Podcast
Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais
Hosted by Dr. Michael Gervais · EN
Dive into the minds of the world’s greatest athletes, leaders, thinkers, and doers with Dr. Michael Gervais—a high performance psychologist and world-renowned expert on the relationship between high performance and the mind. Dr. Gervais’s client roster includes Super Bowl winning NFL teams, Fortune 50 CEOs, Olympic medalists, internationally acclaimed artists, and more.
On Finding Mastery, Dr. Gervais sits down with the best at what they do, like David Goggins, Brene Brown, Toto Wolff, soccer legend Abby Wambach, neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella — translating their life stories, mental skills, and personal practices into applicable tools you can use to unlock your potential.
Walk with us to the edge of human possibility and learn what you are capable of. New episodes every Wednesday.
55episodes
Episodes
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The Loudest Voice in the Stadium: Cam Newton on Self‑Talk
Feb 600:26:45Tap to summarizeThe noise at the Super Bowl can be overwhelming—tens of thousands of voices colliding into a single roar. But the loudest voice a player hears isn’t coming from the stands. It’s the one inside their own head.In this episode of The Game Inside the Games, Dr. Michael Gervais and All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall sit down with former NFL MVP Cam Newton to explore one of the most overlooked forces in elite performance: self-talk.Rather than revisiting highlights or headlines, the conversation focuses on the internal dialogue that shapes performance in football’s biggest moments. From the intensity of the Super Bowl stage to the quieter moments when doubt creeps in, Cam and Brandon share how the words athletes say to themselves can either steady them—or pull them out of the moment entirely.This is a candid, human conversation about confidence, pressure, imagination, and the unseen work required to stay grounded when everything is on the line. And while the stories come from the highest level of sport, the lessons reach far beyond the field—offering insight into how anyone can use self-talk to access their best when it matters most.Follow Finding Mastery all week as The Game Inside the Games continues to unpack the inner game at global sporting events,, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen._____________This episode is brought to you by CDW and Microsoft. AI is revolutionizing how work gets done. CDW and Microsoft can play a vital role in unlocking the transformative potential of Microsoft Copilot. By leveraging this technology, organizations can achieve significant productivity gains, enhance innovation and streamline workflows.Unlock opportunities to improve both employee and customer experiences when you partner with CDW to deploy your Copilot solutions. Our experts can help maximize the capabilities of Copilot, by building out roadmaps, use cases, and agent experiences that supercharge efficiency for your organization. Aka.ms/CDWMicrosoftCopilotLearn more about CDW’s internal Copilot adoption story: CDW rolls out Microsoft 365 Copilot to 10,000 employees, reporting 85% productivity gains | Microsoft Customer Stories_____________Links & ResourcesSubscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine: findingmastery.com/morningmindset Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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One Yard from Everything: Flow, Pressure, and the Play that Changed Football
Feb 400:49:16Tap to summarizeThe Super Bowl isn’t just a physical game — it’s a psychological one.In this special Game Inside the Games episode, Dr. Michael Gervais is joined by NFL coach Matt Patricia and former All-Pro Brandon Marshall to unpack one of the most defining moments in Super Bowl history: Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception.This episode explores what it looks like to perform under pressure when the whole world is watching. Subscribe and follow along all week as The Game Inside the Games delivers daily episodes leading up to the Super Bowl — revealing the mindset behind elite performance._________________This episode is powered by: Microsoft Copilot, InsightInsight is redefining integration for the Agentic Era by closing the 65% execution gap currently leaving enterprise AI at a standstill. As a leading Solutions Integrator and top 1% Microsoft partner, we don’t just provision licenses; we build the high-performance infrastructure and secure data estates AI requires to thrive. By converging AI-optimized networking with our proprietary Radius™ Microsoft 365 Copilot framework, we solve the infrastructure-AI paradox. From silicon to skills, Insight leverages "Customer Zero" expertise to transform software into a high-yield autonomous enterprise—enabling seamless, secure collaboration between your people and your AI.From Hype to How_________________Links & ResourcesSubscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine: findingmastery.com/morningmindset Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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How to Build (and Repair) Love: The Gottmans on What Every Couple Should Know
Dec 31Tap to summarizeThe most powerful way to enter a new year is not with resolutions, but with a deeper understanding of how to connect with the people who matter most.As we close out the year, the Finding Mastery team is taking time to rest, re-calibrate and reflect — practicing the same principles we talk about on this podcast. So today, we’re sharing a conversation from the Finding Mastery Vault with two legends in the science of relationships: Drs. John and Julie Gottman.Together, they’ve spent more than 50 years studying what makes love last — from small moments of connection to the hidden habits that quietly erode trust. In this conversation, we explore the daily rituals that deepen intimacy, how to repair after conflict, and why the best relationships aren’t perfect — they’re practiced.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to turn conflict into closeness through repairThe four behaviors that quietly destroy relationships (and how to replace them)Why “love is a verb” — and what that means in actionThe difference between bids for connection and real listeningHow to communicate needs without criticism or defensivenessFrom the entire Finding Mastery team, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy New Year. We’ll see you in 2026! Enjoy this episode with The Gottmans.________________________________________________________________Links & ResourcesSubscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine: findingmastery.com/morningmindset Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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How to Get Unstuck in Life — Lessons on Love from Sharon Salzberg, Meditation Pioneer
