Ep. 343 - The Human Element Series - Spark Your Mental Fitness with Todd Bertsch
Release Date: 03/16/2026
Ep. 343 - The Human Element Series - Spark Your Mental Fitness with Todd Bertsch
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...
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Ep. 342 - The Doctor Is In Series - How Does Decision Fatigue Affect You?
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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...
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Ep. 341 - The Security Awareness Series - Cognitive Bias in InfoSec with Josten Pena
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...
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Ep. 340 - The Human Element Series - Is AI Changing Human Behavior with Jacob Ward
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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The Social-Engineer Podcast
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Ep 338 - The 4th Monday Series - Playing Chess With Your Taxes
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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Ep. 337 - Security Awareness Series - Using Social Engineering on Yourself with Rosa Rowles
The Social-Engineer Podcast
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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...
info_outlineToday 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
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Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
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Offensive Security Vishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/vishing/
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Offensive Security SMiShing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
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Offensive Security Phishing Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/smishing/
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Call Back Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/call-back-phishing/
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Adversarial Simulation Services - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/adversarial-simulation/
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Social Engineering Risk Assessments - https://www.social-engineer.com/offensive-security/social-engineering-risk-assessment/
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Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb
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CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/
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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
Recommended Books:
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
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The Go-Giver – Bob Burg & John David Mann
32:12 - Mentors and Closing