Matt Gutman, ABC News Chief National Correspondent and author, shares his gripping journey through trauma and resilience. He reveals the impact of his father's tragic death and his mother's illness on his career. Gutman highlights his battle with panic attacks, detailing a pivotal on-air incident that shifted his path. With candid reflections on midlife adaptations and the high stakes of journalism, he emphasizes the importance of mental health and personal growth amid external pressures. A compelling mix of vulnerability and bravery awaits!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Traumas
Matt Gutman experienced early traumas like his mother's cancer and his father's death in a plane crash.
These events influenced his overachieving nature and later struggles with panic attacks.
question_answer ANECDOTE
High School Duality
Gutman became a hardcore overachiever in high school, excelling in academics and sports.
However, he also experienced meltdowns and got into trouble, highlighting a duality in his behavior.
insights INSIGHT
Peaking Early
Greg McKeown emphasizes the problem of peaking early and advocates for a life in crescendo.
He suggests that early high school success can sometimes hinder continued achievement later.
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Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
Arthur C Brooks
In 'From Strength to Strength', Arthur C. Brooks addresses the inevitable decline in abilities that comes with aging and provides a practical guide on how to transform this period into an opportunity for growth. Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks advocates for refocusing on priorities such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress. He argues that by adapting our expectations and focusing on these areas, we can achieve increased happiness and purpose in our later years.
The boys in the cave
Matt Gutman
In 'The Boys in the Cave', Matt Gutman provides a thrilling narrative of the miraculous rescue of twelve boys and their soccer coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand. The book explores their survival strategies, the challenges faced by rescuers, and the daring mission that saved them. Gutman's account is based on exclusive interviews with those involved, offering a comprehensive look at one of the largest and most improbable rescues in history.
No Time to Panic
Matt Gutman
In *No Time to Panic*, Matt Gutman shares his candid account of battling debilitating panic attacks, hidden beneath his fearless exterior as a journalist. The book delves into the science of panic, explores unconventional treatments like psychedelics, and offers practical strategies for managing anxiety. Gutman's narrative serves as a beacon of hope for those struggling with panic disorders, advocating for understanding and support.
About the Guest:
Matt Gutman is the ABC News Chief National Correspondent whose career and personal journey have captivated millions. With a coverage history spanning nearly 50 countries, Matt has reported from the battlefields of the Middle East and Eastern Europe to natural disasters and key events in the US. He is the author of "No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks," a candid memoir about his battle with panic attacks. He also authored "The Boys in the Cave," detailing the rescue of the Thai soccer team from a flooded cave. Matt currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.
Episode Summary:
Greg dives deep with ABC News Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman. Matt shares his enthralling journey reporting from hotspots around the globe and delves into his struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, revealing a facet of his life seldom seen on TV. With a career spanning wars, natural disasters, and pivotal events, Matt's life and career are marked by resilience and remarkable bravery.
Matt discloses the profound impact of early traumas, including the loss of his father in a plane crash and his mother's battle with Hodgkin's disease, on his career choices. He also speaks about his tenure at the Jerusalem Post, the burden of perfectionism, and the eventual on-air panic attack that drastically altered his path. The discussion intricately weaves through themes of mental health, high-stakes journalism, and personal growth, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in human resilience and storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
The Effect of Early Trauma: Matt shares how the loss of his father and his mother's illness shaped his life and career.
Journalism Adventures: His time at the Jerusalem Post and the intense experiences that characterized his early journalism years.
The Burden of Titles: How the prestigious title of ABC's Chief National Correspondent brought an unexpected pressure that contributed to his panic attacks.
Panic Attack Live on Air: Details of the on-air panic attack during the reporting of Kobe Bryant's helicopter crash and its aftermath.
Mental Health Journey: Insights into how Matt confronted and managed his anxiety and panic attacks through various means, including writing his book.
Notable Quotes:
"With great negligence comes great opportunity."
"My greatest characteristic was grit and pluck. It was chutzpah."
"I felt like I had to achieve to a higher standard, and that put more pressure on me."
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