Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais - podcast cover

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Dr. Michael Gervaiswww.findingmastery.com

Dive into the minds of the world’s greatest athletes, leaders, thinkers, and doers with Dr. Michael Gervais—a high performance psychologist and world-renowned expert on the relationship between high performance and the mind. Dr. Gervais’s client roster includes Super Bowl winning NFL teams, Fortune 50 CEOs, Olympic medalists, internationally acclaimed artists, and more.

On Finding Mastery, Dr. Gervais sits down with the best at what they do, like David Goggins, Brene Brown, Toto Wolff, soccer legend Abby Wambach, neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella — translating their life stories, mental skills, and personal practices into applicable tools you can use to unlock your potential.

Walk with us to the edge of human possibility and learn what you are capable of. New episodes every Wednesday.

Episodes

Living with Compassion and Combatting Anxiety | NFL Player Duane Brown

This week’s conversation is with Duane Brown, the starting left tackle for the Seattle Seahawks. He played college football at Virginia Tech, and was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. If you’re not familiar with the role of the left tackle, it’s one of the most important positions on the field, responsible for protecting the “blind side” of the quarterback. These are big men. Duane is about 6’3”, 315 lbs. This conversa...

Jul 15, 202053 min

It All Comes Down to Grit | Journalist, Shea Serrano

This week’s conversation is with Shea Serrano, an author and journalist. His books include The Rap Year Book, Basketball (and Other Things), and Movies (and Other Things), all three of which were New York Times best-sellers Two of them were number one on the list and one was picked by Barack Obama as one of his favorite books of the year. Shea is also known for his work with the sports and pop culture websites, The Ringer and Grantland. This conversation is as real as it gets...

Jul 08, 20201 hr 9 min

Responding to Adversity - On and Off The Field | USWNT Player, Kelley O'Hara

This week’s conversation is with Kelley O’Hara, who plays soccer for both the US women’s national team and Utah Royals FC. As a member of the USWNT, she has won two World Cups and an Olympic Gold Medal. Prior to her professional career, she attended Stanford University, where she won the Hermann Trophy in 2009, awarded annually to the United States' top male and female college soccer players. We cover so much in this conversation. Inner Drive. Resiliency. Equality. Authenticity. Impact. When I t...

Jul 01, 20201 hr 4 min

Living and Leading Authentically | Pete Carroll and Dr. Michael Gervais

This week’s conversation is with Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks and my business partner at Compete to Create . In this conversation, we decided to do something different -- we flipped the model a bit and for good reason. I'm incredibly excited to share that my first book, an Audible Original, is coming out on July 9th, titled: Compete to Create: An Approach to Living and Leading Authentically . I couldn’t be more honored to co-write it with Pete Carroll. So what’s different...

Jun 24, 20201 hr 3 min

Making the Best of Any Situation | Travis Pastrana

This week’s conversation is with Travis Pastrana. If you're a fan of action sports, you know the name. By four years old, Travis was already riding a one-speed motorcycle. At the age of 14, he won the world freestyle championship. Travis continued to display his versatility into the early 2000's racking up numerous Supercross and Motocross podiums as well a Motocross of Nations Championship title. In 2001, Travis was awarded Motocross Rider of the Year at the ESPN Action Sports & Music Award...

Jun 17, 20201 hr 14 min

Standing Up to Racism | Soledad O'Brien

This week’s conversation is with Soledad O’Brien, an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist. She is dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues. Soledad currently anchors and produces the Hearst Television political magazine program “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien” and she also reports regularly for HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” She has anchored shows on CNN, MSNBC and NBC, and hosted projects for Fox and A...

Jun 10, 20201 hr 11 min

It's Time for America to Look in the Mirror | Former NFL Player, Michael Bennett

This week’s conversation is with Michael Bennett, a defensive end in the National Football League. Michael signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and was an instrumental member of the 2013 team that won the Super Bowl. He's also a 3x Pro-Bowler. While Michael’s craft is football, there is so much more to Michael the human being. He’s an advocate for social justice and after the events of the last week and the ongoing protests, I wanted to have him on the podcast to m...

