The Social-Engineer Podcast

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/ Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ 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/ Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 01:33 – Meet Jacob Ward Jacob's Book - The Loop: How Technology Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back. 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 The Loop: How Technology Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back – Jacob Ward 37:21 – Guest Wrap-Up & Outro www.social-engineer.com www.innocentlivesfoundation.org 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 - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

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 - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

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.social-engineer.com - 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....

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.social-engineer.com - 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 - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

Today we are joined by Toby Wright. Toby is an online coach and personal trainer with a passion for mental health. Toby believes true wellness begins from the inside out. Blending evidence-based training with a focus on mental health and mindset. [Dec 8, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:26 – Dr. Abbie Maroño Intro 00:51 - 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/ 02:17 - Toby Wright Intro 03:09 - Having a Purpose 04:02 - The Accountability Factor 05:36 - Mindset 07:02 - Finding What Works For You 08:37 - The Happiness Scale 12:40 - When to Push Through 15:53 - Finding Balance 17:39 - Masterclass Ad - https://www.masterclass.com/socialengineer 19:12 - Focus on the 95% 21:33 - Know What You're Taking 23:34 - Cover Your Bases First 25:27 - You Just Gotta Go 29:54 - Find Toby Wright Online - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobyywright/ 31:08 - Mentors 32:24 - Book Recommendations - SAS: Who Dares Wins - Ant Middleton 34:15 - Guest Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

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 cognitive dissonance, focusing on its impact on self-concept and emotional regulation. They discuss how dissonance occurs when actions conflict with core beliefs, creating psychological tension. Emphasizing self-awareness and reflection, they warn against rationalizing harmful behaviors and highlight the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth and identity development. [Dec 1, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:26 - Dr. Abbie Maroño Intro 00:43 - 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/ 02:40 - The Topic of the Day: What is Cognitive Dissonance? 05:53 - A Threat to Self-Concept 07:49 - Commitment to Consistency 09:51 - Freedom to Choose 10:51 - Changing Beliefs 14:19 - Trying to Escape 18:21 - Going From Bad to Worse 21:53 - Self-Awareness is Key! 24:55 - Growth Hurts 28:49 - Everything, Not All At Once 29:43 - It's Not A Flaw 31:11 - Wrap Up 31:36 - Next Month's Topic: Is Everyone a Psychopath? 31:52 - Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org Find us online: - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd - Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy References: Aronson, E. (1969). The theory of cognitive dissonance: A current perspective. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 4, 1–34. Bandura, A. (1999). Moral disengagement in the perpetration of inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193–209. Brehm, J. W. (1956). Postdecision changes in the desirability of alternatives. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 52(3), 384–389. Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press. Kunda, Z. (1990). The case for motivated reasoning. Psychological Bulletin, 108(3), 480–498. Schumann, K., & Dweck, C. S. (2014). Who accepts responsibility for their transgressions? Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 40(12), 1608–1622. Sherman, D. K., & Cohen, G. L. (2006). The psychology of self-defense: Self-affirmation theory. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 183–242. Staub, E. (1990). Moral exclusion, personal goal theory, and extreme destructiveness. Journal of Social Issues, 46(1), 47–64. Steele, C. M. (1988). The psychology of self-affirmation: Sustaining the integrity of the self. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 21, 261–302. van Veen, V., Krug, M. K., Schooler, J. W., & Carter, C. S. (2009). Neural activity predicts attitude change in cognitive dissonance. Nature Neuroscience, 12(11), 1469–1474.

