Today we are joined by Todd Bertsch. Todd is a keynote speaker, mental fitness coach, and creator of the Spark Framework—a system rooted in neuroscience and behavioral psychology that focuses on building resilience, leadership clarity, and sustainable personal growth through small, consistent changes. After overcoming early struggles with addiction and pivoting from entrepreneurship into coaching during the COVID pandemic, Todd now helps leaders strengthen their "mental muscle" by identifying negative thought patterns and shifting into a more constructive, resilient mindset. [March 16, 2026]
00:00 – Intro 00:26 - Intro Links
Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/
Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/
Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/
Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/
Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb
CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/
innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/
01:27 - Todd Bertsch Intro 02:39 - Todd's Origin Story 05:47 - Trauma and the Spark 08:30 - COVID Pivot to Coaching 10:58 - Mental Fitness for Leaders 14:37 - The Spark Framework Explained 17:04 - Curiosity and Burnout 18:37 - Small Steps, Big Change 19:35 - Protein-First Plan 20:09 - Weightloss Breakthrough 21:02 - Micro-Changes for Lifestyle 21:54 - Atomic Habits and Momentum 23:44 - Accountability and Coaching 24:08 - One Inch Wins Story 24:48 - Patience, Gratitude, and the Journey 28:34 - Connect with Todd and Book Picks
Recommended Books:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
The Go-Giver – Bob Burg & John David Mann
32:12 - Mentors and Closing
Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Doctor Is In Series – where we discuss understandings and developments in the field of psychology.
In today's episode, Chris and Dr. Abbie discuss decision fatigue—how making too many choices throughout the day drains mental energy and affects judgment. They explain how stress and lack of sleep make it worse, how it differs from burnout, and why leaders and parents are especially vulnerable. The episode also shares simple, practical strategies to reduce daily decisions, protect mental energy, and prioritize recovery.
[Mar 2, 2026]
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Show Updates and Sponsors
02:35 - What Decision Fatigue Is
03:34 - Stress, Sleep, and Mental Energy
05:12 - Mental vs. Physical Limits
07:13 - Decision Fatigue vs. Burnout
10:22 - Leadership, Empathy, and Hard Decisions
14:33 - Prevention: Routines and Breaks
20:43 - Advisors and AI Caution
24:38 - Everyday Life and Parenting Load
27:23 - Recovery Outlets and Wrap-Up
28:49 - Closing and Next Month's Topic (Diet Culture)
Find us online:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd
Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy
References:
Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Muraven, M., & Tice, D. M. (1998). Ego depletion: Is the active self a limited resource? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(5), 1252–1265. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.74.5.1252
Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the greatest human strength. Penguin Press.
Danziger, S., Levav, J., & Avnaim-Pesso, L. (2011). Extraneous factors in judicial decisions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(17), 6889–6892. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1018033108
Davidson, R. J., & McEwen, B. S. (2012). Social influences on neuroplasticity: Stress and interventions to promote well-being. Nature Neuroscience, 15(5), 689–695. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3093
Fleming, S. M., & Dolan, R. J. (2012). The neural basis of metacognitive ability. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 367(1594), 1338–1349. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2011.0417
Hagger, M. S., Wood, C., Stiff, C., & Chatzisarantis, N. L. D. (2010). Ego depletion and the strength model of self-control: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 136(4), 495–525. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019486
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Today on the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Security Awareness Series, Chris Hadnagy is joined by Josten Pena for an in-depth discussion on cognitive biases and their impact on cybersecurity. Together, they explore how inherent mental shortcuts can increase susceptibility to social engineering attacks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and owning these biases, rather than trying to eliminate them, and highlights practical mitigation strategies like hands-on training and fostering critical thinking. [Feb 16, 2026]
00:00 – Intro 00:47 – Meet the Co-Host: Josten Pena
01:38 – Intro Links: Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/
Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/
Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/
Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/
02:26 – Innocent Lives Foundation & Music 03:36 – Diving into Cognitive Bias 06:42 – Cognitive Bias in Cybersecurity 09:26 – Real-World Examples & Practical Solutions 18:59 – Recap, Final Thoughts & Outro www.social-engineer.com www.innocentlivesfoundation.org
In this episode, Chris Hadnagy is joined by Jacob Ward, a veteran technology journalist who has reported for NBC News, Al Jazeera, CNN, and PBS, and previously served as editor-in-chief of Popular Science. Jacob is the author of The Loop: How AI Is Creating a World Without Choices—and How to Fight Back, a book that anticipated today's commercial AI moment. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is shaping human behavior, decision-making, and autonomy, along with the ethical and societal challenges that come with an increasingly AI-driven world.
