If you’ve ever wondered what puts the “Groove” in Behavioral Grooves, this episode has the answer!

We’re diving headfirst into the mesmerizing world of music with the legendary John Bargh to tackle the ultimate question: If you could sit in on the recording of any album in history, which one would you choose?

From the legendary sessions at Island Records to the eternal brilliance of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven, we explore the artistry, spontaneity, and sheer magic behind music’s most iconic moments. Whether you’re a die-hard classic rock fan or just curious about the creative process, this episode will take you straight to the heart of music’s golden age.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

We Made a Playlist for You!

Check out all the artists we discussed this week, here

What if every digital interaction you had—every like, purchase, or GPS ping—could be used to create a detailed map of who you are? Sandra Matz, a leading behavioral scientist and data researcher, joins us to explore the fascinating world of behavioral residue, the digital traces we leave behind, and their profound impact on our lives.

This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of psychology, technology, and ethics, offering thought-provoking ideas for anyone interested in the future of data and its role in shaping our behavior and society.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] - Introduction to Sandra Matz and the concept of behavioral residue.

[4:46] - Speed Round with Sandra Matz

[10:20] - Algorithms vs. human predictions of behavior.

[28:11] - How marketing firms adopted psychological profiling.

[34:56] - Personalized ads: A 55% increase in purchases.

[40:04] - Using data to improve savings habits and mental health.

[44:52] - The concept of echo chamber swaps to reduce polarization.

[49:30] - What lies ahead: Regulation, data co-ops, and taming the digital storm.

[55:18] - Desert Island Music

[57:59] - Grooving Session: Asking for more control over personal data.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Sandra Matz

Mindmasters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior

The Open Data Institute

Check Your Digital Footprint!

Taylor Swift - Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)

Kolektiv Turmstrasse - Sorry I Am Late

Linkin Park - The Emptiness Machine

How can a tiny fly in an airport urinal transform human behavior?

This week, we sit down with Eva van den Broek and Tim den Heijer, authors of The Housefly Effect, to uncover how subtle environmental cues can shape our decisions in powerful and surprising ways.

With Eva’s expertise in behavioral economics and Tim’s background in advertising, they reveal the fascinating impact nudges have on our daily lives. From casino design to placebo crosswalk buttons, the world around us is filled with real-life applications of behavioral science that influence our behavior—even when we know they’re at play.

Join us for practical tips, captivating stories, and thought-provoking insights into how these small interventions can make a big difference in your life. So sit back, relax, and discover the invisible forces of behavioral science all around you.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] Intro - Flies in Urinals?

[6:57] Speed Round with Eva and Tim

[10:58] Exploring the House Fly Effect

[22:07] Why Knowing About Nudges Doesn’t Stop Them

[32:20] Regulating Nudges in Online Casinos

[41:36] Personal Applications of Behavioral Science

[50:37] Desert Island Music

[56:17] Grooving Session: The Bigger Picture of Behavioral Science

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

The Housefly Effect: How Nudge Psychology Steers Your Everyday Behaviour

Illusion of control: Why the world is full of buttons that don’t work

Have You Been Nudged?

David Bowie - Space Oddity

Prince - When Doves Cry

Arooj Aftab - Mehram

Benjamin Britten - Mozart: Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K.183 - 1. Allegro con brio

Happy New Year, Groovers!

The start of a new year often brings fresh goals, ambitious resolutions, and a renewed sense of motivation. But what’s the psychology behind this goal-oriented mindset? In our first episode of the year, we’re joined by Dr. Ayelet Fishbach, a renowned expert in behavioral science, to explore the science of achieving goals and rethink the traditional belief that success is all about willpower.

Whether you’re a leader looking to energize your team, a professional pursuing career aspirations, or someone striving to stay on track with personal resolutions, this episode will inspire you to think differently about motivation. Discover how to align your efforts with purpose, make progress more enjoyable, and build lasting momentum to achieve meaningful goals in the year ahead.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] Motivation and Willpower - a New Perspective with Ayelet Fishbach

[3:19] The Marshmallow Test and Its Misinterpretation

[7:52] Meta Motivation and Its Implications

[14:28] The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

[18:17] Problems Around Goal Achievement

[32:41] The Important of Aspirational Goals

[42:58] Strategies for Overcoming the Problem of "the Middle"

[48:33] Key Takeaways

Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation

Motivation Isn’t About Being Strong, It’s About Being Wise

Understanding the Power of Intrinsic Motivation

NIH: Intrinsic Motivation

Happy Holidays from Behavioral Grooves!

We're taking a week off to get ready for all the new and exciting content we have in store for our listeners coming in 2025. If you'd like to help us make next year's show amazing please help us by filling out the Behavioral Grooves survey here!

In the meantime, please enjoy this republish of one of our favorite episode this year, enjoy!

How can we turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and connection?

In this episode, Kurt and Tim dive into the science of meaningful conversations with David Robson, author of The Laws of Connection. Together, they explore how to deepen our understanding and build stronger connections with the people around us. Disagreements don’t have to signal the end of a conversation. Instead, with compassionate curiosity and a willingness to listen, we can turn them into constructive dialogues that bridge divides.

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] A message from Tim

[3:05] Welcome back, David!

[5:27] Intro and speed round

[10:05] Misconceptions about connecting with strangers

[16:59] The importance of social connections

[25:43] The art of successful conversation

[31:09] Creating a shared reality

[34:44] Effective communication strategies for disagreements

[38:42] Using personal experience to persuade others

[42:17] Effective feedback delivery

[53:55] Grooving session: Building connections, overcoming fear, and improving relationships

© 2024 Behavioral Grooves

Kwame Christian’s “Compassionate Curiosity” approach

Trotsky’s principle on empathy and statistics

The Laws of Connection

David Robson

Judy Collins - Spellbound

Taylor Swift - Fortnight

West Side Story - America

If you could spend a whole day with any historical figure, who would it be—and why? In this solo-sode of Groove Jams, we dive into this fascinating question, blending philosophy, psychology, and a bit of fun as we unpack our companion picks.

From deep questions to unexpected lessons, we explore the impact of history’s iconic figures and the timeless wisdom they could offer. Who would you choose? Tune in for a playful and thought-provoking journey into the "what ifs" of history.

Check out the video version of this episode on YouTube!

Want to win a free book? Write us a review, screenshot it, and send it to our producer caroline@behavioralgrooves.com for your chance to win!

©2024 Behavioral Grooves

Want to win a free book? Write us a review, screenshot it, and send it to our producer caroline@behavioralgrooves.com for your chance to win!

[0:00] Introduction and a Behavioral Grooves giveaway!

[6:59] Speed Round with Israa Nasir

[12:36] Red Flags of Toxic Productivity

[18:04] Slowing Down to Speed Up

[24:47] Generational and Social Influences

[30:07] Myths of Productivity

[35:00] Emotional Awareness and Self-Reflection

[45:23] Practical Advice for Avoiding Toxic Productivity

[53:01] Desert Island Music

[57:50] Grooving Session: Awareness, slowing down, and finding balance

©2024 Behavioral Grooves

Take the Behavioral Grooves Survey!

More About Israa

Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More

The Spotlight Effect and Social Anxiety

Let’s End Toxic Productivity

Ella Fitzgerald - Summertime

John Mayer - Free Fallin’

Ghazal Music - Rafta Rafta Wo Meri