The Cabrera Lab Podcast

Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera tackle the failures of our education system, highlighting the pitfall of prioritizing content over thinking. They advocate for O-based education that promotes organizational skills and mental models. Discussing the long-term impacts of early schooling on civic engagement, they argue for systems thinking as the solution. Delving into how teaching thinking skills can enhance test performance, they illustrate the benefits across life domains—health, finances, and relationships—while emphasizing the need to safeguard students from manipulation.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University challenge the binary of Kahneman’s System 1 (fast but often wrong) and System 2 (slow but usually right) thinking—and introduce a third way: System 3 Thinking.System 3 is both fast and accurate. But it doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built through metacognition and daily practice. Drawing on research and real-world examples from special forces, pro athletes, and high performers, they show you how the Six Moves and the Love-Reality Loop can rewire your brain, boost adaptivity, and dramatically improve your results.This episode doesn’t just teach a concept—it gives you a proven path to becoming a better, faster, smarter thinker. If you’re tired of overthinking, underperforming, or just reacting—this is the mental upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

In this final chapter of the Culture Code series, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University share the last 12 guiding principles that shape their team's character, cohesion, and capacity to adapt. These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re lived systems of belief and behavior.You’ll explore ideas like Carhartts & Cufflinks (being comfortable anywhere), Extreme Ownership, No Discipline = No Freedom, Underpromise & Overdeliver, and the golden rule: The Way You Do Anything Is the Way You Do Everything. This episode is packed with personal stories, practical applications, and deep reflections on how culture is something you build through practice—not posters.Whether you're leading a company, team, or yourself, this episode is a masterclass in turning values into actions and building the kind of culture that lasts.

Discover the nine essential principles of culture that are grounded in systems thinking and character development. Learn about balancing specialization with overall well-being and the power of incremental improvements for lasting growth. Explore the concept of monergy, where money fuels mission-driven efforts rather than mere accumulation. Embrace the idea of being your own GOAT and the importance of living with integrity by practicing what you preach. Finally, understand how small actions can lead to significant changes in achieving your vision.

In the follow-up to Episode #79, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University continue walking through their organization’s Culture Code—a set of shared values and mental models that drive everything from personal growth to organizational excellence.This time, they explore seven powerful principles: Love Reality, Find Your Fit, Serve Others, Be Vulnerable, Have Integrity, Be Courageous, and Do the Right Thing. With raw personal stories, practical examples, and plenty of humor, they show how these daily practices aren't just good for culture—they're good for character.If you want to build a life (and team) grounded in truth, trust, and strength—this episode is your blueprint.

In this new episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack the first six principles in their organization’s Culture Code—a practical, modular set of mental models that shape character, guide behavior, and build real culture from the inside out.You’ll learn why culture isn’t about surface-level swag, but shared mental models; how to truly listen (with more than just your ears); and why systems thinkers must practice curiosity, evolution, and presence—every single day. These six principles—Team First, See Systems, Listen, Evolve, Be a Light, and Be Curious—are the building blocks of a high-integrity, high-performance life.If you’ve ever wondered how to align personal growth with professional excellence, this is where to start.

In this special “IRL” (in real life) episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University sit down with a parent struggling to navigate one of the most common and emotionally charged family issues: what kids eat.Their guest, "John," opens up about his 8-year-old daughter’s ultra-processed diet, his fear for her long-term health, and how dinner has turned into a battleground. Through systems thinking, they reframe the issue—not as a fight to win tonight, but as a long game of building agency, values, and critical thinking.If you’ve ever felt powerless at the dinner table—or in any parenting dilemma—this episode shows how systems thinking can turn fear into strategy and frustration into hope.

Explore the vision for a world filled with 8 billion systems thinkers, emphasizing that everyone must think differently to tackle complex issues. Discover how daily choices scale to huge outcomes and why practice, not just awareness, is crucial for real change. Learn about defining mental fitness and the six key moves to rewire your brain for adaptability. Understand the impact of individual agency on systemic transformation and how even partial adoption can drive significant shifts. Get inspired to contribute to this global mindset shift!

Explore the idea that true change comes from within rather than just changing environments. Delve into how personal patterns draw similar jobs and relationships into our lives. Discover the impact of external factors on our choices and the importance of self-reflection. Learn to recognize recurring cycles in relationships, empowering you to confront emotional baggage. By transforming hard-earned lessons into personal rules, you can foster meaningful growth and break free from self-sabotage.

In this inspiring episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal the 12 Gets—a simple, science-backed system that helped Derek shed 130 pounds, reverse pre-diabetes, and reclaim his life.Born from a sabbatical of deep systems thinking and personal transformation, the 12 Gets offer a blueprint for health, longevity, and mental fitness. From “Get Moving” to “Get Smart” to “Get Challenged,” each “Get” is both accessible and adaptable—no gimmicks, just real strategies that work.Whether you're starting from zero or leveling up your routine, this episode gives you the tools to build a life that’s strong, clear, and deeply lived.GET THE BOOK: https://www.stsi.pro/product-page/connect-the-dots-book-pre-order-now