EP213 - Psychologist Exposes the Manipulative Tactics Hidden in Everyday Life

What if everything you thought you knew about trust, influence, and connection… was wrong?

In this riveting episode, Dr. Abbie Marono — behavioral scientist and expert in human behavior — sits down with Tyler Dickerhoof to uncover the fine line between genuine connection and subtle manipulation. Raised in a world that forced her to question authenticity from an early age, Dr. Marono shares how her past shaped her ability to decode people and build true influence without deception. They explore:

  • Why vulnerability is your most powerful tool (and your biggest risk)

  • How your reputation is influencing others long before you speak

  • The hidden mechanics of trust — and how most people get it completely backwards

  • What authentic leadership really demands in today’s world

Tyler brings his raw perspective on relationships, leadership, and the often uncomfortable truths about personal growth — challenging you to rethink how you show up in every room you're in.

This isn’t just another conversation. It’s a deep dive into the psychology that shapes who we trust, who we follow, and who we become.

Meet Abbie Maroño

Dr. Abbie Maroño is an internationally recognized scientist and practitioner in human behavior, acknowledged by the U.S. Department of State as a top 1% expert in her field. She has delivered specialized behavioral analysis training to elite units, including the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement agencies across the country. Dr. Abbie is the creator of The Upper Hand, a proprietary framework for understanding human decision-making and influence. Her expertise was recognized by the U.S. Secret Service, who invited her to train this groundbreaking framework at the Nashville Polygraph Conference, where she was honored with an award for her outstanding contribution to their forensic services.​


Earning her PhD in Psychology, Abbie became a Professor of Psychology at 23 and now serves as Director of Education at Social-Engineer, LLC, specializing in behavior analysis. She contributes regularly to Forbes and Apple News and has been featured on BBC News, WIRED, and Forbes Breaking News. Dr. Abbie is also a highly sought-after expert witness, retained for high-profile cases, including lawsuits involving A-list celebrities.


As an active member of internationally recognized research groups, Abbie was honored as Reviewer of the Year for her significant contribution to the academic community. Additionally, she is an author, expert consultant, coach, and a TEDx speaker.

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Follow Abbie

Instagram: Doctorabbieofficial
LinkedIn: Dr Abbie Marono

The Tyler Dickerhoof Show

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About the Tyler Dickerhoof Show Podcast

The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.

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EP214 - The Day My Boss Told Me I Was Broken, And How It Changed Everything

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EP212 - Why Traditional Leadership Fails: Eric Pfeiffer's Bold Insights