Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Why Talking To Strangers Is Actually Good For Your Wellbeing | Nick Epley Apr 03, 2022

Show notes

Do you strike up a conversation with a stranger on a plane or while waiting in line? If you don’t already, you will after listening to Nick Epley in this episode. Nick talks through his extensive research about talking to people we encounter and how it actually boosts our wellbeing.

While many of us prefer engaging in some small talk with strangers, Nick advocates for the benefits of having a deep and meaningful conversation with people. The problem is, how do we actually start such a conversation with the person who just sat down next to us? Fear not, Nick delves into why we’re reluctant and how we can overcome our hesitation.

Nick Epley is the John Templeton Keller Professor of Behavior Science and Director of the Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He studies social cognition — how thinking people think about other thinking people — to understand why smart people so routinely misunderstand each other. Recently Nick has written the book “Mindwise: Why We Misunderstand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want” and he talks in his interview about what he's working on next.

As always, hosts Kurt and Tim end the show with a light-hearted Grooving Session to summarize what we have learnt from our guest. I’m sure you will agree that Nick’s interview leaves us with lots of helpful insights. But if there is just one thing you take away from this episode, great listeners, is never hesitant to seize the opportunity to pay a compliment.

Topics

(3:40) Welcome and speed round questions.

(4:57) Why it’s better to have a deep and meaningful conversation with a stranger?

(7:18) Why are we reluctant to talk to strangers about something meaningful?

(13:46) Why did Nick start studying undersociality?

(21:06) What happens when strangers talk on a train?

(29:33) How do you start a conversation with a stranger?

(33:20) The benefits of a compliment.

(39:21) Nick’s work in the future.

(43:35) The mind-blowing way to get someone else’s perspective?

(47:49) What music influences Nick.

(51:24) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim discussing what we learned from Nick Epley.

Links

Nicholas Epley: www.nicholasepley.com

“Mindwise: Why We Misunderstand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want” by Nick Epley: https://amzn.to/3IodtLV

Gary Becker: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/1992/becker/facts/

Liz Dunn at University of British Columbia: https://psych.ubc.ca/profile/elizabeth-dunn/

Episode 220: How Do You Become Influential? Jon Levy Reveals His Surprising Secrets: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/how-to-be-influential-jon-levy/

Behavioral Grooves Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves

Musical Links

Metallica “Master of Puppets”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnKhsTXoKCI

David Tolk, piano player “Amazing Grace”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X24B_2TjPQ

“All Creatures Great and Small” music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hLXxQPkAGk

If You’re Wrong It’s Meaningless, But If I’m Wrong It’s Valuable | Peter Montoya Mar 30, 2022

Show notes

As the political divide between left and right widens in the US and around the world, we seem to spend increasing amounts of time focusing on the idea that other people are wrong. But what if we stopped arguing about facts and talked about improving ourselves instead?

“All of my knowledge is temporary, pending new information.”

This is a motto that guest Peter Montoya lives by, which questions our own ego and behavior, more than other people’s.

Peter Montoya is the author of “The Second Civil War: A Citizen's Guide to Healing Our Fractured Nation”, which we understand to be the first “political self help” for Americans. Instead of pointing the finger of blame at one side or the other, Peter challenges us to look inward at our own behavior, our own ego battle and our own craving to belong which can reveal a lot about the relationships we are building.

Looking inwards is a personal journey that Peter has recently taken himself and we are incredibly grateful to him for the vulnerability and openness he shows in this episode. We are all just trying to be a better version of ourselves and we can see this endeavor reflected in the stories that Peter shares with us.

If you enjoyed listening to this episode, we would be grateful if you could donate to our work through Patreon. Contributions we receive from listeners are used to fund the work on our podcast, and help ensure we can deliver more great content to you. Thank you!

Topics

(7:19) Why do people fight on social media?

(13:31) Why do we need a political self help book?

