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

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 Ryan Rosenzweig. Ryan is the 26 years old CEO of C10 Toys and Games, which he started when he was just 16 years old. Based out of Orlando FL, he specializes in Video games, Pokemon cards and Funko pops. [Sept 22, 2025]

00:00 - Intro

00:25 - Mike Holfeld Intro

00:47 - Today's Guest: Ryan Rosenzweig

01:09 - Collecting as a Business

03:25 - Something for Everyone

04:24 - Currently Hot!

04:55 - Going Vintage

06:41 - Arcade Consoles

07:33 - World Championships

08:52 - Following the Trends

10:30 - Who's the Customer?

11:40 - Inadvertent Exercise App

12:42 - Detective Work

15:30 - Road Life

16:18 - Trade-In

16:58 - Full Time Job

19:36 - Multi-Million Dollar Industry

20:28 - E-Sports

21:45 - Find Ryan Rosenzweig Online

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c10_tng?igsh=N3pkdGl6OWFkODh2

22:15 - Beware of Fakes

23:02 - 10 Years Later

23:47 - Wrap Up

23:58 - Next Month: Carrie Hatton

24:24 - 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 Faith Kent. Together, they delve into the critical role of effective communication, the art of role adaptation, and the psychological dynamics in crisis situations. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive preparedness and fostering trust within teams to tackle challenges with confidence. [Sept 15, 2025]

00:00 - Intro

00:42 - Faith Kent Intro

01:21 - 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/

03:09 - Breaking & Entering

04:45 - Blending In

07:45 - Frank's Computer

10:13 - Unusual Communications

12:17 - Cochlear Implant

14:19 - Ethical Boundaries

16:11 - Community Pride

18:00 - Leaning Into the Discomfort

21:57 - Not an Afterthought

23:08 - Diversity for Security

27:00 – Trust, But Verify (Always)

28:23 - Wrap Up

- Deaf Gain: Raising the Stakes for Human Diversity

- https://gallaudet.edu/deaf-president-now/

- https://www.lifeprint.com/

29:03 - Outro

- www.social-engineer.com

- www.innocentlivesfoundation.org