Finding Mastery: Conversations With Michael Gervais

Imagine this... you're a NASA Astronaut. You're on a spacewalk, floating in the vastness of outer space, and suddenly... you go blind.What do you do?You might recognize today’s guest, Chris Hadfield, from his viral video on the International Space Station, where he performed David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' – a performance that garnered over 35 million views worldwide.But Chris is so much more than a musical talent in orbit. He's not only a retired NASA astronaut but also a skilled engineer, a former combat pilot, and a New York Times bestselling author of both fiction and non-fiction works.One of his standout books, 'An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth,' is a must-read for every high performer. In it, he shares an unconventional philosophy: 'Prepare for the worst—and enjoy every moment of it.'  It's a mindset I find incredibly powerful, and I think you will, too.In our conversation, we dive into Chris’s rich experiences, including a harrowing story where he was struck blind while clinging to an orbiting s

In a world increasingly obsessed with self-image and social validation, how do we truly understand the role of self-esteem in our lives? Is it merely a reflection of our ego? What purpose does it serve?These questions form the core of our conversation with Dr. Mark Leary, a former professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, who retired after 39 years of teaching, publishing 14 books and 250+ scholarly articles and chapters on topics such as social motivation, emotion, and self-relevant thought.Mark is also a disruptor – and that’s not usually a word we associate with professors of psychology and neuroscience. But in this case it’s appropriate because Mark’s sociometer theory didn't just make waves; it created a whole new ocean in the field of psychology. This was a groundbreaking idea that redefined self-esteem. It's a perspective that turned heads and opened minds in a way that challenged academics and practitioners alike.In this episode, we peel back the layers on how to reshape your self-e

Today’s podcast is a really special one, as we have on CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year, Dr. Kwane Stewart, a.k.a. “The Street Vet.” Kwane is a veterinarian who provides free veterinary care for the animals society often forgets—the pets of people living without homes.In this heartfelt conversation, Kwane demonstrates the courage it takes to explore the messy edges of emotion, and he opens up about how honoring his feelings propelled him to take life-changing actions. Kwane’s story isn’t just about animal care; it's a profound narrative on finding purpose, losing sight of it, then finding it again… on a sidewalk outside a Seven-Eleven.His current endeavor, as co-founder of Project Street Vet, is capturing hearts and minds around the world. This initiative provides free veterinary care to pets of the unhoused. In essence, he’s creating a movement of care and compassion. In this episode, Kwane walks us through his transformative journey, sharing moving stories of hope, sacrifice, and the human-animal bond. Our

Today, we’re super excited to share the 14th installment of our Ask Me Anything 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.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.By now, our incredible co-host needs no introduction – we’re back with O’Neil Cespedes – and just a quick note of gratitude here… This show does not happen without you and your incredible questions. This is the last AMA of 2023, and O'neil and I are grateful for you challenging us with hard questions. It’s so energizing and inspiring to know our community is full of people that are pointing to a high quality inner-life, and are committed to getting better, and helping others do the same. I feel the fire in your belly. Keep creating a rising tide.  Today, we dive int

“Be bold, dream big. Take the risk. Figure out what it takes to accomplish your goals, and then you will win. Or if you don't, at least you'll get damn near close… We all need to take risks to keep growing and to keep learning.”Imagine the possibilities if you were to take radical and relentless action towards your biggest (maybe even intimidating) dreams – defying fear and uncertainty. Today’s guest, the remarkable Liz Elting, doesn’t need to imagine. She’s living it. Her story is a true testament to what can happen when vision and action align. Now recognized as one of Forbes’ Richest Self-Made Women, Liz’s dreams had humble beginnings in her NYU dorm room in 1992 when she co-founded TransPerfect – from scratch.TransPerfect has since grown into the world’s largest language and business solutions provider, with over $1.1 billion in revenue and operations in more than 100 cities worldwide.Her new book, ‘Dream Big and Win’ is a must-read for anyone who is pioneering their own path to purpose-led