[Feb 9, 2026]
00:00 – Intro 01:02 – Intro Links
Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/
Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/
Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/
Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/
01:33 – Meet Jacob Ward
04:52 – The Impact of AI on Human Behavior 12:37 – Ethical Concerns & Emotional Attachment to AI 19:27 – The Problem with AI Integration 20:42 – AI and Human Connection 21:49 – The Value of Human Attention 24:25 – The Future of Purpose in an AI World 25:31 – Geopolitical Impacts of AI 31:06 – Mentors and Influences 33:22 – Book Recommendations
Addiction by Design – Natasha Dow Shull
How Reason Almost Lost Its Mind – Judy L.Klein, Paul A Erickson, Thomas Sturm, Rebecca Lemov, Michael D. Gordin, Lorraine Daston
Exit, Voice, and Loyalty – Albert O. Hirschman
37:21 – Guest Wrap-Up & Outro
Follow Jacob Ward:
TheRipCurrent.com https://www.tiktok.com/@byjacobward https://www.instagram.com/byjacobward https://www.linkedin.com/in/wardjacob/ https://www.youtube.com/@byjacobward
Follow Chris Hadnagy: Twitter: @humanhacker LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy
Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Doctor Is In Series – where we will discuss understandings and developments in the field of psychology.
In today's episode, Chris and Dr. Abbie explore imposter syndrome, examining what it is, why it occurs, and how cultural and professional pressures can intensify it. They discuss common symptoms, personal experiences, and the psychological roots behind feeling undeserving of success. Through scientific insight and practical strategies, they share ways to recognize, reframe, and manage imposter syndrome with greater self-awareness and confidence.
[Feb 2, 2026]
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Meet the Hosts
00:54 - Upcoming Events and Announcements
02:29 - Defining Imposter Syndrome
06:42 - Cultural and Gender Influences
12:26 - Personality Traits and Imposter Syndrome
14:46 - Sponsor
16:12 - Balancing Humility and Confidence
19:34 - Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
27:02 - Billy Boatwright's Story
30:36 - Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
Find us online:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd
Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy
References:
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Bennett-Levy, J., Butler, G., Fennell, M., Hackmann, A., Mueller, M., & Westbrook, D. (2004). The Oxford guide to behavioral experiments in cognitive therapy. Oxford University Press.
Breines, J. G., & Chen, S. (2012). Self-compassion increases self-improvement motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38(9), 1133–1143. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167212445599
Bravata, D. M., Watts, S. A., Keefer, A. L., Madhusudhan, D. K., Taylor, K. T., Clark, D. M., Nelson, R. S., Cokley, K. O., & Hagg, H. K. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: A systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35(4), 1252–1275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1
Clance, P. R. (1985). The impostor phenomenon: Overcoming the fear that haunts your success. Peachtree Publishers.
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The impostor phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 15(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006
Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383. https://doi.org/10.2307/2666999
Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The 4th Monday Series with Chris Hadnagy and Mike Holfeld. Chris and Mike will be covering cutting edge global news to help people remain safe, secure and knowledgeable in a world where it is hard to know what is real and what is fake news.
In this episode, Chris and Mike are joined by Jeff Lareau, CPA and partner at Lareau & Lareau CPAs, a third-generation, family-owned firm in Central Florida. Jeff helps individuals and business owners simplify complex tax laws while focusing on long-term planning and confidence—not just filing returns. Jeff explains major tax changes heading into 2026, including updates to tips and overtime deductions, senior tax benefits, bonus depreciation, business planning strategies, healthcare marketplace pitfalls, and how to prepare now to avoid surprises later.
