Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Dr. Rosalind Chow joins us to explore how status, power, and perspective shape what we view as “reasonable”—and why marginalized voices are often held to a different standard. From stalled DEI efforts to the illusion of objectivity among dominant groups, Rosalind challenges us to rethink who gets to define what counts as change.

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round

[6:26] The difference between sponsorship and mentorship

[10:13] Why corporate relationships are important

[16:05] Why DEI efforts often stall

[27:00] The moral cost of assimilations

[31:20] Well-meaning allies

[46:56] Desert Island music

[50:15] Grooving Session - The importance of Mentorship

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

About Rosalind Chow

The Doors You Can Open - by Rosalind Chow

The Social Psychology of Inequality - CUNY Graduate Center

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Rent - La Vie Boheme

Beatles - Revolution

Neuroscientist Richard Cytowic takes us on a journey through the world of synesthesia and how it reveals the fascinating ways our brains interpret reality. But that’s just the beginning. We dive into the challenges of our Stone Age brains in the digital age, busting the multitasking myth, exploring the cognitive costs of social media, and discovering why silence and imagination are more crucial than ever. Tune in to reclaim your focus and rethink your relationship with technology. 

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] Intro: Synesthesia and Richard Cytowic

[4:11] Speed Round: Nature vs Nurture?

[10:06] Social Media - Necessary evil?

[17:52] The myth of multitasking

[28:54] The importance of boredom

[37:06] Why silence is essential

[45:32] Emotional intelligence and resilience

[52:31] Grooving Session: Digital media, mental health, and what lies ahead

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age

About Richard Cytowic

Synesthesia

The Shallows by Nicholas Carr

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Babbling Brook - Background Noise for Work 

Forest and River Sounds - Relaxing Background Noise

Creativity isn’t reserved for the select few—it’s in all of us. This episode explores the science behind innovation with experts Matt Arnold and Adam Hansen, uncovering why we doubt our creative abilities and how to overcome the cognitive barriers that stifle new ideas. From breaking free of negativity bias to embedding innovation into workplace culture, this conversation is packed with insights to help you unlock your full creative potential.

 ©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] Introduction - Are We Natural Innovators?

[6:57] What Blocks Innovations

[12:28] The Power of Brain Breaks

[19:34] Leadership and Fostering Innovation

[29:44] The Interaction of Behavioral Science and Innovation

[40:20] Practical Tips to Foster Creativity

[49:10] How Organizations Can Utilize Innovation

[58:15] How to Overcome Negativity and Bias in Brainstorming

[1:08:09] Innovation Challenges at Big Companines

[1:17:00] Psychological Safety in Innovation

[1:34:45] Why Businesses Struggle with Long-Term Innovation

[1:42:15] Practical Steps for Bringing Innovation to Work

[1:47:30] Grooving Session: Innovation, Science, and How to Manage

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Contact Matt Arnold

Contact Adam Hansen

How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy

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Billie Holiday - Blue Moon 

Woody Guthrie - Tear the Fascist Down

It’s about time we put Kurt and Tim in the hot seat! This week, we’re turning the tables and making them answer your questions. Pulling from our recent listener survey, they sit down with their producer to tackle everything from the making of Behavioral Grooves to insights on behavioral science—and, of course, the all-important question of what they’d do with a hippo-sized corgi. Tune in for a fun, behind-the-scenes bonus episode!

Check out our YouTube for a video version of this episode!

[0:00] New to BG - Ask Us Anything!

[2:03] How Kurt and Tim Met

[4:24] Inspiration to Join Behavioral Science

[8:08] Behavioral Grooves’ Origin Story

[19:28] Behavioral Science Myths and Misconceptions

[30:04] Adopting Behavioral Science in Workplaces

[43:15] Fields That Need Behavioral Science

[47:34] Rhino or Corgi?

Fill out this survey for a chance to be featured on our next AMA!

Dr. Steve Heine, cultural psychologist and author of Start Making Sense, joins us to explore the psychology of meaning. We discuss the four essential connections that shape a fulfilling life, why existential anxiety is on the rise, and how nostalgic reflection and storytelling help us make sense of our experiences. Plus, we dive into his “meaning audit” tool—a practical way to strengthen purpose and connection.

[0:00] Intro - Did Kurt take a psychology class?

[5:24] Speed Round with Dr. Steve Heine

[8:54] Was Sisyphus actually happy?

