In this teaser episode of Season 10 of the Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast, we take a look back at Season 7, where we focused on entrepreneurship and how behavioral economics can drive smarter, faster business growth. We spotlight the fan-favorite episode: Level Up Your Business: How Entrepreneurs Can Harness the Power of Gamification. It’s packed with insights on how game mechanics like rewards, points, and progress tracking can supercharge customer engagement, motivate employees, and make your business more fun and effective. Then, we preview a brand-new companion episode:Building Loyalty Programs with Gamification: From Points to Progress Bars — a deeper dive into turning traditional loyalty systems into engaging, behaviorally driven experiences. You’ll discover how progress bars, badges, and surprise rewards tap into powerful psychological triggers that increase retention and brand love. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or growth strategist, this pairing is your blueprint for turning behavior into brand loyalty. Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Why do consumers trust influencers more than traditional ads? It’s not just about popularity — it’s about psychology. In this episode of Behavioral Economics in Marketing, we unpack the behavioral science that makes influencer marketing so effective. From social proof and authority bias to narrative transportation and parasocial relationships, we explore how influencers build trust, shape buying decisions, and convert followers into customers. You’ll learn the cognitive triggers that drive this multi-billion-dollar industry — and how to use them to elevate your own brand. We also break down the influencer landscape, from mega to nano, and offer tactical advice for identifying, approaching, and collaborating with the right creators for your campaign. Whether you’re looking to drive awareness or deepen loyalty, understanding the why behind influencer impact is your unfair advantage. Key themes: influencer tiers, trust signals, behavioral triggers, content strategy, social proof, endorsements, campaign design, community-building. Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

See how the power of social influence shapes buying decisions. This episode explains different forms of social proof and how to effectively incorporate them to build trust and drive customer action. Keywords: social proof marketing, increase conversion rates, behavioral economics influence, consumer trust strategies, social influence psychology Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

In this teaser episode for Season 10 of the Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast, we revisit one of the most energetic and content-rich seasons yet — Season 6: the 30-Day Challenge. With over 30 actionable episodes, this season was a crash course in applying behavioral science to real-world marketing. This time, we’re highlighting Leveraging Social Proof to Increase Conversion Rates — an episode that explores how seeing others’ actions can significantly impact trust, confidence, and buying behavior. We discuss types of social proof, why it works, and how smart marketers use it to guide customer decisions. Then we tee up an all-new companion episode:The Power of Influencers: Behavioral Economics Behind Influencer Marketing.We’ll explore how influencers — from macro to micro — serve as dynamic social proof, backed by behavioral science. You’ll learn how to choose the right influencer partners, why their messages stick, and how to amplify trust and engagement with authentic storytelling. Whether you're launching a campaign or growing your brand’s credibility, this two-episode pairing will help you better understand the psychology of trust and influence in modern marketing. Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Why do consumers pay six figures for a handbag they’ll rarely use — or line up overnight for a hoodie they might never wear? The answer lies in status, scarcity, and the zero-sum game of exclusivity. In this episode of Behavioral Economics in Marketing, we explore how zero-sum branding drives desire by making status a competition. Using real-world examples from Hermès to Supreme, we unpack how luxury brands use scarcity, gatekeeping, and social comparison to increase their perceived value — not by what they offer, but by what they withhold. We’ll explore the psychology behind why exclusion works, the power of signaling theory and social proof, and how marketers can ethically apply these principles to craft irresistible brand experiences. If you’re building a brand that trades in aspiration, identity, or prestige — this episode is your blueprint. Keywords: luxury branding, zero-sum marketing, scarcity marketing, social status, exclusivity, behavioral economics, Hermès, Supreme, signaling theory, social comparison, artificial scarcity, brand strategy Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Delve into the strategic interplay where one party’s gain equals another’s loss. This episode explores risk, insurance decisions, and how zero-sum dynamics influence consumer behavior and market strategies. Keywords: zero sum games, insurance behavioral economics, risk management psychology, decision-making under uncertainty, game theory marketing Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

This special teaser episode of Behavioral Economics in Marketing revisits the powerful and deeply personal Season 5: Lessons from the Fire — a series born from the devastating Colorado wildfire that changed my life and inspired new ways to see decision-making, risk, and resilience through the lens of behavioral economics. We highlight two of the most compelling episodes from that season: Zero Sum Games and Insurance — where we unpack why insurance, while rooted in zero-sum logic, plays such a vital role in managing risk and restoring peace of mind. Social Status and Zero-Sum Branding: Why Luxury Thrives on Exclusion — a fresh companion episode exploring how brands like Hermès and Supreme tap into scarcity and status to drive aspirational behavior and exclusivity. This teaser sets up a deep dive into how zero-sum thinking influences both consumer behavior and marketing strategy — whether it’s about protecting your future or elevating your image. 🎧 Tune in for an emotional and analytical look at how we assign value, manage risk, and compete for status — and how marketers can ethically and effectively tap into these core drivers of human behavior. Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

