Taking The BS Out Of Behavioral Science Breaking The Code podcast

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DaQuane Cherry was once the kid who wore a hoodie to hide skin flare-ups in school. Now he’s an artist and advocate helping others feel seen. He reflects on his psoriasis journey, the power of small joys, and why loving yourself first isn’t a cliché—it’s essential. Plus, a deep dive into the history of La Roche-Posay’s legendary spring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Breaking the Code «
Taking the BS out of Behavioral Science

3 years ago 13:28

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Behavioral science is a cornerstone of modern marketing practice, but much of what passes itself off as behavioral science is just bs.
Good social science gives us the insights and roadmap we need to change behavior, but bad social science just muddies the water and tarnishes the social sciences. As behavior change is a core objective of marketing, getting behavioral science right is crucial. Join us as two behavioral scientists sound off on what is, and isn't, good social science, from a variety of disciplines covering new topics every podcast.

48 episodes

#Business #Marketing #Havas Medical Anthropology #Social Sciences #Anthropology #Sociolinguistics #Behavioral Science #Behavioral Economics #Semiotics #Linguistics #Applied Anthropological

Taking the BS out of Behavioral Science

Breaking the Code

published 3 years ago

MP3•Episode home

Follow us on LinkedIn

48 episodes

#Business #Marketing #Havas Medical Anthropology #Social Sciences #Anthropology #Sociolinguistics #Behavioral Science #Behavioral Economics #Semiotics #Linguistics #Applied Anthropological

All episodes

Breaking the Code

1
Behavioral Inertia: Our Irrational Desire for Comfort 33:38

12 days ago33:38

33:38

Behavioral inertia has become a buzzword in marketing, often associated with the stubborn action (or inaction) of a target audience. As anthropologists, Sonika and Gabe are often approached with the challenge of designing interventions that break inertia; however, there's more to inertia than simply recognizing it and knowing how to overcome it. In this episode, they break down the emotional motivators of inertia, the possibility of leveraging and rewarding inert behaviors, and why it's paramount to focus first on what a target audience is doing as opposed to what they aren't. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Seeing People Beyond Their Function 19:54

8 weeks ago19:54

19:54

Thinking holistically is easy to say, but hard to do, especially when designing strategies to change behavior within a specific role like patient, HCP, or caregiver. In this episode, Sonika and Gabe unpack how they disrupt their own thinking to uncover culturally resonant insights and drive more impactful behavioral strategies. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
GLP-1 Santa?!: The Cultural Shifts Behind St. Nick's Changing Shape 25:12

30 weeks ago25:12

25:12

The biggest health story of the year has been how GLP-1s like Ozempic are reshaping everyday life. As the holidays approach, we take a closer look at an unexpected cultural shift—the shape of Santa Claus. For nearly a century, Santa has been celebrated as a holly jolly figure with a long white beard and a big round belly. But this year we've seen depictions of Santa hitting the gym, counting calories, and even taking Ozempic. In this episode, we explore what Santa’s transformation says about society. Why are people so invested in changing Santa’s iconic image? What does it mean that even Santa cares about his weight? And what’s gained—and lost—as Santa transitions from "fat and jolly" to "Hot Santa"? We are joined by Jennifer Tsitsopoulos, Practice Lead of the Medical Anthropology team, to explore these questions through the lens of medical anthropology and holiday traditions. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Equity in Action PART 1: Understanding the Hearts and Minds of Multicultural Patients ft. Eirásmin Lokpez-Cobo 48:13

