If you’re familiar with professional hockey, you likely know the name Zdeno Chara (also known as, ‘Big Zee’). He’s the legendary 6-foot-9 defenseman, enforcer, and team captain of the Stanley Cup-winning Boston Bruins who was a dominant force in the NHL for an incredible 24-season career. He also represented his home country of Slovakia in numerous world championships and three Olympics. What you might not know is that humility, kindness, and leading by example are the cornerstones of his leader...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast What would we do without all of our modern conveniences? Things like instant access to food, water, clothing, information, and entertainment. Science, chemistry, and technology have made our lives bigger, better, faster and - well, more convenient . The question is… at what cost? Returning to the podcast this week is Darin Olien, health entrepreneur, activist, podcaster, co-host of the number one Netflix docuseries Down to Earth with Zac Efron , and author of bestsellers like SuperLife and...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast What defines a true champion? Is it winning? Or… is it a way of living? While winning games and striving to be the best are parts of it, there's so much more beneath the surface. It’s not just about the technical skills honed through relentless practice—rep after rep, day after day. Exceptional athletes are forged through a deeper, more holistic approach. In this episode of the Finding Mastery podcast, we dive into the essence of becoming your best self with Dr. Jerry Lynch – a renowned author, ...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy Monday! Today we’re excited to share Volume 20 of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything. As always, we have so much fun during these AMAs – we love these conversations because we get to wrestle with the questions that matter most to you… and they inspire personal introspection in us as well. They’re incredible. We’re back with our co-host – O’Neil Cespedes – and in today’s we explore: The roses - and thorns - of vulnerability and openness How to use the power of your imagination Navigating cha...
Jun 17, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast What does it mean to have power, courage and integrity? We throw those words around a lot when talking about athletes or people we admire. Many times it’s justified – but how many truly possess these traits even when the chips are down? Today on the podcast is a human that embodies those three words fully. Her name is Kara Goucher. You might recognize her as an Olympic runner, the third place finisher in the Boston and New York Marathons, and ranked as one of the fastest female dista...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Movement—however you do it—is an essential part of being human. And I believe being able to move well, for as long as possible, is a staple of living “the good life.” That’s why I am excited to introduce a guest today who is committed to helping people do just that – Scott Perkins. Scott is the Founder & CEO of pliability – a company that is helping people move better ________ through their yin yoga inspired mobility training. However, Scott was not always known as the “fitness guy” – ...
Jun 05, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast We all know about FOMO, or the Fear Of Missing Out. We’re scrolling through our social media feeds, and there it is: post after post of a friend who’s somewhere exotic, having a great time, or at an exciting new job… and we’re not. We can’t help but compare our lives with people who seem to be doing so much more. The result can be an uptick in anxiousness, distress, grinding to “keep up” and sometimes FOMO can even stop us from taking action…that feeling of being overwhelmed. FOMO – the ac...
May 29, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Can profitable businesses change the world for good? John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, has proven the answer is a resounding YES… for the last four decades . John grew a single ‘hippy grocery store’ in Austin, Texas, into a global chain with $22 billion in annual sales and 540 locations worldwide. And he did it all with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, showing us all what’s possible when entrepreneurs embrace positive values and transformative ...
May 22, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this 19th installment of our Ask Me Anything with high performance psychologist Dr, Michael Gervais, we explore topics like: - How to re-define failure - Why facing your deepest pains can be transformative - How to overcome defensiveness in order to establish meaningful connections - Why parents need to focus on more than their child's academic achievements And so much more… We love these conversations and it’s because we get to wrestle with the questions that matter most to you. They’re incr...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Imagine what it takes to land an $80 million fighter jet on a moving target — in the middle of the ocean — at night. The extreme precision, split-second timing, and unwavering focus required for such a feat are beyond the grasp of ordinary experience. Our guest today, Commander Kristen Findlay (née Hansen), knows precisely what it takes to land an F/A-18 Super Hornet on an aircraft carrier – in rough seas and in the dark, where every decision can have monumental consequences. Kristen is a distin...
