(Apple's Best of 2018) In-depth conversations with people at the top of their game. Jordan Harbinger unpacks guests' wisdom into practical nuggets you can use to impact your work, life, and relationships. Learn from leaders (Ray Dalio, Simon Sinek, Mark Cuban), entertainers (Moby, Tip "T.I." Harris, Dennis Quaid), scientists (Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye), athletes (Kobe Bryant, Dennis Rodman, Tony Hawk) and an eclectic array of fascinating minds, from art forgers and arms traffickers to sp ...
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#58: Stop Solving Problems—Start Understanding Systems
Manage episode 476036208 series 3582551
Content provided by Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera, Drs. Derek, and Laura Cabrera. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera, Drs. Derek, and Laura Cabrera or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
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 “problems” are actually just feedback—and why understanding the system is always more powerful than solving the surface issue. If you’re tired of putting out fires, this episode will help you step back, zoom out, and finally see the bigger picture.
63 episodes
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Manage episode 476036208 series 3582551
Content provided by Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera, Drs. Derek, and Laura Cabrera. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera, Drs. Derek, and Laura Cabrera or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
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 “problems” are actually just feedback—and why understanding the system is always more powerful than solving the surface issue. If you’re tired of putting out fires, this episode will help you step back, zoom out, and finally see the bigger picture.
63 episodes
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
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 models shape your experience of reality, and how understanding the underlying “grammar” of both the mind and nature unlocks profound clarity, agency, and awe. From glaciers to firestorms, from Maggie the dog to quantum weirdness—this episode redefines what it means to think clearly and live well.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #67: The Beginner’s Guide to Systems Thinking (In Under 20 Minutes) 19:34
19:34 
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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 it helps you adapt and thrive, and how to get started using tools like the TQ, the 6 thinking moves, and the powerful Love Reality Loop. Whether you’re a kindergartener, a CEO, or just someone trying to think more clearly, this episode is your on-ramp.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #66: There's Nothing More Practical Than a Good Theory 37:37
37:37 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked37:37
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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 most practical tool you’ll ever use. They also explore why complex topics like systems thinking tend to attract more opinions than evidence, why academic writing often feels impenetrable, and how translational research bridges the gap between real-world problems and scientific truth. If you’ve ever said, “That’s just a theory,” this episode will change how you think.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #64: Stop Taking It Personally—Why Meaning Gets Lost in Translation 36:38
36:38 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked36:38
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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 and credit are lazy shortcuts, how to rethink “being literal,” and why tuning into reality is one of the most liberating things you can do. If you’re ready to communicate with less drama and more clarity, this episode is your guide.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #63: The Simple Formula Behind Every Thought 27:04
27:04 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked27:04
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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’ll learn how most arguments stem from mismatched mental models, why seeing the structure behind things unlocks creativity, and how this mindset shift can help you solve problems faster, connect better, and see life in 3D. If you’re ready to level up your thinking, this one’s a must-listen.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #62: Echo Chambers, Fake News, and the Collapse of Credibility 39:43
39:43 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked39:43
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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 yourself by questioning, diversifying your sources, and thinking in gradients—not binaries. If you’re tired of feeling confused and manipulated, this episode gives you the mindset tools to break free.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #61: From Outward Bound to AI—Lessons in Raising Thinkers, Not Robots 44:07
44:07 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked44:07
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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, the classroom, and their own kitchen table, this episode explores how to guide kids toward independence, metacognition, and a future full of unknowns. If you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone who works with young minds, this one is equal parts heart and strategy.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #60: Beyond the Couch: DSRP Therapy for a New Mental Model 40:16
40:16 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked40:16
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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 “out on the table” and testing them against reality builds more self-awareness, resilience, and long-term growth. If you’ve ever wanted a thinking-based approach to healing and personal clarity, this one’s a must-listen.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #58: Stop Solving Problems—Start Understanding Systems 24:14
24:14 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked24:14
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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 “problems” are actually just feedback—and why understanding the system is always more powerful than solving the surface issue. If you’re tired of putting out fires, this episode will help you step back, zoom out, and finally see the bigger picture.…
T
The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #57: Connect the Dots—Why Root Cause Thinking Isn’t Enough 29:52
29:52 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked29:52
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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 get results. They explain why trying one solution at a time fails, how to use systems thinking tools like zooming, part/whole, and relationship mapping, and why seeing the whole system is the only way to make lasting change—whether it’s in sleep, school shootings, or societal polarization. If you're tired of oversimplified answers to complex problems, this episode is your roadmap to thinking more clearly and solving more effectively.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #56: The Whole Is NOT Greater Than Its Parts (Here’s Why) 28:36
28:36 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked28:36
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn 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 mysticism, and how all the intelligence in a system actually comes from simple rules and relationships—not some vague “greater than” force. From ant colonies to clowns and kangaroos, this episode explains why the most powerful part of any system lies in the micro, not the macro. If you’ve ever been confused by emergence—or mesmerized by outcomes—this episode will change the way you see systems forever.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #55: Don’t Trust, Verify—How to Separate Your Thoughts from Your Feelings 44:37
44:37 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked44:37
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedFeeling 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 your thoughts, avoid reacting impulsively, and use the RAR Quad move to create a critical pause before acting. Plus, they take on the news, social media, and emotional manipulation, showing you how to separate truth from clickbait. If you’ve ever found yourself getting worked up over headlines, social media fights, or personal conflicts, this episode will give you real strategies to regain control, think more clearly, and respond with intention instead of emotion. Don't trust—verify.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #53: The Emperor Has No Clothes: Exposing the Truth About Systems Thinking 47:48
47:48 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked47:48
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedEveryone 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 untested opinions, how academia has confused the public, and what real systems thinking actually looks like. This episode also pulls back the curtain on the peer review process, the difference between academia and real science, and why so many ideas get mistaken for empirical truth. If you’re tired of vague definitions, academic gatekeeping, and empty buzzwords, this episode will set the record straight. Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about systems thinking.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
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, they unpack the onslaught of illogical arguments, red herrings, and ad hominem attacks they received—and use them as a case study in how not to argue. Learn what makes an argument fair and ethical, when critical thinking works (and when it doesn’t), and how to engage in real, productive discourse. If you’ve ever found yourself in a frustrating debate, this episode will give you the tools to think sharper and argue better.…
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The Cabrera Lab Podcast
1 #51: The #1 Indicator of Real Intelligence (It’s Not What You Expect) 31:18
31:18 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked31:18
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWhat 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 intelligence is about seeing patterns, making connections, and adjusting your thinking in real-time. Want to be the smartest person in the room? Forget memorization—learn how to sharpen your adaptability and level up your thinking for life.…
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