Is violence caused by “bad people,” too many guns, or something deeper? In this episode, University of Chicago researcher Jens Ludwig reveals why most violent acts stem not from evil intent but from ordinary people in unforgiving situations. We explore how behavior, context, metacognition, and split-second decision-making shape violent outcomes — and why small, scalable interventions like pocket parks, foot traffic, and reflective thinking can dramatically reduce harm. If you care about safer communities, more innovative policymaking, or just want to understand human behavior better, our conversation with Jens will forever reshape how you view violence. Topics[[[[[[[[[[[©2025 Behavioral GroovesLinksAbout JensUnforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun ViolenceJoin us on Substack!Join the Behavioral Grooves communitySubscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTubeSupport Behavioral GroovesMusical LinksChappell Roan - Red Wine SupernovaAC/DC - Hell’s Bells