(15:51) Arguing about politics really is stupid; but what’s the alternative?

(20:43) What to do about social media and news rewarding extreme stories.

(26:19) Why don’t facts or morality matter when changing minds?

(29:34) What are our actual differences vs. our perceived differences?

(30:13) Change starts with ourselves.

(33:19) Understanding our own ego.

(35:09) When you change yourself, you change your relationships.

(47:17) The greatest song Peter has ever heard.

(53:31) Grooving Session discussing what we’ve learnt from Peter.

Links

Peter Montoya: petermontoya.com

“The Second Civil War: A Citizen's Guide to Healing Our Fractured Nation” by Peter Montoya: https://amzn.to/3w3ooHF

Interested in becoming an Urth Co-Creator? Visit: www.Urth.cc

Episode 215, Secrets of Subtraction: Donut Holes, Lego and Bruce Springsteen with Leidy Klotz: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/subtraction-with-leidy-klotz/

Episode 10, Changing the World One View at a Time – with Reddit Superstar Kal Turnbull: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/changing-the-world-one-view-at-a-time-with-reddit-superstar-kal-turnbull/

Dances with Wolves: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dances_with_Wolves

“The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman: https://amzn.to/36xZzcA

Glossary of Behavioral Terms: https://behavioralgrooves.com/behavioral-science-glossary-of-terms/

Episode 283, Henry Gee - Is The Anus Really The Key To All Intelligent Life? https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/anus-the-key-to-intelligent-life/

Episode 226, The Power of Unity: Robert Cialdini Expands His Best Selling Book Influence: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/cialdini-unity-in-influence/

Episode 279, We Are Greater Together; The Power Of Belonging with Dominic Packer PhD: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/the-power-of-belonging/

Behavioral Grooves Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves

Musical Links

The Beatles “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jenWdylTtzs

The Sandells “Dirty Water”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5apEctKwiD8

Radiohead “Daydreaming”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTAU7lLDZYU

Bjork “Human Behaviour”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0mRIhK9seg

The Clash “Rock The Casbah”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ9r8LMU9bQ

The Clash “London’s Calling”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfK-WX2pa8c

Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros: “Yalla Yalla”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LliymbErupw&ab_channel=HellcatRecords

The Three Phases of Growth and Learning | Whitney Johnson Mar 27, 2022

Show notes

We are always learning, whether it’s changing careers or learning a new instrument. But how do we transition from the curiosity stage, to completely mastering the skill? It turns out it’s a rather predictable process. The growth and learning journey we all embark on, many times in our life, can, according to Whitney Johnson, be visualized on the S Curve of Learning. The growth and learning journey comes in three phases: the Launch Point, the Sweet Spot, and Mastery.

In this episode with Whitney and in her new book “Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company”, we can learn how to keep going when growth is slow and why we sometimes leap from one journey to another. By familiarizing ourselves with the growth journey, we can better ourselves, our workplaces and our societies.

Not only has Whitney been a fascinating guest on our podcast, she has also generously given us some signed copies of her book for our listeners! All you have to do is write a Twitter post about why you would like to read Whitney’s book Smart Growth on social media and tag us in the post: @behavioralgroov. We will choose the lucky winners and send you a FREE SIGNED COPY!

Topics

(1:18) Find out how to WIN Whitney’s new book, “Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company”.

(4:11) What is the S Curve of Learning?

(11:33) How we have learnt to integrate our work life and home life during the pandemic.

(15:44) Nobody climbs their S Curve alone; how important is context?

(18:49) The 6 phases of the S Curve.

(26:28) How Shellye Archambeau jumped onto new S Curves in order to reach the summit.

(34:51) What is Whitney’s next challenge?

(40:58) Whitney’s S Curve with music.

(47:00) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim recapping what we learnt from Whitney.

