The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics cover art

The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

By: Melina Palmer
Listen for free

About this listen

Consumers are weird. They don't do what they say they will do and don't act how we think they "should." Enter Melina Palmer, a sales conversion expert with a personal mission to make your business more effective and brain friendly. In this podcast, Melina will take the complex concepts of behavioral economics (the study and science of why people buy - or not) and provide simple, actionable tips you can apply right away in your business. Whether you're a small business or thriving corporation, Melina's tips can help your business increase sales and get more customers.TheBrainyBusiness Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 540. The Art of Experimentation to Gain Consumer Insights
    Oct 14 2025

    In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Henry Stott, co-founder of Dectech, to discuss the nuances of business experimentation and how to better predict customer behavior. Henry shares insights from his extensive experience in applying behavioral economics to commercial challenges, emphasizing the importance of context and delivery in experiments. He highlights the pitfalls of relying on sanitized test environments that may not accurately reflect real-world pressures faced by consumers.

    Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the two classes of problems in consumer behavior, precedented and unprecedented, and learn how to design smarter trials that yield actionable insights. The conversation dives into compelling case studies, including a project with Deliveroo that optimized their subscription model and another with Lloyds Bank that significantly improved their online home insurance renewal process.

    As you tune in, consider how your own business decisions might be influenced by misleading data or assumptions about customer experiences. Henry’s expertise encourages a critical evaluation of the behavioral nudges you implement and how they might perform under real-world conditions.

    In this episode:

    • Understand the importance of context in business experimentation.
    • Explore the difference between precedented and unprecedented consumer behavior problems.
    • Learn how to design effective trials that predict customer behavior accurately.
    • Discover the impact of behavioral nudges and when they may need to be simplified.
    • Gain insights from case studies with Deliveroo and Lloyds Bank on optimizing customer journeys.

    Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/540.

    Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further?

    Learn With Us on our website.

    Subscribe to Melina’s Newsletter Brainy Bites.

    Let’s connect:

    • Send Us a Message
    • Follow Melina on LinkedIn
    • The Brainy Business on Youtube
    • The Brainy Business on Instagram
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Beyond Fast: The Power of Belief and Leadership in Coaching
    Oct 9 2025

    In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Sean Brosnan, author of the inspiring book Beyond Fast. Sean, a high school running coach, shares his remarkable journey of transforming a struggling team at Newberry Park High School into one of the most dominant forces in high school running history. This episode dives deep into the psychology of leadership, the importance of belief systems, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

    Listeners will learn how Sean's unique coaching philosophy emphasizes mental resilience and the power of community. He discusses the significance of nurturing individual talents while fostering a cohesive team spirit, and how these principles can be applied beyond sports into the business world. Sean's insights into breaking mental barriers and redefining what is possible will inspire you to reflect on your own limiting beliefs and encourage your team to strive for greatness.

    Additionally, this episode explores the balance between consistency and urgency, highlighting how sustainable routines lead to true transformation. Sean shares practical advice on how to create a positive culture that motivates individuals to achieve their best while working towards a common goal.

    In this episode:

    • Discover the mindset shifts necessary for breaking records and achieving the impossible.
    • Learn how to foster a positive team culture that values every member's contribution.
    • Understand the importance of mental resilience and consistency over urgency in achieving long-term success.
    • Explore how to apply lessons from sports coaching to leadership and team dynamics in business.
    • Reflect on your own limiting beliefs and how they may be holding you back from achieving your goals.

    Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/539.

    Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further?

    • Learn With Us on our website.
    • Subscribe to Melina’s Newsletter Brainy Bites.

    Let’s connect:

    • Send Us a Message
    • Follow Melina on LinkedIn
    • The Brainy Business on Youtube
    • The Brainy Business on Instagram
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • How Vision Shapes Our Perception and Behavior
    Oct 7 2025

    In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives deep into the fascinating world of sight and vision, exploring how our sense of sight profoundly influences behavior and decision-making. Did you know that sight occupies more space in the brain than any other sense? Melina unpacks the difference between sight, what we perceive through our eyes, and vision, which is how our brains interpret that information based on past experiences.

    Listeners will learn about the significant role that visual stimuli play in shaping our perceptions and actions, from the powerful effects of optical illusions to the way our brains fill in gaps when processing information. Melina discusses how understanding these concepts can enhance business strategies and improve customer engagement by leveraging the brain's reliance on predictability and familiarity.

    This episode sets the stage for an upcoming conversation with legendary running coach Sean Brosnan, who helps athletes visualize and achieve their potential. Melina encourages listeners to reflect on their own visions of the future and how what they see influences what they believe is possible.

    In this episode:

    • Discover the crucial differences between sight and vision and their implications for behavior.
    • Learn how the brain processes visual information and the role of expectations in perception.
    • Explore the impact of optical illusions and visual priming on decision-making.
    • Understand how to apply insights about sight in business to enhance customer connections.
    • Reflect on your own perceptions and how they shape your vision for the future.

    Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/538.

    Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further?

    • Learn With Us on our website.
    • Subscribe to Melina’s Newsletter Brainy Bites.

    Let’s connect:

    • Send Us a Message
    • Follow Melina on LinkedIn
    • The Brainy Business on Youtube
    • The Brainy Business on Instagram
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.