Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Part 1: Journalist Cal Fussman on Questions, Storytelling, Adventure

Feb 22, 2017

Journalist Cal Fussman, known for his skill of asking great questions and world-class storytelling, shares his insights on the power of storytelling and asking questions. The episode explores the art of interrupting others during storytelling and discusses the importance of developing meta awareness and the art of adaptation. It also delves into the qualities of a great listener and the power of curiosity in mental health. The conversation touches on confirmation bias in asking questions and emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude and seeking support.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Superfood Bars and Fitness Technology

01:49 • 3min

The Art of Storytelling and Asking Questions

05:12 • 21min

Developing Meta Awareness and the Art of Adaptation

25:43 • 2min

Toothpaste ad, book announcement, and a journalist's encounter with Robert De Niro

27:13 • 6min

Robert De Niro's Experience at the Dramatic Workshop

33:05 • 14min

Shaping Individuals through Early Experiences

47:08 • 4min

The Qualities of a Great Listener

51:08 • 18min

The Writing Process and Conceptualizing Ideas

01:09:13 • 5min

The Power of Curiosity in Mental Health

01:14:06 • 16min

Confirmation Bias and Asking Questions

01:30:32 • 12min

Expressing Gratitude, Seeking Support, and Emphasizing Professional Help

01:42:22 • 2min

This conversation, just like Cal Fussman, gets better as it goes. I really enjoy the conversations, that at the end, I walk away saying, man I'd love to spend more time him/her….This was one of those conversations. He's known for his skill of asking great questions -- yet his talent of storytelling is world class. Questions are to illicit responses and engagement -- and -- there is so much more beneath the surface of an answer -- body gestures, emotions, hints of motivation, and ultimately, snips of the framework that the person is working to share how they understand the world (and people). It's all in there -- does the responder orientate to protect, to embrace…..to explore, to have fun? And -- Cal takes that understanding to the next level by doing it artistically through storytelling. We all have a story -- thousands of stories. Cal pulls back the curtain to share his -- and the challenge is set for us all to become better at asking questions to learn other's stories -- and -- to become thoughtful on how we share our own stories with people who are thoughtful -- caring -- interested -- enough to offer their time and attention. This is a two part episode -- it's too good, way to good to cram. When you listen to Cal's stories, listen for the framework, for the stuff underneath the surface -- and -- also see if you can listen to how he constructs his stories. We also talk about the art of interrupting others -- during storytelling -- He doesn't -- I do, and we have fun with it (and if you've ever wondered why I purposefully interrupt folks -- it's all by design, and we talk about it just a bit in this conversation).

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