The Cabrera Lab Podcast

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack one of the most misunderstood (and underrated) skills: integrity. It’s not just about being a “good person”—it’s about alignment between what you say and what you do.They explore why integrity starts as a relationship with yourself, how overpromising wrecks trust, and how to build integrity through purposeful practice. If you've ever struggled to keep commitments (especially to yourself), this episode shows you how to train integrity like a muscle—and why it's the foundation for every healthy relationship, personal or professional.

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take on the everyday challenge of self-management—breaking it down into 3 essential tools: structure, rules, and distributed intelligence.From taming your to-do list and calendar chaos to creating space for flow, they share how systems thinking helps high performers (and the rest of us) build mental fitness, stay focused, and stop spinning in circles. Whether you’re neurodivergent or just drowning in deadlines, this episode delivers actionable strategies, personal stories, and real tools to help you win the day—every day.

Discover how systems thinking can bridge your professional and personal life. Learn about the core mental moves that enhance communication and self-awareness. Explore the importance of distinctions in shaping identity and how perspective-taking fosters empathy. Uncover the power of metacognition to break the action-reaction loop, granting you more agency. See how applying these concepts can transform interpersonal dynamics and reduce conflict, making systems thinking not just a strategy for work, but a way to enrich every aspect of life.

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 reality, test your mental model, and adapt fast.You’ll learn why we mistake stress and emotion for “overthinking,” how System 3 thinking gets it fast and right, and why practice—not panic—is what makes you truly ready. Whether you’re navigating a layoff, a life shift, or just everyday chaos, this episode shows you how to stay clear, grounded, and mentally sharp.

Explore how nature and thought share four structural patterns: Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives (DSRP). Discover the fluid nature of identity, shaped by our perceptions and biases. Learn to embrace evolving viewpoints to gain a deeper understanding of reality. Delve into the observer effect and how personal perceptions influence our experiences. The conversation encourages breaking free from societal norms, fostering growth, and finding harmony with nature. A deep dive into the grammar of reality unlocks profound clarity and awe.

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 in systems every day.They explain what systems thinking really is (hint: it’s simpler than you think), why it helps you adapt and thrive, and how to get started using tools like the TQ, the 6 thinking moves, and the powerful Love Reality Loop. Whether you’re a kindergartener, a CEO, or just someone trying to think more clearly, this episode is your on-ramp.

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 not your opinion about your dog), how science differs from academia, and why a well-tested theory is the most practical tool you’ll ever use.They also explore why complex topics like systems thinking tend to attract more opinions than evidence, why academic writing often feels impenetrable, and how translational research bridges the gap between real-world problems and scientific truth. If you’ve ever said, “That’s just a theory,” this episode will change how you think.

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, and how asking simple questions like “What do you mean?” can defuse tension.You’ll also hear why blame and credit are lazy shortcuts, how to rethink “being literal,” and why tuning into reality is one of the most liberating things you can do. If you’re ready to communicate with less drama and more clarity, this episode is your guide.

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, and skincare—they show how the same underlying structures drive innovation, communication, and even conflict.You’ll learn how most arguments stem from mismatched mental models, why seeing the structure behind things unlocks creativity, and how this mindset shift can help you solve problems faster, connect better, and see life in 3D. If you’re ready to level up your thinking, this one’s a must-listen.

Explore how social media crafts echo chambers that distort our perceptions of truth. Unpack the illusion of credibility created by circular citations and popularity on platforms. Dive into the consequences of misinformation and the erosion of public trust in science and media. Learn practical strategies to question claims, diversify your information sources, and embrace complexity over binary thinking. Uncover how to leverage critical inquiry and innovation to navigate a world increasingly clouded by groupthink and unverified narratives.