Finding Mastery: Conversations With Michael Gervais

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

When was the last time you felt completely free? Not just “happy”.. but you felt a profound sense of clarity and calm from within?Dr. Emma Seppälä has spent over a decade proving that this state of inner freedom – which she refers to as “sovereignty” – is not only achievable but essential for our wellbeing.Emma is a psychologist, best-selling author, and leading researcher in the science of happiness and social connection. As the director of the Women's Leadership Program at the Yale School of Management, she's guided thousands of individuals towards greater emotional intelligence and resilience. In this episode, we dive deep into Emma's groundbreaking research from her new book, "Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power." She reveals how cultivating moments of clarity and calm can unlock a powerful state of being that goes beyond happiness.Get ready for an enlightening discussion that challenges our approach to wellbeing. Whether you're aiming to enhance your work, relationships, or personal g

A few months back, we recorded our first ever AMA in front of a live audience in New York City. The energy in the room was incredible, and it brought a whole new level of depth and spontaneity to the conversation. Your favorite co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, and I dove headfirst into the questions that matter most to you. And this time, it wasn’t just us talking—our audience had a chance to steer the conversation in real time.We dug into some fascinating topics, including:The delicate balance between striving for success and maintaining mental healthHow to rewire your brain to change habitsThe difference between high performance and masteryNavigating the pitfalls of the ‘Self-Help Industrial Complex’Revolutions in the workplace that are shaping the future of success.And much, much more!These AMAs are always a highlight for us, and this live session took it to another level. The questions were sharp, the dialogue was rich, and the energy was palpable. I think you’re going to love this one as much as we did.Rec

Why do some memories seem to stick with us forever while others just… fade away?The ideal person to help us wrestle with this question is Dr. Charan Ranganath, a renowned memory researcher with a unique approach to improving our memories. Instead of working to remember more, he suggests we should work to remember better.Charan has spent more than 25 years as a professor of psychology and neuroscience, unraveling the complexities of memory. He’s a pioneer in understanding how our brains allow us to remember past events and use those memories to shape our present and future.Charan’s latest book, "Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters," is an exploration of memory's influence on our daily experiences and its potential as a tool for personal transformation.In this conversation, we dive deep into how memory can be used as an accelerant for personal growth and learn how it can help us heal from trauma. We discuss practical strategies for improving memory and the performance benefits i

"Love is not a feeling, it's an ability." - Sharon SalzbergCan we really change the world by changing how we relate to our own thoughts? Our guest this week, Sharon Salzberg, has spent five decades proving we can.Sharon is a pioneer in meditation and New York Times bestselling author who brought mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation into the mainstream in America nearly 50 years ago.Sharon’s work has guided millions toward deeper self-compassion and interconnectedness. She co-founded the Insight Meditation Society and has authored thirteen influential books, including her latest, Real Life.In this episode, we explore how mindfulness and loving-kindness can help us navigate our divided world and create more meaningful connections.Sharon explains how working from love, rather than anger, can drive positive change. And it all stems from the concept that love isn’t just a feeling, but an ability… and beyond that, a responsibility.Taking a deep dive into the practical applications of mindfulness, and acting o

All good things must come to an end…In our closing episode of The Game Inside The Games, gold medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais reflect on the most inspiring moments of the series and The Games in Paris. They discuss pivotal stories from Paris – from Simone Biles and Suni Lee’s comeback to Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç’s casual precision, Noah Lyles’ photo finish, Katie Ledecky’s dominance, and how Stephen Nedoroscik captured the world’s attention – emphasizing the human side of their journeys and the mental skills required to succeed. The episode encapsulates the spirit of The Games, highlighting the importance of mental strength, authenticity, and the universal lessons that extend beyond the world of sports.Our hope with this series is that you're able to find one thing – one practice or insight from these conversations – that you can incorporate into your own life to get just a little bit better… and to be more at home with yourself in any environment.&nbs