Links

Win a signed copy of Whitney’s new book at @behavioralgroov

“Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company” by Whitney Johnson: https://amzn.to/3NpapCq

“The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail (Management of Innovation and Change)” by Clayton Christensen: https://amzn.to/3JE3mDu

Thich Nhat Hanh quote: “You have to do it by yourself. You can not do it alone.”

Episode 204, How Shellye Archambeau Flies Like an Eagle: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/shellye-archambeau-like-an-eagle/

Disrupt Yourself Podcast: https://whitneyjohnson.com/disrupt-yourself-podcast/

Jacqueline Novogratz on Disrupt Yourself Podcast: https://whitneyjohnson.com/233-jacqueline-novogratz-when-the-work-gets-hard-look-for-beauty/

Simon Sinek on Disrupt Yourself Podcast: https://whitneyjohnson.com/simon-sinek/

Livingston Taylor On Disrupt Yourself Podcast: https://whitneyjohnson.com/livingston-taylor/

Sunil Gupta on Disrupt Yourself Podcast: https://whitneyjohnson.com/222-suneel-gupta/

Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves.

Musical Links

Diana Krall “Just The Way You Are”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8RYUZT57XA

Stevie Wonder “As”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQfWJNWe3I

Rodgers & Hammerstein“Getting To Know You” from The King and I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlx6gQWfjp0

Aimee Nolte piano jazz tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJCj7J69vsQ

Tori Kelly “Don’t You Worry About A Thing”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skq4IQmt58o

Mindset Matters Most: Top Tips from The Sales Evangelist, Donald C. Kelly Mar 23, 2022

Show notes

Creating a motivating mindset is the most important component of any sales role. In fact, it’s a critical component of everything we do, but Donald C. Kelly enthusiastically reminds us in this episode that it’s a vital step in the sales process. Adopting a sales mindset can elevate you from a good sales person to a great sales person. Learn from Donald about how to get into the zone of a sales mindset.

Donald has an extremely passionate, dedicated, and infectious personality. As producer and host of the extremely popular podcast, The Sales Evangelist, Donald lives, eats and breathes sales. He believes that anyone can become a sales person if they believe in themselves. Something that he started to discover for himself at the age of 7, when he started to sell mangoes in his hometown in Jamaica in order to help get him the cool Ninja bike that he wanted so badly.

We dedicate part of our interview with Donald to discuss the blend of behavioral science in sales. If you’re interested in finding out even more about how behavioral science can be used in your workplace, the team at Behavioral Grooves have designed a new handbook on leadership called Leading Human. It is cater-made for leaders in sales or any management role to help explore the human challenges and overcome the stresses of working in a hyper-dynamic world. The handbook walks you through exercises that you can do with your team - to make sure that you are being the most effective manager possible. In this ever changing world, having a deep understanding of how to apply behavioral science insights to better lead your team is vitally important.

Topics

(3:04) Welcome and speed round questions.

(8:40) Are people born with a natural sales ability?

(13:30) Why does our impression of sales come from car salesmen?

(18:12) Donald’s sales journey started by selling mangoes.

(22:38) How important is your mindset in sales?

(24:37) How your environment activates your reticular activating system.

(36:03) Why is behavioral science not integrated more in sales?

(41:10) How Donald uses music to get in the zone.

(45:27) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim sharing what we learnt from Donald.

Links

Kurt and Tim on The Sales Evangelist Podcast, “Why Your Brain Lies To You: Cash Is NOT The Best Motivator”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tim-houlihan-and-kurt-nelson-phd-why-your-brain-lies/id788738885?i=1000473224218

“Sell It Like a Mango: A New Seller's Guide to Closing More Deals” by Donald C. Kelly: https://amzn.to/36cH8Kt

“The Sales Evangelist Sales Planner” by Donald C. Kelly: https://amzn.to/3ipIdAW

Michael Jordan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan

Seth Godin: https://seths.blog/

Leading Human Handbook designed for leaders: https://www.behavioralgrooves-store.com/products/copy-of-the-leading-human-playbook-workbook-package

