The Social-Engineer Podcast

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 https://www.toddbertsch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ 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/ 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

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