Jun 03, 202051 min

Cultivating Healthy Relationships | Psychologist, Dr. Melanie Joy

This week’s conversation is with Dr. Melanie Joy, a Harvard-educated psychologist specializing in relationships, communication, and social change. Melanie is best known for her groundbreaking theories on the psychology of violence, nonviolence, and building healthy relationships. Her analyses have helped explain why people engage in “nonrelational” behaviors—behaviors that harm other people, animals, the planet, and themselves—as well as how to change this pattern She is the eighth recipient of ...

May 27, 20201 hr 8 min

Exploring Our Limited Understanding of Reality | Deepak Chopra

This week’s conversation is with Deepak Chopra, a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation. Deepak is the founder of  The Chopra Foundation , a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality TIME magazine has described Deepak as “one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century.” He is the author of over 89 books translated into over forty-thr...

May 20, 20201 hr 14 min

Living with Urgency —Why Tomorrow Isn't Promised | Dr. David Fajgenbaum

This week’s conversation is with Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a groundbreaking physician-scientist and disease hunter. The timing of his insights is incredibly relevant for us right now. David is best known as the ‘doctor who cured himself’ – he received his last rites while in medical school and nearly died four more times battling Castleman disease. To try to save his own life, he spearheaded an innovative approach to research through the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network and dis...

May 13, 20201 hr 8 min

Decoding Disruptors: Leaders Navigating the Unfolding, Unpredictable Unknown

We are in a unique moment in world history. From the devastating loss of life to the financial fallout to the closing of borders, businesses, industries and schools, we are collectively confronted by a reality few of us could have ever imagined. Decision-making leans on precedents and guiding principles, but how do leaders react when there are no precedents to follow? I had a series of conversations with friends inside our community to better understand the approach of those who effectively...

May 10, 20201 hr 18 min

Getting to The Truth | NBA Coach, George Karl

This week’s conversation is with George Karl, the 6th winningest coach in NBA basketball history. George coached the Cavs, Warriors, Sonics, Bucks, Nuggets and Kings over the span of 1,999 NBA games. He was also an All American player in college at the University of North Carolina and played in the ABA for the San Antonio Spurs. At UNC, George had the fortune of being mentored by the late Dean Smith and was surrounded by other brilliant basketball minds who helped shape his coaching philosophy. ...

May 06, 20201 hr 9 min

Turning Pain Into Passion | Trent Dilfer

This week’s conversation is with Trent Dilfer, a 14 year NFL veteran and Super Bowl Champion. Trent played for five teams during his career, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers. He led the Ravens to a 34-7 victory over the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV (35). Trent has now made it his mission in life to “give back” and has become a positive role model, coach and mentor for upcoming High School Quarterbacks through Elite 11 ...

Apr 29, 20201 hr 12 min

Choose Happiness | Sage Steele

This week’s conversation is with Sage Steele, one of ESPN’s most popular and respected commentators. Sage joined ESPN in 2007 and currently serves as the co-anchor for ESPN’s flagship show, SportsCenter, weekdays at 6 p.m. ET. She has served as the lead host for SportsCenter on the Road, since 2016, a role that includes on-site, day-long and pre-event coverage for the biggest sports events of the year, such as the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the World Series, the Ma...

Apr 23, 20202 hr 37 min

The Creation of Netflix | Netflix Co-Founder, Marc Randolph

This week’s conversation is with Marc Randolph, a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor and investor. Marc is the co-founder of Netflix, served as their founding CEO, as the executive producer of their web site, and as a member of their board of directors. Although best known for starting Netflix, Marc’s career as an entrepreneur spans more than four decades. He's founded or co-founded more than half a dozen other successful start-ups, mentored rising entrepreneurs inc...

