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
57 episodes
#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Cabrera of Cornell University dive deep into the theme of their upcoming conference—Connect the Dots—and challenge the outdated idea of “root cause” thinking.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
#39: Stop Guessing: The Secret to Measuring and Improving Your Thinking
Can you measure thinking? Absolutely—and it might just be the most powerful tool you’re not using. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera break down how we can measure the quality of our thinking and why doing so is a game-changer for pe...
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45:44
#38: The 8 Biggest Mistakes In Systems Thinking
Think you know systems thinking? Think again. In this hard-hitting episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take on the 8 biggest myths—those sacred cows everyone gets wrong—and crush them with straight-up truth and practical...
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49:52
#37: Rethinking Network Theory with DSRP
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take you on a journey from the basics of network theory to explaining why understanding networks is critical for making sense of the world. They explore how DSRP theory—Distinc...
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48:14
Episode #36: Getting Started in Systems Thinking: Become A Better Thinker in Less Than 1 Minute
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University, lay out a clear, no-nonsense protocol for practicing systems thinking and DSRP (Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, Perspectives) in under one minute. Perfect for busy peopl...
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57:01
#35: Reclaiming Learning: Breaking Free from the Education System
In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take a hard look at the dissatisfaction with the education system and why it’s failing teachers, parents, administrators, and especially students. They explore how to separate ...
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1:04:08
#34: Hearing Beyond Words: Uncovering the Hidden Structure in Everyday Conversations
In this week’s episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal the powerful skill of "hearing the underlying structure" in common phrases, giving you a deeper edge in every interaction. By tuning into these hidden layers, you...
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42:41
#33: Unlock Peak Performance: 5 Daily Moves to Become More Adaptive
Unlock peak mental performance and tackle any challenge with confidence! This episode arms you with five actionable moves to make you more adaptive in every aspect of life. Learn how to spot patterns faster and understand complex systems effort...
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53:52