Interview: Adam Alter, NYU marketing professor and author of Irresistible, on nine-enders, fluency, and naming that sells

In this special Halloween-themed episode, we explore three behavioral science principles with surprising brand applications: how variety bias can help challenger brands, why ending on a high note matters, and how uncertain rewards can drive more excitement and engagement—without costing more.

In this episode, MichaelAaron and Richard explore ways that behavioral science can improve the agency pitch process. From the illusion of effort to the stolen thunder effect and extremeness aversion, this episode unpack practical ways agencies can boost trust, stand out, and win new business.

In this episode, Dan Ariely joins us to explore how brands build trust, communicate authentically, and reduce friction. From peacocks to pricing to motivational t-shirts, he unpacks the behavioral signals that shape consumer perception and drive long-term brand value.

In this episode, we talk with William Poundstone, author of Priceless, about how pricing psychology shapes behavior. From anchoring and fairness to flat-rate bias, we explore how marketers can use behavioral science to influence value perception and drive smarter pricing decisions.

This week we’re joined by Adam Alter to explore the behavioral forces that drive decision-making. From the psychology of getting unstuck to the power of fluency, labeling, and context, Adam shares practical insights for marketers looking to change minds - and behavior.

In this episode, Orlando Wood shares why today’s ads often fail to capture attention—and what brands can do about it. From the power of characters and music to the science of right-brain appeal, he reveals how to make advertising more effective, memorable, and emotionally engaging.

MichaelAaron and Richard open with a sneak preview of their upcoming book, Hacking the Human Mind. Next, they revisit the Pringles case study from way back in Episode 7 - a new form factor, a sticky rhyme (“once you pop…”), and the power of fluency. They also unpack skin-in-the-game incentives to favor outcomes over optics.

This episode dives into the behavioral science behind Heinz’s iconic brand. Discover how specificity, self-deprecating honesty, and inviting consumer participation help make Heinz ketchup more memorable, trusted, and irresistible at the table.

This week, behavioral marketer Nancy Harhut joins the podcast to explore how science-backed tactics like social proof, cognitive fluency, and personalization can lift engagement and boost conversions. Hear how she helped brands like Nationwide drive millions in revenue by applying behavioral design.

This episode unpacks the behavioral science behind Klarna’s success. Learn how the brand uses present bias and temporal reframing to reduce friction at checkout, increase willingness to pay, and reshape how consumers perceive cost—without relying on discounts.