Best Drs Derek Podcasts (2025)

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#74: The 12 Gets: Simple, Scientific Rules for a Life That Works 40:57

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7d ago40:57

40:57

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 f…

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Derek Sivers: Lessons from Making (and Giving Away) a Fortune 54:11

9d ago54:11

54:11

Derek Sivers is one of the most interesting thinkers of our time. He’s been a professional touring musician, a circus performer, and a successful entrepreneur who sold his company for millions – and then gave away his proceeds from the sale. Since selling the company, Derek has become a speaker, writer and author of five books including his latest …

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S8 E1 No one is coming to Save Us 1:05:41

12d ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Well, I'm back. And, it's not pretty. But, if you've been listening to this podcast for any amount of time, you already know that. We have a lot to catch up on, mainly about what to do next. Most of us are not ready for what that next actually looks like; it'll be violent and bloody. But, at least we get to see a few more episodes of Parks & Rec be…

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#73: Earn Your Own Trust—The Real Power of Integrity 27:43

14d ago27:43

27:43

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 t…

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#72: How High Performers Really Manage Their Time, Energy & Minds 44:49

21d ago44:49

44:49

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 thinki…

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#71: Think Better, Live Better—Why Systems Thinking Isn’t Just for Work 32:48

28d ago32:48

32:48

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack what they call the “arsenal”—a core set of mental moves that bridge the gap between your professional life and your personal growth. They explore how tools like the RDS Barbell, distinctions, and perspective-taking can radically improve your communication, emotional regulati…

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#69: Overthinking, Adaptability, and the Fast-and-Right Mindset 32:36

1M ago32:36

32:36

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 “overthinki…

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Hal Donaldson: The ‘Secret Sauce’ Behind Convoy of Hope, One of the World’s Biggest Charities 41:29

1M ago41:29

41:29

Hal Donaldson has a goal to feed a million children every day. And his organization, Convoy of Hope, is on pace to make it happen. In this episode, Hal joins us to discuss how he overcame tragedy early in life to found one of the world’s biggest charities. He’ll share what it’s like to come face-to-face with Mother Teresa, and the powerful advice s…

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#68: The Grammar of Reality 43:31

1M ago43:31

43:31

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore the central thesis of their paper, The Grammar of Reality: that both nature and thought are governed by the same four structural patterns—Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives (DSRP). They explain why nothing in the universe is static, why your mental model…

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#67: The Beginner’s Guide to Systems Thinking (In Under 20 Minutes) 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

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…

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#66: There's Nothing More Practical Than a Good Theory 37:37

2M ago37:37

37:37

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 m…

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#64: Stop Taking It Personally—Why Meaning Gets Lost in Translation 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

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 a…

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#63: The Simple Formula Behind Every Thought 27:04

2M ago27:04

27:04

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’…

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Drs. Natasha Bray and Douglas Nolan: Fighting the National Doctor Shortage and Creating New Opportunities for Native Americans at the Nation’s First-Ever Tribally Affiliated Medical School 42:55

2M ago42:55

42:55

Just 5 years ago, Oklahoma State University and the Cherokee Nation launched a first-of-its-kind medical school. The College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation is the first and only medical college to be founded on tribal land and linked to a native tribe. The school made history when its first graduating class of doctors received their…

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#62: Echo Chambers, Fake News, and the Collapse of Credibility 39:43

3M ago39:43

39:43

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down how echo chambers form, why circular citation networks trick us into believing falsehoods, and how critical systems like science and media are losing public trust. They explain why truthiness matters, why science isn’t the same as academia, and how you can protect yourse…

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#61: From Outward Bound to AI—Lessons in Raising Thinkers, Not Robots 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

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 teaching them to think—between raising performers and building whole humans. With stories from the mountains, t…

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#60: Beyond the Couch: DSRP Therapy for a New Mental Model 40:16

3M ago40:16

40:16

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. They walk through how DSRP compares to traditional therapies like CBT, and explain why getting your thoughts…

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#58: Stop Solving Problems—Start Understanding Systems 24:14

3M ago24:14

24:14

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 what’s really happening in the system. With stories, metaphors, and practical insights, they unpack how most…

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Amy Ard: Motherhood Beyond Bars Helps Incarcerated Moms and Their Innocent Babies 49:17

3M ago49:17

49:17

Each year, thousands of women give birth while in jail or prison. What happens to them, and their babies? Amy Ard had been working as a doula (a caregiver for labor and delivery) for decades when she saw a prisoner who was in the hospital to give birth. Amy also saw a set of handcuffs hanging from a gurney, which said so much about the start of tha…

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#57: Connect the Dots—Why Root Cause Thinking Isn’t Enough 29:52

3M ago29:52

29:52

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 problems emerge from webs of causality, where multiple, interacting factors must be addressed simultaneously to g…

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#56: The Whole Is NOT Greater Than Its Parts (Here’s Why) 28:36

4M ago28:36

28:36

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 parts.” They dive deep into the real meaning of emergence, why complexity science is not about magic or m…

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#55: Don’t Trust, Verify—How to Separate Your Thoughts from Your Feelings 44:37

