The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics Podcast By Melina Palmer 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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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
  • 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
  • 553. Removing Barriers to Drive Engagement w/ Matt Sucha
    Nov 27 2025

    In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Matt Sucha, author of the highly anticipated book, The Hidden Yes. This insightful conversation explores the often-overlooked barriers that prevent people from saying yes, revealing how removing these obstacles can lead to greater success in sales and customer interactions.

    Matt, the CEO of Mindworks and editor-in-chief of Inside Be, shares his extensive experience in applying behavioral science across various industries, including banking and telecommunications. He introduces listeners to his SURF method—a structured approach designed to help professionals identify and eliminate hidden barriers in communication and decision-making processes. Throughout the episode, listeners will discover practical strategies to enhance their sales techniques and customer experiences by focusing on behavior rather than motivation.

    As you listen, consider how hidden no's may be affecting your own work and what small changes could lead to significant improvements in outcomes. Matt's insights serve as a powerful reminder that sometimes the key to unlocking a yes lies in simplifying the path forward.

    In this episode:

    • Learn about the SURF method and how it can transform your sales approach.
    • Discover the importance of identifying and removing psychological barriers in communication.
    • Explore real-world case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of behavioral insights.
    • Understand how to shift your mindset from adding motivation to addressing hidden barriers.
    • Gain practical tips for creating more compelling job descriptions and customer interactions.

    Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/553.

    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
    44 mins
  • 552. Unlocking Learning Potential
    Nov 25 2025

    In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Dan Willingham, a cognitive psychologist and author of Outsmart Your Brain. They explore the intricacies of learning and memory, exploring how to effectively adapt our study habits in an ever-evolving world filled with information and distractions.

    Dan shares practical insights from his book, emphasizing that intention alone is not enough for effective learning; structure and meaningful connections are essential. The conversation covers the importance of distributed practice, the pitfalls of cramming, and how our self-image as learners can influence our success. Listeners will appreciate the relatable anecdotes and actionable tips that can be applied to both personal and professional development.

    As you listen, reflect on your own learning processes and consider how you might tweak your approach to retain information better. This episode serves as a valuable reminder that effective learning requires effort and intentionality.

    In this episode:

    • Discover the key principles behind effective learning and memory retention.
    • Learn why cramming may yield short-term success but fails in the long run.
    • Explore the significance of meaningful connections in the learning process.
    • Gain insights on how to structure your study habits for better outcomes.
    • Understand the impact of self-image on your learning journey.

    Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/552.

    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
    53 mins
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