Finding Mastery: Conversations With Michael Gervais

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 intelligence looks like in action: how it shows up in leadership under pressure, how it impacts the quality of your relationships, and what happens when it’s missing. You’ll learn:Why EQ often outperforms IQ and technical skills as a predictor of successHow to recognize blind spots that undermine relationships and performanceWhat leaders with high EQ do differently when stakes are highStrategies for cultivating self-awareness and self-regulationWhy EQ is central to living a “great life”Tune in to hear Dr. Bradberry share practic

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 friendships not only enrich our lives but help us survive? And how can we reorient toward what’s real, irreplaceable, and deeply fulfilling?In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why friendship isn’t just “nice to have,” but essential for health, happiness, and survival.The hidden costs of measuring everything, and how it can pull us away from our humanity.How to think about AI not as dystopia, but as a reflection of what makes us uniquely human.The practices Simon uses to deepen belonging and strengthen relationships.How to

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 experience, why play is essential (not optional), and how to design your days for the states that matter most. He also shares the thinking behind Coyote, his new card game built to spark laughter, sync groups, and unlock connection, not just competition.What you’ll learn in this episode:How a single word reframed can shift your nervous system and your dayPractical ways Tim cultivates calm, focus, and presenceWhy play is essential to performance, creativity, and connectionDesigning for “states” vs. chasing outcomesThe inte

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, and later adopted in the U.S, Oksana’s journey is a masterclass in grit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of agency. Her story is not only about becoming a world-class athlete - it’s also about reclaiming her narrative, finding freedom through adversity, and turning deep pain into fuel for thriving.What you’ll learn in this episode:How Oksana transformed unimaginable hardship into strength and purposeWhy reclaiming agency - even in the smallest ways - can change the trajectory of a lifeThe role joy and play can have

How do you know when you have “enough” money—and what does that mean for how you live?In this episode of Finding Mastery, we sit down with Brian Werdesheim, expert financial advisor and founding member of the Summa Group at Stifel Financial Corporation, to explore the deeply personal and emotional relationship we have with money. Brian goes beyond numbers and spreadsheets, asking the questions that matter: What are your dreams? Your values? Your full life story? This conversation will challenge you to rethink your approach to wealth—not just as a goal, but as a means to a meaningful life.Together, we reveal why saving alone isn’t enough and unpack the mindset wealthy people use to grow money with purpose. This conversation invites you to define what “enough” truly means—beyond finances—and build a healthier relationship with money that serves your whole life.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why understanding your values is critical before making financial decisionsHow wealthy people leverage a mindset

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 life rooted in meaning rather than momentum.In this conversation, Sahil shares the mental frameworks, emotional reckoning, and actionable systems he’s used to redesign his life. Together, Sahil and Dr. Mike unpack the hidden cost of conventional success, the power of mortality to clarify purpose, and how to build a life worth living.You’ll learn:Why “success” can become a trap—and how to redefine it for yourselfThe simple framework Sahil uses to make high-quality life decisionsHow to overcome fear when walking away from s

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, relationships, and even within ourselves.In this conversation, we explore:The 4 major types of narcissism and how gender influences their expressionWhy high achievers may unknowingly enable narcissistic tendenciesHow to recognize gaslighting, and why we often miss itHer 5-step framework for managing narcissistic relationshipsThe cost of constantly accommodating others at the expense of your own wellbeingThis conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating tough personalities, leadership challenges, or recovering from

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 growing up—from early trauma and feeling like an outsider to finding belonging in rhythm and movement. He shares the surprising moment that forced him to stop dancing—and what he found in the stillness that followed.This episode explores:Why comfort, not control, was the key to Derek’s healingHow early trauma shaped his drive for perfection—and how he redefined successWhat it takes to lead others through fear and unlock performance through empathyThe shift from external validation to internal alignmentThe daily practices tha

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 of reactivity, and how real love is shaped through compassion, kindness, and growth.In this powerful conversation, Yung Pueblo reveals:The 3 things you need to know to love betterHow emotional maturity is built through repetition and presenceWhy meditation changed his life — and how it can support yoursWhat “letting go” really meansHow to build relationships rooted in healing, not painThis one’s for anyone on the path of self-discovery, deeper love, or emotional transformation.Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for mo

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 us.In this conversation, we explore:How suffering and early identity struggles shaped Soren’s lifeWhy achievement alone isn’t enough for true fulfillmentHow to stop performing and start beingWhy cultivating inner power is essential in the age of AIIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by technology or stuck chasing external success, this episode offers a grounded path forward — toward presence, purpose, and authentic living. Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at t

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 life: workplace politics, purpose discovery, and parenting with intention.Drawing from years of experience with elite performers and leaders, we explore practical strategies for maintaining integrity in competitive environments while building the inner foundation that sustains long-term success and fulfillment.Key insights we explored:When workplace politics get messy - How to protect your team's expertise while staying true to your valuesPurpose doesn't need to be grand - Why "being a great parent" is just as meaningful

