The Housefly Effect and Other Nudges That Change Behavior | Brainfluence

The Housefly Effect and Other Nudges That Change Behavior | Brainfluence

From Brainfluence by Roger Dooley

December 16, 2025 · 29 min · Episode 422

About this episode

This episode explores how small changes can significantly influence behavior, featuring insights from behavioral scientists Eva van der Broek and Tim den Heijer.

In this Brainfluence episode, host Roger Dooley sits down with behavioral scientist Eva van der Broek and advertising creative Tim den Heijer, co-authors of the intriguing new book, The Housefly Effect: The Nudge Psychology That Steers Our Everyday Behavior. Together, they dive into the quirky yet profound ways that tiny changes—think a simple housefly sticker in a urinal—can dramatically shift our decisions and habits. Join us as Eva and Tim unpack the stories and science behind these small interventions, from the power of naming an "effect," to surprising marketing strategies, the influence of groupthink, and real-world examples like the "Cobra Effect." Along the way, you'll learn why imperfections can make products more appealing, how unintended consequences play out in public policy, and why sometimes being nudged in the right direction matters more than knowing exactly why you changed your behavior. Whether you're a marketer, policy maker, or just curious about how our minds work, this episode is packed with playful insights and practical advice on harnessing the subtle art of nudging. Show Notes page with audio, text, resources…

People in this episode

Host: Roger Dooley

Guests: Eva van der Broek, Tim den Heijer

Topics covered

  • behavioral science
  • nudging
  • marketing strategies
  • decision making
  • public policy

Keywords

  • nudges
  • behavior change
  • Cobra Effect
  • groupthink
  • marketing

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Housefly Effect

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