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 Dr. Liz Moses. Dr. Moses is an emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in South Tampa, where she helps pets and their families through some of their most urgent and stressful moments. A graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College, Dr. Moses has a special passion for client education and loves explaining common pet emergencies in a way that helps owners feel informed and empowered. [Nov 24, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:39 - Mike Holfeld Intro 01:17 - Today's Guest: Dr. Liz Moses 01:47 - Always Call 02:57 - Always Loyal 04:20 - Don't Put it Off! 05:10 - Tough Love 07:19 - Understanding GDV 11:05 - The Causes 11:56 - MasterClass Ad - https://www.masterclass.com/socialengineer 13:24 - Good Catch 16:11 - Exotics 16:58 - Warning Signs 19:26 - Dealing with Ear Infections 22:27 - Tips for Caregivers 23:04 - Tips for Little Aliens (Cats) 24:22 - Age (Not) Related 25:30 - Animal Pain Awareness Month 26:10 - Find Dr. Liz Moses Online - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liizniicole_ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liizniicole_/ - Website: https://www.veg.com/ 26:52 - Next Month: Christie Hudson 27:17 - Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - 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 Michelle Li. Chris and Michelle delve into the transformative role of AI in social engineering, highlighting both its potential and pitfalls. Their conversation emphasizes the critical need for empathy in leadership and the importance of maintaining human-centric processes in an increasingly automated world. [Nov 17, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - 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/ 02:34 - Michelle Li Intro 03:14 - A Roundabout Journey 05:40 - The Importance of Legacy 07:26 - Using AI Honorably 10:00 - The Effects of AI on Social Engineering 11:52 - AI for Protection 13:47 - Still About the Human Role 14:49 - Masterclass Ad 16:27 - Origins of FASE 20:01 - Reflection of Self 25:52 - The Role of Core Principles 30:15 - New Kid in Town 34:08 - Find Michelle Li Online - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-li-mba-ssbb-0850b975/ - Website: https://www.bisblox.com/ 34:47 - Book Recommendations - Blink - Malcolm Gladwell - The Book of Forgiving - Desmond Tutu 36:11 - Mentors 38:52 - Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

Today we're joined by Tanya Van Cott. Tanya is a New York–based architect, industrial designer, and educator whose work explores how design and storytelling can drive social change. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Tanya has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts with a Presidential Design Achievement Award and has been published for her innovative approach to interdisciplinary design. Before launching her own practice and press, WomanBecool PRESS, she honed her skills at world-renowned studios Pentagram and Lippincott. Through both design and the written word, Tanya examines how disruptive technologies shape our lives — often through the eyes of powerful female protagonists. [Nov 10, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - 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/ 02:12 - Tanya Van Cott Intro 03:04 - The Path to Architecture 03:58 - Primal Screams 06:57 - Bandwidth - Bandwidth - Tanya Van Cott 08:15 - The Human Element 10:42 - Lack of Empathy 16:51 - The Parent Trap 19:26 - Is Empathy an Action? 24:22 - We're the Problem! 29:14 - Mentors 32:50 - Book Recommendations - Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut 35:13 - Find Tanya Van Cott Online - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyavancott/ - Website: http://www.tanyavancott.com/ 36:37 - Valuing Real Connections 39:35 - Guest Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

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 discuss the complexities of ambition, emphasizing its connection to identity and intrinsic motivation. They explore how ambition can be healthy or obsessive, influenced by personality traits and life experiences. Their conversation warns against destructive ambition, which can harm relationships and ethical standards, and stresses the importance of regularly redefining success to maintain a healthy balance. [Nov 3, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Dr. Abbie Maroño Intro 01:01 - 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/ 02:35 - The Topic of the Day: Healthy vs. Obsessive Ambition 05:58 - Narcissism for Good 06:42 - Building Ambition 08:26 - Ambition the Destructor! 10:05 - Take the Long Road Home 15:18 - Development 17:02 - Social Obsession 19:02 - The Gift of Adversity 22:45 - From the Inside 26:35 - Dichotomies 29:02 - Redefining Success 31:27 - Growing Values 33:28 - Healthy or Obsessive??? 34:44 - Wrap Up 34:57 - Next Moth: Cognitive Dissonance 35:10 - Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org Find us online: - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd - Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy References: Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268. Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087-1101. Judge, T. A., & Kammeyer-Mueller, J. D. (2012). On the value of aiming high: The causes and consequences of ambition. Journal of Applied Psychology, 97(4), 758-775. Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717. McClelland, D. C. (1961). The achieving society. Van Nostrand. Wrosch, C., Scheier, M. F., Carver, C. S., & Schulz, R. (2003). The importance of goal disengagement in adaptive self- regulation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(3), 503-508.

