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.
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What does it really mean to live with courage and conviction? On today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. John Amaechi — organizational psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and the first openly gay NBA player. Along his journey, John always set out to be himself in a world that repeatedly told him he was too big, too soft-spoken, too smart, too different. In this conversation, John brings us into parts of his internal world that are hard for any of us to talk about: navigating shame, id...
What if the most powerful thing you can do for your health isn’t diet or exercise — but investing in the people you love? Today’s episode is from the Finding Mastery Vault — a timeless conversation with Dr. Robert Waldinger , psychiatrist, Harvard professor, Zen master, and Director of the world’s longest-running scientific study on happiness. In this conversation, we explore the science of connection — how relationships literally get into our bodies, lower stress, improve our health, and expand...
What if the key to becoming a champion isn’t about chasing wins—but knowing when to pause, prioritize the inner work, and trust that the rest will follow? On today’s episode, filmed in front of a live audience at California Surf Club, we sit down with Caroline Marks — the 2023 World Surf League Women’s Champion and 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist. By 23, Caroline has already reached the pinnacle of her sport, becoming one of the most dominant surfers of her generation. But what makes her story remark...
What if real success is measured not by what you achieve, but by how deeply you give? On today’s episode, we sit down with Gary Sinise—Emmy Award–winning actor and director best known for his roles in Forrest Gump , Apollo 13 , and CSI: New York , and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation —to explore his lifelong arc from self to service. Gary takes us back to the accidental spark of belonging he found in high school theater, the early days building Steppenwolf, and the quiet battle with inadequ...
Welcome to a special Monday episode on the Finding Mastery channel. Every once in a while, we come across a story or a person that moves us in a profound way — and this is one of those moments. Recently, I was invited by Aaron Lazar to join him on his new podcast, Impossible Dreams . Aaron is an incredible human — a Broadway and television actor, singer, and storyteller — who’s facing ALS with extraordinary courage, humor, and grace. He’s also pushing toward an almost unthinkable goal: to become...
What if your biggest competitive advantage isn’t how technologically advanced you are — but how psychologically agile your teams are? On today’s episode, we sit down with Matt Garman — CEO of Amazon Web Services — to dig into the leadership frameworks behind one of the world’s most innovative companies. We cover his “one-way vs. two-way doors” decision model, why “minimum lovable product” beats perfectionism, and how to push autonomy down while keeping trust and security high. We also explore wh...
This episode features Neal Arthur, Global CEO of Wieden+Kennedy, who shares his unique leadership philosophy rooted in his personal experience of feeling "othered." He explains how fostering a culture of belonging and psychological safety is crucial for creativity, especially in an era of rapid AI integration. Arthur emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals' "being" over just their "doing," advocating for an "above the line" approach to leadership that balances demanding high-quality work with deep care for people.
What if the key to deeper connection isn’t in what you say — but in how your body speaks, listens, and moves? On today’s episode, we sit down with Vanessa Van Edwards — behavioral researcher, bestselling author, and founder of Science of People. A self-described “recovering awkward person,” Vanessa turned social anxiety into a science-backed toolkit anyone can use to improve communication, connection, and leadership. Vanessa studies what happens beneath words: how posture, tone, eye contact, and...
What if instead of chasing a seat at the table, you built an entirely new game — and the world fell in love with it? On today’s episode, we sit down with Jesse Cole, founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas and creator of Banana Ball. Jesse has built one of the most extraordinary, fast-growing sports movements by breaking every rule in the book. In an era where attention is the hardest currency, he’s turned baseball into a full-blown entertainment experience — part sport, part show, and all hea...
What if being overlooked; dismissed as too slow or too average, was actually the foundation for becoming one of the greatest of all time? On today’s episode, we sit down with Luc Robitaille; Hockey Hall of Famer, NHL’s all-time leading left-wing scorer, Stanley Cup champion, and President of the LA Kings . Recorded live at the California Surf Club, Luc pulls back the curtain on the mindset that carried him from ninth-round afterthought to hockey immortality: the daily commitment to get a little ...