Musical Links

Chronixx “Here Comes Trouble”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfeIfiiBTfY

Koffee “Lockdown”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSzv3K3Keyg

Drake “Money In The Grave”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3lH6CULHD0

Damian Marley “Living It Up”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XN8h3JHmHw

Is The A-nus Really The Key To All Intelligent Life? | Henry Gee Mar 20, 2022

Show notes

Paleontologist Henry Gee humorously explains to us why the anus was the key to large animals evolving, how the large size of our “dangly bits” is unique to our species, and what exactly has been the significance to humans about bipedalism. Our colorful discussion with Henry hilariously highlights many of the mysteries surrounding our life on earth.

"The anus was the key to all intelligent life, which is why one tends to have one's best ideas while sitting on the loo." ~ Henry Gee

Henry describes himself as a “recovering paleontologist”, but he is also an author, and a musician. His day job is the senior editor of the scientific journal Nature.

Having written numerous books, including The Accidental Species, The Science of Middle-Earth, Jacob's Ladder and In Search of Deep Time, Henry protested to his publisher that he wouldn’t write another [expletive] book. But Henry wrote another [expletive] book and we’re so glad he did! A (Very) Short History of Life On Earth is a fun and informative review of the delicate balance that has allowed life to survive and flourish on the planet.

Topics

(5:49) Welcome and speed round questions.

(10:21) Why was the development of the anus the key to all intelligent life?

(13:01) Why are there no dinosaur sized animals anymore?

(18:32) The story of why Henry wrote A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth.

(23:55) Why bipedalism is such a mystery and a marvel.

(31:57) Humans are uniquely good at endurance running.

(35:07) Why do men have large penises and women have large breasts?

(39:10) The musical significance of cave painting locations.

(42:03) Bach was a rule breaker!

(47:05) What work and music Henry is working on next.

(51:24) Grooving session with Kurt and Tim reviewing what we learnt from Henry.

Links

Henry’s book, “A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth: 4.6 Billion Years in 12 Pithy Chapters”: https://amzn.to/3I8HH4W

Henry Gee on Twitter: @EndOfThePier

Neil Gaiman: https://www.neilgaiman.com/

Dan Lieberman: https://scholar.harvard.edu/dlieberman/home

Musical Links

Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRg0K5rgXog&ab_channel=CollinsClassics

Juilliard String Quartet performs Bach, Art of Fugue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ILd81jY1v4

BB King “Beautician Blues”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFA4UHl4upE

Robert Johnson “Crossroads”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd60nI4sa9A

G & T “Ice and a Slice”: https://open.spotify.com/album/5o4CQ6SJJ2hnGFvoCSMrsm

Why Applying Behavioral Science to Public Policy Delivers Better Policy | David Yokum PhD Mar 13, 2022

Show notes

Connecting evidence-based behavioral science with public policy has been shown to deliver more effective government policies that strengthen communities. And there’s no-one better to explain this rigorous process than David Yokum PhD, who cut his teeth in behavioral science in the first White House Social & Behavioral Science team. David then went on to work as the Director of The Lab @ DC where he applied behavioral science to city issues. He now works as the Director and founder of The Policy Lab at Brown University, as well as hosting his own podcast, 30,000 Leagues.

We were lucky enough to talk to David about the changing role of behavioral science inside government, some of the experiments that he has run, and how working proactively in gaining agreement upfront on an experiment's design with the community and policy makers can help cross political divides and actually change mindsets.

The mission of The Policy Lab at Brown University where David now works is “to work in concert with government leaders and experts to develop evidence-based policy programs that improve lives and strengthen communities”, which, I think you’ll agree is one of the coolest missions anywhere.

Topics

(2:31) Welcome and speed round questions.

(4:18) The benefits of disconnecting from screens for a short time.

(12:16) How applying behavioral science to public policy delivers better policy.

