Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

How do the best in the world channel the intensity of their emotions—like frustration, anxiety, and love—into creative power that impacts the world?Serj Tankian is a Grammy-winning artist, activist, and frontman of the iconic rock band System of a Down. Known for his dynamic vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, Serj blends creativity, activism, and mindfulness into his music, poetry and art – all with the goal to inspire change, advocate for justice, and explore the depths of human emotion.  In this conversation, we explore how Serj transforms emotional tension into creativity and clarity. We dive into his early days growing up as a first-generation Armenian American, the profound influence of his family’s history, and his journey to finding equilibrium between justice and forgiveness.For anyone looking to better manage emotions, lean into creativity, or make sense of life’s contradictions, this conversation is packed with wisdom. We can’t wait to share it with you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean to develop mastery of self and mastery of craft? That’s a foundational question.Today, I’m really excited to welcome back to the podcast, one of the great minds of our time—Robert Greene. You probably know Robert as the author of some of the most influential books on human behavior—The 48 Laws of Power, Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature. Today, we go beyond the pages to dive deep into his unique approach to understanding self-discovery, mastery, and love. We also dig into how he’s navigating his recovery from a major stroke in 2018. It is so inspiring. Robert’s wisdom is practical, sharp, and transformative. In this conversation, he unpacks some of the most important lessons from his life and his work—lessons that can help all of us better navigate the messy, exhilarating, and winding adventure to becoming our best selves.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this fast-evolving business landscape, how do leaders turn setbacks into opportunities for growth?Today, I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Deb Cupp—the President of Microsoft Americas. Deb embodies the best of leadership – and I don’t say that lightly.I’ve had an up-close view of how she works – she comes alive at the intersection of staying customer-centric while being able to scale teams within highly complex business landscapes. Deb is fun, amazing to be around, brings the best out of her teams, and brings the best out of me as well. She’s earned her resilience… it’s no wonder why her teams perform in a world class way. If you're curious about building a career that's both purpose-driven and high-performing—or how to lead with resilience and empathy—this conversation is packed with actionable insights and wisdom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do a UFC fighter, Olympic skier, and extreme climber manage high pressure moments? This is an episode unlike any we’ve done before.Last summer you may remember that a few members of the Finding Mastery Team, along with Olympian and X-Games Champion Kaya Turski, UFC Champion Vitor Belfort, and famed climber Tommy Caldwell, went aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, while she was on deployment in the Western Pacific.  We were there to work with the crew on mindset and high performance. Now these men and women understand high stakes environments. They know what it takes to live on their edge and push the boundaries of what’s possible. They do it everyday, and it was so inspiring. While we were on board, we recorded a podcast with the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Daryl Cardone and the Commander of the Air Group - Captain Patrick Corrigan. It’s a great episode. If you haven’t listened to it or watched it, I really recommend you go check that out HERE. Now… before we went onboard, we were stuck at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, waiting out a typhoon that was wreaking a little havoc in the western Pacific. The weather was terrible, and we were all waiting in the hanger for the storm to blow through. We had a high performance psychologist, an MMA fighter, a climber, and a world class Olympic skier… it’s like the start of a bad joke, yet there we were. So, we decided to make the most of our time. We sat down on cases and whatever we could find in the hanger and had a conversation. A kind of roundtable... It was a wide-ranging discussion that delved into adversity, resilience, and high-performance mindset. Each of them has faced extreme challenges, from high-altitude survival to fight-night pressure to life-threatening injuries. And in this conversation, we break down the mental frameworks and strategies that helped them do more than survive; they emerged stronger and more invigorated than ever.If you’ve ever wondered how elite performers navigate fear, setbacks, and the unknown, this is a conversation you will want to take the time to listen to. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Super Bowl can mark the pinnacle of a team’s journey—but when the final whistle blows, another game begins: the game of transition.For NFL players, the end of a season isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s about identity, loss, and what comes next. Some teams prepare for this reality. Others ignore it, only to face the reality later.In this episode of The Game Inside The Games, Dr. Mike and NFL legend Brandon Marshall pull back the curtain on the psychological weight of the season’s end—and how elite teams, like Pete Carroll’s Seahawks, used emotional intelligence, team culture, and mental preparation to thrive under pressure.Brandon opens up about the hidden struggles of post-career transitions, the mistakes most players make, and how studying at Harvard changed his approach to life after football. Plus, Michael shares never-before-heard stories from the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run—including why a locker room fight days before the game wasn’t a crisis, but a sign that the team was right where they needed to be.Because whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or anyone navigating major life shifts—transitions define us.🔥 Don’t miss this masterclass on resilience, leadership, and the psychology of high performance.🎧 Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.…This episode is brought to you by…Microsoft CopilotTry Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Get the playbook for ‘The End of Teams’ → https://www.findingmastery.com./thegame/ scroll to the bottom of this page, and enter your email.Mack WeldonGet 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsaniSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For two weeks, players are surrounded by relentless media, soaring expectations, and the weight of a lifetime of preparation. Some rise under the pressure. Others crumble.In this episode of The Game Inside the Games, Dr. Michael Gervais and Brandon Marshall unpack what makes the Super Bowl build-up so uniquely intense—and how the best athletes train their minds to handle the noise. From managing anxiety to creating a mental bubble, they reveal what it takes to stay locked in when the whole world is watching.Brandon shares his own experiences from the NFL, opening up about mental health, confidence, and the hidden psychological battles of high-performance sports. Because at the highest level, winning isn’t just about talent—it’s about mastering the mind.Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or just someone looking to perform at your best under pressure, this episode is packed with powerful insights on mental resilience, confidence, and the mindset needed to thrive when everything is on the line.Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.…This episode is brought to you by…Microsoft CopilotTry Copilot for yourself →  https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack WeldonGet 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Super Bowl isn’t always won by the best team—it’s won by the team that adapts when everything falls apart.In this episode of The Game Inside the Games, Dr. Michael Gervais and Greg Olsen break down the hidden battle of the Super Bowl—the fight to stay mentally agile when the game doesn’t go as planned. Greg shares firsthand insights from Super Bowl 50, where he faced Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, revealing what happens when strategy collides with chaos.Later, Pittsburgh Steelers legend Cam Heyward joins the conversation to talk about how elite athletes handle pressure, quiet the noise, and mentally adjust when the stakes are at their highest.Because in the Super Bowl—and in life—it’s not about having the perfect plan. It’s about knowing what to do when the plan is gone.Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.…This episode is brought to you by…Microsoft CopilotTry Copilot for yourself →  https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack WeldonGet 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the players on the field, the Super Bowl is the ultimate test of skill and composure. But just above them, in the broadcast booth, another high-stakes performance is unfolding—one with no second chances, no instant replay, and no room for error.In this episode of The Game Inside the Games, Dr. Michael Gervais sits down with Greg Olsen, former NFL star turned Emmy-winning broadcaster, to unpack the relentless preparation, mental discipline, and pressure that comes with calling the biggest game in sports.Greg shares why broadcasting the Super Bowl was more nerve-wracking than playing in one, the mental traps sportscasters must avoid, and the game-day routines that helped him deliver when millions were watching. He opens up about self-doubt, trusting his instincts in the booth, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to rise to the top of the broadcasting world.This episode is a masterclass in handling pressure, preparation, and performing at your best—whether you’re on the field, in the booth, or in any high-stakes moment of life.Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.…This episode is brought to you by…Microsoft CopilotTry Copilot for yourself →  https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack WeldonGet 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Super Bowl is more than just a game—it’s a test of mindset, resilience, and the ability to perform under the brightest lights. In this special Game Inside the Games series, Dr. Mike is joined by NFL legends Greg Olsen and Brandon Marshall to explore the unseen psychological battles that define champions. Kicking off the series, Mike breaks down one of the most pivotal moments in Super Bowl history—Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception—and reveals how mental preparation, not luck, made it happen.Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.…This episode is brought to you by…Microsoft CopilotTry Copilot for yourself →  https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack WeldonGet 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it take to foster confidence, independence, and resilience in the next generation? Missy Testerman is 2024’s National Teacher of the Year. Her insights, honed over three decades of teaching elementary schoolers in rural Tennessee, have impacted not just classrooms but the entire educational landscape.Missy has a unique gift for transforming challenges into opportunities—both for her students and herself.  In this conversation, we explore her journey as a first-generation college graduate, her path to becoming a nationally recognized educator, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, resilience, and the art of teaching.Missy’s insights go far beyond the classroom – we discuss the importance of building authentic relationships, the role of “productive struggle” in learning, and why love alone isn’t enough to help someone reach their potential.As you’re listening, you will quickly discover what a Teacher of the Year can teach us about raising our children, influencing & understanding others, and creating an ideal environment for learning.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the way you think about failure has been holding you back? What if reframing failure could be a major breakthrough to unlocking your potential?Today’s guest is Dr. Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor and one of the world’s foremost authorities on leadership, psychological safety, and the transformative power of failure. Her research has redefined how teams thrive, how innovation happens, and how individuals can unlock their full potential.In this episode, we dive into Amy’s framework for failure—how understanding the difference between basic, complex, and intelligent failures can reframe our approach to learning and growth. We also explore the tension between perfectionism and ambition, the significance of purpose in navigating setbacks, and why true belonging is rooted in authentic connection rather than seeking approval.If you’re ready to rethink failure and discover how it can be your greatest teacher, then tune in for this insightful episode with Amy Edmondson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the key to achieving your biggest goals in 2025 and beyond isn’t about willpower—what if it's about building the right habits?Today, we are super excited to re-release one of our favorite episodes from the Finding Mastery vault – one of our earlier conversations with James Clear.Why this episode, and why now? … As we near the end of January, it’s a great time to check in on the intentions and goals, and resolutions many of us set for 2025. Resolutions are tricky. Research tells us that they usually don’t work. And here’s the opportunity: while resolutions don’t often hold, we do know the science of creating lasting habits. This conversation is about how to make habits stick—not just for January, but for life.James Clear is one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation. He’s the bestselling author of Atomic Habits, a book that has transformed the way millions of people think about personal growth and sustainable change. In this conversation, James shares the science and psychology behind building small, meaningful habits that create significant results over time.Whether you’re revisiting this conversation or hearing it for the first time, this is a timely opportunity to rethink how you approach your goals and create systems that set you up for success in 2025 and beyond.