Curious Minds at Work

Judd Kessler, a University of Pennsylvania economist and author of Lucky by Design, studies hidden markets and how scarce resources get allocated. He explains what hidden markets are and contrasts visible vs hidden allocation. He breaks down market design principles like equity, efficiency, and ease. He also covers strategies such as lotteries, waiting lists, ranked choices, and when to be strategic versus honest.

Eric Zimmer, a behavioral science writer and coach who studies practical change, shares bite-sized strategies for lasting shifts. He explains low-resistance, consistent actions and the idea of choice points. He contrasts internal work with structural habit design. He explores emotion, self-talk, moderation, and finding meaning in ordinary moments.

Chris Duffy, stand-up comedian, TV writer, and author of Humor Me, argues humor is a life practice to boost presence, creativity, connection, and resilience. He recounts shifting from teaching to comedy, building a humor muscle through presence and rituals, using timing and escalation in jokes, taking social risks, and treating humor as generous service to help others feel seen.

Anthony Klotz, an organizational behavior professor and author who coined the phrase 'the Great Resignation,' discusses quitting and workplace jolts. He explains what makes events jolt-worthy and why people can be 'one event away' from leaving. Conversations cover how departures spread, how to plan and deliver resignations thoughtfully, and ways leaders can better recognize and respond to jolts.

Sunita Sah, organizational psychologist and author of Defy, studies when and why people say yes instead of no. She reframes defiance as value-aligned action. She explains why compliance is our default and maps a five-stage defiance process. Practical tools include pausing, scripts, and role-play to practice saying no and distinguishing true values from performative defiance.

When it comes to our health and well-being, something’s missing from the checklist. Sure, we’ve got to get enough sleep, eat healthfully, exercise, and socialize. But one thing rarely makes the list – the arts. Singing. Dancing. Drawing. Visiting a museum. Going to a concert. Researchers are finding that these activities are not only entertaining, but they impact health and longevity in incredibly positive ways. One of the most important researchers behind this work is Daisy Fancourt, author of the book, Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives. She shares powerful research findings, along with steps we can take to inject more of the arts into our lives. Daisy introduces us to a new frontier for improved health and longevity – the arts. For too long overlooked and underestimated. Episode Links Is 2026 the ‘Seatbelt Moment’ for the Arts? Art Could Save Your Life! Five Creative Ways to Make 2026 Happier, Healthier and More Hopeful Interview with Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Dan Coyle, author who studies how groups create high performance and meaning. He explores how intentional practices and small communal projects build belonging. He contrasts task focus with wide relational attention. He describes awakening cues, onboarding that fosters ownership, group flow, and tiny risks that spark lasting connection.

Most of us long to connect and, as social creatures, it makes sense that we not only want this but need human relationships to live a healthy life. With numbers on loneliness and polarization continuing to climb, I wanted to speak with someone who’s focused on the antidote, that is, connection. It led me to speak with Kate Murphy, author of the book, Why We Click: The Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony. Kate’s done a deep dive on the importance of connection from multiple perspectives: individuals, teams, even pets. She shares behaviors that create connection, along with those that don’t. I’m seeing connection in a whole new way – thanks Kate! Episode Links You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy Interview with Zach Mercurio, author of The Power of Mattering The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Decisions tax our brains. Whether it’s deciding which shows to watch or which products to buy, the choices are endless and can feel exhausting. That’s where status comes in. Researchers have learned that status is a mental short-cut we turn to when we’re feeling stuck. It’s an invisible force that guides decision-making and drives our choices. And it comes at a cost. Toby Stuart has written a book on status called Anointed: The Extraordinary Effects of Social Status in a Winner-Take-Most World. Given how important status is in our society and how invisible of a force it can be, I wanted to talk to him about what he’s learned and what role he thinks AI might play in dismantling it. Episode Links The Extraordinary Effects of Status on Society by Vikas Shah Where Success Really Comes From by Guy Kawasaki When Status Outranks Skills at Work by Freda L. Thomas The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Each day, millions of doctors write prescriptions for drugs intended to help their patients. But what if many of our modern health ailments, like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, would benefit as much, if not more, from a social prescription? What if nature, art, movement, and service could reduce our symptoms, decrease doctor visits, and improve our health? These are questions Julia Hotz set out to answer. Julia is author of the book, The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. By sharing research findings, as well as people’s stories from around the world, we get to see a whole other side of medicine. After reading her book, I’m more convinced than ever we need to seek out and prioritize healthy social time. Episode Links New Horizons in Medicine: Why Art, Service, and Nature Might Be What the Doctor Orders What If Your Doctor Could Prescribe Fishing Trips or Art Classes? Social Prescribing on the Rise Doctor’s Orders: A Social Prescription for Health Interview with Geoffrey Cohen The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.