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