The Godfather of Influence: What Makes Bob Bob, Part 2

The Godfather of Influence: What Makes Bob Bob, Part 2

In the second episode of our three-part series, we go back into the time machine to see what shaped Robert Cialdini into one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers.  We're exploring the childhood experience, career-defining decisions, undercover research, and surprising moments that led to Influence, pre-suasion, and the principles of unity.  Topics [0:00] A breakup letter to social psychology [9:24] What makes Bob Bob? [16:03] Baseball, adaptability, and serendipity [23:40] Falling in love with psychology [27:46] Choosing freedom over prestige [36:44] The littering study that predicted elections [42:03] How Influence became a phenomenon [53:18] The birth of pre-suasion [1:08:18] Unity as the seventh principle [1:15:13] The legacy of Robert Cialdini [1:17:53] Coming up in Episode Three Links Influence by Robert Cialdini [https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189X] Join us on Substack! [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/] Join the Behavioral Grooves community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1025501742354651] Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@behavioralgrooves] Support Behavioral Grooves [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=menu&simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fbgpodcast.substack.com%2F]

The Godfather of Influence: How Robert Cialdini Changed the World, Part 1

We kick off our three-part series on Robert Cialdini by exploring the research, mentors, and discoveries that shaped one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers. From social proof and energy conservation to the creation of Influence, we trace the path that brought behavioral science from the lab to millions of everyday readers. Topics [0:00] The Utility Bill That Changed Behavior [9:28] Meet Robert Cialdini [12:41] The Famous Door Hanger Study [20:30] Social Proof and Opower's Success [22:16] The Book That Changed Behavioral Science [28:45] The Mentors Behind Cialdini's Thinking [41:30] Three Research Strategies That Defined His Career [56:01] Building the Science of Influence [1:01:01] Writing Influence for the Public [1:10:21] Why Cialdini's Work Still Matters Today ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Influence by Robert Cialdini [https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189X] Join us on Substack! [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/] Join the Behavioral Grooves community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1025501742354651] Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@behavioralgrooves] Support Behavioral Grooves [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=menu&simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fbgpodcast.substack.com%2F]

What Immigrants Teach Us About Success | Neri Karra Sillaman

As we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month, we sit down with Neri Karra Sillaman to explore what immigrant entrepreneurs can teach us about resilience, leadership, and long-term success. We discuss why luck is a skill, how reframing challenges creates opportunity, and the mindset behind companies that stand the test of time Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Neri Karra Sillaman [6:26] The Secret to Creating Your Own Luck [10:51] How to Reframe Problems Into Opportunities [16:37] Eight Traits of Long-Lasting Entrepreneurs [22:25] The Leadership Trait Most Founders Miss [29:11] What Makes Businesses Last for Decades? [37:17] The Biggest Myth About Immigrant Entrepreneurs [44:57] Why the American Dream Still Matters [46:11] Grooving Session: Why Challenges Create Innovation   ©2026 Behavioral Grooves ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman [https://www.nerikarrasillaman.com/] Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs by Neri Karra Sillaman [https://www.amazon.com/Pioneers-Principles-Longevity-Immigrant-Entrepreneurs/dp/1394304056?crid=29Y53CJWW1HAV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CDFOKPoddRhRBsqvG1inJxXd8ZIFi-05UXGyHwNuQjfGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.O7mVDXLoFTQl_xSQ2lx4bFcG2K84IEOqLec3EknZd9w&dib_tag=se&keywords=pioneers+neri+karra&qid=1737898840&sprefix=pioneers+neri+karra,aps,166&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=nerikarra-20&linkId=aef50ce509ea184218cf01de8720c7f4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl] Join us on Substack! [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/] Join the Behavioral Grooves community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1025501742354651] Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@behavioralgrooves] Support Behavioral Grooves [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=menu&simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fbgpodcast.substack.com%2F] Musical Links Bee Gees - How Deep Is Your Love [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpqqjU7u5Yc&list=RDXpqqjU7u5Yc&start_radio=1] Van Halen - Jump [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwYN7mTi6HM&list=RDSwYN7mTi6HM&start_radio=1]

Throwback Thursday: The Secret Key to Decision-Making | Emily Falk

In keeping with our themes of mattering, meaning, and connection this June, we wanted to reshare a conversation with had with author Emily Falk. In this conversation, we decode what goes on behind the scenes with our decisions - everything from what to eat for breakfast to how to respond to trolls on social media - and how emotional, rational, and social information is integrated by the brain to guide our choices. Emily's book is now available on paperback wherever you get your favorite reads.  ©20256 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Emily Falk [8:29] Understanding Value Calculations [12:58] Research Methods and fMRI [18:01] Self-Relevance and Social Relevance Systems [28:41] Defensiveness and Social Norms [40:49] The Importance of Being "In Sync" [58:17] The Role or Music in Self/Social Relevance [1:07:45] Grooving Session: Communication, Social Norms, and Behavioral Science at Work ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Emily [https://www.asc.upenn.edu/people/faculty/emily-falk-phd] What We Value by Emily Falk [https://www.amazon.com/What-We-Value-Neuroscience-Choice/dp/1324130717/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0]

The Common Trap Companies Fall For | Phil Le-Brun & Jana Werner

Why do smart organizations become slow, bureaucratic, and resistant to change? Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner, authors of The Octopus Organization, explore why so many companies fall into the trap of becoming “Tin Man Organizations” and what leaders can do instead. We discuss distributed decision-making, psychological safety, incentives, organizational learning, and why adaptability, not control, is often the key to long-term success. Topics [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Jana Werner and Phil Le-Brun [9:25] What “Bulls!t Bingo” Reveals About Corporate Language [17:18] Psychology as a Leadership Tool [25:14] Explaining Octopus Organization [32:10] Challenges of Tin Man Organizations [39:13] The Role of Psychology for Transformation [45:56] Complex vs Complicated Systems [50:50] Building an “Octopus Soundtrack” [54:13] Grooving Session: Incentives, Rewards, and Recreating Systems ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links The Octopus Organization by Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner [https://www.theoctopusorganization.com/] About Jana [https://www.fastcompany.com/user/janawerner] About Phil [https://www.fastcompany.com/user/phillebrun] Join us on Substack! [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/] Join the Behavioral Grooves community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1025501742354651] Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@behavioralgrooves] Support Behavioral Grooves [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=menu&simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fbgpodcast.substack.com%2F] Musical Links Octopus Garden - The Beatles [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De1LCQvbqV4] Changes - David Bowie [https://youtu.be/4BgF7Y3q-as?si=TDNpSQaEau36JkjH]