Best Behavioral Science Books of 2025 (According to us)

Every year, we talk with dozens of authors on Behavioral Grooves, and every year, we read far more books than we can possibly recommend (over 40!). In our annual “best of the best” episode, we step back to revisit the behavioral science books that stood out above the rest; not because they were trendy or provocative, but because they fundamentally shaped how we think about happiness, decision-making, leadership, and human behavior.

This episode isn’t a ranking of which book was the best; that would be impossible. Instead, it’s a focused look at what made each book impactful for us and for our own growth. We cover everything from psychological richness and making work matter on teams to behavioral economics and how a simple housefly in a urinal changed behavior at the Amsterdam Airport. Each of these books offers practical insights grounded in years of rigorous research, while challenging some of our most deeply held assumptions about how we operate in the world.

If you’re hoping to start the new year with fresh insights, or you’re simply looking for your next great read, consider this episode your curated guide to what’s worth reading in behavioral science right now. Plus, join our Facebook group for a chance to win a free copy of one of the books mentioned in this episode.

Want to watch this episode? Check it out on our YouTube Channel