Finding Mastery: Conversations With Michael Gervais

What if suffering wasn’t just something to endure but a tool to unlock your full potential? Today’s guest is Sean Waxman—a renowned strength and conditioning coach, former Olympic weightlifter, and author of the transformative book Suffer Smarter. He’s also been a close friend for nearly 30 years and someone I constantly enjoy learning from.Sean’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. I do not say those words lightly. He turned the heartbreak of missing the Olympics into a mission to help others discover their own inner strength—both physically and mentally.Sean’s insights are practical, raw, and deeply inspiring—a powerful reminder of the lessons waiting in life’s hardest moments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can transforming thoughts and beliefs lead to measurable changes in your health and wellbeing?I’m thrilled to share this week’s conversation with Dr Joe Dispenza. Dr Joe is a New York Times best-selling author, researcher, lecturer, and corporate consultant, known for his transformative teachings on the power of the mind to heal and shape reality. Since 2010, Dr Joe has partnered with renowned scientists and universities – including University of California San Diego, Harvard University, Stanford University, and others – to perform extensive research on the effects of meditation on the brain and body.Inspired by the latest findings in neuroscience, psychoneuroimmunology, epigenetics, and quantum physics, Dr Joe teaches people worldwide to rewire their brains, break free from limiting patterns, and unlock their potential – all of which (and more) is showcased in his most recent film, SOURCE - It's Within You.If you’re curious about how to harness the mind’s power to alter your experience and achieve great

What if the most important part of a young athlete’s experience is the car ride home? Today, I’m excited to share a special conversation I had with football legend Greg Olsen on his podcast, Youth Inc. For those who aren’t familiar, Greg is a football broadcaster for FOX Sports and 3x pro-bowler tight-end who played in the NFL for 14 seasons. Now – alongside his career as a broadcaster – Greg launched a media company called Youth, Inc., which has a flagship podcast by the same name that focuses on the changing world of youth sports. And in that space Greg is someone to pay attention to.This was a fantastic conversation all about fostering environments for kids to thrive – and I’m super excited to share it with you here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does an integrative approach to living “the good life” - one that blends mental, physical, and spiritual development — help to unlock new levels of human potential? That’s a big question. To help us answer it, I am honored to welcome one of my own mentors to the podcast for this week’s conversation – Dr. Cristina Versari.  Cristina is a pioneer in the world of sports psychology and the president of the San Diego University for Integrative Studies.  She is renowned for her work mentoring athletes, executives, and high performers using an innovative approach to performance and personal growth.In this conversation, we discuss how Cristina’s near-death experience shaped her perspective on growth and resilience, how she teaches her students using a “business-minded” approach, and so much more.  We are all navigating challenges – whether it’s anxiety, grief, financial challenges or simply the pressure to perform. Cristina offers a refreshing perspective that’s grounded in integrati

What does it take to cultivate a mindset that thrives on challenge and discomfort?... To have the courage to be radically honest with yourself to experience extraordinary growth?And how can having that courage lead to personal growth and winning multiple times on the world-stage?Today we’re joined by the legendary Kerri Walsh Jennings. Kerri is a five-time Olympian with three gold medals and one bronze medal – the most decorated beach volleyball player in history, known for her relentless pursuit of growth on and off the court. Kerri and I got to catch up in Paris during the Olympics – it was such a joy to reconnect, to learn from her, and to reminisce on some of the work we had done together years ago. There’s no one like her. Her fire, her care for others, her commitment to be her very best as a competitor, a wife, a mother, and a friend is all part of her recipe to becoming one of the all-time greats in her sport. Her unique mindset allows her to embrace challenges, redefine failure, and lea

What happens when athletes translate their competitive edge and discipline from sports into the business world?Today, we have an extraordinary guest—Jeff Byers. Jeff is a former NFL player turned entrepreneur, cofounder, and CEO of Momentous, a leading company in human performance nutrition. With a unique background in professional sports and business, Jeff is passionate about translating the discipline and resilience learned on the field into strategies for health, wellbeing, and high performance.I LOVE what Jeff is building at Momentous – it’s really special. Our values and visions around high performance and helping others reach their potential are so aligned that we’ve worked out an awesome partnership – and I’m really excited to support their mission. And – Jeff is an amazing human as well. If you’re interested in pushing your own boundaries, fueling yourself for optimal results, and learning from someone who has excelled both on the field and in the boardroom, then this conversation is for you

Today, we are stoked to share Volume 25 of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything.Joining us, as always, is our co-host O’Neil Cespedes, and today’s AMA is a little bit different – instead of having O’Neil read your questions, we had you call in to ask questions yourselves. We loved this format, it was great to hear some of your voices, and we dove into some really fun concepts like:Combating burnout at the end of the yearBuilding habits and the importance of morning routinesHow to build self-trust, calm, and confidenceIf there is utility in cultivating “alter-egos”How to maintain high performance while not being connected to resultsAnd so much more…Thank you to those who called in – we love digging into what matters most to you. Keep the questions coming, and we hope you enjoy this AMA as much as we did.To learn more about our partner MUD\WTR and receive an exclusive discount, head to: https://mudwtr.com/MASTERYSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priv