[Jan 26, 2026]
Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:15 – Meet Jeff Lareau, CPA 02:30 – A Three-Generation Accounting Story 08:05 – Major 2026 Tax Changes Explained 09:50 – No Tax on Tips & Overtime 12:30 – Business Owner Strategies & Bonus Depreciation 14:45 – Planning Ahead & Filing Early 17:15 – Roth Accounts & Long-Term Tax Planning 21:00 – Income Limits & Key Deductions 24:45 – Healthcare Marketplace Pitfalls 27:30 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways
Jeff Lareau's Website: https://www.lareaucpas.com/
Learn more: www.social-engineer.com www.social-engineer.org www.innocentlivesfoundation.org
Follow Chris Hadnagy: Twitter: @humanhacker LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy
Today on the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Security Awareness Series, Chris is joined by Rosa Rowles. Together, they explore the nuances of social engineering, focusing on the critical role of pretexting and impersonation in security assessments. Their conversation underscores the significance of preparation and adaptability, highlighting how embodying different personas can enhance the effectiveness of security operations. [Jan 19, 2026]
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - Rosa Rowles Intro
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbydacko/
00:55 - Intro Links:
- Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
- Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/
- Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
- Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
- Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/
- Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/
- Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/
- Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb
- CLUTCH - https://www.clutchmerch.com/
- innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/
02:54 - Long Time Listener...
05:24 - Pretexting and Impersonation
10:06 - Becoming the Part
12:04 - An Actor Prepares
13:54 - Sponsor
15:18 - SE for Yourself
23:25 - Saving FASE
25:46 - Principles in Action
29:34 - Wrap Up & Outro
Today we are joined by Mitchell Osmond. Mitchell is a leadership consultant, executive coach, and host of the Dad Nation Podcast, ranked in the top 5% globally with over 33,000 listeners. With 15+ years in senior leadership, Mitchell helps high-performing men find success where it matters most: at home, in their health, and in their happiness, all while strengthening their careers. [Jan 12, 2026]
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Intro Links
- Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
- Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/
- Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
- Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
- Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/
- Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/
- Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/
- Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb
- CLUTCH - https://www.clutchmerch.com/
- innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/
02:06 - Mitchell Osmond Intro
02:45 - The Turning Point
08:01 - The Attraction Triangle
15:48 - Driving Essence
22:49 - Ask, Don't Tell
25:04 - Mirroring/Summarizing
27:21 - The Need to Be Real
29:00 - Find Mitchell Osmond Online
- Website: https://www.dadnationco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadnationco/
29:26 - The Spark Starter Kit
- Website: https://www.dadnationco.com/spark-starter-kit
31:36 - Book Recommendations
- The Meaning of Marriage - Timothy Keller
32:43 - Mentors
35:57 - Guest Wrap Up & Outro
Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Doctor Is In Series – where we will discuss understandings and developments in the field of psychology.
In today's episode, Chris and Dr. Abbie explore psychopathy, focusing on its clinical definition and common misconceptions. They discuss how the term is often misapplied to various behaviors, stressing the importance of understanding its roots in empathy and fear. By highlighting the need for accurate knowledge, they aim to prevent stigmatization and promote a deeper understanding of mental health. [Jan 5, 2026]
00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Dr. Abbie Maroño Intro
00:42 - Intro Links
- Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
- Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/
- Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
- Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
- Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/
- Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/
- Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/
- Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb
- CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/
- innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/
03:47 - The Topic of the Day: Psychopathy
04:28 - A Proper Definition
06:13 - Key Indicators
07:46 - Lack of Empathy
09:36 - The Influence of Social Media
11:51 - Evil ≠ Psychopathy
12:40 - Environment Matters
14:17 - Size Matters
16:02 - MasterClass Ad
17:28 - Work Advantage
18:46 - Gender Differences
20:54 - Big Red Flag!
