Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Latest Episodes:

Finding Mastery Goes to Space, Part 1: Preparing For Takeoff | NASA Astronaut, Woody Hoburg Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

This week, we’re beyond excited to share a very special conversation with you… maybe the most special and ambitious podcast we’ve ever done… Finding Mastery… is going to space.

Sometimes, life can present us with moments where even our most meticulous planning and preparation reach their limits. These moments are where we find ourselves at a crossroads, needing to decide whether to boldly leap into the unknown or to stay grounded in the familiar.

Now, imagine the weight of that choice when it involves venturing into the ultimate unknown: outer space.

Today's guest doesn't have to imagine; he's lived it and has found true growth playing on this edge.

Among a staggering pool of 18,000 applicants, all vying for the rare opportunity to train and become a NASA astronaut, Dr. Woody Hoburg emerged as one of the mere 13 individuals selected in 2017.

Fast forward to 2023, and on March 2nd, he launched to the International Space Station, piloting NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission.

And before he left for his incredible journey, I had the absolute honor of connecting with Woody. In this episode, you'll hear about how he prepared himself – physically and mentally – for venturing into space, the most extreme environment known to humanity.

But, our exploration, just like Woody’s, does not stop here.

We're embarking on a 3-part series chronicling Woody's entire space expedition.

Be sure to come back next week for Part Two, where I had the incredible privilege to chat with Woody directly from outer space. (Seriously.)

And Part Three (which will come to you early next year) will uncover the profound insights he’s gleaned during his time among the cosmos.

Woody truly embodies the spirit of exploration, whether it's tackling intricate technical challenges, scaling cliffs, or traversing the cosmos. His relentless curiosity isn't just admirable; it's contagious.

And he believes we're in the golden age of space exploration. And after tuning into our exciting conversation today, I have a feeling you might just agree.

Tune into Part One of our 3-part series as Finding Mastery embarks on an interstellar journey with the remarkable astronaut – and human – Dr. Woody Hoburg.

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Optimize Your Brain For Better Health, Performance And Fulfillment | Neuroscientist, Dr. David Eagleman Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

How can you train your brain to unlock more joy and success in your life?

Diving deep into this exciting question is today's guest, Dr. David Eagleman, a revolutionary thinker and trailblazer in the world of neuroscience.

"One of the most important things you can do for your brain is to constantly challenge it."

As an esteemed Stanford professor and intrepid explorer of the human brain, David's contributions to the field of neuroscience are significant. He has pioneered studies on the brain's plasticity, sensory substitution (the process of using a different sense to replace or make up for the lack of another), the function of dreams, time perception, and so much more.

But David is not just a scientist and professor—he's the best-selling author of 8 books on neuroscience, the host of a PBS television series on the brain, and the host of his own podcast, 'Inner Cosmos,' which dives deeper into the intersection of brain science and technology.

And if that wasn't enough, he's also the founder of two incredible companies (both of which we discuss in this episode).

Remarkable. I really love the places David took us today.

In our conversation, David shares how an optimized brain could be the gateway to anchoring ourselves in the present moment, unlocking our potential, and living a more vibrant life.

So, whether you're someone in pursuit of optimizing your mind for peak performance or just wanting to think and feel more deeply, this is a thought-provoking conversation you won't want to miss.

And I can't wait for you to dive in.

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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

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Embracing Challenge & Conquering ‘The Impossible’ | Insights from Legendary Climber, Tommy Caldwell Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

Imagine staring up at 3,000-foot vertical wall of rock—a wall that no one has climbed before—and taking that first grab, exploring uncharted territory, physically and psychologically.

Tommy Caldwell did just that.

Tommy is a legendary professional big wall rock climber who redefined the boundaries of human achievement by scaling the steepest, most barren face of Yosemite's El Capitan—the infamous Dawn Wall.

And Tommy's story isn't just about climbing; it's about the power of the human mind. In 2000, he faced a different kind of challenge when he and his fellow climbers were taken hostage by rebel militants in Kyrgyzstan. Surviving on minimal food and water, they eventually made a daring escape that would forever change Tommy's perspective on human resilience. It was powerful to hear Tommy tell this story, and how it has impacted his life since.

