Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

This week’s conversation is with Hillary Allen, an endurance athlete and one of the best mountain ultra runners in the world.Hillary’s career as an endurance athlete has not been straightforward. Through injury, setbacks and unexpected challenges, Hillary’s had to re-think what she considers impossible. Early in her career, Hillary earned the nickname “Hillygoat” when she proved her ability to run fast on steep, technical mountain terrain – a style of running known as Skyrunning.  Since then, she has raced all over the world, racking up wins and course records, establishing herself as one of the best mountain ultra runners in the world. In 2017 she had a life threatening accident, where she fell 150 feet off of a ridge-line during a Skyrace in Tromsø, Norway. She was told she would never run again. After several years of rehab and recovery, Hillary made a full recovery and returned to elite level racing, racing some of her longest and most challenging events post-accident. She maintains the belief that ‘your best athletic days are ahead of you, if you’re willing to work hard for what you love.’_________________Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindsetFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s conversation is with Chris Burkard, an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. Chris travels to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, working to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere.Layered by outdoor, travel, adventure, surf, and lifestyle subjects, Chris is known for images that are punctuated by untamed, powerful landscapes. Through social media, Chris strives to share his vision of wild places with millions of people, and to inspire them to explore for themselves.His visionary perspective has earned him opportunities to work on global campaigns with Fortune 500 clients, speak on the TED stage, design product lines, educate, and publish a growing collection of books. In this conversation, Chris shares his desire for discomfort and why he continues to choose the road less traveled._________________Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindsetFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cody Townsend, an award-winning professional skier and creator of the ambitious project 'The FIFTY,' discusses the exhilarating yet perilous world of extreme skiing. He shares thrilling stories from his journey, including a gripping near-fatal accident that reshaped his understanding of risk. The conversation also touches on the emotional impacts of the sport, the influence of climate change, and the empowering lessons learned through high-stakes adventures. Townsend highlights the delicate balance between confidence and fear as pathways to self-discovery.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Stein Greenberg, Executive Director of Stanford's d.school, dives into the transformative power of design thinking for social impact. She emphasizes the importance of defining problems before seeking solutions and shares her innovative teaching methods. Listeners will gain insights on navigating ambiguity, fostering meaningful connections, and enhancing collaboration through iterative design processes. Sarah also reflects on her childhood learning experiences, highlighting how open dialogue shapes problem-solving skills and creativity.

Dr. Dan Dworkis, an attending emergency physician and professor at USC, shares his insights on thriving under pressure. He discusses the mental readiness required in chaotic emergency settings and the critical role of visualization and empathy. Dworkis reflects on his transformative journey, revealing how confronting suffering fosters optimism and purpose. He emphasizes the balance between compassion and professionalism, the importance of a learner's mentality, and how humor acts as a healing tool for healthcare providers.

Dr. Antonio Damasio, a pioneering neuroscientist and philosopher, delves into the fascinating interplay between emotions, feelings, and consciousness. He clarifies how emotions are observable actions, while feelings are subjective experiences shaped by our biology. Damasio discusses the evolutionary development of consciousness and how understanding this can enhance well-being. He also explores the mind-body connection, emphasizing ownership of mental experiences, and offers strategies for managing fear in high-pressure situations. His insights promise to expand your understanding of the mind’s complexities.

Dr. Anna Lembke, a Stanford psychiatry professor and author of Dopamine Nation, dives deep into the complexities of addiction in a dopamine-driven world. She discusses how constant access to pleasure can lead to dissatisfaction and addiction, challenging the hustle culture. Anna explores the need to experience pain to truly appreciate pleasure and shares insights on navigating emotional challenges and rebuilding balance. Personal habits, relationships, and the impact of social media are also examined, revealing their roles in shaping well-being and identity.

Corey Coopersmith, known as PunkTheBunny, is a talented singer-songwriter, producer, and former MMA fighter from New York. He shares his powerful journey battling chronic illness after contracting COVID-19. Corey reveals the emotional and physical struggles of long COVID, the importance of a fighter's mindset, and the role of vulnerability in fostering connections. He also discusses his transition from combat sports to music, highlighting resilience, self-discovery, and the healing power of community during tough times.

David Farrier, a New Zealand journalist known for his documentaries 'Tickled' and 'Dark Tourist', dives into the world of conspiracy theories. He discusses why some people are drawn to these narratives, linking them to societal anxieties and historical beliefs. Farrier shares insights on how to handle tricky conversations about conspiracy theories, especially during family gatherings. He also explores the ethics of 'dark tourism' and provides a hopeful outlook on humanity's future amid misinformation and disconnection. Tune in for an intriguing mix of fascination and reflection!

Annie Murphy Paul, an acclaimed science writer and author of "The Extended Mind," explores groundbreaking concepts in cognitive science. She discusses how our minds extend beyond the brain, incorporating our bodies and technology for enhanced thinking. Paul highlights the importance of authentic relationships and interactions with nature to boost cognitive abilities and creativity. She also examines the synergy between physical gestures and learning, and how effective tech use can foster innovation. Her insights invite listeners to rethink how they engage with the world.