What if the secret to better marketing isn’t who your customer is — but how they think? In this episode of the Behavioral Economics in Marketing podcast, we explore how dual process theory — the idea that people make decisions using either fast, emotional (System 1) or slow, rational (System 2) thinking — can revolutionize your personalization and behavioral segmentation strategy. You’ll learn how to identify which cognitive mode your audience is operating in and tailor your messaging, UX, and content to align with their mindset. Whether it’s quick impulse buys or high-consideration purchases, we break down actionable tactics for reaching both System 1 and System 2 customers at the right time, with the right message. From ecommerce UX to digital ads, from loyalty programs to in-store experiences, discover how understanding thinking styles can help you boost engagement, improve targeting, and influence decisions more effectively. Keywords: dual process theory, System 1 and System 2, personalization strategy, behavioral segmentation, customer experience design, fast vs slow thinking, behavioral targeting, marketing psychology, decision-making science, intuitive vs rational behavior Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Unpack how fast, instinctive thinking and slow, reflective decision-making shape customer experiences. Understand how tailoring marketing to these thinking styles can optimize journeys and increase conversion rates. Keywords: dual process theory marketing, customer journey optimization, system 1 system 2 thinking, behavioral segmentation, consumer decision psychology Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

In this mini teaser episode of Behavioral Economics in Marketing, we revisit one of the most eye-opening episodes from Season 4: Dual Process Theory on Customer Journey Optimization. Learn how understanding the brain’s two systems — the fast, intuitive System 1 and the slow, analytical System 2 — can transform the way you design touchpoints, content, and campaigns that align with how your customers actually think and decide. Then, we give you a preview of our new companion episode for Season 10: Personalization and Behavioral Segmentation: Targeting System One vs. System Two Customers. In this advanced exploration, we turn theory into practice — showing how to identify your customers’ decision-making modes and tailor your strategy accordingly, using real-world brand examples and behavior-driven insights. This teaser introduces how Season 10 pairs a classic behavioral concept with a fresh application, giving you even more ways to influence decisions and build better customer experiences. 🎯 Tune in to discover the brain science behind smarter marketing — and how to use it to boost engagement, loyalty, and conversions. Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Why do so many well-meaning goals fall apart before they ever take off? In this episode of the Behavioral Economics in Marketing podcast, we explore the intention-action gap — the frustrating disconnect between what people plan to do and what they actually do. Whether it’s starting a new habit, executing a marketing campaign, or leading change within your organization, good intentions are often derailed by hidden behavioral pitfalls. We’ll dive into the psychology behind this gap and unpack why things like procrastination, unclear planning, environmental distractions, and fading motivation keep even our best goals from becoming action. You’ll also learn evidence-based strategies to bridge the gap — including implementation intentions, habit reinforcement, and small-step goal design. Perfect for marketers, leaders, and changemakers, this episode gives you actionable tools to turn vision into follow-through and create change that lasts. Keywords: intention-action gap, behavioral economics, goal setting, habit change, follow-through strategies, leadership psychology, behavior design, motivation barriers, implementation intentions Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Why do good intentions often fail to lead to lasting behavior? This episode breaks down the psychological barriers between planning and doing, offering key insights for marketers and leaders focused on habit formation and change. Keywords: intention-action gap, habit change psychology, behavioral economics habits, motivation to action, overcoming procrastination Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