Apr 15, 202058 min

What It Takes to Lead an NFL Franchise | NFL Coach, Dan Quinn

This week’s conversation is with Dan Quinn, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Dan became the head coach in 2015 and has compiled a 43-37 regular season record. In 2016, he led the Falcons to an NFC title and its second Super Bowl appearance. Entering 2020, Dan ranks second in the organization’s history among coaches with at least four seasons with a winning percentage of .538 and fourth in franchise history with 43 regular-season wins. Dan earned his head coaching opportunity after becoming...

Apr 08, 202057 min

The New Science of Self-Actualization | Scott Barry Kaufman

This week’s conversation is with Scott Barry Kaufman, a humanistic psychologist exploring the depths of human potential. He has taught courses on intelligence, creativity, and well-being at Columbia University, NYU, the University of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere. In 2015, he was named one of "50 Groundbreaking Scientists who are changing the way we see the world" by Business Insider. Scott was a previous guest on Finding Mastery ( #078 ) where we spent time diving into his journey and what m...

Apr 01, 20201 hr 17 min

Decoding Disruptors: Theresia Gouw, Founding Partner at Acrew Capital

Welcome to Decoding Disruptors, a special edition of the Finding Mastery podcast presented without interruption by Microsoft. Decoding Disruptors takes a deep dive into the minds of extraordinary women who have disrupted the narrative in their businesses, industries, and communities.  Every conversation was filmed and is currently available at decodingdisruptors.com . This conversation is with Theresia Gouw, a founder and partner at Acrew Capital and one of the most successful venture ...

Mar 28, 202049 min

Remembering Hilaree Nelson | Staying Confident in Life-Threatening Environments

This week’s conversation is with Hilaree Nelson. With a career spanning two decades that includes dozens of first descents through more than 40 expeditions to 16 different countries, Hilaree is the most prolific ski mountaineer of her generation.  Some of these ‘firsts” in the world of ski mountaineering include linking two 8000m peaks (Everest and Lhotse) in one push, first ski descents on Baffin Island, a first American ascent and ski descent of Papsura peak in India , and a first ski des...

Mar 25, 202057 min

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs | Chip Conley

This week’s conversation is with Chip Conley, a boutique hotel entrepreneur who helped Airbnb's founders turn their fast-growing tech start-up into a global hospitality brand. After selling Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the company he started as a rebel entrepreneur at age 26, Chip wasn't sure what was next. He could have retired at age 52 but the young founders of Airbnb came calling. Chip served as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy for four years — while also being CEO Brian Ches...

Mar 18, 20202 hr 36 min

Being a Student of Progression | Snowmobiling Legend, Levi LaVallee

This week’s conversation is with snowmobiling legend Levi LaVallee, a 13 time X Games Medalist, Snocross Champion, and World Record holder Levi first tasted podium success in 2004 when he won the HillCross snowmobile event at the Winter X Games, in Aspen, Colorado and then made the switch to Freestyle competition. At the 2008 Winter X Games, Levi took gold in both the Speed & Style and Freestyle events and was later named Best Male Athlete of the entire competition. He also made history when...

Mar 11, 20202 hr 37 min

Decoding Disruptors: Shivani Siroya, Founder & CEO of Tala

Welcome to Decoding Disruptors, a special edition of the Finding Mastery podcast presented without interruption by Microsoft. Decoding Disruptors takes a deep dive into the minds of extraordinary women who have disrupted the narrative in their businesses, industries, and communities.  Every conversation was filmed and is currently available at decodingdisruptors.com. This conversation is with Shivani Siroya, who built a near-billion dollar business on the back of a simple belief: peopl...

Mar 08, 202047 min

Leading with Your Heart | Big Wave Surfer, Garrett McNamara

This week’s conversation is with Garrett McNamara, an international big wave explorer known for discovering, pioneering and surfing the biggest wave in the world - The Everest of the Oceans - Nazaré, Portugal. Garrett also lead the iconic two-man team who rode tsunami waves generated by a 300ft calving glacier in Alaska and is the first and only foreigner to receive the Vasco da Gama Medal of Honor from the Portuguese Navy for his contributions to Portugal. He currently lives between Hawaii...

