Finding Mastery: Conversations With Michael Gervais

"You cannot get to courage without walking right through vulnerability."They say opinions are cheap, but the cost of FOPO – the fear of other people's opinions – is anything but.As many of you already know, I've recently released 'The First Rule of Mastery,' a book dedicated to overcoming what I've come to see as the single greatest constrictor of human potential: FOPO.And so, in celebration of this special milestone, I'm excited to re-release a pivotal conversation with Dr. Brené Brown, whose eloquent insights on FOPO are invaluable.I found that while writing and beginning to share the book, I was consistently drawn back to this very episode again and again… For those new to her work, Brené is a renowned research professor at the University of Houston, where she's spent over two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, empathy, and leadership…She's the author of six New York Times bestsellers, and her iconic TED talk - The Power of Vulnerability – is one of the most viewed TED talks of all time,

For the first time in Finding Mastery’s history, we're going where few other podcasts have ventured:  Outer space.And joining us for this historic and very episode is the remarkable NASA astronaut Dr. Woody Hoburg – tuning in directly from the International Space Station (ISS).How incredible is that?This is Part Two of our 3-part series documenting Woody’s epic journey – from Earth to the cosmos and back again. Last week, in Part One, we explored Woody’s preparations for this mission – if you haven’t had a chance to check that out yet, I highly recommend you go give it a listen here.And today, in Part Two, he’s providing a firsthand look into life aboard the ISS.It was a surreal experience to speak with Woody while he was literally floating around his cabin and spinning his microphone in zero gravity – if you can, I’d highly recommend checking this one out on YouTube – the visuals are epic. Within the close quarters of the ISS, Woody and his team model an impressive level of excellence in perfo

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 hi

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 compan

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,

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/bookSo 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 yourselfAnd so much more… Wishing you an epic week.With Fire, MikeThis AMA is

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 p

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 t

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 helpHow she was brought in to execute one of the biggest corporate turnarounds at American ApparelHow she stays calm with (literal) fires burning all around herHer 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 fundingHow to make decisions with imperfect information and Paula’s refreshing approach to leading through uncharted

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 challe

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-careThe intricacies of ADD and ADHDBeing a good friend to yourselfThe nuances of narcissistic traitsThe power of imagery and imaginationAnd so much more…With fire, Dr. MikeThis 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 c

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 SEALsHow to navigate deep emotional pain and turn it into fuel for growthFostering team buy-in during organizational change Defining, setting and achieving goals - even under extreme adversityWhether you're a leader trying to build a high-performing team or someone simply seeking a more fulfi

Success - in any arena - often demands a delicate dance between fearlessness, finesse and dedication. Mikaela Shiffrin, a true luminary in alpine skiing, has mastered this equilibrium like no other. With an astounding 88 World Cup wins to her name, Mikaela stands as the greatest alpine skier in history. Period.She's a two-time Olympic Champion, seven-time World Champion, and five-time Overall World Cup champion. But Mikaela's influence extends far beyond the slopes. In 2023, Time Magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and the ESPY Awards named her the Best Athlete in Women's Sports. And she’s done all of this before the age of 29.Clearly Mikaela has talent. Confidence. Discipline. But what sets her apart, as you’ll hear, is her commitment and honesty to work from the inside out. She’s developed incredible abilities to tune out toxic mental noise, perform at the knife’s edge, and bounce forward when it gets hard. More than anything, her success comes from her unflappabl

When it feels like the whole world has written you off, do you give in or keep going?Today's guest, Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Geno Smith, kept going. After spending 10 seasons in the NFL—enduring frustrating injuries, several trades, and the threat of becoming a “lifetime backup quarterback” —Geno stepped in as starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks last season. With the media deeming this as a “rebuilding year” for the Seahawks, Geno put forth a stellar performance that surprised many. He logged his first winning record, a playoff berth, led the league in completion percentage, and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the very first time.This impressive career resurgence earned Geno 2022’s Comeback Player of the Year (which probably should have been renamed Comeback Player of the Decade).I know Geno from my 9 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, and let me tell you… he is special.Geno’s career journey is marked by the kind of patience and resilience we can all marvel at, but it’s his mindset — the one th

