How did Guinness become Britain’s most popular pint? episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 27, 2025 · 23 MIN

How did Guinness become Britain’s most popular pint?

from Nudge · host Phill Agnew

Britain’s most popular pint has a major flaw.  It takes 2 minutes to pour.  This should put people off. Most of us don’t love waiting at the bar.  And yet, despite this flaw, one in every nine British pints sold is Guinness.  Why?  Well, today’s guest, behavioural scientist Richard Shotton, says it’s down to some evidence-backed consumer psychology.  ---  Read Hacking The Human Mind: https://amzn.to/47lpcbT Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/mailing-list Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phill-agnew-22213187/ Watch Nudge on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nudgepodcast/  --- Today’s sources Aronson, E., Willerman, B., & Floyd, J. (1966). The effect of a pratfall on increasing interpersonal attractiveness. Psychonomic Science, 4(6), 227–228. Bohner, G., Einwiller, S., Erb, H.-P., & Siebler, F. (2003). When small means comfortable: Relations between product attributes in two-sided advertising. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 13(4), 454–463. Kruger, J., Wirtz, D., Van Boven, L., & Altermatt, T. W. (2004). The effort heuristic. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 40(1), 91–98. Williams, K. D., Bourgeois, M. J., & Croyle, R. T. (1993). The effects of stealing thunder in criminal and civil trials. Law and Human Behavior, 17(6), 597–609

Britain’s most popular pint has a major flaw.  It takes 2 minutes to pour.  This should put people off. Most of us don’t love waiting at the bar.  And yet, despite this flaw, one in every nine British pints sold is Guinness.  Why?  Well, today’s guest, behavioural scientist Richard Shotton, says it’s down to some evidence-backed consumer psychology.  ---  Read Hacking The Human Mind: https://amzn.to/47lpcbT Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/mailing-list Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phill-agnew-22213187/ Watch Nudge on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nudgepodcast/  --- Today’s sources Aronson, E., Willerman, B., & Floyd, J. (1966). The effect of a pratfall on increasing interpersonal attractiveness. Psychonomic Science, 4(6), 227–228. Bohner, G., Einwiller, S., Erb, H.-P., & Siebler, F. (2003). When small means comfortable: Relations between product attributes in two-sided advertising. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 13(4), 454–463. Kruger, J., Wirtz, D., Van Boven, L., & Altermatt, T. W. (2004). The effort heuristic. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 40(1), 91–98. Williams, K. D., Bourgeois, M. J., & Croyle, R. T. (1993). The effects of stealing thunder in criminal and civil trials. Law and Human Behavior, 17(6), 597–609

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How did Guinness become Britain’s most popular pint?

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One Thing Today Michael Nobbs One Thing Today provides a regular nudge to remind you to live gently and to take a small daily step with your creative work. Artistic Accomplices Eric M. Scott We all could use a little creative nudge every now and then that will prod us, encourage us, and give us a shot of inspiration. Artistic Accomplices is the podcast that gives you small doses of motivation and creative encouragement as you make, create, play, and live. Join Eric Scott as he shares his thoughts on art, creativity, and learning and interviews artists, writers, educators, and more. Like the gym buddy that motivates you to hit the gym on a regular basis, Artistic Accomplices is that little voice in your ear telling you to hit the studio, or pull out the paints, or pick up the pen. The Leader's Kitbag Ben Morton The Leader’s Kitbag is a practical podcast for busy and aspiring leaders, hosted by leadership expert Ben Morton.Each episode is packed with tools, tips and tactics you can use immediately. In 5–10 minutes, you’ll get a clear insight, a simple framework or prompt, and a nudge to put it into practice.If you want actionable tools and a clearer path to leadership success, this is your kitbag for the journey. Your Morning Nudge: Breathe & Believe Kasey Crawford Kellem This brief, uplifting podcast is a perfect way to ignite your day! Each morning you will be given a breathing technique and a reminder/anchor words/mantra to help you get up and going through your day! The breaths are great tools to combat anxiety, anger management, depression and to improve focus, relaxation, and happiness. The mantra/reminder are words for you to hold on to during the day to help you cope with stress, conflict, and the day in general! Make this podcast your wake-up call each morning!! Everyone can benefit from a morning nudge!!!

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Britain’s most popular pint has a major flaw.  It takes 2 minutes to pour.  This should put people off. Most of us don’t love waiting at the bar.  And yet, despite this flaw, one in every nine British pints sold is Guinness.  Why?  Well,...

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