32 weeks ago48:13

48:13

In this episode, we are joined by Eirásmin Lokpez-Cobo, EVP of Brand Strategy at República Havas Health, to dive into the insights from her team's recently published white paper, Equity in Action: Mapping the Multicultural Patient Journey for Inclusive Strategies (link below). This insightful paper sheds light on the systemic barriers and health-related behaviors that shape the experiences of diverse U.S. audiences throughout their patient journey. This is part one of our two-part series focusing on the multicultural patient experience. We start by building a shared understanding of the barriers that prevent engagement with health systems. From there, we uncover overlooked elements of their journey, such as the unique health priorities of multicultural patients and the sources of trust they rely on. Disengagement isn’t solely rooted in mistrust, nor does the desire to achieve better health simply fade away. To truly "meet patients where they are," we must understand the where they are willing—and able—to go. Here's the link to the team's whitepaper: 24_RHH_WHITEPAPER_2_EQUITY-IN-ACTION_MAPPING-THE-MULTICULTURAL-PATIENT-JOURNEY-FOR-INCLUSIVE-STRATEGIES_LONG.pdf Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Women, Sports, and Leadership: The Evolution of Female Success ft. Claire Knapp and Denise Melone 44:32

40 weeks ago44:32

44:32

Women's professional sports are "having a moment", but this did not happen in a vacuum nor did it happen overnight. In a highly anticipated episode (for us), we finally got a chance to sit down with Claire Knapp (CEO of Havas Lynx) and Denise Melone (Managing Director of Havas Life San Francisco) to discuss the implications of the growth of women's sports, both as a business and as an opportunity. Both of these female leaders are accomplished athletes, and we discuss the role of things like teamwork, coaching, and mental fortitude, learned on the judo mats and tennis courts, in their successes as corporate leaders at Havas. The growing interest in the competitive aspects of women's sports has coincided with the appearance of women in a variety of hitherto-denied spaces, such as the boardroom, the judging panel, and even just full-court basketball (looking at you, Sue Atkins--my mom). While this shift is notable, both Claire and Denise express the sentiment that disparities in treatment, compensation and conversation are still as important as ever to address and overcome. What's important is how we talk about women, not as bodies but as humans, and, in the case for this episode, as fierce, aggressive, badass athletes. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Do GLP-1s Change the Meaning of "Obesity"? 43:34

42 weeks ago43:34

43:34

With the advent of GLP-1 drugs, it was only a matter of time before Brad and Gabriel dove into a discussion about this controversial drug class and the equally contentious disease, obesity. In this episode, they explore a range of topics—from the history of obesity and its recognition as a disease to how GLP-1s like Ozempic are influencing the conversation around the legitimacy and stigma of obesity beyond just Body Mass Index (BMI). One of the most compelling ideas from this thought-provoking episode centers on control—how we perceive our own health and judge others, assuming people have more control over their health outcomes than they really do. This theme cuts to the heart of the obesity debate: are we excusing unhealthy habits, or are we acknowledging that the issue is far more complex than we originally thought? The inspiration for this episode: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/opinion/obesity-disease-ozempic-weight-loss.html Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Gifted, Neurodivergent, or Nerd: The Highs and Lows of Growing up Tagged as 'Gifted' 49:57

44 weeks ago49:57

49:57

Our fascination with neurodivergence continues as we are joined by PsyD, Dr. Matt Zakreski to breakdown the semantics of giftedness, and inclusive design for neurodivergent people in a variety of public spaces. The term "gifted" was of particular interest of us and our guest because at one point in each of our lives we had been called out of the classroom to take an exam that would ultimately label us as gifted. While it does make some complex topics clear, some seemingly simple topics are much harder to resolve for gifted children - the mistake lies in assuming that exceptional skills make them exceptional at everything. One thread that connects this episode to our previous conversation with Kathryn Parsons, was this idea that neurodivergent people may consciously modify behavior to receive the expected response from the world. To varying degrees, they anticipate their settings, surroundings, and (most importantly) the people they come into contact with in order to socially adapt and make it through the day. This gives meaning to the phrase "meeting someone where they are" especially important as something to stive for, but it's also clearer why it can be hard to do: people habituate to their circumstances and can end up suffering in silence. Purchase Dr. Matt's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Neurodiversity-Playbook-Neurodivergent-People-Neurotypical/dp/195336036X Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Unpacking the Rituals of Barbecues and Health: How we Give Structure and Meaning to an Unstructured World 22:47

