Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Latest Episodes:

NFL Legend Greg Olsen on the Preparation and Pressure of Calling the Super Bowl | The Game Inside The Games, Ep. 2 Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

For the players on the field, the Super Bowl is the ultimate test of skill and composure. But just above them, in the broadcast booth, another high-stakes performance is unfolding—one with no second chances, no instant replay, and no room for error.

In this episode of The Game Inside the Games, Dr. Michael Gervais sits down with Greg Olsen, former NFL star turned Emmy-winning broadcaster, to unpack the relentless preparation, mental discipline, and pressure that comes with calling the biggest game in sports.

Greg shares why broadcasting the Super Bowl was more nerve-wracking than playing in one, the mental traps sportscasters must avoid, and the game-day routines that helped him deliver when millions were watching. He opens up about self-doubt, trusting his instincts in the booth, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to rise to the top of the broadcasting world.

This episode is a masterclass in handling pressure, preparation, and performing at your best—whether you’re on the field, in the booth, or in any high-stakes moment of life.

Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

…

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_________________

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The Game Inside the Games: Episode 1—The Kickoff Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

The Super Bowl is more than just a game—it’s a test of mindset, resilience, and the ability to perform under the brightest lights. In this special Game Inside the Games series, Dr. Mike is joined by NFL legends Greg Olsen and Brandon Marshall to explore the unseen psychological battles that define champions.

Kicking off the series, Mike breaks down one of the most pivotal moments in Super Bowl history—Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception—and reveals how mental preparation, not luck, made it happen.

…

This episode is brought to you by…

Microsoft Copilot

Try Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z

Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt

Mack Weldon

Get 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani

_________________

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Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

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When to Lean In and Let Go - The Art of Leadership, Teaching, and Raising Resilient Kids | National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to foster confidence, independence, and resilience in the next generation?

Missy Testerman is 2024’s National Teacher of the Year. Her insights, honed over three decades of teaching elementary schoolers in rural Tennessee, have impacted not just classrooms but the entire educational landscape.

Missy has a unique gift for transforming challenges into opportunities—both for her students and herself. In this conversation, we explore her journey as a first-generation college graduate, her path to becoming a nationally recognized educator, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, resilience, and the art of teaching.

Missy’s insights go far beyond the classroom – we discuss the importance of building authentic relationships, the role of “productive struggle” in learning, and why love alone isn’t enough to help someone reach their potential.

As you’re listening, you will quickly discover what a Teacher of the Year can teach us about raising our children, influencing & understanding others, and creating an ideal environment for learning.

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Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

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The Power of Failure: Transforming Setbacks into Success with Dr. Amy Edmondson Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

What if the way you think about failure has been holding you back? What if reframing failure could be a major breakthrough to unlocking your potential?

Today’s guest is Dr. Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor and one of the world’s foremost authorities on leadership, psychological safety, and the transformative power of failure. Her research has redefined how teams thrive, how innovation happens, and how individuals can unlock their full potential.

In this episode, we dive into Amy’s framework for failure—how understanding the difference between basic, complex, and intelligent failures can reframe our approach to learning and growth. We also explore the tension between perfectionism and ambition, the significance of purpose in navigating setbacks, and why true belonging is rooted in authentic connection rather than seeking approval.

If you’re ready to rethink failure and discover how it can be your greatest teacher, then tune in for this insightful episode with Amy Edmondson.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

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James Clear on The Science of Building Habits That Last | From The Vault Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

What if the key to achieving your biggest goals in 2025 and beyond isn’t about willpower—what if it's about building the right habits?

Today, we are super excited to re-release one of our favorite episodes from the Finding Mastery vault – one of our earlier conversations with James Clear.

Why this episode, and why now? … As we near the end of January, it’s a great time to check in on the intentions and goals, and resolutions many of us set for 2025. Resolutions are tricky. Research tells us that they usually don’t work. And here’s the opportunity: while resolutions don’t often hold, we do know the science of creating lasting habits. This conversation is about how to make habits stick—not just for January, but for life.

James Clear is one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation. He’s the bestselling author of Atomic Habits, a book that has transformed the way millions of people think about personal growth and sustainable change. In this conversation, James shares the science and psychology behind building small, meaningful habits that create significant results over time.

Whether you’re revisiting this conversation or hearing it for the first time, this is a timely opportunity to rethink how you approach your goals and create systems that set you up for success in 2025 and beyond.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Creativity Can Help Us Unlock Our Potential | Writer of Pixar's Inside Out, Meg LeFauve Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to create stories that resonate with millions—and what can those stories teach us about ourselves?

Meg LeFauve, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Pixar’s Inside Out and Inside Out 2, has spent her career unlocking the magic of storytelling. But her insights go far beyond the screen. Meg is a master of exploring vulnerability, collaboration, and iteration—essential elements for both storytelling and creative mastery.