Where are wearables leading us? In the dynamic, fast-paced world of health technology, what does the future hold? What possibilities can we unlock? How can we leverage the power of wearables to transcend mere physical tracking and genuinely enhance our psychological well-being?These questions form the perfect springboard for our conversation with Dr. Kapil Parakh, a renowned cardiologist and the Senior Medical Lead at Google. Kapil is more than a doctor, he’s a leader in the wearable movement with keen insight into current trends and future directions.Raised in Zambia and educated at Johns Hopkins, Kapil's diverse background infuses Silicon Valley innovations with the deep empathy of human-centered medicine. His trailblazing work is redefining healthcare and guiding us toward a healthier, more informed future.Kapil's forward-thinking approach spans multiple domains, and his impressive body of work includes the book, Searching for Health: The Smart Way to Find Health Information Online and Put It to Use. It’s

What can we learn about success from the phenomenal growth of digital technology and the extraordinary achievements of Silicon Valley teams?And almost more importantly, what can we learn from the shell-shocking failures of some other seemingly great businesses?Today’s guest has been researching the digital transformation of businesses for three decades, and he’s landed on some fascinating— and extremely practical— conclusions.In this episode, I’m thrilled to have Andrew McAfee join us for a deep dive into cultures of innovation— environments where risks are not just taken but embraced, where failures are seen as pivotal learning opportunities, and where the status quo is openly challenged.Andrew is not only a principal research scientist at MIT but also a visionary thinker and a best-selling author. His latest work, 'The Geek Way,' is providing a framework to help teams work well in our rapidly changing business landscape – where success means more than profits and market share.Andrew has identified four pill

To date, the Finding Mastery Podcast has been running for 8 years and for over 400 episodes. In that time, we’ve gained extraordinary insights and timeless wisdom from some of the top thinkers and doers in the world.While we have come to realize that there is no singular “golden thread” to how the best in the world operate – we’ve noticed some common themes, skills, and insights that many of these people have utilized on their path to mastery. And that’s why we’re so thrilled to bring you the all new Best Of Finding Mastery series. In each episode, we’ll take a deep dive into a specific skill or topic – pulling together the best insights and gems from years of interviews with the best in the world. These are tools and insights that have stood the test of time. For this inaugural episode, we’re highlighting conversations with a remarkable group of leaders who’ve made a game-changing impact leading high performing teams in the worlds of sports, branding, technology, retail, business and the military.

What would you do in the face of a very public and shocking defeat? Would you crumble, or would you use it to grow and learn? Today’s guest chose growth, transforming one of the most heart-wrenching moments in NFL history into a profound learning experience.In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce a friend and former colleague from my time with the Seattle Seahawks — the exceptional Tom Cable.Tom’s coaching journey includes three years as an NFL Head Coach and seven years as an Assistant Head Coach, including two Super Bowl appearances with the Seattle Seahawks – one where the Seahawks won in 2014 (against the Denver Broncos), and one where they lost in dramatic fashion in 2015 (against the New England Patriots). We cover that loss – and the ramifications of it – in depth in this conversation.With over 35 years of coaching experience, Tom has left an indelible mark on both collegiate and NFL levels. His expertise is with the Offensive Line, but his influence goes way beyond X's and O's; he's a teacher,

Welcome to the 13th installment of our Ask Me Anything series, where your questions take center stage and our answers offer you guidance on the road to mastery.The goal behind our monthly AMA series is to dive deep into the questions that challenge and inspire you on your path to becoming your best.We’re stoked about all the excellent questions we received for this 13th AMA. Our co-host, O’Neil Cespedes, is back again to make sure we keep it real as we navigate the rich landscape of your questions.In this episode, we dive deep into:Best practices for managing unproductive thoughtWhy it’s important to square up with pain and sufferingThe connection between quality sleep and being your bestHow to push away recurring negative thoughtsHow to develop your “It Factor” (no, it’s not genetic!)How disordered thinking takes shape from microtraumasWhy people-pleasing masks your fear of other people’s opinions, or FOPO*And so much more… Enjoy! With fire,MG* The book, The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About Wh

"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