45 weeks ago22:47

22:47

In this episode, recorded right before the Labor Day weekend, Brad and Gabe have one thing on their minds... barbecuing! More specifically, they're thinking about barbecuing as a ritual, a set of behaviors with rules, inversions of norms, specific settings and a meaning that goes beyond its function. In health, rituals are overlooked, but they're are a desired part of the human experience, even if patients and consumers don't articulate it. Think about where you'd be comfortable getting a shot from your HCP. In a parking lot? The elevator? The waiting area? The doctor's office? A successful health experiences hinges on an individual's comfort, familiarity and trust, so rituals play a crucial role in making procedures feel safe and making recipients feel dignified. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Bridging Minds: Autism, Neurodivergence, and Inclusive Communication in Advertising 35:35

49 weeks ago35:35

35:35

The term "neurodiversity," introduced 25 years ago by autistic Australian sociologist Judy Singer, marked a milestone in our understanding of autism and the appreciation of "difference, not deficit" in how brains work. More than a buzzword, neurodiversity describes a growing population whose brains work differently from the "neurotypical," and whose historic separation from social engagement has been replaced with a social inclusion that allows them to share their unique talents and perspectives. These differences go beyond functional tasks like working in an office or completing an exam. Their unique interactions with the world inform their fascinating worldview and their day-to-day challenges. For us in advertising, knowing how your audience interacts with the world is crucial to creating communication that speaks to them. In this episode, Brad and Gabe are joined by Havas' own, Kathryn Parsons, a digital marketing expert and an advocate for neurodiversity. Kathryn has autism, and she shares multiple anecdotes describing how she's adapted to a neurotypical world. The three of them also discuss what brands can be doing better to reach their neurodiverse audience - which is 1 in every 5 of us. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Defeating Cancer’s Hero Trope: Cancer Doesn’t Make Humans Super - It Makes Them More of Who They Already Are 25:54

50 weeks ago25:54

25:54

A cancer diagnosis is a "moment of truth" that brings an undeniable shift to someone's identity. Faced with one's own mortality, a concerted effort may be required to overcome the dissonance between "who I was" and "who I am now". When communicating to patients diagnosed with cancer, we often attempt to address this new-found perspective by creating "hero" tropes or by relying on aspirational calls to action, invoking tropes that fail to clarify the practical struggle people with cancer face ("am I a hero? I don't feel like one...") Brad and Gabe received a special request to discuss the dynamics of communication for patients with poor prognosis or late-stage cancers. They discuss the shame that may be present for lung cancer patients who were former smokers, the lack of attention paid to ovarian cancer as a women's health issue and the unnecessary pressure brought on by labeling someone with cancer as a "fighter". Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Making Sense Of "Trigger Warnings": Stigma, Taboo, and Trauma 32:35

52 weeks ago32:35

32:35

Correction: In this episode, we mention that Anna Calix had a miscarriage. Anna actually had a 40 week stillbirth. Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is a fetal demise in utero at less than 20 weeks of pregnancy, and stillbirth (fetal death) is a spontaneous fetal demise in utero at 20 weeks or more of pregnancy. The two have very different experiences medically, legally, logistically, and socially. The relationship between content and audience is always complex, and the power of words to inspire or harm is widely debated. In this episode, we discuss the controversial yet ubiquitous "trigger warning," a specific form of content advisory suggesting that some content is so offensive or traumatic it may "trigger" you. Trigger warnings are relatively new and are seen both as a means of respecting and including your audience by allowing them to disengage from harmful content and as evidence of a decline in the ability to handle difficult content. While content warnings and advisories have long been part of the landscape, the concept of "trigger" is contentious. It has moved from a clinical environment into a moral one, where "offensive" content is labeled as potentially triggering--even in cases where no underlying trauma exists to be triggered. One under-examined aspect of trigger warnings is the potential re-stigmatization of storytellers whose work is labeled and the reinforcement of cultural taboos. Should scenes of interracial dating or stories of single motherhood come with trigger warnings if the audience finds such content distasteful? Join us as we explore the emerging literature and experimental data on trigger warnings, their utility, function, and impact. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Uncomfortable Conversations Save Lives: The Surgeon General Weighs In On The Risks of Social Media 33:51

