Belief, Bias, and Behavior: Rational Thinking and Behavioral Economics with Dan Ariely, PhD

Most people who practice rational thinking are susceptible to bias, a key concept of behavioral economics. Beliefs can be swayed by our social environments—from our online networks to our family gatherings. This vulnerability arises from factors like stress, the fear of social exclusion, and our innate desire to create compelling narratives.

To discover the elements that form the funnel of misbelief and rebuild trust, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dan Ariely, James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University.


From his book, Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things, Dan explains the core reasons why we believe things that aren’t true and why we often have an excessive and unfounded confidence in our knowledge.

Original Air Date Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Dan Ariely, PhD, is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University and a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight. He researches the irrational ways in which people behave and explains these findings in plain language.

Dan has written NY Times bestsellers, including Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty.

Book: Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things

Dan Ariely, PhD—Behavioral Economics:

  • The breeding ground for misbelief is stress. {2:16}
  • Four elements that hinder rational thinking. {6:10} 
  • High stress increases the likelihood of bias. {10:26}
  • The social and cultural aspects of behavioral economics. {18:03}
  • Solutions to reduce bias rebuild trust. {24:40}

Like what you’re hearing?

WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING?

Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Follow Dan Ariely, PhD:

Dan Ariely PhD on X
Dan Ariely PhDs Website
Dan Ariely PhD on Facebook
Dan Ariely PhD on Instagram
Dan Ariely PhD on LinkedIn

Shareables:

“To have a healthy skepticism is important to bring ourselves back to belief.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “We are not immune to misbelief.” @danariely on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “I don't think people should follow anything blindly.” @danariely on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Ostracism is incredibly painful. It changes people's well-being and their willingness to help.” @danariely on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Our Proud Sponsor:

Constant Contact

Constant Contact—Offers easy-to-use email and digital marketing tools to grow your business. Visit ConstantContact.com and get a 30-day FREE trial.

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.

Home » Episodes » Business & Politics » Belief, Bias, and Behavior: Rational Thinking and Behavioral Economics

Continue Your Journey:

Visit Our Blog
Work With Lisa
Grab A Course!

LISTEN ANYWHERE

Nothing gives happiness like a free gift...

Sign-up, stay connected, be gifted access to a free meditation video, and receive our monthly Happiness Headlines eZine.

No spam, we promise. We don’t share your information. Get updates on special offerings, events and optimal lifestyle management tips.

Nothing gives happiness like a free gift...

Sign-up, stay connected, be gifted access to a free meditation video, and receive our monthly Happiness Headlines eZine.

No spam, we promise. We don’t share your information. Get updates on special offerings, events, and optimal lifestyle management tips.

AN AWARD-WINNING SHOW WITH with tens of millions of downloads worldwide