Ep. 327 - The Doctor Is In Series - Healthy vs. Obsessive Ambition
Release Date: 11/03/2025
Ep. 336 - Human Element Series - Helping Successful Leaders with Mitchell Osmond
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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 - - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - ...
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Ep. 335 - The Doctor Is In Series - Is That Person Really a Psychopath?
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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 -...
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Ep. 334 - The 4th Monday Series - Travel Hacks and Tips with Christie Hudson
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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...
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Ep. 333 - Security Awareness Series - DISC and Pivoting with Shelby Dacko
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: 01:18 - Intro...
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Ep. 332 - Human Element Series - Health, Fitness and Mindset with Toby Wright
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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 - - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Offensive Security Vishing Services - - ...
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Ep. 331 - The Doctor Is In Series - What Is Cognitive Dissonance?
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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...
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Ep. 330 - The 4th Monday Series - Is Your Pet In Pain? with Dr. Liz Moses
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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...
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Ep. 329 - Security Awareness Series - Mistakes, AI and Empathy: Being a Powerful Leader with Michelle Li
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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: - - http://www.social-engineer.com/ ...
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Ep. 328 - Human Element Series - Empathy Communication and Storytelling with Tanya Van Cott
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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...
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Ep. 327 - The Doctor Is In Series - Healthy vs. Obsessive Ambition
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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...
info_outlineWelcome 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.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.