IKEA Effect (ep 380)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 312) Social Proof (ep 87) Reciprocity (ep 238) Zoe Chance Interview (ep 308) Unity (ep 216)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
-
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Dr. Steve Wendel to explore the intricacies of designing for behavior change. Steve, an esteemed applied behavioral scientist and co-founder of sistemaFutura, shares his extensive experience in using behavioral science to drive positive social impact. He has held significant roles at organizations like the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics and Morningstar, and authored several books, including the focal point of today's discussion, Designing for Behavior Change, now in its second edition.
Throughout the episode, Steve delves into the practical applications of behavioral science, sharing insightful anecdotes and frameworks from his book. He introduces the CREATE and DECIDE frameworks, emphasizing the importance of understanding user behavior and designing interventions that align with natural human tendencies. From discussing the humorous and enlightening "fish on the beach" analogy to highlighting real-world examples of successful behavioral interventions, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to apply behavioral science in their work.
In this episode:
Understand the CREATE and DECIDE frameworks for designing effective behavioral interventions. Learn the importance of timing and context in capturing user attention. Explore real-world examples of behavioral science applications in financial services and beyond. Discover the significance of testing and iterating on interventions to achieve meaningful results. Gain insights into the intersection of behavioral science and data science. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces Dr. Steve Wendel and sets the stage for a deep dive into designing for behavior change.00:02:00 - Steve's Background
Steve shares his journey in behavioral science, including his roles at sistemaFutura, Busara Center for Behavioral Economics, and Morningstar.00:05:30 - Origin of the Book
Steve discusses how Designing for Behavior Change originated as a manual for his team and evolved into a comprehensive guidebook.00:09:00 - The Fish on the Beach Analogy
The enlightening story of the fish on the beach and how it illustrates common mistakes in behavior change strategies.00:13:00 - The CREATE Framework
Introduction to the CREATE framework: Cue, Reaction, Evaluation, Ability, Timing, and Experience, and its application in designing interventions.00:18:00 - The DECIDE Framework
Overview of the DECIDE framework: Defining the problem, Crafting the intervention, Determining its impact, and more.00:22:00 - Real-World Applications
Steve shares examples from his work, including interventions to reduce ATM fees and improve financial behaviors.00:30:00 - Importance of Testing
The significance of testing multiple interventions and learning from both successes and failures.00:35:00 - Behavioral Science and Data Science
Discussion on the intersection of behavioral science and data science and the potential for future advancements.00:40:00 - Impact of the Pandemic
How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected habits and behaviors, and the implications for behavioral interventions.00:45:00- Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Steve:
LinkedIn XLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer A More Beautiful Question, by Warren Berger Designing for Behavior Change, by Stephen Wendel Engaged, by Amy Bucher Alchemy, by Rory SutherlandTop Recommended Next Episode: Amy Bucher Interview (ep 164)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
The Most Important Step In Applying Behavioral Economics: Understanding the Problem (ep 126) Questions or Answers? (ep 4) Beatrix Daros Interview (ep 424) Framing (ep 296) Warren Berger Interview (ep 200)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Andy Lopata, a renowned specialist in professional relationships and networking. With nearly 25 years of experience, Andy has been recognized as one of Europe's leading business networking strategists by the Financial Times. He is an international speaker, podcast host, and author of six books, including the Financial Times Guide to Mentoring, co-authored with Ruth Gotian.
In this episode, Andy shares his insights on investing in relationships and creating a network of people who are willing to help and follow through on those intentions. The conversation delves into the importance of building, nurturing, and leveraging professional relationships, and how these elements contribute to executive success. Andy also discusses the concept of vulnerability in asking for help, and the interconnectedness of curiosity, listening, authenticity, and vulnerability in networking.
