The Cabrera Lab Podcast
Join Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera from Cornell University as they inspire you to approach life's challenges with a fresh perspective. Witness their use of GOAT-level thinking to enhance your problem-solving skills. Discover new possibilities, approaches, and solutions you never knew existed. Elevate your thinking and get better every day with their entertaining guidance.
Episodes
64 episodes
#69: Overthinking, Adaptability, and the Fast-and-Right Mindset
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack how systems thinking helps you handle life’s toughest changes—before they happen. They share a 4-step process for adapting in real time: build mental fitness, love reali...
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32:36
#68: The Grammar of Reality
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore the central thesis of their paper, The Grammar of Reality: that both nature and thought are governed by the same four structural patterns—Distinctions, Systems, Relatio...
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43:31
#67: The Beginner’s Guide to Systems Thinking (In Under 20 Minutes)
In this clear and beginner-friendly episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down the who, what, why, where, when, and how of systems thinking. Spoiler: the “who” is everyone—because if you’re human, you live and work i...
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19:34
#66: There's Nothing More Practical Than a Good Theory
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down one of the biggest misconceptions in both science and everyday life: the false divide between theory and practice. They explain what theory really means (hint: it’s ...
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37:37
#64: Stop Taking It Personally—Why Meaning Gets Lost in Translation
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore why so many of our arguments and misunderstandings come from mismatched mental models. They break down why we react emotionally to words, why assumptions fuel conflict,...
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36:38
#63: The Simple Formula Behind Every Thought
In this eye-opening episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down their powerful formula for meaning: M = IO (meaning equals information plus organization). Using playful examples—like coffee drinks, cocktails, a...
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27:04
#62: Echo Chambers, Fake News, and the Collapse of Credibility
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down how echo chambers form, why circular citation networks trick us into believing falsehoods, and how critical systems like science and media are losing public trust.
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39:43
#61: From Outward Bound to AI—Lessons in Raising Thinkers, Not Robots
In this powerful episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reflect on parenting through the lens of DSRP, character development, and a world reshaped by AI. They unpack the difference between giving your kids answers and teach...
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44:07
#60: Beyond the Couch: DSRP Therapy for a New Mental Model
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University introduce DSRP Therapy, a systems-based approach that helps people understand, surface, and revise their mental models—at the root of emotion, behavior, and personal change.
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40:16
#58: Stop Solving Problems—Start Understanding Systems
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University flip the script on one of the most accepted habits in work and life: problem-solving. They explain why jumping straight to solutions is actually a bias—one that blinds us to wh...
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24:14
#57: Connect the Dots—Why Root Cause Thinking Isn’t Enough
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive deep into the theme of their upcoming conference—Connect the Dots—and challenge the outdated idea of “root cause” thinking. Instead, they break down how real-world problem...
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29:52
#56: The Whole Is NOT Greater Than Its Parts (Here’s Why)
In this special podcast-iversary episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University celebrate one year of the Cabrera Lab Podcast by taking a flamethrower to one of systems thinking’s most stubborn myths: “The whole is greater than its...
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28:36
#55: Don’t Trust, Verify—How to Separate Your Thoughts from Your Feelings
Feeling overwhelmed? Frustrated? Like the world is just too much? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down the critical difference between thinking and feeling—and why confusing the two can lead to unnecess...
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44:37
#53: The Emperor Has No Clothes: Exposing the Truth About Systems Thinking
Everyone talks about systems thinking, but does anyone actually know what it is? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive into the messy reality behind the term, exposing why so many so-called “systems thinking” ...
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47:48
#52: Critical Thinking is Biased Thinking
Critical thinking gets thrown around as the gold standard of thinking—but is it really? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down why critical thinking is actually an antiquated form of thought, useful in so...
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53:50
#51: The #1 Indicator of Real Intelligence (It’s Not What You Expect)
What does it really mean to be smart? Spoiler: it’s not your IQ score, your degrees, or your job title. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down the truth about intelligence—why being smart is less about wh...
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31:18
#50: Slapping “Systems” on It Doesn’t work—How to Think Systemically for Real
Just because something has the word systems in it doesn’t mean it’s actually systemic thinking. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University expose how disciplines from business to biology love to throw around the term “s...
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32:31
#48: The Ultimate Playbook for Building a Winning Culture
Your organization has a culture—whether you designed it or not. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down how to take control of your organizational culture using culture marketing and the culture building g...
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43:23
#47: How to Build an Adaptive Learning Organization That Thinks and Grows
If your organization isn’t learning, it’s dying. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore the power of organizational learning—why it’s the backbone of a thriving culture, how to foster it, and the key litmus ...
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36:50
Episode #46: Capacity is King: Build Systems That Actually Work
Is your organization running on systems—or just spinning its wheels? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive into the concept of organizational capacity: the systems that power your mission statement and ultimat...
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39:10
#45: Why Most Mission Statements Fail (And How to Do Yours Right)
Does your organization’s mission statement actually mean something, or is it just corporate fluff? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down the true purpose of a mission statement, how it differs from visio...
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40:58
#43: Why Your Organization’s Vision Sucks (and How to Fix It)
What’s your organization’s vision—and is it really driving you forward? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University demystify vision statements, explaining what it is (and what it’s not), why it often gets confused with ...
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45:09
#42: Systems Leadership: The Secret to Thriving Organizations
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack the critical difference between outdated leadership models and systems leadership. They explain why organizations are more like flocks—dynamic, adaptive, and interdepend...
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41:19
#41: Start the New Year Like a Systems Thinker
Forget the usual “new year, new you” clichés. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive into how a systems thinker sets New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions have become a hedge for intentional self-improvement. Wha...
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44:19
Episode #40: A Systems Thinker's Guide to a 'Perfect' Holiday
The holidays can be magical—but they can also be downright stressful. In this special holiday episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University share their top strategies for staying sane during the season. Learn how to challenge your...
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31:46