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 Carrie Hatton. Carrie lives in Northeastern PA near Lake Wallenpaupack. A single mother of two boys, Carrie became disabled in 2021 after a severe case of COVID-19. She was hospitalized for three months, during which doctors had declared her clinically dead. A former private music teacher and vocalist, Carrie can no longer sing but continues to teach private music lessons from her studio. She also collaborates with DNF Brass and Woodwind in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. In addition, she works as a substitute teacher for the local school district and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction online through Eastern University. Although her daily activities may seem normal, Carrie still relies on supplemental oxygen for exertion and while sleeping. [Oct 27, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:28 - Mike Holfeld Intro 01:02 - Today's Guest: Carrie Hatton 01:54 - Carrie’s Story 08:02 - Going Public - Book: Clinically Dead - Carrie Hatton 11:53 - MasterClass Ad 13:39 - Declared Dead 17:42 - Long Covid 21:23 - Being Your Own Advocate 22:55 - Preventive Health 25:41 - The Future 27:36 - Sharing Stories 28:14 - Wrap Up 29:01 - Next Month: Elizabeth Moses 29:25 - Outro - www.social-engineer.com - 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 Carter Zupancich. Chris and Carter explore the evolving landscape of social engineering threats, focusing on the rise of vishing attacks and the role of AI in enhancing these tactics. Their discussion underscores the importance of empowering employees as a human firewall and the need for continuous education and testing to strengthen organizational security. [Oct 20, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:31 - Carter Zupancich Intro - Website: https://carterzupancich.com/ 01:30 - Intro Links: - Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ - Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ - Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ - Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb - CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ - innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 03:35 - Tools, Tactics and Procedures 05:19 - Tech Advances 08:16 - The Classics 10:01 - The Need for Testing 12:16 - Callback Phishing 17:26 - Setting Expectations 21:56 - Approved Language 23:56 - Verify! 25:16 - Empowerment 26:17 - And Now a Horrible Story 28:47 - Investing In Employees 31:19 - Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

Today we are joined by Jay Izso. Jay is a high-energy mindset and resilience coach, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and media personality. Known as “Coach Jay,” he helps people shift their thinking, master their mindset, and unlock their potential in business and life. Drawing on his background in psychology and years of coaching leaders, entrepreneurs, and athletes, Jay blends humor, science, and real-world stories that resonate with audiences everywhere. As the host of A New Direction and Real Estate Right Now, he’s built a reputation for engaging conversations that inspire action, growth, and results. [Oct 13, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Intro Links - Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ - Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ - Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ - Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb - CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ - innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 01:58 - Jay Izso Intro 02:48 - Lessons From the Farm - Book: Lessons From the Farm - Jay Izso 09:11 - Kindness as a Core Value 14:37 - MasterClass Ad 16:16 - The Electric Fence 23:24 - I'll Figure It Out 29:16 - Losing Your Ego 34:40 - The Gift of Servitude 37:07 - 100% Rule 38:14 - I Was Wrong 39:17 - Find Jay Izso Online - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-jay/ 40:14 - Book Recommendations - Human Hacking - Christopher Hadnagy - Iron-Sharpened Leadership - John L. Gronski - Success Mindsets - Ryan Gottfredson - The Creator Mindset - Nir Bashan 42:11 - Mentors 45:29 - Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