26:00 - Teaching Emotional Regulation
27:27 - Label Hoarding
32:33 - It's Not Exclusive
36:04 - Wrap Up
36:58 - Next Month's Topic: Imposter Syndrome
37:23 - Outro
- www.innocentlivesfoundation.org
Find us online:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd
- Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy
References:
Blair, R. J. R. (2007). The amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in morality and psychopathy. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 11(9), 387–392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2007.07.003
Blair, R. J. R. (2013). The neurobiology of psychopathic traits in youths. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14(11), 786–799. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3577
Frick, P. J., & White, S. F. (2008). Research review: The importance of callous-unemotional traits for developmental models of aggressive and antisocial behavior. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 49(4), 359–375. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2007.01862.x
Glenn, A. L., & Raine, A. (2014). Neurocriminology: Implications for the punishment, prediction and prevention of criminal behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(1), 54–63. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3640
Hare, R. D. (2003). Manual for the Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON: Multi-Health Systems.
Hare, R. D., & Neumann, C. S. (2008). Psychopathy as a clinical and empirical construct. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 4, 217–246. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.3.022806.091452
Patrick, C. J. (Ed.). (2018). Handbook of psychopathy (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Pemment, J. (2013). Psychopathy versus sociopathy: Why the distinction has become crucial. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18(5), 458–461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2013.07.001
Severson, H., & Lynam, D. R. (2020). Psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder: Distinctions and implications for treatment. Current Opinion in Psychology, 37, 27–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.07.006
Skeem, J. L., Polaschek, D. L. L., Patrick, C. J., & Lilienfeld, S. O. (2011). Psychopathic personality: Bridging the gap between scientific evidence and public policy. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 12(3), 95–162. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100611426706
Viding, E., Blair, R. J. R., Moffitt, T. E., & Plomin, R. (2005). Evidence for substantial genetic risk for psychopathy in 7-year-olds. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46(6), 592–597. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2004.00393.x
Walsh, Z., & Kosson, D. S. (2008). Psychopathy and violent crime: A prospective study of the influence of psychopathic traits on violence among offenders. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 15(2), 181–194. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218710802014489
Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The 4th Monday Series with Chris Hadnagy and Mike Holfeld. Chris and Mike will be covering cutting edge global news to help people remain safe, secure and knowledgeable in a world where it is hard to know what is real and what is fake news.
Today, Chris and Mike are joined by Christie Hudson, a resident travel expert and head of global PR for Hotels.com. Christie is adept at transforming travel data into actionable insights, helping travelers maximize their experiences. With a background in PR from the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College, she is passionate about educating clients, offering tips on trending destinations and the best times to book, ensuring travelers feel informed and empowered.
[Dec 22, 2025]
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Mike Holfeld Intro
01:15 - Today's Guest: Christie Hudson
02:04 - Dream Job
03:04 - Air Hacks
05:20 - AI Enhancements
07:25 - Smart Hotels
08:45 - The Human Touch
11:34 - Comfort Tech
14:06 - MasterClass Ad
- https://www.masterclass.com/socialengineer
15:40 - Rig Rundown
17:41 - Finding Balance
19:09 - Hotels Next Steps
21:47 - Flight Deals
25:46 - The Benefits
27:01 - Practical Matters
28:34 - My Favorite Places
29:58 - Find Christie Hudson Online
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotelsdotcom
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotelsdotcom/
30:28 - Wrap Up & Outro
- www.innocentlivesfoundation.org
Find us online:
- Chris Hadnagy
- Twitter: @humanhacker
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy
Today on the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Security Awareness Series, Chris is joined by Shelby Dacko. Chris and Shelby delve into the intricacies of social engineering, focusing on the challenges of pivoting during on-site security assessments. Their discussion highlights the importance of adaptability and teamwork in overcoming unexpected obstacles, emphasizing how diverse communication styles can enhance the effectiveness of security operations. [Dec 15, 2025]
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Shelby Dacko Intro
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbydacko/
01:18 - Intro Links:
- Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
- Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/
- Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
- Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
- Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/
- Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/
- Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/
- Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb
- CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/
- innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/
03:42 - The Importance of Pivoting
05:42 - DISC
06:59 - A Difference in Planning Styles
10:34 - Strength Through Diversity
12:40 - Over the River...
19:29 - And Through the Woods
20:24 - Being Onsite
21:40 - Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!
24:02 - What if?
25:29 - Stray From the Path
28:25 - Strength In Numbers
29:27 - Playing Into Biases
31:43 - Wrap Up & Outro