In this episode:
Learn the three stages of building professional relationships: building, nurturing, and leveraging. Understand the importance of vulnerability in asking for help and how to frame your requests effectively. Discover why people are motivated to help others and the significance of liking and trusting in professional relationships. Explore the concept of the "curiosity cycle" and how it enhances networking and relationship building. Get practical tips on finding and engaging mentors, and the importance of reciprocity in professional networking. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces Andy Lopata and sets the stage for a conversation on professional relationships and networking.00:01:45 - Andy's Background
Andy shares his extensive background in networking and professional relationships, including his books and speaking engagements.00:04:30 - Connected Leadership
Andy explains the concept of connected leadership and the importance of professional relationships in executive success.00:08:00 - Building and Nurturing Relationships
Discussion on the stages of building, nurturing, and leveraging professional relationships and the challenges associated with each stage.00:14:00 - Motivation to Help
Andy explores why people are motivated to help others and the role of liking and trusting in professional support.00:20:00 - Vulnerability in Asking for Help
The conversation shifts to the importance of vulnerability in asking for help and how to frame requests effectively.00:28:00 - The Curiosity Cycle
Introduction to Andy's new model, the curiosity cycle, and its impact on networking and relationship building.00:34:00 - Mentoring and Reciprocity
Practical tips on finding mentors, engaging them, and the role of reciprocity in professional networking.00:40:00 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Andy:
Andy’s Website LinkedIn XLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Influence, by Robert Cialdini influence Is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance You Have More Influence Than You Think, by Vanessa Bohns Invisible Influence, by Jonah BergerTop Recommended Next Episode: Ruth Gotian Interview (ep 419)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 312) Social Proof (ep 87) Reciprocity (ep 238) Zoe Chance Interview (ep 308) Unity (ep 216)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter The Curiosity Cycle: Developing Trust and Engagement -
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives into the realm of ethical influence with Brian Ahearn. Brian, a distinguished expert in the field, is one of only a dozen individuals worldwide to hold the Cialdini Method Certified Trainer designation and one of a handful to have earned the Cialdini Pre-Suasion Trainer designation. As a faculty member of the Cialdini Institute, Brian is dedicated to teaching the science of influence to help people achieve greater professional success and personal happiness.
Throughout the episode, Brian shares his extensive experience in applying the psychology of persuasion in various professional settings, from sales training to leadership coaching. He discusses the rigorous process of becoming a Cialdini-certified trainer and emphasizes the importance of ethical influence. Brian also delves into practical examples from his book, Influence People, highlighting actionable tips for effectively persuading others in a lasting and ethical manner.
In this episode:
Explore the principles of ethical influence and how they can be applied in business and personal contexts. Learn about the rigorous certification process for becoming a Cialdini Method Certified Trainer. Discover practical examples and tips from Brian's book, "Influence People." Understand the importance of ethical persuasion and how to avoid manipulation. Gain insights into the power of social proof, reciprocity, and other principles of influence. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces the topic of ethical influence and welcomes Brian Ahearn to the podcast.00:02:00 - Brian’s Background
Brian shares his journey in the field of influence and his certification as a Cialdini Method Certified Trainer.00:06:30 - The Cialdini Certification Process
Brian discusses the rigorous process of becoming a certified trainer and the importance of presenting research accurately.00:12:00 - Applying Influence in Business
Brian explains how he applies the principles of influence in sales training and leadership coaching.00:18:00 - The Importance of Ethical Influence
The conversation shifts to the significance of using influence ethically and responsibly.00:24:00 - Practical Examples from Influence People
Brian shares practical tips and examples from his book, including the power of social proof and the impact of personal touches like handwritten notes.00:32:00 - The Post-It Note Study
Brian discusses a study on the effectiveness of handwritten post-it notes in increasing response rates.00:38:00 - The Power of Asking Questions
Brian emphasizes the importance of ending emails with questions to increase engagement and response rates.00:45:00 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Brian:
Brian’s Website LinkedIn XLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Influence, by Robert Cialdini influence Is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance You Have More Influence Than You Think, by Vanessa Bohns Influence PEOPLE, by Brian AhearnTop Recommended Next Episode: Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 312)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Vanessa Bohns Interview (ep 318) Social Proof (ep 87) Reciprocity (ep 238) Zoe Chance Interview (ep 308) Unity (ep 216)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
-
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer welcomes Christopher Wong Michelson, co-author of Is Your Work Worth It?. Christopher, a philosopher with 25 years of experience advising business leaders, explores the profound questions surrounding the meaning and value of work. With a PhD in philosophical ethics and aesthetics, Christopher has held significant roles at PwC and academic positions at the Wharton School and NYU's Stern School of Business. His extensive background provides a rich foundation for exploring how work contributes to our sense of purpose and identity.
