I spoke to the leading behavioural science authors, researchers and practitioners in 2024. Here are their top lessons. It features insights from Tali Sharot, Todd Rodgers, Rory Sutherland, Prof. Sarah Moore, and Chris Voss. Plus, some big news for 2025. 

You’ll learn: 

Why our happiness fades, no matter how good life gets (feat. Tali Sharot).

How shorter emails can drastically improve response rates (feat. Todd Rogers).

Why our behaviours often shape our attitudes—rather than the other way around (feat. Rory Sutherland).

The surprising persuasive power of swear words in reviews and advertising (feat. Sarah Moore).

A hostage negotiator’s secret for winning arguments (feat. Chris Voss).

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Sources: 

Epstein, Leonard H., Katelyn A. Carr, Meghan D. Cavanaugh, Rocco A. Paluch, and Mark E. Bouton (2011): “Long-term habituation to food in obese and nonobese women,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 94(2), 371–376.

Adams, Gabrielle S., Benjamin A. Converse, Andrew H. Hales, and Leidy E. Klotz (2021): “People systematically overlook subtractive changes,” Nature, 592, 258–261.

Rogers, Todd, and Jessica Lasky-Fink (2020): “Write shorter messages,” Harvard Kennedy School.

Boomerang (2016): “7 Tips for Getting More Responses to Your Emails—Backed by Data,” Boomerang Blog.

Rosset, Evelyn (2008): “It's No Accident: Our Bias for Intentional Explanations,” Psychological Science, 19(6), 566–572.

Lafreniere, Katherine C., Sarah G. Moore, and Robert J. Fisher (2022): “The Power of Profanity: The Meaning and Impact of Swear Words in Word of Mouth,” SAGE Open.

Westerholm, Jim (2017): “Damn good coffee: Swear words and advertising,” Mälardalen University.

van Kleef, Gerben A., Carsten K. W. De Dreu, and Antony S. R. Manstead (2004): “The Interpersonal Effects of Anger and Happiness in Negotiations,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 57–76.

This episode contains swear words.