Legendary comedian Howie Mandel shares his candid experience with OCD and anxiety, detailing a pivotal moment on live radio that unexpectedly opened doors to profound connection and advocacy. He explores his unique relationship with performance, highlighting how comedy became both a shield and a bridge. Mandel and Dr. Mike discuss embracing humanness, managing internal noise, and the pursuit of contentment through constant curiosity and engagement rather than external fame or achievement.
What if your deepest insecurity could become the catalyst for building something extraordinary? On today’s episode, we sit down with Giorgos Tsetis - engineer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Nutrafol . As a young model, Giorgos faced the fear of hair thinning head-on and made a radical choice: to engineer a healthier, science-backed path. That choice would eventually serve millions and build a billion-dollar wellness brand. This is more than a story about hair. It’s about identity, confidence, ...
What does it take to win an Olympic medal—while navigating the mental and emotional rollercoaster of the Games? On today’s episode, Dr. Gervais sits down with Olympic silver medalists Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes, their legendary coach Marcio Sicoli, and moderator David Belasco to go behind the curtain of Team Canada’s incredible 2024 beach volleyball run. This is more than a sports story, it’s a masterclass in resilience, trust, and unlocking human potential under the world’s br...
What if your success as a leader, parent, or partner depends less on IQ — and more on emotional intelligence? On today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Travis Bradberry — best-selling author and one of the world’s leading voices on emotional intelligence (EQ). With over 5 million books sold, including his latest The New Emotional Intelligence , Dr. Bradberry has spent decades studying how EQ shapes performance, relationships, and well-being. In this conversation, we explore what emotional intelli...
What if our deepest human needs, for connection and belonging, hold the real answers for navigating a world racing ahead with technology? On today’s episode, we sit down with Simon Sinek, globally renowned thinker, bestselling author, and long-time friend of the show. Back for a second conversation with us, Simon brings his trademark clarity and storytelling to the questions that matter most: What does it mean to be human in an age of measurement, data, and artificial intelligence? Why do friend...
What if reframing one simple word, and one simple practice, could reshape how you experience your life? On today’s episode, we sit down with Tim Ferriss, bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, host of The Tim Ferriss Show, angel investor, and relentless experimenter in human potential. Known for his curiosity and cultural impact, Tim opens up about the intentional practices that support calm, focus, playful awareness, and deep presence in his everyday life. Tim explores how language shapes e...
What if I told you that one of the most dominant athletes of our time began her life in unimaginable hardship - and then rewrote her story, chapter by chapter? This week, we revisit one of the most powerful conversations in the Finding Mastery vault with Oksana Masters; multi-sport Paralympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes in U.S. history (with 19 medals). Born in Ukraine with birth defects caused by radiation exposure from Chernobyl, abandoned to an orphanage, a...
What if the real risk isn’t failure—it’s spending your whole life chasing a version of success that was never yours to begin with? That question sparked a radical transformation in Sahil Bloom’s life. A NYT best-selling author, entrepreneur, and investor, Sahil once had a sobering realization: he might only see his parents 15 more times in his lifetime. That gut-check moment became a catalyst for deep change—he left his high-powered career, moved across the country, and set out to architect a li...
What if some of the traits that drive high performance – are also at the very core of narcissism? This week on Finding Mastery, we welcome clinical psychologist and narcissism expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula to explore one of the most complex psychological dynamics of our time. Narcissism isn’t always loud or obvious. Dr. Ramani breaks down how narcissism lives on a spectrum, from subtle manipulation and gaslighting to full-blown disorders, and how it shows up in high performers, workplaces, relatio...
What if one of the greatest choreographers and dancers of our time found mastery not in movement… but in stillness? This week on Finding Mastery, we’re joined by Derek Hough—four-time Emmy Award winner, six-time Dancing with the Stars champion, and one of the most respected dancers and choreographers in the world. This conversation isn’t just about dance. It’s about self-discovery, emotional resilience, and the quiet power of going inward. Derek opens up about the intense challenges he faced gro...
