The Human Behavior Podcast

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What if your memory's "flaws" are actually its most powerful features? 

The startling truth is your memory was never designed to function like a perfect recording—it's a creative, adaptive system built to help you survive and thrive. Those moments when you confidently recall something that never happened exactly as you remember? That's not a glitch—it's your brain doing exactly w...

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We explore why organizations rush toward new tech, convinced that shiny equipment will solve their deepest problems when often the issues are fundamentally about training, judgment, and decision-making.

• The Boeing 737 MAX case study demonstrates how technological "fixes" without proper training led to catastrophic failures
• Most resource decisions are reactive, not strategic, with organizatio...

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Mental errors don't just lead to embarrassing moments—they can be fatal. When your brain categorizes something as familiar and routine, it filters out critical information that could save your life.

The duck versus platypus problem perfectly captures this dangerous cognitive trap. Both creatures share remarkably similar features—broad bills, webbed feet, semi-aquatic lifestyles—but only one has venomous ...

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Gary Klein, renowned cognitive psychologist and pioneer of the Recognition-Primed Decision Model, takes us deep into the minds of experts operating under the most demanding conditions. Drawing from decades studying firefighters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel, Klein reveals the surprising truth about expertise - it's not about comparing options or following procedures, but rather recognizing pat...

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The sciences behind human behavior are complex, yet the practical applications are what truly matter in our daily lives. In this illuminating discussion, we peel back the layers of scientific theory to reveal how concepts like gestalt psychology, emergence, and reification shape the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.

Our brains are constantly working to create order from chaos, organizing ...

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What if you could spot danger before it materializes? What if your decision-making advantage wasn't about reacting faster, but about seeing what others miss entirely? 

The gift of time and distance isn't just tactical jargon—it's a profound cognitive framework that separates reactive individuals from those who shape outcomes. This episode dives deep into how early detection of critical cues com...

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Are you overwhelmed by uncertainty? In our latest episode, we tackle the intricate relationship between uncertainty, risk, and the anxiety they provoke. As we explore the brain science behind these emotions, we break down how they influence our decision-making and daily lives. The discussion also emphasizes the crucial distinction between uncertainty—the unknowns we face—and risk—the measurable implications of those u...

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Today, we have a truly special guest: John A Dailey—a retired Marine Corps Force Recon sniper, founding member of MARSOC, the Marine Corps’ first official unit under SOCOM, and author of Tough Rugged Bastards. If you’re curious about how an elite group of Marines forged a brand-new special operations detachment at the height of the post-9/11 conflicts, then this episode is for you.

John will share what it took to creat...

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What if fear, rather than fairness or loyalty, is the ultimate compass guiding our moral judgments? On this episode of the Human Behavior Podcast, we explore this provocative question inspired by Elizabeth Colbert's article in the New Yorker. Joining us is moral psychologist Kirk Gray, whose compelling theory suggests our ethical decisions are deeply rooted in the fear of harm, a vestige of our evolutionary histo...

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This episode explores the complex relationship between violence and communication, positing that violence can be a maladaptive language used by individuals when they feel unheard or powerless. The hosts discuss behavioral distinctions, the significance of feeling heard, and how effective communication can prevent violent escalations while providing insights from real-world examples.

• Exploring the concept of...

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Have you ever wondered how our brains transform chaotic sensory inputs into meaningful information that guides our actions and decisions? Tune in to uncover the fascinating mechanisms behind human perception and orientation, and how these processes are essential for navigating our complex world. We promise you'll gain insights into how our senses seamlessly align to enhance situational awareness, improve decision...

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What if building a genuine connection could be the key to cracking complex intelligence operations? This episode features Doug Laux, a former CIA case officer and bestselling author of "Left of Boom," who lifts the veil on his secretive world. Doug shares stories from his time working undercover in perilous environments like Afghanistan and Syria, where he learned the indispensable value of human connection ...

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Hello everyone and welcome back to The Human Behavior Podcast! After a brief hiatus filled with some exciting projects, I'm thrilled to jump into a topic that's both timeless and timely—the concept of time itself.

In this episode, Greg and I unravel the complexities of how we perceive time and how it shapes our experiences, decisions, and behaviors. Drawing from ancient Greek philosophies, we distinguish betw...

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This week, we're debunking the myth that "anything can happen." 
In today's episode, we'll explore how adopting this mindset can increase uncertainty and cognitive load—especially in high-risk environments—and how it might set us up for failure. Instead of believing that "anything can happen," we'll focus on reducing uncertainty by deepening our understanding of human behavi...

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In this week's podcast episode, we are joined by one of our Advisory Board members, Dr. Joan Johnston, to talk about why high functioning teams fail. With over 30 years of experience working with the Department of Defense, Dr. Johnston is an expert on decision making and simulation training. Throughout her career she has made a significant impact on advancing the science of Learning, Team Training, Decision Makin...

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Join us this week us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Kenneth Trump, a renowned authority in school safety with a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years. Dr. Trump takes us on a compelling journey from his early days tackling gang issues in Cleveland schools to becoming a pivotal figure in school safety consulting. Learn how his academic background in social services and public administration laid th...

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This week we are “unmasking” a landmark case from New York that challenges our views on policing, legislation, and the balance between security and civil liberties. During the episode we explore the arrest of an 18-year-old under a new mask ban law, delving into the legal and social implications of this contentious issue and how this legislation provides the police with a new method for establishing reasonable suspici...

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Did you know that mastering the art of small talk could change your life? Join us for a fascinating journey into the world of effective communication and information gathering, where Greg and I bring our contrasting styles to the forefront. From hostage negotiations to courtroom dramas, you'll discover how leveraging the power of small talk can transform your communication skills.
 
 During the episode we...