
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 18, 2024 • 46min
#39: Stop Guessing: The Secret to Measuring and Improving Your Thinking
Discover the power of measuring your thinking as a transformative tool for personal growth and leadership. Delve into the DSRP framework, which reveals how distinctions, systems, relationships, and perspectives shape cognitive processes. Explore the concept of a 'thinking quotient' to enhance critical thinking and adaptability. Understand the vital role of mental models in learning and organizational culture. Plus, enjoy a light-hearted moment with a festive discount offer to celebrate listeners!

Dec 11, 2024 • 50min
#38: The 8 Biggest Mistakes In Systems Thinking
Dive into the fascinating world of systems thinking as misconceptions are challenged. Discover why context alone doesn't cut it and the importance of recognizing both connections and non-connections within systems. The Flint water crisis serves as a crucial example of these pitfalls. Learn about the need for evidence-based frameworks and how a system's purpose emerges through actions rather than predefined goals. With enlightening analogies and a push for collective shifts in thinking, this discussion is bound to elevate your understanding!

Dec 4, 2024 • 48min
#37: Rethinking Network Theory with DSRP
The hosts delve into the essentials of network theory, emphasizing its significance in everyday life and complex systems. They introduce DSRP, a framework that fundamentally reshapes our understanding of connections and perspectives. Listeners discover how recognizing both relationships and disconnections can unlock effective solutions to challenges. The episode also highlights historical insights from Euler's work on networks and offers practical tools for navigating complexities with confidence. A delightful twist includes holiday gift discounts on a course to boost thinking skills!

Nov 27, 2024 • 57min
Episode #36: Getting Started in Systems Thinking: Become A Better Thinker in Less Than 1 Minute
Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera delve into the art of systems thinking, offering a quick protocol to enhance your cognitive skills in under a minute. They discuss the DSRP framework, which helps organize thoughts through Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives, turning question asking into a powerful tool. The importance of boundaries in understanding systems is highlighted, alongside tips for recognizing diverse perspectives to resolve conflicts. Plus, they explore learning styles and practical techniques to zoom in and out of complex problems for clearer decision-making.

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 4min
#35: Reclaiming Learning: Breaking Free from the Education System
Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera delve into the flaws of the current education system, revealing a startling 9% satisfaction rate among citizens. They advocate for a reimagining of education, focusing on critical thinking and emotional intelligence rather than rote learning. The discussion highlights the need for empowering teachers and fostering genuine connections with students. By reallocating resources and prioritizing authentic teaching, they argue for a transformative approach to learning that better prepares students for the complexities of the modern world.

Nov 13, 2024 • 43min
#34: Hearing Beyond Words: Uncovering the Hidden Structure in Everyday Conversations
Discover how to tap into the hidden structure behind everyday conversations to enhance your communication skills. Uncover the interconnectedness of ecosystems and how minor changes can lead to major impacts in our interactions. Explore the significance of subtle distinctions and the metaphor of fruits to illustrate levels of disagreement and the need for empathy. This conversation emphasizes the art of perspective-taking, equipping you to navigate complex social landscapes with greater understanding and clarity.

31 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 54min
#33: Unlock Peak Performance: 5 Daily Moves to Become More Adaptive
Unlock the secrets to peak mental performance with five daily moves designed to boost cognitive adaptability. Discover the parallels between cognitive and physical fitness, and learn the 'Is, Is Not' framework to clarify choices and improve decision-making. Delve into teamwork dynamics and the importance of aligning perspectives for effective collaboration. Explore the value of interdisciplinary learning and the significance of understanding complex relationships in various scenarios. Transform your thinking and enhance your overall cognitive abilities!

Oct 30, 2024 • 46min
#32: Kick the Bucket
Discover the danger of rigid mental boxes that limit your potential. Explore the DSRP framework, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of distinctions, systems, relationships, and perspectives. Understand the fluidity of thought and the importance of dynamic learning in complex systems. Dive into the contrasting worlds of science and academia, and learn how shifting paradigms can transform understanding. Embrace adaptive thinking to thrive in a constantly changing environment and upgrade your mental game for better problem-solving.

11 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 38min
#31: Context is Lazy
In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera take on context. Learn why context is part of a lazy person's conversational toolkit, understand the nuances of context, and finally learn how to use context in a fair and intelligent way. Doing so will help you understand the system far better than everyone else and be the smartest person in the room. Listen now!

12 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 1h 15min
#30: All About View-Point Perspectives
Dive into the fascinating world of perspectives! Discover how even atoms have viewpoints and the role of perspective in every aspect of existence. Learn about bowerbirds' unique mating rituals and how children develop their perspective-taking skills. Humor meets insight as executives navigate their thinking quotients. Gain actionable skills with the P-Circle technique to boost problem-solving and foster empathy. This enlightening discussion promises to transform your understanding of the world and enhance your cognitive abilities!