It’s moments before the biggest competition of your life… you’re rattled by something your coach just said… you have one minute alone to yourself before go time. You look in the mirror… What do you say to yourself to get in the zone – to ground yourself – before the race begins?On Day 13 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with Summer Sanders, a two-time gold medalist and renowned television commentator. They delve into the evolution of the Olympic experience from Summer's 1992 games to the present, exploring the impact of social media, technology, and mental health awareness on athletes today. Summer reflects on the pivotal moments that defined her career, including the three powerful questions she asked herself in the mirror before her gold medal race. They also dig into what makes a great coach, the crucial role of parenting in shaping an athlete’s journey, and what Summer believes is the real “game inside The Games” for Olympians today. Having been t

Rowing is a sport that brings the mind into play like no other. When they are maxing out their physical capacity, completely mentally drained, and have little left in the tank – how do they summon the internal resources to push through?On Day 12 of The Game Inside the Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with rowing legends – and brothers – Martin and Valent Sinkovic, who recently won their third gold medal here in Paris.  The Sinkovic brothers discuss their thrilling gold medal race, detailing the mental and physical challenges they faced, particularly when they were behind and had to summon the strength for an incredible comeback late in the race.They break down their perspective on pain, perseverance, trust, internal motivation, and managing pre-race emotions. And most importantly, they share their powerful perspective on life – that high performance and joy can co-exist, and that sometimes we all need to experience a little pain… a little discomfort… to live a more fulfilli

You work your whole life towards one goal… and you come up short by a fraction of a second. How do you bounce back from that? How do you move forward?On Day 11 of The Game Inside The Games, gold medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais explore the psychological and emotional complexities that athletes face when they fall just short of a gold medal or podium. They discuss the flood of emotions that can overwhelm an athlete in pivotal moments, the importance of processing those emotions, and how to use past experiences to fuel future success. With personal stories and expert insights, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what an athlete experiences when they come up just short – and how they can turn the agony of "almost" into a driving force for excellence.With Fire,The FM TeamThis episode is brought to you by KPMG and Microsoft. KPMG is unlocking the value of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Learn more at https://kpmg.com/microsoftcopilot-----WATCH this epis

In the high-pressure world of elite sport, the unwavering support of loved ones can be both a powerful boost and a perilous distraction.In this episode of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais explore the significant impact that family and friends can have on an athlete’s performance at The Games. They discuss how the presence of loved ones, while a vital source of encouragement, can also become a significant distraction that impacts focus and performance.For athletes, The Games represent the pinnacle of their careers—a moment that requires complete mental and emotional focus. However, for family and friends, they are often seen as a celebration, which can unintentionally pull the athlete's attention away from their performance. Nastia shares her unique perspective as a gold medalist, including how her father, who was also her coach, helped her navigate these distractions.They also address modern challenges, such as the impact of social media, which has introduced new distracti

Rejection, resilience, and unexpected glory: a tale that proves it's never too late to rewrite your story.On Day 9 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with Alev Kelter, a remarkable athlete who not only just won the first medal in USA Women’s Rugby history, but has represented the U.S. in three different sports.Alev shares her journey from facing the heartbreak of being cut from the U.S. Ice Hockey team to discovering a new passion in rugby, competing in three consecutive Olympic games, and ultimately winning The United States’ first ever women’s rugby medal, in one of the most electric finishes in Paris so far.In this conversation, you’ll hear a behind-the-scenes perspective on pivotal moments, the power of a culture built by its players, and a play-by-play the stunning finish in the weening seconds of the bronze medal match. Alev is a treasure trove of insights – she beautifully highlights the resilience required to overcome setbacks, the courage to pursue new o

“It took me 16 years to heal from being an Olympian.” That is a remarkable statement. On day 8 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with former Olympian swimmer Katie Hoff to explore the pivotal moments of her Olympian experience.Katie reflects on her journey from a young prodigy to a two-time Olympian, discussing the psychological challenges she faced, including the intense pressure to succeed and the impact of bullying. Katie shares her experiences of overcoming these obstacles, the importance of investing in your mental health, and the process of healing and finding self-worth beyond medals. This candid conversation offers a deep insight into the authentic lived experiences and the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of life as an Olympian.With Fire,The Finding Mastery TeamThis episode is brought to you by IBM and Microsoft. IBM is unlocking business transformation with Copilot for Microsoft 365.-----WATCH this episode on our Y