Best Grammar Lab Podcasts (2025)

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#68: The Grammar of Reality 43:31

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23d 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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Episode #72: How High Performers Really Manage Their Time, Energy & Minds 44:49

2d 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

9d 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

16d 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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Is getting an English proficiency certificate really worth it? 12:19

29d ago12:19

12:19

Send me a text! Welcome to The English Education Lab Podcast, your go-to podcast for all things English language learning! Are you thinking about taking the IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English exam? In this episode, we break down the real value of English proficiency certifications—and whether they’re truly worth your time, money, and effort. From s…

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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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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How your brain learns English: The science of language learning 10:38

2M ago10:38

10:38

Send me a text! Welcome to The English Education Lab Podcast, your go-to podcast for all things English language learning! In today’s episode, we’re taking a fascinating dive into the science behind how your brain learns English—yep, we’re talking about neuroplasticity! We’ll explore why learning English can feel overwhelming at first, how your bra…

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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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#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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How do I sound more like a native English speaker? 10:46

3M ago10:46

10:46

Send me a text! Welcome to The English Education Lab Podcast, the go-to podcast for all things related to English language learning! In today’s episode, we’re tackling a question that most advanced language learners as themselves at some point: "How do I sound more like a native English speaker?" Today, we're diving into the secrets of sounding mor…

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

3M 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

3M 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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#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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How do I get over the fear of speaking in English? 17:02

4M ago17:02

17:02

Send me a text! Welcome to The English Education Lab Podcast, the go-to podcast for all things related to English language learning! In today’s episode, we’re tackling a challenge that most language learners face at some point: how to overcome their fear of speaking in English! Whether it's worrying about making mistakes, feeling embarrassed, or la…

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

4M 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

4M 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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How to stay motivated and organized while learning English 9:16

4M ago9:16

9:16

Send me a text! Welcome to The English Education Lab Podcast, the go-to podcast for all things related to English language learning! In today’s episode, we’re tackling a challenge that every language learner faces at some point: staying motivated and organized on your journey to mastering English. With so many distractions and responsibilities in l…

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Top 5 online tools to use as an ESL learner 15:07

4M ago15:07

15:07

Send me a text! With so many language-learning tools out there, how do you know which ones actually work? As an ESL teacher with 26 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how the right tools boost vocabulary, improve speaking skills, and build confidence in English. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 5 of the best online resources—easy to use…

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

4M 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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#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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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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#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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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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#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

7M 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…

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Turk and Pork Chop 9: Island Escape 9:53

7M ago9:53

9:53

Everyone's favorite turkey and pig return in Professor Theo's seventh annual Thanksgiving special.

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#35: Reclaiming Learning: Breaking Free from the Education System 1:04:08

7M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take a hard look at the dissatisfaction with the education system and why it’s failing teachers, parents, administrators, and especially students. They explore how to separate the concept of schooling from true learning, inspiring a lifelong love for discovery and self-improvement.…

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#34: Hearing Beyond Words: Uncovering the Hidden Structure in Everyday Conversations 42:41

8M ago42:41

42:41

In this week’s episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal the powerful skill of "hearing the underlying structure" in common phrases, giving you a deeper edge in every interaction. By tuning into these hidden layers, you’ll start to pick up on subtle cues that go beyond words—allowing you to truly understand what others are …

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#33: Unlock Peak Performance: 5 Daily Moves to Become More Adaptive 53:52

8M ago53:52

53:52

Unlock peak mental performance and tackle any challenge with confidence! This episode arms you with five actionable moves to make you more adaptive in every aspect of life. Learn how to spot patterns faster and understand complex systems effortlessly. Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal daily practices that will transform you …

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#32: Kick the Bucket 45:49

8M ago45:49

45:49

In this week’s episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera dive deep into the world of thinking and explain why you should be very afraid of "buckets"—those rigid mental boxes that can limit your potential and stunt your intellectual growth. They break down the components of DSRP (Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives) and show how isola…

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#31: Context is Lazy 37:53

8M ago37:53

37:53

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…

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Dolly Dearest 7:36

8M ago7:36

7:36

Pam's birthday present comes with some unexpected and unwelcome attributes.

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#30: All About View-Point Perspectives 1:14:45

8M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera share all they've learned from their empirical research on view-point Perspectives. Listen now to hear about how everything from babies to atoms take perspectives, how their research increased cognitive complexity in just one minute, and how to improved your problem solving skills with just one s…

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The 13 Days of Halloween 9:40

9M ago9:40

9:40

Professor Theo's seventh annual Halloween special includes an ABC poem about fun, fall things and a retelling of a new version of The 13 Days of Halloween.

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#29: All About Action-Reaction Relationships 1:10:52

9M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

In this week's episode, learn all about Action-Reaction Relationships with Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera. They share their research findings, and the two moves you need to practice to dramatically increase how many relationships you make and how accurate they are. These moves allow you to dive deeper, make more connections, increase the speed and ef…

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#28: All About Part-Whole Systems 1:06:52

9M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera share all they've learned from their empirical research on part-whole systems. Listen now to hear about how they achieved far transfer learning in young children, increased cognitive complexity, and improved people's problem solving skills with just one systems thinking move: Zoom In/Out. They te…

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Greenbeard The Pirate 9:15

9M ago9:15

9:15

Greenbeard enjoys being a pirate, but he's about to learn an important lesson about jealousy and comeuppance.

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#27: All About Identity-Other Distinctions 1:01:58

9M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

In this week's episode, learn all about Identity-Other Distinctions with Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera. They share their research findings, and the one move you need to practice to dramatically increase your Distinction-making skill. This move allows you to reduce your biases, increase both the speed and efficacy of your thinking, and stop yourself …