Tommy's journey is a testament to the extraordinary – what we can achieve when we dare to imagine what’s possible. While most of us may not be climbers, I think we all have our own “Dawn Walls”... seemingly impossible feats we can aspire to, achieve, and - in time - overcome. Tommy talks us through how he mechanically pushes his edges to discover what he – and what humanity – is capable of. It’s a beautiful story of becoming.

In this extraordinary conversation, Tommy reflects on his unparalleled experiences, the power of “elective hardship”, and the pursuit of a life that energizes and invigorates. Discover the man behind the legend, the husband, and father who's learned to balance his own needs with those of his loved ones.

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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.

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Stop Worrying About What People Think Of You | AMA Vol. 12 with Dr. Michael Gervais Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the 12th installment of our Ask Me Anything (AMA) series! The goal behind this series - behind these conversations – is to answer your questions and explore the topics that come up for you on your own journey to becoming your best self.

We’re back with our favorite co-host—O’Neil Cespedes—and today, we’ve got a special one for you…

As many of you know, on November 7th, my new book, The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You, is coming out – and the response so far has been epic. So many people are already resonating with the topic.

You can pre-order the book here: findingmastery.com/book

So in this AMA, we explore your questions around the concept of FOPO (or the Fear of People's Opinions).

We dive into:

- The challenges of being authentic in social settings

- Why even the best in the world struggle with FOPO

- Re-defining success

- How to bring more vibrance to your life

- What it looks like to love yourself

And so much more…

Wishing you an epic week.

This AMA is brought to you by CAROL! CAROL is an AI-powered exercise bike that’s scientifically proven to give you the benefits of a 45-minute run in as little as five minutes. To learn more, head to carolbike.com and enter the code FINDINGMASTERY at checkout for $250 off your purchase! (This offer only valid till January 15th, 2024). Again, for $250 OFF your CAORL Bike, head to: https://carolbike.com/

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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.

Is There Free Will? The Unsettling Science Behind Our Everyday Decisions | Dr. Robert Sapolsky Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

In a world where choices seem endless, could it be that our 'free will' is nothing more than an illusion?

When it comes to things like choosing a morning run over an extra hour of sleep, opting for an apple instead of that enticing pint of ice cream, or quitting your job on a whim…

…What's truly guiding these decisions? Is it willpower, biology, environment, or perhaps a unique strength of character we've built over time?

Or… could it be something else entirely, something beyond our control?

Here's where our guest, Dr. Robert Sapolsky - a renowned Professor of Biology, Neurology and Neurosurgery at Stanford University - offers us a slightly unsettling, yet eye-opening, perspective.

He suggests that every decision we make - from the podcasts we tune into, to judges making a case verdict, to choosing our life partner - isn't shaped by any sort of conscious control or free will. Instead, he believes our actions are driven by factors beyond our grasp and influence.

Now, Sapolsky doesn't just challenge our perceptions of free will — he presents a compelling theory that could very well dismantle widely accepted beliefs in this arena.

So, whether you're a leader interested in innovative ways to think about decision-making or someone craving deeply intellectual and exciting insights for your next dinner party, this conversation promises to radically reshape your perspective.

And I can't wait for you to dive in!

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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.

How To Break Free From Perfectionism | Thomas Curran Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever felt the overwhelming pressure to be perfect in an imperfect world? To excel in every aspect of life in a society that is constantly demanding more?

Welcome to the club.

Thomas Curran has dedicated his career to understanding the complex and often elusive personality trait of perfectionism. A professor of psychology at the London School of Economics, Thomas’s research delves deep into the roots of perfectionism – exploring how it develops and its profound impact on mental health.

His influential TED Talk on perfectionism has garnered over three million views, and his research has reached the pages of esteemed publications like the Harvard Business Review, New Scientist, and CNN – a testament to the urgency of this topic in today's society.

Thomas is also the author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough,a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper dive into the psychology of perfectionism and the pursuit of a more authentic life.

In this insightful conversation, Thomas and I explore the depths of perfectionism. We unravel what perfectionism truly means, why it's on the rise in our society, the hidden costs it exacts on our well-being, and most importantly, how we can work with this pervasive force and find a healthier path to personal growth and fulfillment.

_________________

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.

A CEO’s Battle Through Cancer and Corporate Turnarounds | Paula Schneider, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen® Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we sit down with the inspirational Paula Schneider, CEO of Susan G. Komen®, to explore her awe-inspiring journey through uncharted waters in both leadership and her personal battle against breast cancer. Paula exemplifies how true grit and relentless self-belief can overtake fears and redefine how you approach success in every aspect of life.