Mar 04, 20201 hr 28 min

Passion, Risk, and Managing Stress | Snowboarder, Jeremy Jones

This week’s conversation is with Jeremy Jones, an accomplished filmmaker, entrepreneur, environmentalist and snowboarding pioneer. Jeremy is widely regarded as one of the most legendary big mountain riders and explorers of all time. Named a National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year” and ten times voted “Best Big Mountain Rider of the Year” by Snowboarder Magazine, Jeremy has starred in over a hundred snowboard movies and videos worldwide, including his highly acclaimed, foot-powered snowboardi...

Feb 26, 20202 hr 34 min

Decoding Disruptors: Cindy Eckert, CEO at The Pink Ceiling

Decoding Disruptors takes a deep dive into the minds of extraordinary women who have disrupted the narrative in their businesses, industries, and communities.  The team at Finding Mastery , Compete to Create , and Microsoft worked together to bring this series to life.  I had the chance to interview 9 amazing women, every conversation was filmed, and is currently available at decodingdisruptors.com . On the website you’ll also find a Disruptor Assessment — this quick assessment to...

Feb 22, 202051 min

What Makes a Great Coach? | Hall of Fame Softball Coach, Sue Enquist

This week’s conversation is with Sue Enquist, UCLA Softball’s first All-American, National Champion, and Hall of Famer. In 2006, Sue concluded her storied 27-year career as head coach of the UCLA Bruins with a 887-175-1 (.835) record, making her the winningest softball coach among all active coaches. She is the only person in NCAA Softball history to win a championship as a head coach and a player. During her career, Sue produced 65 All-Americans and 15 Olympians. She has been inducted into six H...

Feb 19, 20201 hr 17 min

Courage, Risk, and Creative Expression | BASE Jumper, Chris McNamara

This week’s conversation is with Chris McNamara, a Big Wall Climber and ex-wingsuit BASE jumper. He is also the founder of OutdoorGearLab, one of the most popular outdoor gear review sites in the world. Outside Magazine has called Chris one of the world's finest climbers. Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris's life on earth had been spent on the face of El Capitan, an accomplishment that left friends and family pondering Chris's sanity. He has climbed El Capitan more than ...

Feb 12, 20201 hr 8 min

Decoding Disruptors: Bozoma Saint John, CMO at Endeavor

I'm excited to introduce you to our new series,  Decoding Disruptors , a special edition of Finding Mastery, presented by Microsoft.  For the past 8 years,  Compete to Create  and I have had the privilege of working with Microsoft, beginning with their CEO, Satya Nadella, and his executive team -- and then an additional 30,000 people across the company. Microsoft has radically transformed under Satya’s leadership, with his emphasis on building a culture around mindset, inclus...

Feb 08, 20201 hr 11 min

The Relationship Between Fear and Inner Drive | Big Wave Surfer, Mark Mathews

This week’s conversation is with Mark Mathews, a world-class big wave surfer, Red Bull Athlete and Surf Contest Director. He’s made a living at the intersection of danger and excitement and knows all too well the crippling grasp of fear. While in Tasmania, fifteen feet in front of a cliff in cold, shark infested waters, Mark hit a reef and instantly blacked out. Terror engulfed every inch of his being. Neck braced and hospital-ridden, he didn’t know if he could ever surf again. At that moment, M...

Feb 05, 20201 hr 20 min

Exploring Human Potential | Explorer, Colin O'Brady

This week’s conversation is with Colin O'Brady, an explorer and elite endurance athlete, who has set multiple records and pushed the boundaries of what we understand to be possible. He was a previous guest on Finding Mastery – episode 36 – and I’m excited to have him back on to talk about his latest feat, the world's first solo, unsupported and completely human powered crossing of Antarctica. Previous to this, he set speed records for the Explorers Grand Slam and the Seven Summits. The Explorers...

Jan 29, 20201 hr 23 min