Step into the riveting world of Tu Lam, whose journey from war-torn Saigon to becoming a Green Beret is a tale of courage, resilience, and modern-day samurai wisdom. Born amidst chaos, he escaped Vietnam's turmoil, eventually finding a new life in America. Enthralled by stories of elite warriors, he chased his dream, enlisting in the US Military right after high school.Deploying to over 20 countries, including conflict zones in the Philippines, Iraq, and Libya, Tu's career spanned 22 years of distinguished service. He retired as a master sergeant, having reached the pinnacle of elite forces—the special missions unit. In his post-military journey, Tu established Ronin Tactics, a tactical gear and training company. His expertise in martial arts and combat led to him being immortalized as a video game character in "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare." Beyond the battlefield, Tu’s pursuits encompass a profound exploration of life's meaning, emphasizing the importance of love, authenticity, and embodying the samura

Today, we’re really excited to share the 10th installment of our Ask Me Anything (AMA) series! Thanks for coming along this journey with us over the last 10 months—sending in your questions and sharing your notes of appreciation. It’s an honor to sit down and film each video. We’re stoked on this 10th AMA and all the excellent questions we received. Our co-host, O’Neil Cespedes, is back again to make sure we keep it real. In this video, we dive into topics like:How to find your purposeWhat do you do if you’re given 6 months to live?Dealing with your feelings and emotionsWhy perfectionism is a fool’s gameDesigning your life for your eulogyHow to find a rewarding jobAnd so much moreSubmit YOUR questions to info@findingmastery.net-----You can WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.Connect with us on our Instagram.For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co

Imagine being suspended in the cosmos, gazing down at Earth, experiencing a sense of freedom that transcends gravity's pull.It’s an almost impossible task to pinpoint the most interesting thing about this week’s guest… she’s a remarkable human who’s never met a dream she didn’t turn into reality.Anousheh Ansari is an extraordinary entrepreneur, engineer, and trailblazer who has etched her name in history as the first self-funded woman – as well as the first Iranian and Muslim woman – to journey to the International Space Station.Anousheh’s life story reads like an adventure novel, starting with her curiosity that led her to explore the skies and ask the questions that would eventually take her beyond our planet. Born in Iran and later immigrating to the United States, her journey was marked by the Iranian Revolution, a war with Iraq, and personal challenges that shaped her unbreakable spirit.As an engineer, Anousheh is a problem solver at heart. Her passion for tackling challenges led her to co-found and chai

When you talk to yourself, are you listening? What are the thoughts that dominate your thinking? Do they empower you? Elevate you? Connect you to something bigger than yourself? Jon Gordon believes that how you answer these questions is critical to how you show up as a leader, a teammate, a spouse or a friend. Simply put:  your performance and your relationships move in the direction of your strongest thoughts. He’s best known as an author, but Jon doesn’t just write books. He lives his life making sure the principles he values most reach and inspire audiences of all kinds, all over the world. So it’s not a surprise that his 28 books – including 15 best sellers and 5 children’s books – hold universal truths that have been tested and embraced by Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, professional and college sports teams, school districts and individuals alike. In his new book, “The One Truth: Elevate Your Mind, Unlock Your Power, Heal Your Soul,” Jon extols the concept of oneness and its power

Sleep is fundamental to our survival. It’s kind of like oxygen, yet most of us don’t view these essential functions through the same lens. In order to perform at our best, live long & healthy lives, and to explore our potential… we have to put the same value on sleeping that we do breathing. Lucky for us, our guest today does exactly that - Dr. Aric Prather is a renowned professor, sleep scientist, clinical psychologist, and head of one of the world’s most successful sleep clinics at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Aric’s expertise lies in the fascinating world of sleep and its effects on our health and emotions.In his latest book, "The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest," Aric offers a simple yet powerful plan to transform your sleep in just one week. Beyond the typical solutions, he shares surprisingly simple yet deeply effective techniques that will guide you in embracing the magic of restorative sleep.In this conversation, you’ll hear about why sleep starts

I think it’s fair to say we all know a thing or two about stress. Hopefully we’ve all found a practice (or several) to help us manage it. Our guest today has gone a few steps further…Dr. David Rabin – Dr. Dave as he’s better known – has dedicated much of his life’s work as a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and innovative health tech entrepreneur to studying the impacts of chronic stress and developing groundbreaking approaches to stress management, treatment-resistant illnesses, and our bodies’ inherent ability to heal itself. As co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Apollo Neuro, Dr. Dave led the way in creating the first scientifically-validated wearable technology that actively improves your health by strengthening your nervous system and resilience to stress over time. This revolutionary tech has been a game changer in my life, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so stoked to have Dr. Dave back on the podcast and to have partnered with his company, Apollo Neuro.Last time he was on the podcast, over 2 yea