Why do holiday rituals matter so much to our happiness and sense of connection? In this pre-Christmas special, we unwrap (ho ho ho…) the behavioral science behind gatherings and traditions—from Thanksgiving dinners to baking cookies and watching favorite holiday movies. Learn how rituals differ from habits, why they help reduce anxiety, and how small, intentional moments can strengthen belonging, refresh traditions that feel stale, and make the holiday season feel more meaningful and enjoyable.

[0:00] Understanding the Importance of Gatherings and Rituals

[5:19] The Role of Multiple Groups in Identity

[8:06] Defining Rituals

[14:13] Maintaining the Meaning of Rituals

[19:00] Practical Ways to Add Intention to the Holidays

[22:15[ A Question for Your Next Gathering

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

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Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song

Tim Minchin - White Wine in the Sun

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.

[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

About Vanessa

The Emotionally Intelligent Team

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Van Morrison - Days Like This

John Prine - In Spite of Ourselves

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.

[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

About Muriel

Leadership Unblocked by Muriel Wilkins

Café Bustelo

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Vivaldi - Four Seasons

In this special episode inspired by questions from our Facebook Community, 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.

[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

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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.

[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

About Jens

Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence

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Chappell Roan - Red Wine Supernova

AC/DC - Hell’s Bells

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—it makes a huge difference.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[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

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Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant

Vintage Thanksgiving Playlist

Harvard instructor Margaret Andrews joins us to explore why effective leadership starts with self-awareness. We discuss blind spots, emotional intelligence, team norms, and the internal work leaders must do to better understand their impact. Margaret offers practical tools for developing people and navigating organizational context, showing how self-understanding reshapes culture, communication, and long-term leadership success.

[0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Margaret Andrews

[7:10] What Managers Get Wrong

[16:59] Challenges of Leading Others

[21:42] Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

[27:20] The “Best Boss” Exercise

[35:54] Leading for the Long Term

[39:56] Advice for New Managers

[44:19] Desert Island Music

[49:38] Grooving Session: Self-Awareness, Biases, and Leadership Takeaways

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

About Margaret

Manage Yourself to Lead Others by Margaret C. Andrews

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Rod Stewart - Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

Nina Simone - Feeling Good

What if the gender revolution never finished? Economist Corinne Low joins us to unpack why women have transformed the workforce while men’s roles at home have barely changed. Drawing on insights from her book Having It All, Corinne reveals why so many families are stretched thin, caught between data, social pressure, and outdated norms. Together, we explore what it means to “have it almost,” and how smarter boundaries, parental leave, and fairer divisions of labor could finally help us reach true balance at home and at work.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Corinne Low

[8:30] Gender Roles in Parenting

[18:58] Behavioral and Social Norms in Parenting

[27:32] Economic Models and Marriage

[38:29] Paternity Leave and Gender Roles

[44:18] Structural Changes and Workforce Adaptations

[52:49] Desert Island Music

[55:26] Grooving Session: Finding Balance at Home and at Work

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

About Corinne

Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women’s Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours by Corinne Low, PhD

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Pearl Jam - Even Flow

The Beatles - Now and Then