Dec 24Tap to summarizeWhat if the greatest gift you could offer this season isn’t something you buy—but rather the way you choose to meet yourself and others—with kindness?As we pause new releases over the holidays, the Finding Mastery team is taking time to rest, reflect, and be with our loved ones — because we believe relationships are part of the practice of mastery itself.So today, we’re re-releasing a powerful, audio-only episode from the Finding Mastery Vault: a conversation with THE Sharon Salzberg, one of the world’s leading teachers of wisdom, mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation. Sharon shares how love can be trained as an ability, why discernment and gratitude sharpen performance, and how to meet fear without hardening. She also walks us through a simple loving-kindness meditation you can use right away. Her lessons are as relevant now as they were when we first shared this conversation — maybe even more so in a world that could use a little more gentleness right now.So, Happy Holidays from all of us here at Finding Mastery and with that, enjoy this week’s From The Vault conversation with Sharon Salzberg.___________________________________________________________________Links & ResourcesSubscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine: findingmastery.com/morningmindset Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Innovation Expert: Embrace the Creative Process and Find Joy in the Unknown | JoAnn Garbin
Apr 2, 202501:03:57Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to go from nothing to something—and then scale it into meaningful impact?I want to introduce you to someone you may not be familiar with, unless you’re in the innovation space -- JoAnn Garbin. JoAnn has led innovation teams at some of the world’s most influential companies—including Microsoft, and she is one of those rare minds who can dance between deep technical systems and the human heart of innovation. She has a 25-year track record of turning big ideas into reality and is co-author of The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft.In this episode, we unpack how innovation isn’t some magical gift—it's a process rooted in values, shaped by principles, and fueled by the courage to face fear. JoAnn shares how divergent thinking, psychological safety, and even AI can be used to unlock new futures—not just for businesses, but for each of us as individuals. We also get into the human side of it all—her personal story of resilience, her vision for building ease in the midst of chaos, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. If you’re looking to innovate and stretch the edges of what’s possible—in work, in life, in your own path to becoming—then this one’s for you. ____________Get discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →World Champion Climber Sasha DiGiulian on Risk, Fear, and Thriving Under Pressure
Mar 26, 202501:08:42Tap to summarizeWhat happens when your biggest obstacle isn’t the mountain—it's your own self-doubt?Sasha DiGiulian is one of the world’s top rock climbers and a pioneer in the sport—with multiple first female ascents, national titles, and a world championship under her belt. Sasha’s unique approach to navigating fear, risk, and doubt is masterful. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Sasha balances the tension of caring, while letting go—a mindset that fuels her success in climbing and life. Outside of scaling epic walls, Sasha has seamlessly blended extreme sport with entrepreneurship, public speaking, and environmental advocacy. In this conversation, we discuss how vulnerability plays a key role in Sasha’s mental performance, and how she learned to tune out external judgment while remaining authentic to herself. She also opens up about her struggle though multiple hip injuries, the importance of resilience through challenges and how recovery is important for all of us to live our best lives.This episode with Sasha is full of actionable insights that can help you perform under pressure, stay grounded, and embrace your ever-changing journey in life. Dive in.____________Get great discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Manage Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You | Dr. Ethan Kross
Mar 24, 202500:59:50Tap to summarizeHow much control do we really have over our emotions? And what if the key to mastering them is easier than you think?This week’s conversation is a special one. It was recorded in front of a live audience at Live Talks Los Angeles, where I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dr. Ethan Kross, one of the world’s leading experts on emotion and self-control. He’s a pioneering psychologist, professor at the University of Michigan, and the bestselling author of Chatter, and his latest book, Shift.In this conversation, we break down the science of emotional regulation, the tools for shifting emotional states, and how we can cultivate self-efficacy—that’s the belief that we have the power to navigate life’s toughest moments. This conversation with Dr. Kross is audio only—so make sure to listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Get ready for insights that can reshape the way you work with emotions and the role they play in your life.____________Get some great discounts and support our amazing sponsors! https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →How John Paul DeJoria Built Billion-Dollar Brands | Founder of Patrón and Paul Mitchell
Mar 19, 202500:59:29Tap to summarizeWhat if one of the unlocks for living “the good life” lies in the simple act of giving, even when you have nothing? Today's guest is an icon of entrepreneurship, resilience, and generosity - John Paul DeJoria - a cofounder of not one but two billion dollar companies, Patrón Tequila and Paul Mitchell Hair Care Products. What you might not know, though, is that before building billion-dollar brands, JP was homeless, selling products door-to-door just to get by. His journey is a masterclass in grit, optimism, and the power of persistence.In this conversation, JP shares how his toughest moments shaped his mindset, why giving back—no matter how little you have—can transform your life, and why he believes wealth isn’t about money; it’s about gratitude. It’s about impact.Get ready. JP has a deep spark and a heart of gold. Check out this week's conversation with THE legend, John Paul DeJoria.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →NFL Stardom to Rock Bottom: Ryan Leaf on Redemption & Resilience
Mar 12, 202501:17:38Tap to summarizeWhat happens when everything you’ve built your identity around—your talent, your success, your career—comes crashing down?Ryan Leaf’s story is one of the most dramatic arcs in professional sports. Once the No. 2 overall draft pick behind Peyton Manning, Ryan saw his NFL career unravel under the weight of expectations, addiction, and ultimately, prison. And here’s what makes his story powerful—he doesn’t run from it. He owns it. And he’s turned it into a mission to help others navigate mental health, shame, and resilience.In this episode, we get real about the dangerous side of the “chip on your shoulder” mentality, how stigma kept Ryan from asking for help, and the moment that changed everything—when he stopped proving people wrong and started focusing on service.If you want to dive into an episode about redefining success, resilience, and ultimately redemption, this conversation with Ryan Leaf is for you.If you heard an ad on the podcast and want to check out that offer, go to our Finding Mastery Partners Page.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →System of a Down’s Serj Tankian on Turning Passion Into Purpose
Mar 5, 202501:06:46Tap to summarizeHow 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.
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