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
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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
  • 556. From Limiting Beliefs to Leadership Breakthroughs
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer speaks with Muriel Wilkins, author of Leadership Unblocked: The Beliefs That Limit Your Potential. Together, they delve into the often-hidden beliefs that can hinder effective leadership and personal growth. Muriel, an executive coach with over 20 years of experience, shares insights from her extensive work with C-suite leaders, revealing seven common beliefs that can create barriers to success.

    The conversation explores how these beliefs—such as "I need to be involved" and "I can't make a mistake"—shape our behaviors and decision-making processes. Muriel emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and shifting mindset to overcome these challenges, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own assumptions and the narratives they tell themselves. As you tune in, think about which beliefs may be holding you back and how you can reclaim your agency as a leader.

    In this episode:

    • Discover the seven hidden beliefs that can limit leadership potential.
    • Learn how to recognize the narratives that shape your experiences.
    • Explore practical strategies for shifting mindset and overcoming barriers.
    • Gain insights into the importance of external feedback and self-reflection.
    • Understand how to take actionable steps toward personal and professional growth.

    Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/556.

    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
    46 mins
  • 555. Press Play: The Power of Gaming in Business
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Bastian Bergman, author of the insightful book, Press Play: Why Every Company Needs a Gaming Strategy. Together, they delve into the transformative power of gaming and how understanding the psychology of play can enhance engagement across various industries.

    Bastian, co-founder and COO of Solsten, shares his expertise in leveraging psychological insights to design experiences that captivate consumers. The discussion covers the misconceptions surrounding gamification, the importance of understanding your audience, and how brands like Chipotle and Burberry have successfully integrated gaming strategies to foster loyalty and connection. Listeners will learn how to shift their approach from compliance to curiosity, creating immersive experiences that resonate with their target market.

    As you tune in, reflect on how your business can harness the principles of play and gaming to create deeper engagement with your audience. This episode is essential for anyone looking to innovate and connect in today's competitive landscape.

    In this episode:

    • Explore the psychology behind gaming and its relevance to consumer engagement.
    • Learn how brands can effectively integrate gaming strategies into their marketing efforts.
    • Discover real-world examples of successful gaming initiatives from companies like Chipotle and Burberry.
    • Understand the importance of audience insights and authenticity in gaming strategies.
    • Gain actionable steps for implementing a gaming strategy in your own business.

    Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/555.

    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
    49 mins
  • 554. Lucky By Design: Strategies for Success in a Scarcity Economy
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Judd Kessler, author of the insightful book, Lucky by Design. Together, they explore into the intriguing world of hidden markets…those unseen dynamics that influence our decisions in everyday life, from securing concert tickets to navigating job offers.

    Judd, a professor at the Wharton School, shares his expertise in behavioral economics and market design, revealing how understanding the rules of these hidden markets can empower individuals to achieve their goals. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing when to "go for gold" versus when to "settle for silver" in various market scenarios, and how these strategies can lead to better outcomes in both personal and professional settings.

    Listeners will discover practical insights on how to identify the hidden markets they participate in, the rules that govern them, and the strategies they can employ to increase their chances of success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their decision-making and navigate the complexities of the markets around them.

    In this episode:

    • Understand the concept of hidden markets and their impact on decision-making.
    • Learn how to identify the rules that govern these markets.
    • Explore strategies for optimizing outcomes in competitive environments.
    • Gain insights into the importance of signaling in job and college admissions markets.
    • Discover how to apply behavioral economics principles to everyday situations, like email management and meeting scheduling.

    Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/554.

    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
    48 mins
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