(15:07) How has behavioral science application in public policy changed?

(19:27) Behavioral science experiments can be run on hot button issues, like police body cams.

(26:51) The political advantages of using randomized control trials.

(31:39) Will experiment results be accepted across the political divide?

(38:18) The barriers faced when turning experiment results into policy change.

(42:56) Examples of successful partnerships between the civil service and the research communities.

(49:14) About David’s podcast; 30,000 Leagues.

(51:58) How David’s playlists are curated.

(56:32) Grooving Session with Tim and Kurt discussing what we’ve learnt from David.

Links

David Yokum on Twitter: @david_yokum

30,000 Leagues Podcast: https://thirtythousandleagues.com/

Office of Evaluation Sciences: https://oes.gsa.gov/

Randomized Control Trial of the Metropolitan Police Department Body-Worn Camera Program: https://bwc.thelab.dc.gov/#approach/2

North Carolina Office of Strategic Partnerships: https://www.osbm.nc.gov/operational-excellence/nc-office-strategic-partnerships

R&D League - City of San Antonio: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Innovation/R-D-League

Southwest Research Institute: https://www.swri.org/

Jules Verne: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_Verne

Musical Links

Hank Williams “You Win Again”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvYDQBIokz0

Why Leaders Need To Care For People, Not Manage Them | Sesil Pir Mar 06, 2022

Show notes

Control is the opposite of caring. And a caring mindset is one of the most important things a leader can possess. In a caring workplace, workers experience lower absenteeism, less burnout and more productive teamwork.

“When we carry a mindset of control, we tend to shrink in our capacity, because we are likely to disconnect from our emotions, so we avoid what's happening with us and what may be happening with other people. There's really not a lot of room for us to express something beyond the cognitive.” ~ Sesil Pir.

Sesil Pir may not be a household name, we are delighted to bring you our rich conversation with her, which is sprinkled with gems from her 20+ years of championing humanity in the workplace. More recently, Sesil has authored the book “Human-Centered Leadership: Awakening The Choice Within” after years of longitudinal research with Stanford University to pull the data, analyze it, and package it so nicely for us to read.

“You can manage a task, you can divide it into pieces, you can time control yourself, or resource control yourself, but you cannot manage a human being…what we can do is lead one another.” ~ Sesil Pir

Not only is Sesil’s book packed full of incredible leadership insights, 100% of the profits from the book are going to non-profit organizations to benefit the education of young girls in emerging markets. So, we strongly encourage you to buy the book, read it, and share her work with others you know.

Topics

(5:46) Being successful vs being kind.

(8:41) We always have a choice in how we show up.

(12:57) The importance of going back to our purpose and being authentic.

(16:13) Control is the opposite of caring. Why a caring mindset is important.

(22:26) Leaders who are pessimistic about a caring mindset.

(26:59) The difference between sympathy, empathy and compassion.

(29:59) Why adaptability and resilience are vital in organizations.

(36:46) What part do self esteem and trust play in leadership?

(40:30) How to choose junior leaders in an organization?

(48:35) Grooving session with Kurt and Tim discussing the human part of leadership.

Links

“Human-Centered Leadership” by Sesil Pir: https://amzn.to/3CzwB6f

Kwame Christina, Episode 178: On Compassionate Curiosity, Social Justice Conversations, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/kwame-christian-on-compassionate-curiosity-social-justice-conversations-and-cinnamon-toast-crunch/

Behavioral Grooves Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves

Musical Links

Eminem “Without Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkUvmDQ3HY

Diana Krall “Just The Way You Are”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8RYUZT57XA

Bebe “Siempre Me Quedara”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-HKvYDTpoc&ab_channel=AirinR

Mercan Dede “Alef”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhmX8D9UQBw&ab_channel=netdm%C3%BCzik

Do We Judge Others By The Way They Speak? | Katherine Kinzler PhD Feb 27, 2022

Show notes

We gravitate to people who are like us; our “tribe”. One factor that we use to assume that others are like us, is by the way they talk. Not just the words they speak, but the accent that they use to communicate. And yes, we all have an accent!

