Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais
Dr. Michael Gervais
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
28 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
How To Live the Good Life - Lessons From The Longest Study On Happiness | Dr. Robert Waldinger
Dr. Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist and director of a landmark happiness study, reveals that investing in relationships is crucial for health and wellbeing. He explains the concepts of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections over mere pleasure. Waldinger discusses the dangers of loneliness, likening it to smoking, and introduces 'social fitness' as a way to maintain relationships. Leaders are urged to foster connection at work, highlighting that nurturing meaningful relationships leads to a more fulfilling life.
8 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 59min
Olympic Gold Medalist: Other People Were Killing My Confidence (And How I Got It Back) - Caroline Marks
Caroline Marks, the 2023 World Surf League Women's Champion and 2024 Olympic gold medalist, shares her journey of rebuilding confidence after setbacks. She discusses the importance of emotional awareness and how therapy and family support helped her recover from the heartbreak of the Tokyo Olympics. Caroline emphasizes the need for balance between ambition and inner peace, and the role of trust in relationships. She also offers advice on loneliness and body image struggles, highlighting the power of gratitude and presence in high-pressure situations.
4 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
Beyond Lieutenant Dan: Gary Sinise on Love, Loss & Legacy
Gary Sinise, Emmy Award–winning actor known for his roles in Forrest Gump and Apollo 13, shares his journey from self-focused success to heartfelt service. He reflects on how a high school theater spark led to founding Steppenwolf, revealing how feelings of inadequacy drove his purposeful action. Sinise discusses the impact of portraying Lieutenant Dan, motivating his mission to support veterans, especially after 9/11. He opens up about his family's health challenges, embodying the roles of caregiver and 'battle buddy' while honoring his late son through music.
Nov 10, 2025 • 59min
Bonus Episode: Aaron Lazar & Dr. Michael Gervais on the Mastery of Self and the Journey to Reverse ALS | Impossible Dreams Podcast
In this heartfelt conversation, Aaron Lazar, a Broadway actor and ALS advocate, shares his inspiring journey of resilience and healing. He and Dr. Michael Gervais discuss the importance of mastering oneself over mere performance, emphasizing practices like gratitude and self-talk. Aaron reframes the concept of 'beating' ALS into one of healing, while exploring spiritual connections to health. They highlight the power of community and support in facing adversity, and Aaron’s innovative use of AI in researching ALS reversals compels listeners to dream impossibly.
17 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 51min
How a $120 Billion Company Thinks Like a Startup | Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services
In a fascinating discussion, Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, shares insights from leading a $120 billion cloud powerhouse. He emphasizes the value of psychological agility over mere technological advancement. Garman introduces the 'one-way vs. two-way doors' decision model to expedite smart choices and champions the concept of a 'minimum lovable product.' He humorously critiques the notion of replacing junior employees with AI, advocates for long-term energy strategies, and highlights the importance of optimism in leadership. Dive into strategies that keep innovation vibrant!
33 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 59min
95% of Creative People Struggle With THIS | Wieden+Kennedy's Neal Arthur
Neal Arthur, Global CEO of Wieden+Kennedy, is a creative culture pioneer known for his work with major brands. He discusses the importance of creating an environment that fosters trust and belonging to enhance creativity. Neal emphasizes that pressure can stifle innovation, advocating for collaborative leadership. He embraces AI as a tool for playful experimentation rather than fear. He also reflects on his personal experiences of feeling 'othered' and how they shaped his commitment to inclusivity and the creative process.
121 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 34min
Body Language Expert: The #1 Habit That Makes You Unforgettable | Vanessa Van Edwards
Vanessa Van Edwards, a behavioral researcher and bestselling author, dives into the fascinating world of body language and its impact on human connection. She shares how posture and presence can convey confidence, and why warmth should precede competence to build instant trust. Vanessa also discusses practical tips for overcoming social awkwardness, like using better questions and developing micro-social skills for kids. With insights on eye contact and vocal habits, this conversation offers a blueprint for authentic communication that resonates.
26 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 18min
Savannah Bananas: Inside The Banana Ball Phenomenon | Jesse Cole
Jesse Cole, founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas, has transformed baseball into a sensational entertainment experience. He talks about redefining winning through fan enjoyment over scores and his innovative Banana Ball concept. Jesse shares how creating characters and surprise moments enhances engagement, while his 'Fans First' philosophy drives community-building and memorable games. He also discusses the importance of constant learning, fostering creativity, and the impact of his personal journey as a foster parent on his leadership style.
11 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 8min
NHL Hall Of Famer | From Underdog to Hockey Legend - Luc Robitaille, LA Kings President
Luc Robitaille joins the conversation, a Hockey Hall of Famer and the NHL's leading left-wing scorer, now the president of the LA Kings. He shares his journey from a ninth-round pick to a Stanley Cup champion, emphasizing the power of resilience and daily improvement. Luc discusses the importance of positive self-talk, how serving his team fostered confidence, and the rituals that sharpened his skills. He also reflects on transitioning to leadership while prioritizing people, showcasing how character and teamwork drive success.
56 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 57min
From Panic Attacks to Prime-Time: Howie Mandel’s Survival Story
Join legendary comedian Howie Mandel, known for his work on Deal or No Deal and America's Got Talent, as he dives deep into his experiences with OCD and anxiety. Howie shares how his public panic attack became a catalyst for open conversations about mental health. He discusses transforming struggles into creative fuel, the power of vulnerability in forging connections, and his belief that true contentment comes from engagement rather than fame. Discover how embracing discomfort can lead to mastery—onstage and in life.