In this episode, we dive into the psychology of creativity, unpacking how anxiety and sensitivity can become superpowers, why vulnerability is the key to connecting with others, and the art of crafting characters (and a life) that feel alive.

Meg takes us behind the scenes of Pixar’s creative process, sharing how iconic films are brought to life through relentless collaboration and a commitment to emotional truth. Along the way, she offers practical strategies for navigating the ups and downs of the creative journey and staying energized in the face of challenges.

Whether you’re a creator, a storyteller, or simply curious about what it takes to bring bold ideas into the world, this conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom for living a deeply creative, connected life.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

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Does Manifestation Really Work? Top Neuroscientist on the Power of Intention | Dr. James Doty Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

What if compassion isn’t just a nice to have—but a game-changer for high performance?

Dr. James Doty is a world-renowned neurosurgeon, a clinical professor at Stanford, and the founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). He’s also the NYT bestselling author of Into The Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart—a book that has inspired millions to rethink what really drives success and fulfillment.

In this episode, James shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in neurosurgery and compassion research. We dive deep into how kindness, vulnerability, and mindfulness can supercharge resilience, connection, and peak performance.

We also unpack James’ latest book, Magic Mind, exploring the neuroscience of manifestation—what’s real, what’s hype, and how science can help us unlock our true potential.

If you’re interested in understanding how compassion can be a catalyst for profound change in both your inner and outer world, then this conversation is for you.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

‘The War of Art’ Author Steven Pressfield on Conquering Fear, Self-Doubt, and Procrastination Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Is the real battle for mastery fought outside of us—or within—and what does it take to win that fight every day?

I’m so excited for this week’s guest, Steven Pressfield. Steven is a bestselling author and thought leader on creativity, known for his groundbreaking works like The War of Art and The Legend of Bagger Vance.

Steven’s journey is a testament to perseverance—he didn’t publish his first novel until he was 52—and his story proves that it’s never too late to embrace your calling. In this conversation, Steven and I dive deep into the nature of Resistance—how it manifests as fear, procrastination, or self-doubt—and what it takes to overcome it. We explore the concept of the “unlived life” and the metaphor of the “underground river” that represents our innate talents and passions. Steven shares his insights on creativity as a sacred connection, how to discover your purpose, and why living authentically is one of life’s greatest battles.

Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, athlete, or anyone on the path to mastery, I think you’ll find Steven’s perspective both grounding and inspiring.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Start the New Year With Purpose and Intention | Olympic Medalists, Nicole Davis & Caroline Burckle Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

Happy New Year!

The start of the year is such an exciting time – it’s a natural opportunity to reset, ground ourselves, and re-align with who we are… and who we want to become.

In the spirit of the New Year, we have a very special episode for you today – many of you who listen to the podcast may not be aware that Finding Mastery has a whole other very exciting side to our business. With the help of our very own performance strategists, former Olympians, and mindset coaches, we get the opportunity to work with some of the most influential organizations in the world (like Microsoft, Maersk, Salesforce, and many others) to help them solve some of the world’s most dynamic human performance challenges.

In this episode, I’m joined by two of our incredible Olympians and Finding Mastery mindset coaches: Dr. Nicole Davis, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in indoor volleyball from the Beijing and London games – and Caroline Burckle, an Olympic bronze medalist swimmer from the Beijing games.

Together, we’re here to help you shape, and bring to life, a powerful intention to set the stage for the coming year.

Olympians are an incredible subset to teach us about intentions and how to bring them to life because their entire journey to success depends on a disciplined, deliberate, and methodical approach to achieving their ambitions.

Whether you’re setting personal goals, professional aspirations, or just looking to make 2025 your best year yet, Nicole and Caroline have so many gems to offer.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Finding Stillness: A Guided Holiday Meditation with Dr. Michael Gervais Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Happy Holidays

Today, we’re doing something a little bit different – I wanted to take a moment to reflect on something I think many of us experience this time of year: joy, connection, and—if we’re being honest– the holidays can be a time for big emotions. They have this incredible way of amplifying everything. The fun feels extra fun, and the challenging moments?... They can feel extra challenging. From navigating travel to managing family dynamics, or even just trying to stay present while a thousand other things pull at your attention—it’s not always easy to find your footing.

So today, we want to offer you something to help you radically flourish during the holiday season, during the season of big emotions, whatever those emotions might be – a guided mindfulness so you can approach the holidays with a bit more ease, clarity, and joy.

This isn’t about perfection or turning the holidays into a highlight reel. It’s about showing up as your most authentic self, finding those moments of gratitude and connection that can make this time of year special, and letting go of the things that don’t serve you.

This meditation is about 14 minutes—just enough time to hit pause, reconnect with yourself, and set the stage for a holiday season that feels a little more intentional.

So, find a quiet spot and settle in. Here’s to navigating the holidays with presence and purpose.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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