
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

8 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 36min
#19: Coke vs Pepsi, the Two Party System, and Forced Choices
Dive into an exploration of forced binaries like Coke vs. Pepsi and Democrats vs. Republicans. Discover how marketplace dynamics influence our choices and the power of binary thinking in society. The hosts urge listeners to embrace complexity and challenge oversimplified narratives. They connect this thinking to real-world issues, highlighting the web of interconnected factors behind societal problems. Ultimately, the discussion advocates for a more nuanced understanding of decision-making, steering away from the limitations of binary frameworks.

12 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 42min
#18: Relationships Sponsored By The Number 3
Discover innovative ways to enhance your interpersonal relationships by exploring the transformative 'number three' framework. Unpack the complexities of communication between neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals, and learn how to foster healthier dynamics through a three-person relationship model. Gain insights into making relationship dynamics visible and navigating conflicts with shared perspectives, particularly in parenting. This engaging conversation encourages constructive dialogue and collaboration, making it easier to understand and adapt to each other's viewpoints.

10 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 52min
#17: Are You In Charge Of Your Feelings?
Dive into the complexities of emotions and personal responsibility. Explore how to differentiate between your feelings and those of others, empowering you to take charge of your emotional landscape. Discover strategies for emotional regulation and the impact of neurodiversity. Unravel the relational dynamics that shape interactions through a unique mental model. Learn to express your identity through emotions and the importance of proactive communication. Ultimately, gain insights into owning your emotional journey for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

10 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 28min
#16: Your Phone Is Using You
Smartphones are designed to hook users, often without them realizing it. The hosts discuss how this addiction affects not just individuals, but parenting and self-awareness too. They emphasize fostering metacognition to help children make mindful tech choices. Creative play is stifled by passive consumption, and reclaiming personal agency is essential. Furthermore, the podcast highlights the dangers of overstimulation in everyday life, advocating for intentional breaks to support mental health and meaningful connections.

Jul 3, 2024 • 50min
#15: July 4th Special: A More Perfect Union
Celebrate Independence Day with a deep dive into the complexities of democracy and the role of the U.S. Constitution. Discover how simple ideas can reshape our perceptions and the interplay between simplicity and complexity, as seen in ant behavior. The hosts also illuminate the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives to tackle societal issues. Join the discussion on the evolving nature of democracy and the necessity for active participation in safeguarding rights, making history relevant to the present.

6 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 60min
#14: Neurodiversity: Disorder or Difference?
Delving into neurodiversity, the hosts share personal experiences that challenge the label of 'disorder.' They highlight the struggles faced in traditional education and advocate for recognizing unique cognitive strengths. Conversations explore how literal thinking impacts social interactions and emphasize the value of differing perspectives. The DSRP theory emerges as a tool for making connections across various fields. A journey of self-discovery, inspired by dreams, underlines the vital role of human interaction in shaping knowledge and acceptance.

13 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 37min
#13: How Do We Know What Is Real?
Curious about the nature of reality? Dive into a discussion that merges philosophical insights with scientific inquiry. Discover how observation reshapes our understanding and the role of curiosity in science. Unpack the complexities of confirmation bias, especially in today's social media landscape. Learn how science isn't just for academics but a personal journey everyone can embark on. This exploration encourages us all to refine our mental models and engage with the world around us in new and enlightening ways.

16 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 33min
#12: The Myth(?) of Work/Life Balance
Discover the complexities of work-life balance and whether it's a realistic goal or a source of disillusionment. Challenge traditional views by integrating work and life for greater fulfillment. Explore the struggles of balancing education with career aspirations and the value of degrees today. Delve into decision-making by finding truth amidst competing opinions. Uncover how imitation in marketing affects consumer choices, and reflect on work-life balance as a subjective concept shaped by personal beliefs.

8 snips
Jun 5, 2024 • 41min
#11: Grit, Resilience, and Antifragility
Discover the fascinating distinctions between grit, resilience, and antifragility, as explained through captivating stories from an Outward Bound instructor. Explore how adversities can foster personal growth and the surprising survival lessons from history that highlight the resilience of age. Delve into the impacts of reality TV and social media on youth culture, questioning contemporary values. Lastly, understand the integral role of feedback in developing authentic resilience, advocating for a balanced approach to challenges.

15 snips
May 29, 2024 • 58min
#10: Mindsets, Ethics, and Lichens, Oh My!
Discover the intriguing shift from fixed to growth mindsets and how they shape our understanding of intelligence. Explore the ethical implications of interconnectedness in nature, exemplified by lichens. Dive into the fluidity of beliefs and identities, emphasizing the importance of metacognition. Learn about the role of mental categorization in real-world scenarios and how our thoughts are influenced by language. The conversation wraps up with a witty take on the cognitive workout needed for mental agility.