“Confidence isn’t pretending to be bulletproof — it’s knowing you can bounce back no matter what hits you.”
— Dr. Abbie Maroño
255. How to Turn Self-Doubt into Power: Influence, Nonverbal Communication, and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs with Dr. Abbie Maroño
In this powerhouse part-two episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson welcomes back behavioral scientist and internationally recognized speaker Dr. Abbie Maroño to dig deeper into emotional intelligence, influence, and how to break through limiting self-beliefs. From decoding nonverbal cues to building confidence on stage (or in everyday life), this episode is packed with practical insights for leaders, speakers, athletes, and anyone ready to level up. Dr. Abbie shares how your body’s unconscious signals (aka neuroception) can influence your instincts — and how to tell the difference between intuition and trauma response.
You’ll hear real talk about:
- Navigating imposter syndrome
- How to prepare for high-stakes moments like a TED Talk
- The danger of comparison on social media
- Why emotional regulation is the #1 empowerment tool
- And how to be “bouncy,” not bulletproof
Plus: the science behind why your words (and self-talk) literally shape your performance.
If you’re looking to become a more empowered speaker, leader, or human — this is your playbook.
Time Stamps:
00:34 – Episode intro + sponsor shoutouts
02:10 – Dr. Abbie’s 2025 update + new book preview
04:22 – The power of nonverbal communication
07:33 – Moving from dark psychology to positive psychology
10:00 – Red flags: how to spot dangerous behavior
14:12 – Intuition vs trauma response
17:45 – Emotional regulation and gut instincts
20:20 – Empowerment through mindset + managing nerves
24:50 – How self-talk shapes performance
29:00 – Confidence vs cockiness: what’s the difference?
33:11 – Why overconfidence is a hidden limiter
36:18 – Social media, comparison, and the reality of sacrifice
40:30 – Perception vs truth: Dr. Abbie’s personal backstory
44:00 – Leadership, empathy, and public responsibility
47:22 – Empowerment = “You can’t use me against me”
50:18 – Book + kids’ books launching June 2025
52:12 – Final thoughts: fail forward, be bouncy, and lead with humanity
Dr. Abbie Maroño is a distinguished scientist and expert in human behavior, recognized by the U.S. Department of State as a top 1% specialist. She has provided behavior analysis training to elite units like the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, including agents from the FBI, Secret Service, and DHS. With a PhD in Psychology, Dr. Abbie became a Professor at 23 and is now Director of Education at Social-Engineer, LLC. She contributes to Forbes, Apple News, and has been featured on BBC News and WIRED.
? Dr. Abbie’s Book: Work In Progress: The Journey Through Shame
? Website: www.drabbieofficial.com
? IG: @drabbieofficial
? LinkedIn: Dr. Abbie Maroño
? Call to Action: If this episode lit a fire in you ? — share it with someone who needs a little extra courage to lead, speak, or live with more purpose.
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IG: @TurmericTequila
Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila
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Host: Kristen Olson
IG: @Madonnashero
Tik Tok: @Madonnashero
Website: www.KOAlliance.com
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