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 the intriguing phenomena of dreams, the placebo effect, and déjà vu. They delve into the mysteries of why dreams can feel more emotionally intense than reality, how belief can trigger real physiological changes, and the perplexing sensation of déjà vu that leaves us questioning our memories. Through engaging discussions, they uncover what science knows and the many questions that remain unanswered about these fascinating topics. [Oct 6, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Dr. Abbie Maroño Intro 01:14 - Intro Links - Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ - Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ - Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ - Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb - CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ - innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 03:17 - The Topic of the Day: Dreams, Placebo and Deja Vu 04:11 - Why Do We Dream? 07:01 - Information Integration 09:36 - Second-Hand Emotion 11:41 - What We Don't Know 14:28 - Uploading Your Dreams 17:26 - The Placebo Effect 22:57 - Context Dependent 26:09 - Non-Responders 28:21 - Deja Vu 30:01 - The Smell Trigger 31:31 - The Emotional Aspect 34:43 - What's Your Sign? 35:44 - Wrap Up 35:59 - Next Month: Ambition 36:34 - Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org Find us online: - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd - Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy References: Barrett, D. (2001). The committee of sleep: How artists, scientists, and athletes use dreams for creative problem solving—and how you can too. Oneiroi Press. de la Fuente-Fernández, R., Ruth, T. J., Sossi, V., Schulzer, M., Calne, D. B., & Stoessl, A. J. (2001). Expectation and dopamine release: Mechanism of the placebo effect in Parkinson's disease. Science, 293(5532), 1164–1166. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1060937 Hobson, J. A. (2009). REM sleep and dreaming: Towards a theory of protoconsciousness. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(11), 803–813. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2716 Hobson, J. A., & McCarley, R. W. (1977). The brain as a dream state generator: An activation-synthesis hypothesis of the dream process. Cognitive Psychology, 5(4), 448–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0285(77)90005-9 Platek, S. M., Critton, S. R., Myers, T. E., & Gallup, G. G. (2003). Contagious yawning: The role of self-awareness and mental state attribution. Cognitive Brain Research, 17(2), 223–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-6410(03)00109-5 Revonsuo, A. (2000). The reinterpretation of dreams: An evolutionary hypothesis of the function of dreaming. Consciousness and Cognition, 9(2), 210–218. https://doi.org/10.1006/ccog.2000.0422 Stickgold, R., & Walker, M. P. (2013). Sleep-dependent memory triage: Evolving generalization through selective processing. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(10), 501–507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2013.06.003 Voss, U., Holzmann, R., Tuin, I., & Hobson, J. A. (2009). Lucid dreaming: A state of consciousness with features of both waking and non-lucid dreaming. Sleep, 32(9), 1191–1200. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/32.9.1191 Wager, T. D., Scott, D. J., & Zubieta, J.-K. (2007). Placebo effects on human μ-opioid activity during pain. NeuroImage, 35(1), 253–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2006.11.026

REPLAY (Original Air Date March 10, 2025) Today we are joined by Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos. Dr. Kostopoulos is a globally recognized strategist that brings clarity and context as to what is on the horizon. Her unique expertise at the intersection of emerging technology, security and macro-trends has been sought by the United Nations, U.S. Special Operations, the European Commission, NATO, multi-nationals, tech companies, design agencies, academia, such as MIT and Oxford Saïd Business School, and foreign governments. She helps her clients understand new technologies, emerging value chains, and contextualizes the convergences of our time. She founded the boutique consultancy Abundance Studio and has experience working in the US, Europe, Middle East and East Asia. [March 10, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:19 - Intro Links - Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ - Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ - Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ - Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb - CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ - innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 02:10 - Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos Intro 03:30 - From Counter Terrorism to Conflict Landscapes 05:35 - The Imagination Dilemma 09:13 - Technological Tit for Tat 11:38 - Four Facets of Imagination 12:18 - Facet 1) Identity 13:36 - Facet 2) Convergence 15:38 - Facet 3) Humanity 16:48 - Facet 4) Dreams 18:18 - Turning Crisis Into Strategy 22:39 - Being Human 26:04 - Future-Proofing Organizations 29:51 - Real Value Proposition 31:26 - Webinar Series - Website: imaginationdilemma.com - YouTube: @ImaginationDilemma 32:12 - Find Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos online - Website: abundance.studio - LinkedIn: in/lydiak - Instagram: @HiLydiak 32:46 - Book Recommendations - The 100-Year Life - Andrew Scott & Lynda Gratton - Imagination Dilemma - Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos 37:02 - Mentors - Parents - Women Suffragists 38:15 - Guest Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org