583. How the Outdoors Boosts Your Brain

583. How the Outdoors Boosts Your Brain

Author: Melina Palmer June 25, 2026 Duration: 28:31

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Jay Maddock from Texas A&M University to discuss the profound impact of nature on our health and well-being. As a professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and co-director of the Center for Health and Nature, Jay shares groundbreaking insights into how our environments influence our mental and physical health.

Listeners will learn about the physiological benefits of spending time in nature and why integrating natural elements into our daily lives and workplaces is crucial, especially in today's world where burnout and stress are on the rise. Jay reveals fascinating research, including studies on forest bathing and the use of virtual reality to enhance our connection to nature, even for those who may not have easy access to green spaces.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their personal well-being or creating healthier work environments. Jay's insights will inspire you to rethink how you incorporate nature into your life and the spaces you inhabit.

In this episode:

  • Discover the measurable health benefits of spending time in natural environments.
  • Learn about the concept of forest bathing and its impact on stress reduction and burnout.
  • Explore how virtual reality can simulate nature experiences for therapeutic benefits.
  • Understand the importance of integrating natural elements into workplaces for enhanced productivity.
  • Gain actionable tips on how to incorporate nature into your daily routine, regardless of your environment.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/583.

Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further? 

Learn With Us on our website.

Subscribe to Melina's Newsletter Brainy Bites. 

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
584. The Category Creation Formula [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:24
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Kevin Maney, co-author of the enlightening book The Category Creation Formula. Together, they explore the concept of category creation and how compan…
582. How to Get What You Want [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Joshua Bandoch, author of the insightful book How to Get What You Want: Mastering the Art and Science of Persuasion. Together, they delve into the fa…
581. The Science of Cool: How to Make Your Brand Stand Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:26
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Troy Campbell to explore the intriguing science of cool. Many believe that being cool is an inherent quality, but Troy reveals that there is a psycho…
580. Building Incorruptible Companies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:38
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Eric Ries, the renowned author of The Lean Startup and his latest book, Incorruptible. Together, they explore the complexities of building sustainabl…
579. Personal Branding for Introverts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:39
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Goldie Chan, author of Personal Branding for Introverts, to explore the often misunderstood concept of personal branding. For many, the term evokes e…
578. The Psychology of Color: Making Your Brand Stand Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:18
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer delves into the fascinating world of color theory and its profound impact on branding and consumer behavior. Discover why certain colors evoke specific emotio…
577. The Persuasion Engine: AI, Empathy, and Effective Communication [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:31
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes back Roger Dooley, author of the new book The Persuasion Engine. Together, they dive into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and…
576. The Top Five Wording Mistakes Businesses Make [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:11
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits one of the foundational topics that has shaped her approach to behavioral economics: the top five wording mistakes businesses make. Originally aired…
575. The Art and Science of Behavior Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:01
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Bri Williams, a behavioral strategist and author, to explore the art and science of applying behavioral economics in practical and impactful wa…
574. Incentives and The Littery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:24
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Michael Manniche, founder and CEO of The Littery, to discuss a groundbreaking approach to tackling littering through behavioral economics. Michael sh…