In this annual “best of the best” episode, we revisit the behavioral science books that most influenced our thinking this year. Rather than ranking titles, we explore what made each book impactful; from happiness and psychological richness to leadership, teams, and behavioral economics, and why these ideas continue to challenge how we think, work, and live.

[0:00] Can we really rank “best” books?

[2:08] Book Giveaway - How to join

[3:34] Psychological richness and happiness

[5:50] Redefining wealth beyond money

[7:21] The illusion of self-derived beliefs

[8:25] Getting out of your own way

[11:11] The power of mattering at work

[13:21] Rethinking happiness

[15:01] Behavioral science in the real world

[16:45] Behavioral economics

[19:52] Behavioral science in marketing and advertising

[20:19] Closing thoughts and community invite

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Life in Three Dimensions – Shigehiro Oishi

The Soul of Wealth – Daniel Crosby

The Knowledge Illusion – Steven Sloman

Detach – Bob Rosen

The Collective Edge – Colin Fisher

The Power of Mattering – Zach Mercurio

What We Value – Emily Falk

Beyond Happy – Mark Fabian

The Doors You Can Open – Rosalind Chow

The Housefly Effect – Eva van den Broek & Tim den Heijer

The Winner’s Curse – Richard Thaler & Alex Imas

Meditations for Mortals – Oliver Burkeman

Hacking the Human Mind – Richard Shotton

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Groovy Listening 2025 Playlist

Happy New Year, Groovers! This week, we're taking some time-off and sharing an oldie but a goodie - our conversation with Ayelet Fishbach.

The start of a new year often brings fresh motivation...and then we burnout. But why? In this recast, we are joined by Dr. Ayelet Fishbach to explore why willpower-driven resolutions fail and how behavioral science offers a smarter way to set goals that last. Through an examination of her research, we unpack meta-motivation, the problem with "the middle" and how you can design your goals better so that they carry momentum through January and beyond.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] Motivation and Willpower - a New Perspective with Ayelet Fishbach

[3:19] The Marshmallow Test and Its Misinterpretation

[7:52] Meta Motivation and Its Implications

[14:28] The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

[18:17] Problems Around Goal Achievement

[32:41] The Important of Aspirational Goals

[42:58] Strategies for Overcoming the Problem of "the Middle"

[48:33] Key Takeaways

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

About Ayelet

Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation

Best of NPR Tiny Desk

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