Behavioral Grooves Podcast

The Secret Ingredient of High-Performing Teams | Vanessa Druskat

Individual emotional intelligence matters — but teams thrive when EI is built together, not carried by a few well-developed individuals. In this episode, Vanessa Druskat explains why high-performing groups rely on shared norms that create psychological safety, trust, and collaboration. We talk through her research-backed framework for turning work groups into emotionally intelligent teams, how leaders can shape better environments, and why optimism is a surprisingly powerful tool for motivation and change. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Vanessa Druskat [7:08] What is Team Emotional Intelligence? [13:02] Leader Behavior vs Team Norms [18:24] The Discovery of “the Nine Norms” [26:34] Engaging Stakeholders Beyond the Team [33:19] Belonging Needs and Conformity [42:01] Optimism As a Leadership Tool [47:21] Coaching for Hope vs Problems [50:42] Desert Island Music [54:14] Grooving Session: A+ Teams vs A+ Individuals ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Vanessa [https://www.vanessadruskat.com/] The Emotionally Intelligent Team [https://waterstreetbooks.com/book/9781647824877] 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 Van Morrison - Days Like This [https://youtu.be/3UUWkr4FUlo?si=RQ15Vy0Xm_h5DB9V] John Prine - In Spite of Ourselves [https://youtu.be/P8tTwXv4glY?si=LSndgF61nC4Ubk4j]

Why Great Leaders Still Get Stuck | Muriel Wilkins

Executive coach and author Muriel Wilkins joins us to unpack the invisible beliefs that quietly shape how we lead. We explore why curiosity is the starting point for self-awareness, the common internal blockers she sees in leaders, and why leadership growth is less about changing who you are and more about expanding your mindset. Muriel breaks down how hidden scripts formed early in life can limit our impact later on, and how shifting our beliefs can help us move from stress and suffering to clarity, range, and ease at work. Topics [0:00] Introduction and speed round with Muriel Wilkins [9:33] Are limiting beliefs protective? [15:40] Where limiting beliefs come from [20:00] Why we’re not taught self-reflection [27:04] The problem with glorifying stress [33:44] Changing vs expanding your mindset [39:23] Redefining success [44:47] How Muriel Wilkins finds her groove [54:50] Grooving Session: Curiosity, self-awareness, and expanding your mindset ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Muriel [https://www.murielwilkins.com/] Leadership Unblocked by Muriel Wilkins [https://bookshop.org/p/books/leadership-unblocked-break-through-the-beliefs-that-limit-your-potential-muriel-m-wilkins/2f4066149bff6c3e?ean=9781647827267&next=t&next=t%2Ct] Café Bustelo [https://www.cafebustelo.com/] 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 Vivaldi - Four Seasons [https://youtu.be/4rgSzQwe5DQ?si=XPzxkxnTQBHE1QPF]

How Expectations Shape Who We Become

In this special episode inspired by questions from our Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1025501742354651], we explore why big change feels intimidating even though most transformation happens quietly in our daily lives. Kurt and Tim dig into the micro-shifts we overlook, the powerful role expectations play in shaping our confidence and identity, and why surrounding yourself with people who expand your sense of possibility truly matters. They also revisit classic and modern goal-setting research — from Kurt Lewin’s “levels of aspiration” to today’s best evidence — to show how balancing past performance with future dreams helps you find the motivating sweet spot that keeps you moving forward. A Note From Our Team: This show exists because of the community around it — the questions you ask, the curiosity you bring, and the support you’ve given us. If you’d like to help us keep producing independent, ad-free behavioral science content, we’d be grateful for your support on Substack. Your contribution sets the expectation that this work matters — and helps us keep delivering it. Support us here [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=menu&simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fbgpodcast.substack.com%2F]. Topics [0:00] Change and Its Implications [4:00] The Impact of Incremental Change on Personal Growth [8:41] The Pygmalion Effect [16:14] Goal Setting: Past Performance vs Future Dreams [25:39] Incremental Goals vs. Aspirational Goals [29:11] Our Facebook Community: Coffee or Tea? ©2025 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]

Why Split-Second Thinking Fuels Violence | Jens Ludwig

Is violence caused by “bad people,” too many guns, or something deeper? In this episode, University of Chicago researcher Jens Ludwig reveals why most violent acts stem not from evil intent but from ordinary people in unforgiving situations. We explore how behavior, context, metacognition, and split-second decision-making shape violent outcomes — and why small, scalable interventions like pocket parks, foot traffic, and reflective thinking can dramatically reduce harm. If you care about safer communities, more innovative policymaking, or just want to understand human behavior better, our conversation with Jens will forever reshape how you view violence. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Jens Ludwig [10:18] Bad People vs Bad Situations [15:55] The 10-Minute Window [22:50] Dog Attacks and Tunnel Vision [31:15] Eyes on the Street and Environment Shaping Behavior [38:50] How Pocket Parks Reduce Crime [47:27] In-Group/Out-Group Psychology and Neighborhood Conflict [52:20] Metacognition, Education, and Preventing Violence [1:00:57] Poker, Tilt, and Decision-Making Under Stress [1:06:51] Desert Island Music Picks [1:11:21] Grooving Session: Interventions and a Solution to Violent Crime ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Jens [https://crimelab.uchicago.edu/staff/jens-ludwig/] Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence [https://www.amazon.com/Unforgiving-Places-Unexpected-American-Violence/dp/0226828131] 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 Chappell Roan - Red Wine Supernova [https://youtu.be/VS6ixn2berk?si=1QJw6Bwnni-hg5of] AC/DC - Hell’s Bells [https://youtu.be/etAIpkdhU9Q?si=mbndsnIfiaL82sUN]

The Science of Being Thankful

Why does gratitude feel so easy to feel yet so hard to say? In this Thanksgiving grooving session, we unpack the psychology behind our awkwardness around expressing appreciation—from miscaliberated assumptions to the belief that people can “just tell” how grateful we are. Drawing on research from Nick Epley and others, we explore how gratitude rewires the brain, boosts well-being, and strengthens relationships, and we share simple, science-backed nudges to help you connect more deeply with the people you love this holiday season. A Note From Our Team: This Thanksgiving, support the science you love. Behavioral Grooves is independent, ad-free, and listener-powered. If our episodes bring you insight or inspiration, consider subscribing or becoming a member [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=menu&simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fbgpodcast.substack.com%2F]—it makes a huge difference.  ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] What is Gratitude? [1:51] Barriers to Expressing Gratitude [3:44] Nudges for Practicing Gratitude [6:54] The Power of In-Person Gratitude [8:30] Closing Thoughts: Happy Thanksgiving! ©2025 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 GroovesSupport Behavioral Grooves [https://bgpodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=menu&simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fbgpodcast.substack.com%2F] Musical Links Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m57gzA2JCcM&list=RDm57gzA2JCcM&start_radio=1] Vintage Thanksgiving Playlist [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LJCgygJJVk&list=RD2LJCgygJJVk&start_radio=1]