Throughout the episode, Christopher shares insights from his journey, including his transition from academia to management consulting, and the experiences that shaped his understanding of meaningful work. He discusses the impact of 9/11 on people's perceptions of work and life, and how the pandemic has similarly prompted many to reassess their professional and personal priorities. The conversation touches on the philosophical aspects of work, the balance between job, career, and calling, and the inherent trade-offs in pursuing meaningful work.
In this episode, you will learn:
The philosophical questions that drive our understanding of work's meaning. How significant events like 9/11 and the pandemic shape our perceptions of work. The balance between job, career, and calling, and their impact on our lives. The concept of "transfer pricing" in personal and professional life. Strategies for finding balance and fulfillment in your work. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction,
Melina introduces Christopher Wong Michelson, co-author of Is Your Work Worth It? and sets the stage for a discussion on the philosophical aspects of work.00:02:30 - Christopher's Background and Journey
Christopher shares his journey from academia to management consulting and his experiences at PwC and various academic institutions.00:10:45 - The Impact of 9/11 and the Pandemic
Discussion on how significant events like 9/11 and the pandemic have prompted people to reassess their work and life priorities.00:18:32 - The Question of Work's Worth
Christopher delves into the central question of the book, Is Your Work Worth It? and the importance of finding meaning in work.00:25:54 - Job, Career, and Calling
Exploration of the different orientations towards work and the trade-offs involved in pursuing a calling.00:34:06 - Transfer Pricing in Personal and Professional Life
Christopher explains the concept of transfer pricing and how it can be applied to balance personal and professional investments.00:40:22 - Finding Balance and Fulfillment
Strategies for incorporating meaningful activities into your work and life to achieve balance and fulfillment.00:46:15 - Advice for Organizational Leaders
Tips for leaders on how to create meaningful work environments that encourage employees to find value and purpose in their roles.00:50:30 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Christopher:
LinkedIn Christopher’s WebsiteLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood Indistractable, by Nir Eyal How to Change, by Katy Milkman Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes Is Your Work Worth It?, by Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jennifer Tosti-KharasTop Recommended Next Episode: Nick Hobson Interview (ep 382)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Habits (ep 256) Status Quo Bias (ep 376) Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368) Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428) Sludge (ep 384)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
-
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Katy Milkman to discuss the intricacies of creating lasting behavior change. Katy, a professor at the Wharton School and co-director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative, shares insights from her book How to Change.
Melina and Katy discuss fresh starts, temptation bundling, and the importance of understanding the underlying barriers to change. They also cover the surprising benefits of giving advice to others as a means of boosting one's own confidence and motivation. Through engaging stories and practical examples, Katy illustrates how small, thoughtful interventions can lead to significant improvements in behavior and outcomes.
In this episode:
Explore the concept of fresh starts and how they can motivate behavior change. Understand the power of temptation bundling to create lasting habits. Learn about the psychological benefits of giving advice to others. Discover the importance of identifying the right barriers to change for effective interventions. Gain insights into Katy Milkman's research and practical applications for behavior change. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces the episode and the topic of behavior change with Dr. Katy Milkman.00:04:30 - Katy Milkman's Background
Katy shares her background, her role at the Wharton School, and her work on the Behavior Change for Good Initiative.00:09:45 - Fresh Starts
Katy discusses the concept of fresh starts and how they can be leveraged to motivate behavior change.00:15:20 - Temptation Bundling
Melina and Katy explore the idea of temptation bundling and its effectiveness in creating lasting habits.00:21:18 - Giving Advice to Others
Katy explains the surprising benefits of giving advice to others and how it can boost one's own confidence and motivation.00:27:54 - Identifying Barriers to Change
The conversation shifts to the importance of identifying the right barriers to change for effective interventions.00:34:06 - Real-World Applications
Katy provides examples of how her research can be applied in real-world scenarios to improve behavior and outcomes.00:40:22 - The Role of Mindset
The discussion highlights the role of mindset in achieving behavior change and the power of believing in oneself.00:46:15 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Katy:
Katy’s Website Behavior Change for Good Initiative Katy on Twitter Katy on LinkedInLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood Indistractable, by Nir Eyal How to Change, by Katy Milkman Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel KahnemanTop Recommended Next Episode: Temptation Bundling (ep 250)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Habits (ep 256) Status Quo Bias (ep 376) Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368) Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428) Sludge (ep 384)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer welcomes Scott H. Young, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning and Get Better at Anything. Scott shares his extensive insights into learning, cognitive science, and the psychology behind mastering new skills. Known for his MIT Challenge and year-long language learning adventure, Scott discusses the importance of immersive learning, repetitive practice, and the role of feedback in achieving fluency and proficiency.