May 15, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Does hypnosis really work? That word has become a bit taboo in scientific circles. It brings to mind magicians, black and white spinning spirals, and traveling sideshows and cheap tricks. “You are getting very sleepy” does not have a strong scientific foundation. Or… does it? In truth and practice, hypnosis can be so much more. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. David Spiegel, professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford School of Medicine and researcher in psycho-oncol...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we have a very special conversation. As we chart our path through life, there are those rare anchors that help to hold us steady and also point us to new horizons. In this special conversation, I have the privilege of introducing you to my mentor and someone who has been a guiding force in the lives of countless individuals across a spectrum of industries for over forty years. Gary DeBlasio has this incredible knack for unlocking potential in people. It’s incredible how he does it. A...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Formula One racing may seem like a 'sit-down' sport to some, but the reality is that race car drivers are anything but sedentary. World-class F1 auto racing pushes the limits of human endurance, focus, reaction time, and risk – requiring competitors to face incredibly intense physical and mental challenges. In the open cockpit of a Formula One car, drivers (or “pilots” as they are often known) must maintain razor-sharp concentration at speeds approaching 220 miles per hour and withstand G-forces...
May 01, 2024•2 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Think back to the most pivotal moments of your life… What parts of you did you bring forward? Which parts did you hold back? How did these experiences shape your way of being? These questions lie at the heart of our conversation today with Nastia Liukin, a gold medal gymnast whose name is etched in history for winning the All-Around title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Beyond her monumental achievements – including tying the record for the most gymnastics medals won by an American in a single Oly...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast How good are you at really communicating? In a world drowning in words, how do you make your words matter? I'm not talking about small talk or working a room or the gift of gab. I'm talking about the kind of communication that works on a deeper level – a level where we truly connect, challenge, grow with, and inspire each other. Back on the podcast this week is Charles Duhigg, who's spent a career in journalism diving into what makes humans do what they do – and today, he’s here to talk about wh...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Explore powerful strategies to conquer public speaking anxiety with Dr. Michael Gervais and O'Neil Cespedes in this insightful AMA episode, delving into personal growth, purpose-based identity, and the untapped potential of the human mind. We also explore topics like: Practical insights for managing anxiety and nerves How to be your own tuning fork of excellence Creating space in your life for experimentation and exploration Putting yourself in positions of power in your own life How to sh...
Apr 15, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast With every season of sport, we witness various feats of greatness -- and getting to witness a true dynasty (and what it takes to get there) can be once in a generation. That’s why I am super excited to share a fresh version of our previous conversation with the 2024 National Championship winning basketball coach, Dawn Staley. As you might know, this past Sunday, Dawn led South Carolina to their 3rd national championship in the past 7 years to top off a perfect, undefeated season. Dawn also right...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast What is the primary driver of effective and impactful leadership? Is it from science—or the soul? Is it a more practical, results-driven organizational practice? Or is it an inner, meditative sense of self? This week’s Finding Mastery guest, Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, has spent his career exploring these questions… and his answer is, well, both. Hitendra fuses the mystical history of his Indian roots with the more results-oriented needs of Western business -- bridging the gap between spirituality and ...
Apr 03, 2024•2 hr 37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Human exploration of space is driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to understand our place in the universe. The individuals - and teams - on the forefront of this exploration are modern-day pioneers, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability. I’m excited to share the final installment of our 3-part series following one of these individuals, NASA Astronaut Dr. Woody Hoburg, on his journey into outer space. In Part 1, we learned about Woody’s rigorous mental and physical preparat...
