The Newsletter

A Short, Monthly Letter On
What Moves People.

One concept from behavioral science, distilled. One way to apply it. Sent on the first Monday of every month.

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  1. May 2026

    The May 2026 Newsletter

    The hardest part of disagreement isn't getting your facts straight — it's making the other person feel that talking with you is worth the effort.

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  2. April 2026

    The April 2026 Newsletter

    In a world where all conventional wisdom suggests that designers aim to 'remove friction,' could adding a bit of friction actually increase engagement and commitment?

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  3. March 2026

    The March 2026 Newsletter

    To catalyze change, stop trying to convince the majority - science says it's not necessary. Instead, build a visible, committed minority, then let the social math do the rest.

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  4. February 2026

    The February 2026 Newsletter

    The fastest way to kill employee motivation isn't difficult work or low pay, but the sinking suspicion that their effort serves no purpose.

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  5. January 2026

    The January 2026 Newsletter

    The most powerful force shaping our choices is often completely invisible to us (despite hiding in plain sight).

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  6. December 2025

    The December 2025 Newsletter

    If you want to soften someone’s stance and open them up to considering alternative views, it helps to shift from asking “why” to asking “how.”

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  7. November 2025

    The November 2025 Newsletter

    Our choices are not always based on static preferences but can sometimes be manipulated based on how options are presented.

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  8. October 2025

    The October 2025 Newsletter

    Why sharing your own stories (and encouraging another to share theirs) might be the most effective way to change someone’s mind.

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  9. September 2025

    The September 2025 Newsletter

    When our attitudes and our behaviors are not aligned, our brains are determined to change one of them to restore balance.

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  10. August 2025

    The August 2025 Newsletter

    Connection and belonging are more than just “nice feelings” - they’re deep evolutionary urges with ties to survival.

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  11. July 2025

    The July 2025 Newsletter

    Our brains care more about being a “good” group member than about being accurate.

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