555. Press Play: The Power of Gaming in Business

555. Press Play: The Power of Gaming in Business

Author: Melina Palmer December 11, 2025 Duration: 49:21

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Bastian Bergman, author of the insightful book, Press Play: Why Every Company Needs a Gaming Strategy. Together, they delve into the transformative power of gaming and how understanding the psychology of play can enhance engagement across various industries.

Bastian, co-founder and COO of Solsten, shares his expertise in leveraging psychological insights to design experiences that captivate consumers. The discussion covers the misconceptions surrounding gamification, the importance of understanding your audience, and how brands like Chipotle and Burberry have successfully integrated gaming strategies to foster loyalty and connection. Listeners will learn how to shift their approach from compliance to curiosity, creating immersive experiences that resonate with their target market.

As you tune in, reflect on how your business can harness the principles of play and gaming to create deeper engagement with your audience. This episode is essential for anyone looking to innovate and connect in today's competitive landscape.

In this episode:

  • Explore the psychology behind gaming and its relevance to consumer engagement.
  • Learn how brands can effectively integrate gaming strategies into their marketing efforts.
  • Discover real-world examples of successful gaming initiatives from companies like Chipotle and Burberry.
  • Understand the importance of audience insights and authenticity in gaming strategies.
  • Gain actionable steps for implementing a gaming strategy in your own business.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/555.

Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further? 

Let's connect:


Melina Palmer hosts The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics, a podcast built on the idea that consumer behavior is often surprising and counterintuitive. As a sales conversion expert, Melina translates the often dense academic research from behavioral economics into clear, practical strategies. Each episode digs into the psychological forces that guide decisions, explaining why customers frequently act in ways that contradict their own stated intentions. You’ll hear specific examples of these principles in action, from pricing and product placement to communication and website design. The focus is always on providing listeners with immediately usable insights to create a more effective, brain-friendly business. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s about understanding the real-world science behind why people choose to buy-or walk away. For anyone involved in marketing, leadership, or entrepreneurship, this podcast serves as a regular source of grounded, evidence-based advice. Melina’s approach makes the complex wonderfully accessible, turning the weirdness of consumer psychology into a tangible advantage. Tune in to learn how subtle shifts in framing and choice architecture can lead to significant improvements in how your business connects with and serves its audience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Podcast Episodes
553. Removing Barriers to Drive Engagement w/ Matt Sucha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:56
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Matt Sucha, author of the highly anticipated book, The Hidden Yes. This insightful conversation explores the often-overlooked barriers that prevent p…
552. Unlocking Learning Potential [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:51
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Dan Willingham, a cognitive psychologist and author of Outsmart Your Brain. They explore the intricacies of learning and memory, exploring how to…
551. The Power Trap: Understanding How Leadership Shapes Our Minds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:49
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Nick Kinley, author of The Power Trap. They explore the profound effects of power on leadership, exploring how…
550. The Power of Questions: Avoiding the Biggest Mistake in Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:13
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits a foundational lesson that underscores the importance of understanding the problems we face before jumping to solutions. Drawing from her extensive e…
549. How Ads Shape Our Choices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:47
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Alessandra Di Lorenzo, author of the thought-provoking book Adjust: How Ads Shape What We Think and Do. With over 20 years of experience in advertisi…
548. The Sneaky Impact of Negativity Bias [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:56
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer explores the intriguing concept of negativity bias and its profound impact on our decisions, relationships, and self-perception. Have you ever noticed how a s…
547. Anointed: How Status Shapes Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:36
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Toby Stewart, author of the thought-provoking book, Anointed. Together, they explore the powerful influence of social status and how anointment, bein…
546. The Hidden Language of Semiotics in Retail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:11
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by Dr. Rachel Lawes, a pioneering social psychologist and author of Using Semiotics in Retail. Together, they dive deep into the world of semiotics,…