Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Why are we becoming more divided, and how are AI and social media changing the way we relate to one another? Social psychologist Jay van Bavel, co-author of The Power of Us, explores the psychology of outrage, AI sycophancy, social identity, and the hidden costs of digital connection. Discover how leaders and organizations can rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and create healthier social norms.

Topics
[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Jay van Bavel

[13:12] Why Are We So Mean to Each Other Online?

[18:17] How Social Media Algorithms Reward Outrage

[22:31] How Online Behavior Changes Our Perception of Social Norms

[27:59] Is AI Making Us Worse at Relationships?

[34:41] The Hidden Social Costs of Remote Work and AI

[39:16] Why Individual Solutions Aren’t Enough

[43:46] Can We Push Back Against Technology’s Influence?

[46:45] What Leaders Can Do to Rebuild Human Connection

[50:56] The Time Jay Taught a Class From a Stuck Elevator

[56:00] Desert Island Music

[1:01:34] Grooving Sessions: Group Identity and Authenticity

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
About Jay

The Power of Us by Jay van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer

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Music Links
Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil

Radiohead - Burn the Witch

"My vote doesn't count."

Or does it?

Millions of people vote when the odds of their individual vote are a drop in the bucket, so why do we feel the need to do it? In this special mini-episode ahead of the US Midterm Elections, we explore the science behind voter turnout and the surprising power of social pressure.

So, how much of our decision to vote comes from what we believe, and how much comes from the groups we belong to and the expectations of those around us? We unpack what this reveals about human behavior and why the same social forces influence everything from volunteering to recycling.

The last day to vote is Tuesday, November 3rd. Make sure your voice is heard.

Happy Halloween! We're throwing it back as we dive into the spooky science of superstition—why we knock on wood, wear lucky socks, and believe in things that defy logic. From the psychology of control and uncertainty to research on how superstition both stresses and strengthens us, we mix science, humor, and a dash of Stevie Wonder to show why “superstition ain’t the way.”

Topics
[0:00] Happy Halloween from Behavioral Grooves!

[2:08] Common superstitions and their rationality

[6:40] Psychological and cultural aspects of superstitions

[9:13] Superstitions: The positives and negatives

[14:36] The hidden wisdom of Stevie Wonder

[16:14] Why we should be curious about our rituals

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Links
Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition

Delacroix, Eva & Valérie Guillard. (2008). Understanding, defining and measuring the trait of superstition. 

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Music Links
Stevie Wonder - Superstition 

Nightmare Before Christmas - This Is Halloween

Behavioral Grooves HQ is busy this week, so please enjoy a continuation of our recent conversation on habits with a throwback episode with Monica Reinagel. Please enjoy, and we'll be back with new content soon!

What if the secret to healthier habits has less to do with willpower and more to do with your surroundings? If you’ve ever hidden Oreos from yourself or struggled to stick to a diet, nutrition expert Monica Reinagel joins Kurt and Tim to explain why your environment may be sabotaging your goals, and how small changes can make healthy choices easier.

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Topics
[0:00] Oreo habits and environmental adjustments

[9:22] Introduction and speed round

[13:50] Are New Year’s Resolutions bad?

[20:08] Eating, emotions, and environment

[24:32] From opera singer to nutritionist – finding your passions

[31:35] How we can look at nutrition through behavioral science

[38:30] Tracking nutrition with the Nutrition GPA App

[45:00] Desert island music

[51:32] Grooving Session: influencing behavior by changing your environment

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
Behavioral Grooves Facebook Group!

Nutrition GPA app

Monica on Instagram

Change Academy Podcast

Music Links
Bach - Spirits of Meditation - Suite #5 Aria

Mozart - Symphony No. 40 in G minor

What if violence is contagious? Dr. Gary Slutkin argues that violence spreads like an epidemic, and that public health strategies can help stop it. We explore social pain, belonging, violence interrupters, and the science behind preventing violence before it spreads.

Topics
[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Dr. Gary Slutkin

[8:23] Why Do We Treat Violence as a Moral Problem?

[11:25] What Happens When Our Diagnosis Is Wrong?

[20:00] Exposure, Susceptibility, and the Pain of Violence

[25:12] Can Belonging Stop the Cycle of Violence?

[31:26] Finding the Warning Signs Before Violence Happens

[37:44] Why Community Health Workers Matter

[41:30] How to Cool Down a Potentially Violent Situation

[47:54] How Communities Can Build Systems to Prevent Violence

[49:00] Grooving With Gary: Music, Guitar, and Leonard Cohen

[54:13] Grooving Session: Breaking the Cycle Through Connection

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Links
About Dr. Gary Slutkin

Cure Violence Global

The End of Violence by Dr. Gary Slutkin

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Support Behavioral Grooves

Music Links
Dire Straits - So Far Away

John Coltrane - Locomotion