Scott delves into the fascinating world of how we learn and improve, emphasizing the significance of learning from others, the challenges of problem-solving, and the necessity of focused practice. He also touches on the concept of "desirable difficulties" and how they enhance long-term retention and skill mastery. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to understand the mechanics of learning and how to apply these principles to get better at anything.
In this episode:
Discover the key components of effective learning: See, Do, and Feedback. Understand the importance of repetitive practice and immersion in mastering new skills. Learn about the concept of "desirable difficulties" and how they improve long-term retention. Explore the role of feedback in learning and how to create environments that foster expertise. Gain insights into the psychological aspects of learning and overcoming common barriers. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces Scott and highlights his background and work in the field of learning and cognitive science.00:03:30 - Scott's Background and Projects
Scott shares his journey and notable projects, including the MIT Challenge and his year-long language-learning adventure.00:11:20 - The Importance of Immersion
Scott discusses the benefits of immersive learning and how it accelerates fluency and proficiency.00:21:45 - Repetitive Practice and Fluency
The conversation explores the role of repetitive practice in achieving fluency and the difference between fluency and overall proficiency.00:31:10 - Desirable Difficulties
Scott explains the concept of "desirable difficulties" and how they enhance learning and retention.00:41:00 - The Role of Feedback
The discussion highlights the importance of feedback in learning and how to create environments that foster expertise.00:45:00 - Practical Tips for Learning
Scott offers practical advice for applying these learning principles to various skills, including public speaking and business.00:47:00 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Scott:
LinkedIn XLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood Indistractable, by Nir Eyal How to Change, by Katy Milkman Get Better at Anything, by Scott H. Young Ultralearning, by Scott H. Young and James ClearTop Recommended Next Episode: How to Set, Achieve and Exceed Brainy Goals (ep 70)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Habits (ep 256) Status Quo Bias (ep 376) Katy Milkman Interview (ep 151) Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368) Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
-
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer revisits her insightful conversation with Dr. Wendy Wood, author of Good Habits, Bad Habits. This episode dives deep into the psychology behind habits, exploring how they are formed, maintained, and changed. Wendy, a leading expert in behavioral science, shares practical tips and research-backed strategies to help you understand and harness the power of habits in your personal and professional life.
Melina and Wendy discuss the foundational role habits play in our daily routines and decision-making processes. They emphasize the importance of recognizing both good and bad habits and provide actionable advice on how to reinforce the positive ones while mitigating the negative. The episode is packed with real-world examples, including how small changes in environment and behavior can lead to significant improvements in habit formation and maintenance.
