Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Sandy Pentland, AI and social-science researcher at MIT and author of Shared Wisdom, explores how storytelling and shared wisdom shape culture. He discusses whether AI could freeze or strengthen cultural evolution. Topics include collective intelligence, distributed decision-making, information overload, AI history, bias in training data, and tools for improving civic dialogue and deliberation.

Ken Stern, journalist and author on longevity, argues social connection and purpose shape healthy aging more than diet alone. He talks about loneliness’ health toll, cultural models that keep older adults engaged, rethinking retirement, and practical ways to build everyday ties.

Sam Tatam, behavioral scientist and author of Evolutionary Ideas, explores biomimicry and how nature-inspired solutions drive innovation. He explains TRIZ and pattern-based problem solving. Conversation covers language’s role in creativity and the Goal Gradient theory. Lighter moments include travel and music anecdotes.

Sunita Sah, an organizational psychologist and physician who studies why good people comply, chats about the psychology of obedience and the courage to say no. She explores Milgram’s shock studies, the hidden force of insinuation anxiety, the power of the pause, stages of defiance, and how to practice quiet resistance and moral maverick habits.

They explore why people you love can feel unfamiliar as personalities shift over time. Conversations cover when change signals growth versus escape and a practical rubric to decide whether to reconnect or move on. They discuss self-expansion, how partners shape each other, and ways to update the shared story with compassion.

Daniel Forger, a mathematician and circadian rhythm researcher at the University of Michigan and author of Biological Rhythms, explains why jet lag hits so hard. He discusses what biological rhythms are and how wearables capture noisy signals. He explores sleep timing versus duration, adapting to new day lengths, and connections between circadian timing and mood.

They explore what happens when shared facts collapse and preferred beliefs take over. They recount a Minneapolis incident to ask why lived experience gets dismissed. They discuss when persuasion is futile and how to conserve effort. They highlight storytelling, vulnerability, and knowing which audiences are persuadable. They end with tips on picking battles and practicing compassionate curiosity.

Tim Ash, author and behavioral consultant who studies evolutionary psychology, explains why modern dating feels unstable. He discusses how ancient mating instincts clash with apps and cultural norms. Topics include life stages, mating-market dynamics, online versus in-person meeting, chemistry of pair-bonding, hypergamy, and the broader social and economic effects of modern romance.

Logan Ury, Director of Relationship Science at Hinge and author of How Not to Die Alone, offers a behavioral-science take on modern dating. She debunks the myth of instant sparks and champions slow-burn attraction. Hear practical rules like making a second date the default, the 37% benchmark for choosing, and why texting can mislead. Short, smart, and refreshingly practical.

Paul Eastwick, relationship scientist and author, challenges how we think about attraction. He explains why checklists and apps mislead. He explores how attraction develops over time, the role of shared history and rituals, and better ways to meet people through real social networks and activities.