1 year ago33:51

33:51

In this episode, Brad and Gabe delve into the US Surgeon General's proposal to introduce warning labels on social media platforms, aimed at highlighting their impact on young people's mental health. In the US, the surgeon general is seen as a moral authority who looks at social issues through a health-first lens from the dangers of social media to gun violence. There's a lot to discuss here from the complexities of communicating risk to teenagers and Murthy's strategic choice to liken these risks to those associated with smoking cigarettes. While using warning labels may not be the most effective method to deter use in the short term, the branding associated with such labels can have lasting effects. Many of us broadly understand the potential negative effects of social media on mental health, but a warning label would explicitly create the connection between harm and these platforms - it's a confrontation reminding them of the risks of logging in. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
This is not a Drill: Cervical Cancer is Curable, but Treatment is Often Too Painful to Survive 48:20

1 year ago48:20

48:20

In this episode, we’re joined by Eve McDavid and Dr. Onyinye Balogun, founders of Mission Driven Tech, a Cervical Cancer innovation company. Their story is an inspirational application of Breaking the Code's themes of inclusive design, varied expressions of pain, and uncomfortable conversations that save lives. Our discussion delves into women's health and cervical cancer, highlighting their current focus: their treatment tool called The Blossom, a medical device used in Brachytherapy, internal radiation procedures that cure Cervical Cancer. The Blossom is designed to alleviate the severe pain and trauma women endure during current brachytherapy procedures, pain so intense it sometimes leads patients to abandon treatment, a devastating and fatal decision. Mission Driven Tech is raising capital to advance their groundbreaking work, and you can support them by contributing to their crowdfunding campaign featured on their website ( https://missiondriventech.com/ ). Sharing this episode and the links below within your network can also help spread their important message and support their mission to save lives by modernizing cervical cancer treatments. Special thanks to Jose Walewski for connecting us with Mission Driven Tech! To contribute to Mission Driven Tech: https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/blossom-modern-cure-cervical-cancer Follow Mission Driven Tech on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mission-driven-tech Connect with Eve McDavid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evemcdavid/ Connect with Dr. Onyinye Balogun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odbalogun/ Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
If Everything is 'Healthy', Nothing is 23:53

1 year ago23:53

23:53

In a world of ubiquitous marketing, figuring out what supports a "healthy lifestyle" can be challenging. Marketers have picked up on the cultural trend towards wellness branding, and are enthusiastically, if somewhat disingenuously, leaning into claims that are technically true but not very helpful--"no added sugar", for example, is true, but irrelevant, for a product that has a high glycemic index (like fruit juices). This "healthwashing" has been seen across the spectrum of brands, from the curious case of fast foods chains removing unhealthy signifiers like "fried" from their names (BK, Dunkin', KFC, etc.), to the less curious but equally nefarious labeling practices of breakfast cereals and protein bars, brands are eagerly touting their health benefits. In this episode, we talk about healthwashing and touch on many forms of virtue signaling. One important takeaway: We know that people are keenly aware of their health nowadays, so brands, across the board, shouldn't shy away from communicating the real role they can play. The importance is delivering that message in a way that's true to each brand, in a way that maintains their identity and respects their audience. Follow us on LinkedIn…

Breaking the Code

1
Ensuring the Customer is Always Right: A Brand's Role in Consumer Health Decisions 35:34

1 year ago35:34