What are the three things you need to know to love better? This week, we’re joined by Yung Pueblo — a meditator, poet, bestselling author, and one of the most impactful modern-day wisdom teachers whose work is grounded in lived experience. Diego shares his deeply personal journey: from hitting rock bottom in his early twenties to rebuilding his life through Vipassana meditation, emotional honesty, and the daily discipline of inner work. Together, we explore what it means to heal, how to let go o...
The question is not if AI will advance. It will. The real question is whether humans will advance with it? This week on The Finding Mastery Podcast, we sit down with Soren Gordhamer — founder of Wisdom 2.0, a global movement exploring the intersection of mindfulness, purpose, and technology. Soren’s latest book, The Essential: Discovering What Really Matters in an Age of Distraction , invites us to slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with what truly counts — even as the world speeds up around ...
How do you stay true to your values when others are playing political games? What if your purpose feels too small compared to others? And how do we raise kids who can handle life's inevitable hard blows? We're back for Part 2 of our special Finding Mastery Ask Me Anything with Dr. Michael Gervais and our good friend—author, documentarian, podcaster, football analyst, and renaissance man, Yogi Roth. Through thoughtful questions from our community, we dive deep into the messy realities of modern l...
How do you stay calm and focused when you’re 3,000 feet off the ground — with no ropes, no safety lines, and no room for error? Legendary climber and free soloist Alex Honnold returns to The Finding Mastery Podcast for a raw, insightful conversation about mindset, being great with fear, and what it means to live at the edge of human performance. Alex is best known for his historic, ropeless ascent of El Capitan — captured in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo (which you should watch if you haven’t...
What does it take to rebuild your life after public failure — and bet on yourself again? This week, we sit down with Julie Wainwright — a trailblazing entrepreneur who went from the CEO of Pets.com during the dot-com crash to building The RealReal into a billion-dollar luxury resale powerhouse… all in her 50s. Julie was one of only 23 women to ever take a company public — and she did it after facing national scrutiny and setbacks that would have ended most careers. Instead, she started over with...
What can we learn from the same person who helped unlock greatness in Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Phil Jackson? The answer is: a lot. Meet George Mumford — the mindfulness coach behind some of the most legendary names in sport. Known as “The Mindfulness Performance Whisperer,” George has worked with elite NBA players, Olympic athletes, world-class artists, and top-tier CEOs to help them master their inner game. This timeless episode from the Finding Mastery vault is as relevant today as eve...
What does it take to be a great leader in moments of calm and crisis? And how do you maintain strength in a heartfelt way? Ben Minicucci is the CEO of Alaska Airlines — where he leads with a values-first approach rooted in trust, accountability, and care. With a background in engineering, military service, and operations, Ben is redefining what it means to lead a high-performance culture at scale. Ben is one of the most respected leaders in modern aviation, guiding Alaska through bold transforma...
What if the greatest obstacle to reaching your potential isn't external barriers, but a mindset in which you see yourself as a victim? Today, I’m stoked to welcome back my good friend and one of my favorite thinkers, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman. This is Scott’s third time on the podcast, and he always delivers. Scott is a humanistic psychologist, bestselling author, and host of The Psychology Podcast . His new book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potent...
Dr. Michael Gervais speaks with Harvard Business Review Senior Editor Kevin Evers, author of "The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift." They discuss Swift's unconventional path to building a billion-dollar brand, highlighting her strategic vision from age 13, bold career risks, deep connection with fans, and ability to turn criticism into strategic moves. The conversation delves into how her relentless focus on her art and authenticity drives her lasting impact and business success.
What if one of the keys to sustaining high performance wasn’t just about going harder, but learning how to recover smarter—and move better—every single day? This week, we’re pulling one from the Finding Mastery Vaults. It’s a conversation I had with Dr. Kelly Starrett—performance coach to some of the world's top athletes, Olympians, elite military personnel, and corporations, bestselling author of Built to Move , and co-founder of The Ready State. We originally recorded this in the summer of ‘23...
