MTC 029 Dr. Abbie Maroño The Upper Hand How Social Engineers Use Psychology (And How You Can Too)
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Abbie Maroño – behavioral scientist, social engineer, and author of The Upper Hand – reveals how to ethically use the science of persuasion to influence decisions, build trust, and protect yourself from manipulation in everyday life. We unpack the real psychology behind social engineering, nonverbal communication, and trust so you can read people more accurately, communicate with confidence, and stop getting emotionally "hacked" in your inbox, meetings, and relationships. Dr. Maroño breaks down practical frameworks from The Upper Hand and her work with law enforcement, security professionals, and leaders to show you how to spot red flags, ask better questions, and create instant rapport—without being fake or manipulative. Whether you're a leader, creator, salesperson, or simply tired of being at the mercy of other people's agendas, this episode will give you actionable strategies to:
Decode key nonverbal cues and body language.
Ethically influence decisions and get buy‑in.
Recognize common manipulation and social engineering tactics.
Build trust quickly in high‑stakes conversations.
Protect your identity, emotions, and attention from being exploited.
If you've ever wished you could walk into any room, conversation, or negotiation with the upper hand—without sacrificing your values—this episode is your playbook.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Abbey Murano 01:08 Dr. Abbey's Journey: From Struggles to Success 12:15 The Upper Hand Framework: Building Trust and Influence 19:04 The Five Principles of Influence 29:00 Emotional Control: The Key to Effective Communication 29:04 Understanding the Brain's Role in Decision Making 32:47 The Importance of Social Connections 35:51 Navigating Societal Norms and Personal Beliefs 39:57 The Mind-Body Connection 45:40 The Power of Self-Identity
Links:
Connect with Dr. Abbie Marono The Upper Hand book Dr. Abbie Marono's website Dr. Abbie Marono on LinkedIn Connect with Ryan Munsey Website Follow Ryan on Instagram Subscribe to Ryan's YouTube Channel Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings Audible Amazon Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at melin.com
More
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Abbie Maroño – behavioral scientist, social engineer, and author of The Upper Hand – reveals how to ethically use the science of persuasion to influence decisions, build trust, and protect yourself from manipulation in everyday life. We unpack the real psychology behind social engineering, nonverbal communication, and trust so you can read people more accurately, communicate with confidence, and stop getting emotionally "hacked" in your inbox, meetings, and relationships. Dr. Maroño breaks down practical frameworks from The Upper Hand and her work with law enforcement, security professionals, and leaders to show you how to spot red flags, ask better questions, and create instant rapport—without being fake or manipulative. Whether you're a leader, creator, salesperson, or simply tired of being at the mercy of other people's agendas, this episode will give you actionable strategies to: Decode key nonverbal cues and body language. Ethically influence decisions and get buy‑in. Recognize common manipulation and social engineering tactics. Build trust quickly in high‑stakes conversations. Protect your identity, emotions, and attention from being exploited. If you've ever wished you could walk into any room, conversation, or negotiation with the upper hand—without sacrificing your values—this episode is your playbook. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Abbey Murano 01:08 Dr. Abbey's Journey: From Struggles to Success 12:15 The Upper Hand Framework: Building Trust and Influence 19:04 The Five Principles of Influence 29:00 Emotional Control: The Key to Effective Communication 29:04 Understanding the Brain's Role in Decision Making 32:47 The Importance of Social Connections 35:51 Navigating Societal Norms and Personal Beliefs 39:57 The Mind-Body Connection 45:40 The Power of Self-Identity Links: Connect with Dr. Abbie Marono The Upper Hand book Dr. Abbie Marono's website Dr. Abbie Marono on LinkedIn Connect with Ryan Munsey Website Follow Ryan on Instagram Subscribe to Ryan's YouTube Channel Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings Audible Amazon Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at melin.com