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Nudge

Nudge

Phill Agnew 295 Episodes Sep 21, 2026

Nudge is the UK's #1 marketing podcast, breaking down the hidden psychology behind what we do and why we do it. No BS, just smart, science-backed insights that actually work.

Episodes

The huge restaurant chains masquerading as independents
The huge restaurant chains masquerading as independents Sep 21, 2026 1682 Every weekend, thousands of Brits order takeaways from independent restaurants.  Or do they? Because these independent restaurants aren’t actually what they seem.    Pizza Hut, Prezzo, Frankie & Benny’s, Las Iguanas and many more chains are rebranding their food on delivery apps to appear like an independent restaurant.  They’re exploiting our psychological bias for in
I tested Rory Sutherland’s business advice
I tested Rory Sutherland’s business advice Sep 14, 2026 1885 Nine months ago, I started to apply one of Rory Sutherland’s most common bits of business advice.  Today on Nudge, I share what happened and if I think it works.  --- Get my 40 small bets: https://nudge.kit.com/c69cd49a9a  Unlock the Nudge Vaults: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/vaults Join 12,199 readers of the Nudge Newsletter: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/mailing-list Connect
The worst mistake to make on Dragon’s Den / Shark Tank
The worst mistake to make on Dragon’s Den / Shark Tank Sep 7, 2026 1529 There’s one simple tactic that makes entrepreneurs 6x more likely to get funding.  At least that’s according to today’s guest on Nudge, Harvard Professor Leslie John.  She’s spent her career studying decision-making and reveals why:  - Flawed leaders inspire more trust - Authenticity gets you job offers  - And how crying at work is perceived  --- Unlock the Nudge Va
Are metrics controlling your life?
Are metrics controlling your life? Aug 31, 2026 2097 Have you ever finished a book you dislike just to say you’ve finished it? Have you loaded up Duolingo at 11:55pm to keep the streak alive? Have you felt the crushing disappointment of realising you forgot to record your run for Strava?  If so, metrics might be controlling your life. And philosopher C. Thi Nguyen, my guest on today’s episode of Nudge, thinks that’s a problem. Nguyen believ
The mental tricks used to break the 2-hour marathon
The mental tricks used to break the 2-hour marathon Aug 24, 2026 1435 On April 26th, 2026, Sebastian Sawe did what many thought was impossible.  Running the marathon in under two hours. Today on Nudge, I explain the psychological tricks Sawe may have used to break the record.  --- Become an FSB member: https://get.fsb.org.uk/nudge/ Unlock the Nudge Vaults: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/vaults Join 12,199 readers of the Nudge Newsletter: https://www.n
How much should you reveal to your co-workers
How much should you reveal to your co-workers Aug 17, 2026 1514 In 1997, Miss USA won Miss Universe with one perfectly judged answer. She revealed just enough to charm, but not enough to shock. Harvard professor Leslie John says that's scientifically proven to persuade. Her research shows revealers are more likeable, more hireable, and even more dateable. In this episode, she shares why oversharing beats staying guarded, why privacy promises make us shy, a
Katy Milkman: “Here’s how to make exercise fun”
Katy Milkman: “Here’s how to make exercise fun” Aug 10, 2026 1453 Katy Milkman shares one technique that could keep you exercising for 55% longer.  --- Become an FSB member: https://get.fsb.org.uk/nudge/ Unlock the Nudge Vaults: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/vaults Katy’s book: https://amzn.to/3RF63xA  Katy’s podcast: https://www.schwab.com/learn/choiceology  Katy’s newsletter: https://www.katymilkman.com/newsletter-milkman-delivers  Subscribe to my newsle
Why fear won’t always persuade
Why fear won’t always persuade Aug 3, 2026 1656 To persuade someone, most of us are tempted to use fear.  We tell clients how much they’ll struggle if they pick a competitor. We tell our kids how they’ll lose TV time if they don’t finish their homework. We plead with our partners to kick bad habits by highlighting how unhealthy it’s making them.  We all do it; we opt for doom-and-gloom messages baked in fear. But today's guests on Nudge, Eli
How these two marketers manipulate your music taste
How these two marketers manipulate your music taste Jul 27, 2026 1841 In a fairly inconspicuous SXSW podcast, two marketers shook the music industry.  Jesse Coren and Andrew Spelman, two co-founders at Chaotic Good, explained how they make bands go viral.  Their methods shocked people.  Today on Nudge, I reveal how these two marketers use psychological hacks to manipulate the masses and make 'indie' bands mainstream.  --- Become an FSB member: https://get.fsb.o
Can balsamic vinegar make beer better?
Can balsamic vinegar make beer better? Jul 20, 2026 1715 In 2007, two Harvard researchers added a splash of balsamic vinegar to beer.  When drinkers knew the beer contained vinegar, they hated it.  But when the researchers told them “this is our MIT brew," the majority loved it.  The study reveals the secrets behind marketing.  On today’s episode of Nudge with award-winning science writer David Robson, we explain how good marketing can shape our per
88 out of 90 people fall for this bias. Do you?
88 out of 90 people fall for this bias. Do you? Jul 13, 2026 1199 Imagine you’re a chef.  You are shown the recipe for a soup. It has five ingredients.  You’re told to improve the recipe.  What do you do?  96% of people reveal a bias when answering this question. And that bias makes marketing less effective, communication less engaging and products less appealing.  Find out why in today’s episode of Nudge with the award-winning professor Leidy Klotz.  Warn
Will the UK’s social media ban backfire?
Will the UK’s social media ban backfire? Jul 6, 2026 1614 The British government recently announced a ban on all social media usage for children up to the age of 16.  But will the ban work?  Today on Nudge, I explore the psychology of restrictions, bans and friction.  Warning: this show is restricted to those aged 16 or over.  --- Become an FSB member: https://get.fsb.org.uk/nudge/ Use code NUDGE for 10% off your FSB membership.  Unlock the Nudge

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