Behavioral Grooves Podcast

In this 500th episode celebration, we reflect on eight years of behavioral science insights, from habits and decision-making to why we so often misunderstand each other. Joined live by Nick Epley, we run a real-time experiment that reveals the gap between what we expect from conversations and what actually happens, and why asking better questions can transform how we connect.

Topics
[0:00] Eight Years, 500 Episodes, and Counting!

[6:28] Introducing Nick Epley

[11:24] Understanding Social Cognition

[15:32] Strategies for Improving our Communication

[21:36] Live Experiment - Talking to Strangers

[37:34] Lessons Learned from 8 Years Podcasting

[43:45] The Importance of Social Connections and Compassionate Curiosity

[51:00] Coming Soon to Behavioral Grooves

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
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Musical Links
Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again

Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun

What if the issue isn’t whether people love you, but whether you actually feel it? In this episode, Sonja Lyubomirsky joins us to explore the gap between being loved and feeling loved, and why that disconnect happens. Drawing from her book How to Feel Loved, we talk about the psychology behind connection, challenge common myths like love languages, and dig into how curiosity, vulnerability, and better conversations can help you build more meaningful relationships.

Topics
[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Sonja Lyubomirsky

[11:08] Being Loved vs. Feeling Loved

[14:14] Why Love Doesn’t Always “Land”

[19:42] Deep Conversations vs. Small Talk

[23:47] Vulnerability: The Key to Real Connection

[32:01] What Are Love Mindsets?

[37:24] Psychological Barriers to Feeling Loved

[44:53] The #1 Happiness Tip 

[50:51] Are Love Languages Real?

[53:23] Music, Focus, and Flow

[56:21] Grooving Session: Letting Love In

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
Groove vs Grind Survey

About Sonja

How to Feel Loved by Sonja Lyubomirsky and Harry Reis

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Musical Links
Tina Turner - What’s Love Got To Do With It

The Lumineers - Stubborn Love

Fear at work isn’t obvious, but it is powerful. In this episode, Tom Rieger explains how fear of loss drives silos, misalignment, and inefficiency, and why AI and remote work may be making things worse, instead of better.

Topics
[0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Tom Rieger

[8:43] The Impact of Fear on Organizations

[16:26] Behavioral Economics and Organizational Fear

[23:39] The Role of AI in Organizational Fear

[31:25] The Challenge of Breaking Status Quo

[37:50] Advice to Managers and Leaders

[39:59] Desert Island Music

[43:24] Grooving Session: Breaking Fear Down

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
About Tom

Breaking the Fear Barrier by Tom Rieger

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Music Links
Andrés Segovia - Leyenda by Albeniz

Boston - More Than a Feeling

Should influence be about getting to “yes”? With Brian Ahearn, we explore a more ethical approach where persuasion is a responsibility, humility drives leadership, and real impact comes from helping others make better decisions.

Topics
[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Brian Ahearn

[8:10] The Line Between Influence and Manipulation

[12:25] Why Intent Matters in Persuasion

[16:40] Aligning Influence with Personal Values

[21:05] The Role of Humility in Leadership

[25:30] Emotional Reactions and Decision-Making

[30:15] Influencing Hearts vs Minds

[35:40] Small Actions, Identity, and the Consistency Principle

[42:41] Desert Island Music

[50:31] Grooving Session: Helping People Decide Better

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
About Brian

Influence People

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Music Links
Johnny Cash - The Man Comes Around

Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight

What if the key to growth isn’t finding better answers, but asking better questions? In our April throwback episode, we revisit our conversation with Elizabeth Weingarten on her book How to Fall in Love with Questions, where we explore how embracing uncertainty can lead to greater self-awareness, resilience, and connection. Through practice and mindset shifts, Elizabeth tells us all the ways questions can lead to clarity and confidence.

Elizabeth's book is available on paperback starting 4/15/26. If you're interested in learning more, grab your copy today!

 ©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Topics
[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Elizabeth Weingarten

[11:04] The Power of Loving Questions

[15:50] The Biological Need for Certainty

[21:48] The Role of Patience in Asking Questions

[39:18] Questions and the Role of Behavioral Science

[47:57] Desert Island Music

[50:38] Grooving Session: The Value of Sitting With Questions

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Links
More About Elizabeth

Better Life Lab

How to Fall in Love with Questions

Torch Leadership

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Music Links
Steely Dan - Do It Again

Chapell Roan - Pink Pony Club