Mar 27, 2024•2 hr 48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Imagine a world where you wake up inspired, feel safe throughout the day, and go to bed at night feeling fulfilled by the work you do. Sounds like utopia, right? Well, Simon Sinek has not only imagined such a world, but he's also dedicated his life to making it a reality. Known for his viral TED Talk on finding your WHY, and his groundbreaking insights on leadership, Simon's ideas have reached millions. As a best-selling author and founder of The Optimism Company, he's on a mission to help us al...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Transcript available on Metacast We're thrilled to bring you the 17th volume of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series. This edition dives deep into the essence of motivation, leadership, and the art of creating a positive work environment, all while emphasizing the crucial importance of self-understanding and authenticity. Joining us - as always - is our insightful co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, ready to unravel another set of thought-provoking topics and questions… In today's conversation, we explore: The inner worki...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast How do you navigate the uncertain terrain of your life? Does uncertainty fuel your drive, or does it bring anxiety that hinders your progress? Our guest today, Amelia Boone, is not only a four-time obstacle race world champion with three World’s Toughest Mudder wins and dubbed “The Queen of Pain” – she also excels as a full-time attorney for a multinational corporation. And, she’s accomplished all this while grappling with not one, but two, lifelong mental health diagnoses -- OCD and an ea...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast We all have many great conversations in life – conversations where we learn, explore, express, question – but there are some conversations that stand out among the rest. Conversations so rich with insights and revelation, that they fundamentally change you. They inspire you to be better. My conversation with Seth Godin was just that. In this episode, we're diving deep with Seth, the mind behind 21 best-selling books including The Dip , This Is Marketing , and Purple Cow . His latest, The Song of...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast How many of us do everything we can to avoid pain and suffering? It’s a natural response, deeply ingrained to protect ourselves. But what if we didn’t run from suffering, and actively engaged and encouraged it to create meaning and purpose in our lives? That’s the philosophy of Akshay Nanavati – Iraqi war veteran, entrepreneur, extreme athlete, and author of Fearvana : The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear Into Health, Wealth and Happiness . His unique take comes out of his military expe...
Feb 28, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Transcript available on Metacast What drives us to pursue impossible dreams, fail repeatedly, and keep trying? Our guest, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, truly embodies the spirit of never giving up. Despite a fear of heights, bad eyesight, multiple rejections from NASA, and other setbacks, Mike's unwavering determination led him to perform heroic spacewalks to repair the Hubble Telescope and to send the first-ever Tweet from beyond Earth’s atmosphere. But how did he maintain his persistence? What psychological skills did...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to Volume 16 of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series. The purpose behind these conversations - behind these AMAs – is to hear from you … to explore the topics and questions that you have been wrestling with on your path to becoming. It is your insights and questions that fuel these epic conversations – so thank you again for all the thoughtfulness, honesty, and trust you put into these questions. Keep ‘em coming! Our co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, is back to guide us through another...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast What if mastering love is the ultimate high-performance skill? This Valentine's Day, we're taking a deep dive into the heart of relationships with two special guests—our host Dr. Michael Gervais and his wife, Lisa Gervais —a creative powerhouse with a rich background in dance, acting, and truth telling. In this episode hosted by our favorite AMA co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, Mike and Lisa open their lives and their love to us—sharing the joys, challenges, and profound lessons learned on their journe...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this special LIVE episode recorded at Radio Row in Las Vegas for Super Bowl 58, we had the privilege of sitting down with Lisa McCaffrey, the mother of 49ers star running back, Christian McCaffrey. Despite Christian's status as one of - if not THE - best running backs in the NFL, and his 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Award, Lisa's excitement and nerves during this Super Bowl week are palpable. Now, the McCaffrey family boasts an impressive athletic history, with Lisa playing college socce...
Feb 09, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast How does someone turn a two-bedroom apartment into the world’s largest hedge fund? Our guest today - the one and only Ray Dalio - knows. A master of global macro investing, Ray founded Bridgewater Associates and led it to unparalleled heights, redefining financial excellence along the way. Ray isn't just a finance legend; he's a visionary author and a vanguard in idea meritocracy. With bestsellers like 'Principles: Life and Work,' he's influenced minds around the globe. His journey from a financ...
Feb 07, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast A couple months back I was in Austin doing some promo for The First Rule of Mastery and had the opportunity to be a guest on Ryan Holiday’s incredible podcast, The Daily Stoic. It’s always such a joy to connect and flow with Ryan – we had a fantastic conversation that I wanted to share here today. This time around was especially fun… not only was the conversation great, but we also got to record it in Ryan’s epic bookstore, The Painted Porch. If you’re in or near Austin… you have to check ...
Feb 05, 2024•2 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