4M ago44:37

44:37

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 unnecessary stress, poor decisions, and pointless arguments. They’ll teach you how to untangle your emotions from …

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Allie Amoroso and ROSE Women’s Foundation: The Path Out of Poverty 45:27

4M ago45:27

45:27

Alle Amoroso is the founder of ROSE Women’s Foundation, which helps impoverished women in Kenya learn how to launch and run small businesses. To date, the organization has launched more than 3,500 businesses — and lifted thousands of people out of poverty. Allie shares: The awakening that led her to quit her dream life of venture capital and startu…

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#53: The Emperor Has No Clothes: Exposing the Truth About Systems Thinking 47:48

4M ago47:48

47:48

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” frameworks lack any real scientific backing. They discuss why most frameworks are nothing more than untest…

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#52: Critical Thinking is Biased Thinking 53:50

4M ago53:50

53:50

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 some situations but totally inadequate in others. Sparked by a social media post that stirred up controversy…

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#51: The #1 Indicator of Real Intelligence (It’s Not What You Expect) 31:18

5M ago31:18

31:18

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 what you know and more about how well you adapt to an ever-changing world. They’ll explore how true intellig…

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#50: Slapping “Systems” on It Doesn’t work—How to Think Systemically for Real 32:31

5M ago32:31

32:31

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 “systems” without actually applying systems thinking—and why that’s a problem. They’ll break down what real …

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#48: The Ultimate Playbook for Building a Winning Culture 43:23

5M ago43:23

43:23

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 graph to shape a thriving, high-performance environment. Learn actionable strategies to get everyone in you…

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Tom Bodett, Voice of Motel 6 and Founder of HatchSpace: The Antidote to a Divided World 46:55

5M ago46:55

46:55

Tom is the spokesperson behind Motel 6’s TV and radio spots and their famous tagline: “We’ll leave the light on for you.” His latest idea, HatchSpace, might be exactly what our world needs right now. After all, Tom is more than a great baritone. He’s lived a fascinating life — and now he’s giving back in an excellent way. In today’s episode, Tom sh…

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#47: How to Build an Adaptive Learning Organization That Thinks and Grows 36:50

5M ago36:50

36:50

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 tests to ensure your team is actually growing, not just going through the motions. They’ll break down why …

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Episode #46: Capacity is King: Build Systems That Actually Work 39:10

6M ago39:10

39:10

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 ultimately, your vision. They explain why a system of systems is the key to efficiency, adaptability, and long-te…

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#45: Why Most Mission Statements Fail (And How to Do Yours Right) 40:58

6M ago40:58

40:58

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 vision, and why so many organizations get it wrong. They’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to craft a…

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#43: Why Your Organization’s Vision Sucks (and How to Fix It) 45:09

6M ago45:09

45:09

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 mission, and how to craft a clear, actionable vision that inspires and aligns your team. They’ll walk you …

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Shirley Leung: The Secret to Beating Burnout (From Someone Who’s Been There) 31:07

6M ago31:07

31:07

Leung is an award-winning business columnist and associate editor of the Boston Globe, as well as host of a Globe Opinion podcast called “Say More.” She’s also a working mom who struggled to keep up with work and home-schooling her kids during the pandemic. Her motivation and abilities suffered until she finally acknowledged the problem and asked f…

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#42: Systems Leadership: The Secret to Thriving Organizations 41:19

6M ago41:19

41:19

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 interdependent—than clocks with rigid, mechanical structures. Learn why traditional approaches like planning, command…

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#41: Start the New Year Like a Systems Thinker 44:19

7M ago44:19

44:19

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. What if instead we just made ourselves a little bit better everyday? And because no episode is complete witho…

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Episode #40: A Systems Thinker's Guide to a 'Perfect' Holiday 31:46

7M ago31:46

31:46

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 mental models about family, expectations, and traditions to create a more meaningful and less stressful h…

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#39: Stop Guessing: The Secret to Measuring and Improving Your Thinking 45:44

7M ago45:44

45:44

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 personal growth, leadership, and decision-making. They dive into the importance of measuring what truly matt…

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The $55K Giveaway: Supporting Joshua’s Heart, Teens4Teens Help, Heart of Mary House Nashville, Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center and more. 52:25

7M ago52:25

52:25

Crazy Good Turns listeners like you sent in more than 120 nominations of organizations that are helping others. In this show, we profile four of those organizations who were selected to receive a $10,000 grant. They are: Heart of Mary House, a hospice in the Nashville area that specifically serves patients who have nowhere else to go. Volunteer Reb…

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#38: The 8 Biggest Mistakes In Systems Thinking 49:52

7M ago49:52

49:52

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 fixes. From the fluff to the fumbles, they’ll show you what’s holding you back and give you no-nonsense r…

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#37: Rethinking Network Theory with DSRP 48:14

7M ago48:14

48:14

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—Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives—does more than complement network theory; it transforms ho…

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Episode #36: Getting Started in Systems Thinking: Become A Better Thinker in Less Than 1 Minute 57:01

8M ago57:01

57:01

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 people looking to sharpen their mental game, this quick, practical approach will immediately improve the way yo…