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it take to create stories that resonate with millions—and what can those stories teach us about ourselves?Meg LeFauve, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Pixar’s Inside Out and Inside Out 2, has spent her career unlocking the magic of storytelling. But her insights go far beyond the screen. Meg is a master of exploring vulnerability, collaboration, and iteration—essential elements for both storytelling and creative mastery.In this episode, we dive into the psychology of creativity, unpacking how anxiety and sensitivity can become superpowers, why vulnerability is the key to connecting with others, and the art of crafting characters (and a life) that feel alive.Meg takes us behind the scenes of Pixar’s creative process, sharing how iconic films are brought to life through relentless collaboration and a commitment to emotional truth. Along the way, she offers practical strategies for navigating the ups and downs of the creative journey and staying energized in the face of challenges.Whether you’re a creator, a storyteller, or simply curious about what it takes to bring bold ideas into the world, this conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom for living a deeply creative, connected life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if compassion isn’t just a nice to have—but a game-changer for high performance?Dr. James Doty is a world-renowned neurosurgeon, a clinical professor at Stanford, and the founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). He’s also the NYT bestselling author of Into The Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart—a book that has inspired millions to rethink what really drives success and fulfillment.In this episode, James shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in neurosurgery and compassion research. We dive deep into how kindness, vulnerability, and mindfulness can supercharge resilience, connection, and peak performance.We also unpack James’ latest book, Magic Mind, exploring the neuroscience of manifestation—what’s real, what’s hype, and how science can help us unlock our true potential.If you’re interested in understanding how compassion can be a catalyst for profound change in both your inner and outer world, then this conversation is for you.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the real battle for mastery fought outside of us—or within—and what does it take to win that fight every day?I’m so excited for this week’s guest, Steven Pressfield. Steven is a bestselling author and thought leader on creativity, known for his groundbreaking works like The War of Art and The Legend of Bagger Vance. Steven’s journey is a testament to perseverance—he didn’t publish his first novel until he was 52—and his story proves that it’s never too late to embrace your calling. In this conversation, Steven and I dive deep into the nature of Resistance—how it manifests as fear, procrastination, or self-doubt—and what it takes to overcome it. We explore the concept of the “unlived life” and the metaphor of the “underground river” that represents our innate talents and passions. Steven shares his insights on creativity as a sacred connection, how to discover your purpose, and why living authentically is one of life’s greatest battles.Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, athlete, or anyone on the path to mastery, I think you’ll find Steven’s perspective both grounding and inspiring.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy New Year!The start of the year is such an exciting time – it’s a natural opportunity to reset, ground ourselves, and re-align with who we are… and who we want to become.In the spirit of the New Year, we have a very special episode for you today – many of you who listen to the podcast may not be aware that Finding Mastery has a whole other very exciting side to our business. With the help of our very own performance strategists, former Olympians, and mindset coaches, we get the opportunity to work with some of the most influential organizations in the world (like Microsoft, Maersk, Salesforce, and many others) to help them solve some of the world’s most dynamic human performance challenges. In this episode, I’m joined by two of our incredible Olympians and Finding Mastery mindset coaches: Dr. Nicole Davis, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in indoor volleyball from the Beijing and London games – and Caroline Burckle, an Olympic bronze medalist swimmer from the Beijing games. Together, we’re here to help you shape, and bring to life, a powerful intention to set the stage for the coming year. Olympians are an incredible subset to teach us about intentions and how to bring them to life because their entire journey to success depends on a disciplined, deliberate, and methodical approach to achieving their ambitions.Whether you’re setting personal goals, professional aspirations, or just looking to make 2025 your best year yet, Nicole and Caroline have so many gems to offer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy HolidaysToday, we’re doing something a little bit different – I wanted to take a moment to reflect on something I think many of us experience this time of year: joy, connection, and—if we’re being honest– the holidays can be a time for big emotions. They have this incredible way of amplifying everything. The fun feels extra fun, and the challenging moments?... They can feel extra challenging. From navigating travel to managing family dynamics, or even just trying to stay present while a thousand other things pull at your attention—it’s not always easy to find your footing.So today, we want to offer you something to help you radically flourish during the holiday season, during the season of big emotions, whatever those emotions might be – a guided mindfulness so you can approach the holidays with a bit more ease, clarity, and joy.This isn’t about perfection or turning the holidays into a highlight reel. It’s about showing up as your most authentic self, finding those moments of gratitude and connection that can make this time of year special, and letting go of the things that don’t serve you.This meditation is about 14 minutes—just enough time to hit pause, reconnect with yourself, and set the stage for a holiday season that feels a little more intentional.So, find a quiet spot and settle in. Here’s to navigating the holidays with presence and purpose.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 greater fulfillment, this conversation is one you’re going to want to listen deeply to. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.