The Cabrera Lab Podcast

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 you think about problems, people, and possibilities.Learn how to apply this simple method anytime, anywhere—at work, at home, or in conversation. By mastering this one-minute practice, you'll unlock the mental edge to tackle complexity, make smarter decisions, and stand out as the guy who always sees the big picture.

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.Beyond personal growth, they share an urgent call to action: how can we give educators and students the tools and support they desperately need to thrive? Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or someone hungry to learn, this episode will ignite your passion for creating a better future—inside and outside the classroom.

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 saying and where they’re coming from. Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, this episode equips you to decode conversations and be a sharper, more effective communicator.

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 into an intellectual powerhouse. If you're ambitious and ready to be at the top of your game, these essential thinking tools are your new secret weapon.

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 isolating them from each other has serious consequences for the way you understand, interpret, and act in the world. By learning to make your thinking dynamic—flexible, adaptable, and always evolving—you’ll gain an edge in your journey to be the sharpest mind in any room. This episode will challenge your perceptions, expand your mental toolkit, and change the way you approach problems, both big and small.If you’re ready to upgrade your mental game, tune in!

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!

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 systems thinking move: P-Circle. They teach you that move and the groundbreaking research behind it's effectiveness. Listen now to improve your thinking by over 400% (yes, really)!

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 efficacy of your thinking, and truly understand the problems you need to solve. Listen now!

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 teach you that move and the groundbreaking research behind it's effectiveness. Listen now to improve your thinking by over 250% (yes, really)!

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 and your team from making costly mistakes BEFORE they happen. Listen now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera take you on a journey through their recent offsite in the Italian Alps. Discover firsthand how they harness the power of nature to teach profound lessons in systems thinking. From conquering personal fears to pushing boundaries, they reveal the transformative impact of challenging oneself amidst the giants of the Alps. Join us as we uncover why the mountains serve as the ultimate classroom for embracing reality and fostering resilience. Listen now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera show us all The Path to Bueno. This path takes us from all the things that makes our lives No Bueno (bad relationships, unfulfilling jobs, etc.) to being Bueno. How do they do this? They teach us how to use the Love Reality Loop and the 5+ Thinking Moves. Listen now and go from No Bueno to Bueno.

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera delve into the power of breaking away from societal norms and embracing being exceptional. Join them as they explore the value of forging your own path in a world that often favors conformity. Whether you're navigating career choices, personal growth, or seeking to redefine success on your terms, this episode offers insights and strategies tailored for those who dare to defy the ordinary. Get inspired and tune in now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera discuss the all too common situation of being the only person who is right in a room full of people. However, is that really what is happening to you? Explore the idea that everything (and everyone) is wrong. All the time. Listen now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera get deep and talk about the ins and outs of masking. What is the impact of masking on the neurodivergent mind? Why don't they just stop masking? Is it a secret superpower? Find out all this and more and listen now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera explain the great paradox of life: everything you do matters, and nothing you do matters. How is this possible? Can two opposites be true at once? What does this advice mean for the young people of the world? Find out all this and more when you listen today!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera teach you how to break habits. Get rid of your unhealthy or unsavory habits, and dive deeper into your own mind than ever before. With the powers of UpThinking, you can take control of your mind and your life. Listen now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera discuss the forced binaries we all experience in everyday society. They demonstrate why these competitions are manufactured between Coke and Pepsi and Democrats and Republicans. Who does it benefit? Why is this line of thinking so popular? Listen now to find out all this and more.

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera explore interpersonal relationships. Their method (Relationships Sponsored By The Number 3) transforms the way you will think about your relationships with your spouse, your children, your colleagues, and anyone else you may meet in your life. Grab a refrigerator box and listen now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera discuss the nuances of emotions, taking things personally, how to get some agency back in your life, and the difference between thinking and feeling.