The Social-Engineer Podcast

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