Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais cover image

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Latest episodes

undefined
Aug 4, 2024 • 28min

Day 10 – Family, Friends, Focus: An Olympian’s Challenge | The Game Inside the Games

Nastia Liukin, a gold medalist gymnast, shares her insights on how family can boost or distract athletes during the Olympics. Alongside sports psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais, they discuss the delicate balance of support versus distractions from loved ones. Nastia recounts her experiences with her father, who was both her coach and pillar of support. They delve into the pressures of social media and maintaining focus in high-stakes environments, offering valuable lessons on emotional management and the complexities of personal relationships in elite sports.
undefined
Aug 3, 2024 • 30min

Day 9 - Alev Kelter: The Heartbeat Behind Team USA's Stunning Rugby Victory | The Game Inside the Games

Alev Kelter is a groundbreaking athlete who made history as the first medalist for USA Women’s Rugby while competing in three Olympic sports. She shares her inspiring journey from the heartbreak of being cut from the U.S. Ice Hockey team to her newfound passion for rugby. Alev discusses the importance of resilience, community, and self-expression in sports. She gives us an electrifying account of her team's triumphant bronze medal match, emphasizing how collaboration and belief can redefine identity and lead to unexpected glory.
undefined
Aug 2, 2024 • 28min

Day 8 – Second Place Heartache: Katie Hoff’s 16-Year Journey to Recover from The Games | The Game Inside The Games

Katie Hoff, a former Olympian swimmer, shares her profound journey of healing after the intense pressures of competition. She candidly discusses the psychological challenges she faced, including bullying and the struggle for self-worth beyond medals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of investing in mental health and the role of mindfulness in performance. Katie highlights the need for resilience, support, and gratitude in overcoming obstacles, making it a powerful insight into an Olympian's life and personal growth.
undefined
Aug 1, 2024 • 30min

Day 7 - The Inner Game of Winning Gymnastics Gold | The Game Inside The Games

Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin, alongside renowned sports psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais, dives deep into the mental challenges of elite gymnastics. They discuss the intense preparations for the uneven bars and the emotional weight of performance anxiety. Nastia shares her pre-performance routines and the thrill of competing, while exploring the razor-thin margins of scoring. The conversation also highlights the historic showdown between Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, offering insights into the psychological resilience required to thrive under pressure.
undefined
Jul 31, 2024 • 23min

Day 6 - The Calm Before the Gold: Mental Preparation for the Gymnastics All-Around Final | The Game Inside The Games

Olympian gold medalist Nastia Liukin shares her thrilling journey through one of gymnastics' toughest moments, the Women's All-Around Final, while joined by high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais. They dive into the intense mental preparations that set champions apart, discussing strategies like visualization and self-talk. Nastia vividly recounts her experience, from warm-ups to competition, revealing the intricate dance of nerves and calm that defines a gymnast's mindset when the stakes are at their highest.
undefined
Jul 30, 2024 • 26min

Day 5 – From Roommates to Rivals: The Olympian Balancing Act | The Game Inside The Games

Nastia Liukin, an Olympian renowned for her gymnastics prowess, joins sports psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais to discuss the tightrope walk between friendship and rivalry among athletes. They dive into her intense competition with teammate Shawn Johnson, revealing the emotional struggles of supporting each other while vying for gold. The conversation unfolds on maintaining relationships amidst ambition, while Gervais shares practical psychological strategies like breathing techniques and mental imagery that anyone can use to foster success.
undefined
Jul 29, 2024 • 25min

Day 4 – What Are Elite Athletes Teaching Us About Mental Health? | The Game Inside The Games

Olympic champion Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais dive into the vital role elite athletes play in the mental health conversation. They discuss the shift in sports culture toward openness about mental wellness, using figures like Simone Biles as pivotal examples. The duo emphasizes the integration of mental skills training, akin to maintaining overall health, and explores the dynamic relationship between mental resilience and athletic performance. Their insights highlight the need to shift the focus from dysfunction to a proactive approach in mental health.
undefined
Jul 28, 2024 • 19min

Day 3 – Lindsey Vonn on Overcoming the Weight of Gold and Expectations | The Game Inside The Games

Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated athletes in skiing history, joins the discussion to shed light on the heavy burden of expectations in sports. She shares her journey, explaining how she transformed negativity into motivation and the crucial role of mental control during her races. Vonn emphasizes the power of resilience and self-belief as essential tools for aspiring athletes. Her insights on navigating the anxiety and gratitude intertwined in competitive environments are invaluable for anyone looking to overcome personal challenges.
undefined
Jul 27, 2024 • 23min

Day 2 - The Approval Game: Flipping the Script on Judgement| The Game Inside the Games

Olympic gymnastics champion Nastia Liukin shares her journey through the intense scrutiny of judged sports, revealing how her father's coaching philosophy shaped her resilience. Alongside sports psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais, they discuss the psychological challenges athletes face, emphasizing the pressure to seek validation from judges. They explore strategies like visualization and focusing on personal excellence over competition. The conversation offers insights into mastering the mental game and the importance of trusting the process in high-stakes environments.
undefined
Jul 26, 2024 • 24min

Day 1 - The Stage is Set | The Game Inside the Games

Nastia Liukin, a five-time Olympic medalist, joins high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais to discuss the mental challenges athletes face at the Olympics. They explore the dilemma of attending the opening ceremony the night before competition and how it impacts performance. The conversation highlights unexpected transportation issues that can disrupt training, showcasing the psychological strain on athletes. Special guest Kerri Walsh Jennings adds her unique insights on the pressures of Olympic preparation, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in high-stakes environments.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode