The Greg McKeown Podcast

305. Living Life in Crescendo: Lessons from Matt Gutman's Journey (Part 2)

Jun 6, 2024

In this thought-provoking discussion, Matt Gutman, ABC News Chief National Correspondent and author, opens up about his battle with panic attacks and the pressures of fast-paced journalism. He reflects on a critical reporting error involving Kobe Bryant and the tension between being first versus accurate. Gutman shares transformative experiences with breathwork and psychedelics as coping mechanisms for trauma and anxiety. He emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and self-awareness in overcoming struggles, offering insights into healing and resilience.

35:07

Episode guests

Matt Gutman

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Accuracy in news reporting is vital despite the pressure to be first.

Exploration of unconventional therapies can lead to profound emotional breakthroughs.

Deep dives

Navigating Personal and Professional Repercussions

The podcast delves into the impact of personal experiences and professional responsibilities when faced with traumatic events. It highlights the struggle between being the first to report news and maintaining accuracy, especially in the fast-paced media landscape. The speaker recounts the fallout from a reporting error involving Kobe Bryant, leading to personal guilt and public scrutiny. This introspective journey raises questions about balancing the need for immediate reporting with the obligation to deliver factual information.

Intro

3min

Navigating Journalistic Errors and Personal Growth

7min

Navigating Trauma and the Quest for Understanding

5min

Navigating Self-Awareness and Vulnerability

5min

The Depths of Emotional Pain

9min

The Vital Role of Emotional Connection in Development

3min

Navigating Anxiety: A Journey of Healing and Resilience

4min

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 engages with renowned journalist Matt Gutman to explore the profound impacts of panic attacks and the journey of self-discovery that follows. Matt candidly discusses a critical error in his reporting on Kobe Bryant and its aftermath, highlighting the pressures of being first in the news media versus the importance of accuracy. This enlightening conversation delves into the mental health challenges faced by those in high-pressure roles and the transformative journey Matt undertook to address these issues.

The discussion reveals Matt's struggle with panic attacks, triggered by the demanding environment of TV journalism, and his subsequent journey towards mental well-being. Matt shares his experiences with various forms of therapy, including breath work and altered states induced by psychedelics, which played crucial roles in helping him access and process deeply buried emotions. This episode is a deep dive into the vulnerabilities we all face and the continuous effort required to confront and overcome them.

Key Takeaways:

The dilemma of accuracy versus being the first to report in journalism can have significant personal and professional consequences.
Panic attacks in high-stress professions are common and often require unconventional methods to address.
"Wellness is work" - the journey to mental well-being is ongoing and requires constant effort.
Holistic and alternative therapies, such as breath work and psychedelics, can be instrumental in accessing and processing deep-seated emotions.
The support of loved ones, exemplified by Matt's wife's unwavering support, is crucial during times of personal crisis.

Notable Quotes:

"In the trust fall of life, I'll be caught. It's gonna be okay."
"Conventional therapy couldn't get there for me because I'm the gold Olympic medalist in compartmentalization."
"Humans are among the most cooperative species on the planet. Social rejection is essentially a fear of death."

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