Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Relationships change because people change. In this episode, we explore what it means when someone you love no longer feels like the person you once knew. Using behavioral science, we examine why personality shifts over time, why growth does not always happen in the same direction, and how to decide whether to reconnect, recalibrate, or let go.

Topics
[0:00] Understanding Relationship Changes

[7:07] Relationship Changes Over Time

[13:28] Self-Expansion Theory and Michelangelo Phenomenon

[22:08] Growth vs. Escape: What’s Really Driving the Change?

[29:49] How to Navigate Relationship Changes

[34:00] Updating the Story of “Us”

[43:01] The Importance of Compassion

[46:00] Regret, Loss, and What to Do Next

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
The All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work by Eli Finkel

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Music Links
Gotye - Somebody That I Used to Know

Flora Cash - You’re Somebody Else

What if your mood, focus, and energy aren’t random—but driven by internal clocks you rarely think about? This week, circadian rhythm expert Daniel Forger explains why jet lag hits so hard, why sleep timing may matter more than sleep duration, and what your wearable data actually means. If you’ve ever questioned your “sleep score” or wondered whether you’re a morning person by design, this conversation will change how you understand your body’s timing system.

Topics
[0:00] Psychologist Off the Clock!

[1:55] Intro and Speed Round with Daniel Forger

[5:44] Why Crossing Time Zones Messes You Up

[10:07] What Are Biological Rhythms?

[13:03] Is Your Apple Watch Accurate?

[22:44] How Your Biological Rhythms Impact Mood and Performance

[27:17] Could Humans Adapt to a 25-Hour Day?

[36:31] Circadian Rhythms and Happiness

[44:39] The Three Most Important Lessons About Biological Timing

[49:32] Bach, Pipe Organs, and Mathematical Patterns

[53:41] Grooving Session: The Intersection of Biology and Happiness

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
About Daniel

Biological Rhythms by Daniel Forger

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Musical Links
Best of Bach

In this special Grooving session, we unpack what happens when shared facts collapse and preferred beliefs take their place. Sparked by Kurt's firsthand experience during unrest in Minneapolis, this conversation explores why people reject lived experience, how identity defense and motivated reasoning shut down dialogue, and when it’s rational to stop trying to persuade altogether. Drawing on behavioral science, persuasion research, and real-world encounters, we examine how to choose your battles, why stories succeed where arguments fail, and what it actually takes to find common ground in a belief-first world.

Dating in 2026 feels broken.  The apps promise infinite choice, rom-coms on our screens promise “the one”, and yet frustration, ghosting, and mismatched expectations seem to be more normal than anything actually working out. This week, Tim Ash, author of Primal Dating, joins us as we explore why dating in the modern world feels so unstable and why many of today’s relationship struggles aren’t personal failures, but predictable outcomes of our ancient instincts clashing with modern environments and expectations.

Topics
[0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Tim Ash

[7:52] Behavioral tendencies and evolutionary psychology

[18:09] The role of life stages in dating

[26:17] The impact of cultural norms on dating

[30:51] The economic of dating

[35:48] The role of tech in dating

[48:33] The importance of empathy in dating

[56:58] Music talk with Tim and Tim

[1:00:45] Grooving Session: Modern dating for primordial (?) minds

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
About Tim

Primal Dating by Tim Ash and Dr. Limor Gottlieb

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Music Links
Steely Dan - FM

Chet Baker - Almost Blue

Love is in the air this Valentine's Day...or is that science? Today, we're throwing it back to 2021, when we had the privilege of chatting with Logan Ury, Director of Relationship Science at Hinge, about the challenges people face in modern dating. From getting ready for a first date to maintaining a relationship long term, Logan gives us valuable insights and advice on how to overcome common hurdles and make the most out of each stage or the dating life. 

So, the question of the day is - are you a maximizer, satisficer, or romanticizer? Tune in to find out. 

Links
About Logan

How Not to Die Alone by Logan Ury

Music Links
Hamilton - Satisfied

Chance the Rapper - Coloring Book