In this episode:
Understand the basics of habit formation and the role of context and rewards. Learn strategies to make good habits easier and bad habits harder. Explore practical examples of habit changes, such as altering morning routines and fitness habits. Discover the impact of environmental cues on habitual behavior. Gain insights into how businesses can leverage habit science to improve customer engagement and satisfaction. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces the episode and highlights the importance of understanding habits in both personal and professional contexts.00:04:12 - The Role of Habits
Wendy explains the foundational role of habits in our daily lives and how they operate on an unconscious level.00:09:30 - Context and Rewards
Discussion on how habits are formed through context and rewards, with examples like morning coffee routines.00:15:20 - Disruption and Opportunity
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on habits and how disruptions can create opportunities for new habit formation.00:21:45 - Practical Strategies
Tips for making good habits easier and bad habits harder, including environmental adjustments and rewarding behaviors.00:30:10 - Habit Formation in Business
How businesses can leverage habit science to improve customer engagement and satisfaction, with examples from retail and fitness industries.00:40:00 - Case Studies and Research
Wendy shares intriguing case studies and research findings on habit formation and change.00:50:30 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Wendy:
Wendy Wood at USC Marshall Wendy on TwitterLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood Indistractable, by Nir Eyal How to Change, by Katy Milkman Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel KahnemanTop Recommended Next Episode: Michael Norton Interview (ep 383)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Habits (ep 256) Status Quo Bias (ep 376) Katy Milkman Interview (ep 151) Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368) Sludge (ep 384)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer welcomes Nobel Prize winner Dr. Bob Lefkowitz for an insightful discussion on mentorship, focus, and the power of saying no. Dr. Lefkowitz, a distinguished professor at Duke University Medical Center, shares his journey from a passionate physician to a Nobel laureate in Chemistry, highlighting the impact of his research.
Dr. Lefkowitz delves into the importance of mentorship, recounting his own experiences and the significance of his mentee, Brian Kobilka, with whom he shared the Nobel Prize. He emphasizes the value of asking good questions, being thoughtful, and the crucial skill of focusing like a laser on what truly matters. This episode is packed with wisdom on how to balance stubborn pursuit with strategic decision-making in both scientific research and business.
In this episode:
Understand the significance of mentorship and how it shapes successful careers. Discover the importance of focus and saying no to distractions. Gain insights into the power of storytelling and synthesizing data. Explore practical advice for fostering creativity and seeing things from different perspectives. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces Nobel Prize winner Dr. Bob Lefkowitz, highlighting his distinguished career and contributions to science and medicine.00:04:30 - Dr. Lefkowitz's Background
Dr. Lefkowitz shares his journey from aspiring physician to Nobel laureate, detailing his research on G protein-coupled receptors.00:10:15 - The Importance of Focus
Dr. Lefkowitz discusses the critical role of focus in achieving success and how he developed this skill over his career.00:15:45 - Mentorship and Its Impact
The conversation shifts to mentorship, with Dr. Lefkowitz sharing his thoughts on what makes a great mentor and the legacy of training successful scientists.00:25:00 - Storytelling in Science
Dr. Lefkowitz emphasizes the power of storytelling in presenting scientific data and making impactful discoveries.00:30:20 - The Power of Saying No
Dr. Lefkowitz provides practical advice on how to say no to distractions and focus on what truly matters.00:35:50 - Creativity and Humor
The discussion highlights the role of creativity and humor in scientific discovery and problem-solving.00:45:00 - Closing Thoughts
Melina and Dr. Lefkowitz wrap up the conversation, reflecting on the key takeaways and the importance of thoughtful mentorship.00:50:30 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Dr. Lefkowitz:
LinkedIn
Learn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship, by Scott Miller Mentoring, by Dr. Ruth Gotian and Andy Lopata A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm, by Robert J. Lefkowitz M.D. The Speed of Trust, by Stephen M.R. CoveyTop Recommended Next Episode: Ruth Gotian Interview (ep 419)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Vulnerability Loops (ep 229) Unity (ep 216) Scott Miller Interview (ep 69) Confirmation Bias (ep 260) Focusing Illusion (ep 330)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer explores the concept of defaults, how they impact our decisions, and the critical role they play in business and everyday life. Melina discusses the omnipresence of defaults and how they influence our choices, often without us even realizing it. She explains the concept of status quo bias and how it makes us more likely to stick with default options, even when they may not be in our best interest. Using examples from retirement savings to organ donation, Melina illustrates the power of defaults and the importance of thoughtful choice architecture in both personal and business contexts.