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 seen it yet). But in this episode, we go far beyond climbing.We explore:How Alex manages fear, consequence, and risk with rare mental clarityWhat it takes to perform under pressure — and when to walk awayHow fatherhood and loss reshaped his relationship with ambition and dangerThe underrated power of optimism and framing hard moments as growthThis isn’t just a conversation about climbing. It’s about the psychology behind pushing your limits, the skill of regulating your mind under stress, and how to chase a bold, purpos

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 clarity, grit, and heart — redefining what leadership and reinvention really look like.In this conversation, Julie shares:How to lead through failure and chaos without losing yourselfWhy reinvention starts with self-honesty, not confidenceThe mindset that helped her scale The RealReal from her kitchen tableHow to use setbacks as fuel — in business, relationships, or lifeThe inner dialogue and frameworks that kept her grounded and growingIf you’re navigating a challenge, career pivot, or new season of life — this episode

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 ever. In a world filled with chaos, distraction, and performance pressure, George reminds us that our greatest growth comes not from pushing harder — but from turning inward.In this conversation, George shares:How dark moments can become doorways to deep transformationWhy vulnerability and mindfulness are powerful tools for performanceHow to embrace the masterpiece withinWhat he learned from working directly with Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and MJWhy real strength starts with self-awareness and serviceWhether you're a coach,

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 transformation — including their recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines — while doubling down on the values that got them here: be remarkable, be kind-hearted, deliver performance, own safety, and do the right thing.Ben leads with unwavering values, deep relational intelligence, and a sharp sensitivity to culture. As you listen to this episode, I’d invite you to reflect, how do you hold space for truth and vulnerability? What’s your relationship with accountability, especially when the stakes are high? And where

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 Potential dives deep into what it means to move through suffering with both self-awareness and strength.In this conversation, we talk about the difference between victimization and a victim mindset, how subtle thought patterns like hostile attribution bias or over-personalization can limit growth, and why a mindset rooted in empowerment is the key to self-actualization.As you listen, reflect on your own internal narratives…. Maybe even the core triggers for when you tend to blame, deflect, or shrink back when

What if one of the most powerful business minds of our time wasn’t a CEO or a founder—and instead, a singer-songwriter who’s been redefining her brand strategy since age 13?Today, we’re diving into the business brilliance of Taylor Swift — and to help us do it, I’m joined by Kevin Evers, Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review and author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift.I got to know Kevin because he was the editor of my most recent book, The First Rule of Mastery. He was fantastic and I fell in love with the way he thought and his deep knowledge and reference points of business. Kevin has spent years studying how great leaders express their ideas, and when he told me he was writing a book about Taylor Swift, I knew we had to have him on to discuss what she’s built. This conversation is not about her songwriting or her latest mega-tour; it’s about how she built a billion-dollar brand using clarity, intense connection, and creative risk-taking. It’s about strategy,

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 back in our old Mastery Lab studio—but in a time when burnout, physical stagnation, and chronic stress are on the rise, it feels even more relevant now. Kelly’s work bridges the gap between elite performance and everyday movement, helping us all move, feel, and live better.As you listen, notice how Kelly reframes recovery and mobility as essential daily habits, not extras—and think about the “session costs” in your own life. Are your small behaviors helping you feel ready for the demands of your day… or adding to the str

What does it take to thrive in today’s high-pressure, constantly shifting world?We’re back with a special Finding Mastery Ask Me Anything with Dr. Michael Gervais! In this AMA, we're thrilled to welcome our good friend, Yogi Roth, for a powerful conversation on navigating life's most challenging moments. Drawing from our extensive experience with elite performers, educators, and healthcare professionals, we dig deep into questions that resonate with all of us trying to thrive in today's complex world.Through thoughtful questions from our community, we explore the delicate balance between performance and self-worth, recovery strategies for busy professionals, and how to maintain purpose when facing uncertainty.We dig into some fascinating topics, including:The "tail wagging the dog" trap - Never let your performance dictate your self-worthRecovery isn't optional - Elite performers prioritize recovery with trainingMastering the spaces between moments - Find presence in small pauses throughout your dayWhy every

How do you lead with conviction—without losing your center?Tenzin Seldon is a global climate advocate, human rights leader, and one of the first Tibetan-Americans to rise through the ranks of elite institutions like Stanford and Oxford. But her story isn’t about prestige—it’s about purpose.Born to Tibetan refugee parents, Tenzin’s life has been shaped by activism, faith, and a deep connection to community. In this conversation, she shares what it means to be “the first,” how ritual and compassion help her stay grounded, and why indigenous wisdom is essential to solving the climate crisis.We explore the inner practices that support outer impact, and the tension between ambition and integrity. Tenzin offers a refreshing perspective—one that moves beyond fear and toward meaningful action.Originally recorded last fall, this episode feels more urgent than ever. As you listen, reflect on what it takes to stay rooted when the world feels uncertain—and how you show up when your values are tested.__________________Lea