What if the pursuit of happiness is making us miserable?On the podcast today to help us answer that question is Dr. Arthur Brooks. Arthur is a Harvard professor, social scientist, and bestselling author known for his work on well-being, leadership, and human flourishing. His journey is anything but traditional—starting out as a professional musician before transitioning to academia, where he’s become a leading voice in the study of happiness… But as you’ll hear in this episode, the path of happiness might not be exactly what you think it is.Whether you’re a high performer seeking more fulfillment or simply looking to understand happiness from a deeper perspective, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for living fully.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we navigate all the changes that come with radical growth – the fortunes, the fame, social challenges…all while staying true to ourselves?Today’s guest is Deryck Whibley, lead singer and guitarist for the iconic punk rock band Sum 41. Over two decades, Sum 41 has sold over 15 million records, earned Grammy nominations, and won numerous awards, including a Juno for Group of the Year. Known for hits like "Fat Lip," "In Too Deep," and "Still Waiting," Deryck and his band have defined punk rock for a generation, and sold out arenas around the world. Beyond the stage, Deryck’s journey has been marked by psychological and emotional battles that includes both addiction the road to recovery—chronicled in his new book, Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell. This is a special conversation – we dive deep into how he uses his mind to create and how he is navigating the challenges of creating his next chapter. We also get an insider look at the untold stories behind Sum 41’s rise to stardom an

What makes rational people adopt irrational beliefs? And, what can we do to bridge the growing divide in society?Here to help us answer those questions is today’s guest, Dr. Dan Ariely. Dan is a renowned behavioral economist, Duke University professor, and author, known for his groundbreaking research on human decision-making, irrationality, and the psychology behind beliefs and behavior. I’ve admired Dan’s work for a long time – his insights into how stress, cognition, and social factors influence our beliefs have been groundbreaking. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books, including Predictably Irrational and his latest work, Misbelief – where he tackles how seemingly rational people come to believe in, and fiercely defend, things that just aren’t true.In today’s conversation, we dive deep into the psychology of belief and the importance of challenging our own assumptions. Dan shares the fascinating ways stress and cognitive biases can lead us down paths of misbelief, and how empathy and curios

Wondering how to create time for your life priorities when it’s not part of your employer’s culture? Then this is the AMA for you.Back once again is my co-host O’Neil Cespedes, and in today’s conversation, we get into topics like:How to design your own life based on *your* priorities Bridging the gap between who we were in our younger years and who we’re becoming.The hidden dangers in giving – and asking for – advice.How to fully experience the range of your emotions, from joy to sadness, without muting them.The difference between “getting good” and “feeling good” And so much more…And there’s a lot of fun stuff along the way – O’Neil uncovers a bit about my past, and I get a window on his obsession with anime.Thank you once again for challenging us with great questions -- keep them coming in!With Fire,MG, OC, and the FM Team-----WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.Connect with us on our Instagram.Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!For more information and shownotes

Today’s episode is a special one. It wasn’t recorded in our studio, but live from Balboa Theater in San Diego for a Live Talks LA event, where I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with one of the most influential thinkers of our time: Malcolm Gladwell.This conversation was so much fun – we explored his writing process, the lessons he learned from his father about effort and resilience, and big questions about the future—like the real impact of AI and the time it takes to fully understand emerging technologies. We also dive into Malcolm’s latest book, Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering. This was one of those wonderfully refreshing conversations – I think you’ll be really surprised by where Malcolm and I go. It’s full of emotion, insight, and energy. I can’t wait for you to learn from Malcolm’s insights and the way he shapes his words and stories. You’re in for a real treat.With Fire,The FM Team-----Check out more from Live Talks

What if your biggest risk in life is playing it safe? Today, I am stoked to welcome back to the podcast one of the most dynamic voices in the creative world, Chase Jarvis. Chase is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, and the founder of CreativeLive, a leading online learning platform that has supported millions of creators worldwide. As a thought leader in the creative industry, Chase is dedicated to helping people unlock their potential through creativity, risk-taking, and embracing discomfort for personal growth and fulfillment.He also just released his latest book, Never Play It Safe: A Practical Guide to Freedom, Creativity, and A Life You Love.In this conversation, we dive deep into Chase’s life design – revealing his key insights on how creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and harnessed for personal and professional success. We explore the importance of taking risks, challenging conventional thinking, and embracing vulnerability as part of the creative process.I always love wh

How did studying military dolphins lead to a breakthrough in human health?Our guest today, Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, is a scientist, entrepreneur, and veterinarian with a remarkable story – one that begins with dolphins and leads to groundbreaking discoveries about human health. Her research with Navy dolphins led to the discovery of C15, an essential fatty acid with the potential to revolutionize how we think about healthy aging and longevity.I’ve been fascinated by the role of fatty acids in the aging process for a long time... Today, we explore C15’s critical role in maintaining healthy cells, and how it may even help fight against diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.What I love about this conversation is how Stephanie brings the science to life – showing us how the simplest discoveries can have profound implications for our health and well-being.Our mission and values are so aligned that we partnered with her breakthrough C15 product, Fatty15. Stephanie and the team at Fatt