Since the way we speak is central to our identity, do we have control over it by altering our accent or by learning a new language? And what implications does our hidden linguistic bias have in the workplace and for discrimination laws?

Pioneering psychologist Katherine Kinzler PhD has spent years researching the way we talk and listen to voices. Katherine is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago and author of the recent book “How You Say It: Why You Talk the Way You Do―And What It Says About You”. We talk with her about linguistic prejudices, and how she advocates for bilingualism, multilingual education and linguistic diversity.

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a quick review on your podcast platform. It really helps other listeners to find our content. You can also help fund our work by contributing to Behavioral Grooves through Patreon. Thank you!

Topics

(4:16) Welcome to Katherine and speed round questions.

(6:00) Can language be both fixed and malleable at the same time?

(10:57) Why Katherine wrote a book about linguistic prejudice and valuing bilingualism.

(13:40) How do you define good communication?

(17:52) The implications of speech discrimination in the work place.

(20:40) Do we gravitate to people who share a similar linguistic pattern to ours?

(24:26) The value of multilingual education.

(26:11) How young children learn about language having social relevance.

(34:26) Our society teaches us to embed our kids with social norms.

(39:03) How music from different cultures influences young children.

(42:43) Grooving Session - linguistic prejudices and how we can overcome them.

Links

Dr. Katherine Kinzler PhD: https://psychology.uchicago.edu/directory/katherine-d-kinzler

“How You Say It: Why You Talk the Way You Do―And What It Says About You” by Katherine Kinzler: https://amzn.to/3BNn6BE

Episode 274, Paul Bloom: Why Finding Pleasure in Life is a Painful Journey: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/pleasure-is-a-painful-journey/

Spelke ES, Kinzler KD. “Core knowledge” Developmental Science. 2007 Jan;10(1):89-96: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17181705/

Episode 102: Cristina Bicchieri: Social Norms are Bundles of Expectations https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/cristina-bicchieri-social-norms-are-bundles-of-expectations/

Samuel A. Mehr, Lee Ann Song, Elizabeth S. Spelke, “For 5-Month-Old Infants, Melodies Are Social”: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797615626691

Behavioral Grooves Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves

Musical Links

Music with Mr. Dave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl1PsQ3ngWo&ab_channel=MrDaveMusic

We Are Greater Together; The Power Of Belonging | Dominic Packer PhD Feb 20, 2022

Show notes

We all have an inherent need to belong. And the groups we feel part of actually shape our behavior, more than we realize. They influence how we navigate the world and the way we relate to each other. In an increasingly polarized landscape, our social identities are often collapsed into a single dimension; Republican or Democrat, Brexit Leaver or Brexit Remainer. But our identities are multifaceted. And if we unpeel the complex layers of our identities, we reveal more commonalities than differences. Exposing that can be a powerful and unifying force.

The Power of Us is an incredible new book, showcasing the potential we have when we harness our shared identities. In this episode, Dominic Packer, who co-authored the book alongside fellow researcher Jay Van Bavel, gives us a glimpse into their revolutionary new understanding of identity, and how our groups have a powerful influence on our feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. We also learn how these shared identities can inspire personal change and social movements.

“Our social identities end up shaping a lot of how we navigate the world, a lot of our feelings about the world and how we relate to each other.” ~ Dominic Packer

If you enjoy Behavioral Grooves podcast, please leave us a quick review on your podcast platform. It really helps other listeners to find our content. You can also become a mega-fan by contributing to Behavioral Grooves through Patreon. Thank you!

Topics

(3:28) Welcome and speed round questions.

(9:16) How polarization is collapsing our identities into a single dimension.

(11:36) How priming a particular part of your identity can change how you think.