This rich conversation explores:

How Paula navigated a deadly breast cancer diagnosis and the power she found in accepting help
How she was brought in to execute one of the biggest corporate turnarounds at American Apparel
How she stays calm with (literal) fires burning all around her
Her unconventional path from starting as a costume design and theater major to becoming the CEO and president of Susan G. Komen®, one of the world’s leading nonprofits in the fight against breast cancer, with almost $1 billion in research funding
How to make decisions with imperfect information and Paula’s refreshing approach to leading through uncharted territory
Proactive cancer prevention, optimal screening times, and being your biggest health advocate

Paula doesn’t claim to have all the answers; she simply knows she can find them. Join us as Paula reshapes our understanding of success, demonstrating that it's less about what you know and more about trusting that you can face and conquer the hard things—no matter the odds.

_________________

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 Improv Can Level Up Our Creativity, Connection and Leadership | Kelly Leonard, VP of The Second City Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

Could improv comedy be the key to unlocking human potential?

Our guest today isn't just tossing around this idea—he's used the alchemy of the improv stage to forge groundbreaking strategies that are sure to ripple through business, sport, and life itself.

Let's set the stage for Kelly Leonard. His title—Vice President of Creative Strategy, Innovation, and Business Development—only begins to capture his role at The Second City. And this isn't just any theater. It's a global comedy powerhouse that gave us legends like Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, to name a few.

Yet the improv stage is merely a starting point for Kelly's broader mission. He's on an epic journey to inspire and empower people to use improvisation as a tool for positive change and growth. Kelly's best-selling book, 'Yes, And,' and a pioneering partnership with the University of Chicago reflect this mission—bridging behavioral science with the principles of improv.

I love how Kelly offers us unconventional wisdom on reframing challenges, daring to risk, and savoring the present moment in all its unpredictability.

And our conversation goes deep. We explore thoughtful leadership, building a culture that unlocks radical creativity, tools to deepen relationships and even some remarkably profound ways to approach grief.

So, if you're leading a team, wanting to live fiercely in the now, or simply searching for a fresh lens on life's curveballs, this is one episode you won't want to miss.

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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.

Self-Talk, Mental Imagery, and Finding Joy | AMA Vol. 11 with Dr. Michael Gervais Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the 11th installment of our Ask Me Anything series.

The purpose behind these AMAs – is to hear from YOU and have conversations… to explore the topics and questions that you have been wrestling with on your path to becoming.

The goal is to expand on the themes, lessons, and best-practices we’ve discussed on the Finding Mastery podcast in order to make them even more applicable to your own life.

We’re back with our favorite co-host—O’Neil Cespedes—and today, we cover some really interesting and insightful territory, including:

Where joy comes from (and the art of finding it, every day)
Why we must practice self-care
The intricacies of ADD and ADHD
Being a good friend to yourself
The nuances of narcissistic traits
The power of imagery and imagination
And so much more…

This AMA is brought to you by CAROL! CAROL is an AI-powered exercise bike that’s scientifically proven to give you the benefits of a 45-minute run in as little as five minutes. To learn more, head to carolbike.com and enter the code FINDINGMASTERY at checkout for $100 off your purchase.

_________________

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 Elite Teams Operate - Navy SEAL Leadership Skills for Life and Business | Rich Diviney & Brent Gleeson Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

Why do some people excel in the toughest of conditions while others fall short?

This age-old question finds its answer in the lives and experiences of today’s guests: Rich Diviney and Brent Gleeson, both former Navy SEALs and known authors, speakers, and human performance consultants.

Drawing on their background in Naval Special Warfare, Rich and Brent share their unique perspective on the blend of adaptability, resilience, and vulnerability required to achieve peak performance.

But this wisdom doesn't just apply on the battlefield; it's also incredibly relevant in the boardroom, among teams, and when faced with seemingly impossible goals.

In today’s episode, we explore:

The critical traits of successful Navy SEALs
How to navigate deep emotional pain and turn it into fuel for growth
Fostering team buy-in during organizational change
Defining, setting and achieving goals - even under extreme adversity

Whether you're a leader trying to build a high-performing team or someone simply seeking a more fulfilled life, this is a thought-provoking (and sometimes controversial) conversation you won't want to miss.

_________________

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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