How can something as simple as your breath unlock greater resilience, enhance performance, and transform how you navigate high-stress moments?Our guest today is Brian Mackenzie, a human performance expert and pioneer in the field of breathwork, endurance, and stress adaptation. And he’s back for the second time on the podcast. As the founder of Shift Adapt, Brian's innovative training methods blend breathing protocols, movement, and mindset strategies to optimize health, performance, and resilience for athletes and everyday individuals alike. In this conversation, you’ll learn how mastering your breath can be one of the keys to unlocking your potential. But it’s not just about performance; Brian shares how breath control is a remote control for your nervous system, helping you manage high-stress situations and live with greater clarity and presence.If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of how to harness your breath for both high performance and everyday well-being, this conversation is pack

Ever wonder how top leaders shape organizational culture or how to turn criticism into fuel for success? You're in for a treat.Back once again is my friend and co-host, O’Neil Cespedes – these AMAs are some of our favorite episodes. Your questions are always insightful, and allow us to dig deeper into the core principles we discuss here every week.In today’s conversation, O’Neil and I explore:How to navigate the tension between staying grounded and pushing your limitsHow leaders define and grow an organization's cultureThe "forming, storming, norming, and performing" model in team buildingThe power of showing - not telling - when guiding young athletesTurning negative "noise" into positive actionHow to tell a loved one you need more spaceAnd so much more...Thank you once again for challenging us with great questions -- keep them coming in!With Fire,MG, OC, and the FM TeamSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re venturing deep into the wild with someone whose life’s work challenges us to reconnect with the essence of nature and, in doing so, rediscover our own humanity.Our guest today is Craig Foster—a renowned filmmaker, photographer, and naturalist whose immersive experiences in the wild have captivated millions. Craig is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking documentary My Octopus Teacher, which not only won an Academy Award but also sparked a global conversation about our relationship with the natural world. I watched this movie with my son – we were gripped, we shared tears together, and I immediately reached out wanting to meet him. In our conversation, we dive into Craig’s profound journey through The Great African Sea Forest, exploring the intricate balance between ‘the wild’ and ‘the tame’ in our lives. Craig shares his insights on the importance of embracing the wisdom of indigenous traditions, the detrimental effects of our modern, tech-heavy existence, and how shifting our mindset fr

Today, we’re diving deep with someone who redefines what it means to excel — the legend, Gabby Reece. Gabby was Nike’s first female spokesperson, she’s a successful entrepreneur with her husband Laird Hamilton, a best-selling author, and a former supermodel named one of the "Five Most Beautiful Women in the World" by Elle Magazine. As if that wasn’t enough, she also played professional beach volleyball for five seasons – two of which she was named the tour’s Top Offensive Player.Gabby has created a life she loves – and she’s here to share the principles that have guided her extraordinary adventure.From overcoming a challenging childhood to becoming a household name, Gabby talks about turning fear into fuel, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the power of gratitude. She’s not just about success on the court or in the boardroom—she’s about thriving in every aspect of life.So, whether you’re looking to conquer your own challenges or just curious about the mindset of a true champion, I’m confident you

Kids who grow up playing American football dream of doing a few things: winning the Heisman Trophy; being a top NFL draft pick; winning a Super Bowl, and… in their wildest dreams… perhaps even winning a Super Bowl MVP.Our guest today is one of the rare few who made all of those dreams a reality – Desmond Howard. Desmond’s career is a highlight reel of jaw-dropping plays at the University of Michigan and in the NFL—a journey that’s left an indelible mark on the sport. And now, he is a prolific broadcaster for ESPN College GameDay – making him not just an athlete but a true icon in the world of sports. What's equally remarkable, if not more so, are the strategies that have fueled his success. Desmond’s approach to life—marked by meditation, a positive mindset, deep humility, and a commitment to continuous growth—offers powerful lessons for all of us.And I want to give a quick shout out to our partners at Mack Weldon for introducing us to Desmond – great brands attract great people, and this is certain

There's an age-old question: Are humans fundamentally good or evil? Are we hardwired towards greed and cynicism... or towards compassion and goodness?Our guest today, Dr. Jamil Zaki, is a leading psychologist and empathy researcher who has dedicated his career to exploring this question. He believes that humans are fundamentally good – and he has the science to back it up.Jamil is at the forefront of research at Stanford's Social Neuroscience Lab, where he's exploring how we understand emotions, conform to social norms, and choose to do good.Cynicism is on the rise in the United States, and Jamil refers to this rising tide as a disease. But the good news? There is hope for a cure.His latest book, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, lays out a practical roadmap to transform cynicism into hopeful skepticism—an approach that could make our world a better place.In this conversation, we dive deep into actionable strategies to build trust and empathy, like "social savoring" and "positive goss