[10:37] The importance of process over destination

[19:48] Cultural differences in meaning-making

[25:10] Why we rationalize our life choices

[31:17] How storytelling shapes our identity

[42:46] Practical tips for building a meaningful life

[48:42] Grooving session: Building community and connecting with each other

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Start Making Sense by Dr. Steve Heine

More about Dr. Steve Heine

Joseph Campbell's The Hero’s Journey

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Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime 

The Beatles - Don’t Let Me Down

Can we design workplaces to be truly fair? Behavioral economist Iris Bohnet joins us to explore how implicit biases, stereotypes, and in-group preferences shape decision-making in the workplace—and what we can do about it. From the impact of blind auditions to the power of small structural changes, we dive into science-backed strategies for fostering more equitable organizations.

[0:00] Episode Intro - Can We Make Work Fair?

[5:58] Speed Round with Iris Bohnet

[7:29] The Hidden Impact of In-Group Bias

[14:35] Implicit Bias and the IAT Test - Explained

[18:44] Nature vs. Nurture in Bias

[24:45] Case Study: NYC Fire Department and Hiring Reform

[35:41] The Power (and Pitfalls) of Incentives and Fairness

[41:35] Desert Island Music

[45:23] Grooving Session: The Impact of In-Group Bias on Organizations

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Iris Bohnet’s book: Make Work Fair

Take the Implicit Association Test (IAT)

Study on NYC Fire Department’s hiring process

About Iris Bohnet

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Adele - Make You Feel My Love 

Bob Marley - Is This Love 

Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer

Managing up isn’t about sucking up—it’s about taking control of your career. This week, executive coach and author Melody Wilding joins us to break down the ten essential workplace conversations that help you set boundaries, advocate for yourself, and navigate office dynamics with confidence. From understanding communication styles to negotiating your worth, Melody shares practical scripts and psychological insights that can help you work smarter—not just harder.

 ©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[00:00] Introduction to Melody Wilding

[01:15] Redefining Managing Up: What It Really Means

[02:52] The 10 Conversations That Matter Most at Work

[04:47] How You Teach People How to Treat You

[10:32] Communication Styles: The Key to Navigating Workplace Dynamics

[22:25] The Money Conversation: How to Ask for a Raise the Right Way

[28:15] How to Push Back Diplomatically on Low-Value Tasks

[33:50] The Role of Visibility and Navigating Office Politics

[41:58] The "Me Manual": Understanding & Asserting Your Own Style

[50:16] Finding Your Groove: Melody's Career Journey

[57:35] Grooving Session: Managing Up

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Melody Wilding's Website

Managing Up (Book)

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Arcade Fire - Reflektor

Death Cab For Cutie - Soul Meets Body

Oliver Burkeman joins us to explore the power of imperfectionism and why waiting for the “perfect moment” is a trap. We discuss how perfectionism, productivity myths, and self-improvement frameworks can hold us back—and why embracing uncertainty is the key to doing meaningful work. Whether you’re looking to improve daily habits or rethink your approach to time and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to take action despite life’s inevitable messiness.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[00:00] Introduction & Why We Wait for the Perfect Moment

[4:15] Meet Oliver Burkeman: Author of Meditations for Mortals

[9:40] The Illusion of Control & The Productivity Trap

[15:30] What “Imperfectionism” Really Means

[22:45] Why Life Isn’t a Problem to Be Solved

[30:10] How Small Actions Create Big Meaning

[38:00] The Power of Letting Go & Taking the First Step

[45:50] Oliver’s Music Picks & The Importance of Everyday Moments

[1:00:00] Grooving Session: Final Takeaways & How to Apply This Philosophy Today

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Oliver Burkeman

Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

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The Divine Comedy - To The Rescue 

Fountains of Wayne - Someone To Love 

Lin Manuel Miranda - Surface Pressure

If you could remove one vice from your life, what would it be? In this month's Groove Jams, Tim and Kurt are joined by friend of the show Brad Shuck to explore the vices that hold us back. From overworking to doomscrolling, the trio unpacks what they struggle with giving up.

Except for Tim, who somehow avoids the question. 

From tacos to self-doubt, tune in for an eye-opening look at the fine line between indulgence and discipline. 

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Dr. Adam Dorsay joins us to explore what it truly means to connect in a digital age. From the four key types of connection—self, others, the world, and something greater—to rekindling friendships and embracing technology for deeper bonds, this episode is packed with insights on building a more fulfilling life. Plus, we (of course) discuss the power of music, social comparison, and why sometimes, all it takes to make someone's day is a simple phone call.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] Introduction to Dr. Adam Dorsay

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Learn more about Dr. Adam Dorsay

Super Psyched by Adam Dorsay

Super Psyched Podcast

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George Michael - Faith

Sigur Rós - Sæglópur 

Mumford & Sons - Lover of the Light