Throwback Monday: Does Democracy Need a Rebrand? | AJ Jacobs

Throwback Monday: Does Democracy Need a Rebrand? | AJ Jacobs

We’re taking a holiday break this week and revisiting a favorite conversation with AJ Jacobs about his year-long experiment living by 18th-century principles inspired by the U.S. Constitution. From tricorn hats and quill pens to rediscovering “Election Cakes,” AJ explores how early American civic life blended community, ritual, and democracy. We also dig into “epistemic humility” and Benjamin Franklin’s warnings about misinformation, which remain strikingly relevant today. Sit back, pop your headphones in, and enjoy this unique look at the American Experiment.  ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Election day traditions [4:25] Speed round with AJ Jacobs [9:44] Living Colonially: What I learned [18:56] Epistemic humility and political perspectives [23:52] Constitutional originalism [36:29] How do we frame the constitution? [40:40] Election cakes and celebrating democracy [48:52] Embracing experimentation in everyday life [52:56] Grooving session: open-mindedness, civic duty, and cake recipes ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links Join our Facebook Group! [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1025501742354651] AJ’s Substack [https://ajjacobs.substack.com] The Year of Living Constitutionally [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-year-of-living-constitutionally-aj-jacobs/1143889872] More about AJ [https://ajjacobs.com/] The History of Election Cakes [https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/election-cake] Musical Links Royal American Medley - Songs of the Revolutionary War [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58W-7z_hNng&list=PLOi6g_AwQZVpWBtJmME1zg-dkFf4WZd2b] Yankee Doodle [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65SCziAGthw]

The Godfather of Influence: The Lasting Impact of Robert Cialdini, Part 3

In the final episode of our Robert Cialdini series, we explore the extraordinary legacy of one of behavioral science's most influential thinkers. We revisit the seven Principles of Influence through real-world business examples, hear how Cialdini's ideas inspired organizations around the world, and learn why colleagues like Angela Duckworth, Adam Grant, Dan Pink, and Katie Milkman believe his greatest contribution goes far beyond research. Join us as we celebrate the ideas and the person who helped shape modern behavioral science. Topics [0:00] From Utility Bills to Global Impact [9:17] Full Cycle Social Psychology Explained [16:00] Why Business Became a Partner in Behavioral Science [22:47] The Seven Principles in Action [30:20] Behavior Change for Good and Real-World Research [45:49] The Ethical Compass Behind Influence [52:39] Why Influence Still Matters Today [58:02] A Career That Changed Behavioral Science [1:04:08] Daniel Kahneman on Cialdini's Legacy [1:08:04] Closing Thoughts ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links 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: 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]