(14:59) Does the 24 hour news cycle constantly remind us of our political identity?

(17:26) Who is The Power Of Us written for?

(18:55) Why were the Minimal Group Studies so important to understanding group identities?

(24:59) Who is most likely to dissent from a group?

(28:22) In-group love is not inherently the same as out-group hate.

(31:39) What factors lead to out-group hate?

(33:41) What steps can create more cohesion between groups?

(36:07) Why did the COVID-19 pandemic cause division and not unity?

(44:55) How music can make you feel part of a group and reinforce your identity.

(54:54) Grooving Session discussing what we have learnt about our own social identities.

Links

“The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony” by Jay J. Van Bavel PhD, Dominic J. Packer PhD: https://amzn.to/3BsmzF6

Henri Tajfel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Tajfel

Oprah Winfrey “Discrimination Exercise” show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ1PGDEKaqs

Jane Elliott: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Elliott

Musical Links

Treble Charger “American Psycho”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZqCwEgOv1k

Green Day “Time of Your Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnQ8N1KacJc

Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg

Dave Grohl, drumming solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utYq-AIJSbg&ab_channel=painmanist

How Can Smart, Kind People Harness Their Influence? | Zoe Chance Feb 13, 2022

Show notes

Influential is probably not a word you use to describe yourself if you are the quiet/smart/kind type of person. Furthermore, you probably have misconceptions about what it even means to have influence. Zoe Chance believes intelligent and caring people are precisely those who should learn how to harness their influence and then use it for bigger, more socially important issues. And she practices what she preaches! Zoe is donating half of the profits from her new book to fight the climate crisis.

“Influence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen” is the fantastic new book that Zoe has written. On this episode of Behavioral Grooves, we delve into Zoe’s clever way of framing system 1 and system 2 thinking, how being influential isn’t as hard as it appears, and about what she likes to call The Magic Question!

As a professor at the Yale School of Management, Zoe studies and teaches influence, focusing on research-based strategies to create positive impact in people’s lives. She teaches the most popular course at the Business School, called “Mastering Influence and Persuasion” which is affectionately known on campus as the "Doing Uncomfortable Things That Make You a Better Person” course!

Topics

(3:04) Welcome and speed round.

(7:20) The Gator Brain vs The Judge Brain.

(13:10) Charisma isn’t something you are, it’s something you do.

(17:57) When are people open to being influenced by us?

(21:00) What is The Magic Question?

(26:04) How Zoe is using her influence.

(28:57) How does Zoe teach her students about their influence?

(36:04) How global warming got reframed into the climate crisis.

(40:05) Reframing the replication crisis.

(44:07) How Zoe uses music to create an inclusive, influential atmosphere.

(49:37) Grooving session recapping how we can use Zoe’s insights to wield our superpower of influence!

Do you know you have the power to influence other podcast listeners! If you enjoy Behavioral Grooves podcast, please leave us a quick review on your podcast platform. It really helps other listeners to find our content. You can also become a mega-fan by contributing to Behavioral Grooves through Patreon. Thanks!

Links

“Influence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen” by Zoe Chance: https://amzn.to/3EYKXOz

Zoe Chance: zoechance.com

Kopi Luwak coffee: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_luwak

Black Ivory coffee: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Ivory_Coffee

Brit Marling (The OA): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brit_Marling

Eldar Shafir: https://psych.princeton.edu/person/eldar-shafir

“The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism” by Olivia Fox Chance: https://amzn.to/3HE93jp

Paisley Park: https://www.paisleypark.com/

350.org: https://350.org/

Jia Jong 100 Days of Rejection Challenge: https://www.rejectiontherapy.com/100-days-of-rejection-therapy

Frank Luntz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Luntz

Brazilian billionaire Chiquinho Scarpa burying his Bentley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8GvaEPyX9Y&ab_channel=LeoBurnettTailorMadeBrazil

Musical Links