In this special mini episode of Behavioral Economics in Marketing, we revisit one of the most resonant ideas from Season 3 — the Intention-Action Gap, a concept that’s essential for anyone looking to drive meaningful change in leadership, marketing, or personal growth. We kick things off by revisiting the original episode Intention-Action Gap on Habit Change, which explores why even our best intentions often fail to turn into consistent action. Then, we preview a brand-new companion episode, Pitfalls in the Intention-Action Gap: Why Good Intentions Fail, where we dig into the deeper behavioral traps that hold us back — from unrealistic goal-setting to cognitive overload — and share actionable tools to move from intention to execution. This teaser sets the tone for how Season 10 will work: a reflective replay, followed by a fresh, insightful expansion to help you apply behavioral economics more powerfully than ever. 🎯 Tune in and discover how to turn motivation into momentum — in leadership, strategy, and life.   Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Why do even smart leaders make short-sighted decisions that undermine long-term growth? In this episode of the Behavioral Economics in Marketing podcast, we explore hyperbolic discounting — a behavioral economics principle that explains why we’re wired to favor immediate rewards, even at the expense of future success. From cutting training budgets to chasing short-term KPIs, this mental bias shows up in leadership more often than we realize. Discover practical, psychology-backed strategies to refocus your decision-making toward sustainable growth, employee development, and long-term success. You’ll learn how to align leadership goals with purpose, apply commitment devices, and resist the quick wins that often derail your bigger vision. Whether you’re a team leader, executive, or entrepreneur, this episode will give you actionable insights to lead with intention — and stay one step ahead of short-term bias. Keywords: hyperbolic discounting, short-term thinking, behavioral economics leadership, long-term decision-making, organizational growth, leadership psychology, time inconsistency bias, executive decision-making Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Discover the hidden tensions between beliefs and actions that affect both leaders and teams. Learn how understanding cognitive dissonance can improve workplace harmony, decision-making, and motivation. Keywords: cognitive dissonance workplace, behavioral insights leadership, managing team conflict, employee motivation psychology, decision-making biases   Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Welcome to this special mini episode of Behavioral Economics in Marketing as we revisit one of the most insightful themes from Season 2 — management through the lens of behavioral economics. In this teaser, we spotlight the foundational episode Managing Cognitive Dissonance, where we explored how internal conflict affects team performance, leadership effectiveness, and company culture. Then we preview a new companion episode that takes that conversation even further — diving into the concept of hyperbolic discounting and why leaders so often prioritize short-term wins over long-term growth. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to lead your team with clarity, confidence, and behavioral insight. Perfect for executives, team leads, and behavioral economics enthusiasts, this mini episode sets the stage for a powerful duo that bridges psychology and smart leadership. 🎧 Listen in and start Season 10 with insight that will reshape the way you manage.   Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.   

What if the key to better marketing isn’t just what you say — but how you make people feel? In this episode of the Behavioral Economics in Marketing podcast, we explore how emotional segmentation and framing can help you better understand your audience and create messaging that resonates. Discover the psychology behind how customers process information and why aligning your message with emotional motivations leads to more powerful, personalized campaigns. We’ll unpack a foundational behavioral bias, look at how real brands apply it, and introduce a fresh framework for emotional segmentation that could transform how you connect with your audience. Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or brand strategist, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the emotional drivers behind customer decisions — and how to tap into them more effectively. Keywords: emotional segmentation, framing effect, customer motivations, behavioral marketing strategies, emotional targeting, consumer psychology, behavioral economics podcast Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Explore how subtle shifts in presentation shape customer perceptions and drive decisions. This episode reveals the powerful role of framing in marketing, helping you craft messages that influence behavior and boost engagement. Keywords: framing effect marketing, targeted messaging strategies, behavioral economics in advertising, customer decision-making, persuasive communication   Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

We’re rewinding all the way back to Season 1 — where it all began — to revisit an early favorite that laid the foundation for this podcast. This mini teaser gives you a quick look at one of the standout episodes that shaped how we think about consumer behavior and decision-making. Plus, we hint at the fresh new episode it inspired in Season 10. (No spoilers here — you'll have to listen to find out.) Whether you're revisiting the classics or catching up for the first time, this season combines timeless behavioral economics principles with updated strategies built for today’s marketers.   Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Check out her Linkedin profile here: Sandra Thomas-Comenole, Head of Marketing, Travel & Tourism

Welcome to Season 10, Episode 1 of the Behavioral Economics in Marketing podcast — and what a milestone this is. Today, we're taking a detour from our usual format to celebrate five years and ten seasons of exploring the science of decision-making in marketing. This episode is a little more personal — a chance to go behind the mic and share the story of how this podcast came to be, what it’s grown into, and what I’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how a marketer with a master’s in economics ended up podcasting about behavioral science — without ever having listened to a podcast before — this episode is for you. I’ll share the story of how it started, what almost stopped it, what kept it going, and the surprising ways it’s grown — including being used in learning platforms around the world, now reaching audiences in 73 countries and translated into 15 languages. Whether you’ve been listening since the early days or just found your way here, I’m so glad you’re part of this journey. Let’s kick off Season 10 with a look at where we’ve been — and a hint at what’s ahead.     Behavioral Economics in Marketing Podcast | Understanding how we as humans make decisions is an important part of marketing. Behavioral economics is the study of decision-making and can give keen insight into buyer behavior and help to shape your marketing mix. Marketers can tap into Behavioral Economics to create environments that nudge people towards their products and services, to conduct better market research and analyze their marketing mix. Sandra Thomas-Comenole | Host | Marketing professional with over 15 years of experience leading marketing and sales teams and a rigorously quantitative Master’s degree in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Check out her Linkedin profile here: Sandra Thomas-Comenole, Head of Marketing, Travel & Tourism