In this episode:
Understand the pervasive influence of defaults in everyday decisions. Learn about status quo bias and its impact on behavior. Explore practical examples of defaults in various contexts, including retirement savings and organ donation. Discover the ethical considerations in setting defaults and choice architecture. Gain insights into how to design better defaults to help customers and employees make beneficial choices. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction,
Melina introduces the episode and the topic of defaults, highlighting its relevance to her upcoming conversation with Nobel laureate Dr. Bob Lefkowitz.03:15 - The Omnipresence of Defaults
Melina discusses how defaults are everywhere and influence nearly every decision we make, often without us realizing it.08:30 - Status Quo Bias
An exploration of status quo bias and how it makes us more likely to stick with default options, even when they may not be in our best interest.15:45 - Retirement Savings Example
Melina uses the example of retirement savings to illustrate the power of defaults and how different default options can significantly impact behavior.22:00 - Organ Donation Study
A discussion on the ethical considerations of defaults using the example of organ donation and how opt-in vs. opt-out policies affect donation rates.29:15 - Practical Business Applications
Melina provides practical advice on how businesses can use defaults to help customers and employees make better choices, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations.36:00 - Conclusion
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm, by Robert J. Lefkowitz M.D. What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina PalmerTop Recommended Next Episode: Status Quo Bias (ep 376)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain (ep 1) Framing (ep 296) Priming (ep 252) NUDGES and Choice Architecture: Introduction (ep 35) Habits (ep 256)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer and Christopher Frank, Chief Client Officer at PSB Insights, dive into the art of decision-making in a data-driven world. Christopher, who has a rich background with industry giants like American Express and Microsoft, shares his expertise in leveraging consumer insights to gain a competitive edge. As a thought leader in critical thinking and decision science, he offers valuable perspectives on how to ask the right questions and interpret data for smarter business decisions.
Christopher’s insights are not only theoretical but also practical, drawn from his extensive experience and his acclaimed books, Drinking from the Fire Hose and Decisions Over Decimals. He emphasizes the importance of starting with the right questions to truly understand the problem at hand and how to make decisions that are both informed and intuitive. His approach to synthesizing data with judgment offers a fresh perspective on navigating the overwhelming amount of information available today.
In this episode:
Uncover the power of asking the right questions to make better decisions. Learn how to leverage data and intuition to drive business strategy. Discover the importance of context in interpreting data points. Explore the concept of "quantitative intuition" and how it can be developed. Understand the role of culture in fostering an environment that thrives on data-driven decisions. Show Notes:00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces Christopher Frank and highlights his extensive experience in data analytics and decision science.00:04:12 - Christopher Frank's Background
Christopher shares his journey through American Express, Microsoft, and his current role at PSB Insights, emphasizing his focus on leveraging data for smarter decisions.00:09:35 - The Importance of Asking Questions
Christopher discusses the value of starting with questions to understand the problem and make better decisions, sharing some of his favorite questions to ask.00:16:28 - The Power of "What Surprised You?"
Christopher explains how asking "What surprised you?" can unlock valuable insights and create a safe learning environment.00:22:50 - Case Study: Outliers in Data
Christopher shares a compelling story about how investigating outliers in customer satisfaction data led to significant business insights and strategic decisions.00:30:17 - Moments of Truth in Consumer Behavior
Christopher talks about identifying and understanding the critical moments that matter to consumers and how they can shape business strategies.00:35:42 - Summary vs. Synthesis
Christopher explains the difference between summarizing data and synthesizing it with judgment to make informed decisions.00:40:05 - The Context Triangle
Christopher introduces the concept of the context triangle and how it helps in interpreting data points from multiple perspectives.00:41:05 - Conclusion,
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.Let’s connect:
[email protected] The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on YoutubeConnect with Christopher:
Christopher on LinkedIn Christopher on XLearn and Support The Brainy Business:
Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.
Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:
Decisions Over Decimals, by Christopher Frank, Paul Magnone and Oded Netzer May Contain Lies, by Alex Edmans A More Beautiful Question, by Warren Berger What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Drinking from the Fire Hose, by Christopher Frank and Paul MagnoneTop Recommended Next Episode: The Most Important Step In Applying Behavioral Economics: Understanding the Problem (ep 126)
Already Heard That One? Try These:
Framing (ep 296) Felicity Heathcote-Marcz Interview (ep 324) Warren Berger Interview (ep 340) Alex Edmans Interview (ep 423) Beatrix Daros Interview (ep 424)Other Important Links:
Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
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