Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Zak Williams, son of the late Robin Williams and co-founder of PYM, shares his journey through mental health challenges and the importance of daily rituals for well-being. He reflects on his emotional struggles following his father's death and offers strategies for coping with anxiety and PTSD. Zak emphasizes the healing power of helping others and discusses the impact of family dynamics on mental health. He also highlights the mission of PYM in promoting natural mental health solutions and the significance of community support during difficult times.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, professor emeritus at Stanford University and the mind behind the Stanford Prison Experiment, dives deep into the complex nature of good and evil. He discusses how situational pressures can compel ordinary people to commit shocking acts, revealing chilling insights from his decades of research. Zimbardo also sheds light on his current work with the Heroic Imagination Project, emphasizing the importance of fostering heroism in everyone. This thought-provoking dialogue reshapes our understanding of morality and human behavior.

Katrina Adams, the first African American to lead the USTA and a former pro tennis player with 20 doubles titles, shares her inspiring journey. She discusses the emotional challenges of leadership in sports and the sacrifices women often make. Katrina emphasizes the role of mental well-being, particularly as athletes like Naomi Osaka shift the narrative. She highlights her groundbreaking tenure at the USTA, the importance of representation, and how personal stories can empower others. This trailblazer reflects on the significance of community support and self-discovery in achieving inner peace.

Aaron Kirman, a leading figure in luxury real estate and the mind behind the successful Aaron Kirman Group, shares his inspiring journey from feeling like an outsider due to dyslexia and hiding his sexual identity to achieving massive success. He candidly discusses the challenges of loneliness and the transformative power of authenticity. Aaron emphasizes the importance of genuine connections and the impact of personal growth, also shedding light on how excess greed can harm relationships. The conversation is a compelling blend of resilience, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of true fulfillment.

Dr. Stephen Porges joins the discussion as a leading psychiatrist and founder of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. He explores the polyvagal theory, highlighting how our physiological states influence feelings of safety and social connection. Topics include the impact of meaningful interactions on mental health, the role of co-regulation in building trust, and innovative techniques like breathing exercises to enhance emotional well-being. Additionally, Porges emphasizes the importance of social bonds in navigating stress, especially in a post-pandemic world.

Anne Morriss, co-founder of GenePeeks, and Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor, share insightful strategies for cultivating trust in organizations. They discuss how to create inclusive environments that empower individuals to reach their full potential. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of psychological safety and performance, arguing for a shift from meritocracy to collaboration. They also explore the 'trust triangle' of authenticity, logic, and empathy and delve into the significance of love and identity in fostering meaningful relationships.

This week’s conversation is with Chris Bosh, an 11-time NBA All-Star, 2-time Champion and the NBA’s first Global Ambassador of Basketball.Chris fell in love with basketball at an early age and earned the prestigious “Mr. Basketball” title while still at Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas. A McDonald’s All-American, Chris was selected fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors after one year attending Georgia Tech. Chris would eventually leave the Raptors to team up Lebron James and Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat, where he would win two NBA championships, yet had his playing days cut short during his prime by a freak medical condition. His extraordinary career ended not at a time of his choosing but “in a doctor’s office in the middle of the afternoon.” Chris was forced to reckon with how to find meaning to carry forward, and that really sets the tone for this conversation.We discuss what led to his success during his time in the league and how he found meaning in his life post-basketball - something I know many other athletes can relate to._________________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 Steve Smith, one of America’s most experienced astronauts and spacewalkers, with 4 spaceflights and 7 spacewalks to repair the Hubble Space Telescope and build the Space Station.Steve dreamed of being an astronaut at age 7. Then he made his dream come true through sheer determination and intelligent risk taking. During the 3-decade pursuit of his dream he became a Stanford electrical engineer and MBA, General Motors Fellow, pilot, elite collegiate athlete, and IBM Product Manager.  At NASA, Steve held multiple senior leadership positions and served as a Diplomat.   He now uses this one-of-a-kind experience base as a board director, venture capital advisor, and keynote speaker.   I was so excited to have this conversation - for all the years we’ve been at it with Finding Mastery, we’ve never had an astronaut as a guest so this was such a treat.We discuss his experience going to space, how it changed his perspective of life on earth, the risks associated with his job, and strategies for living and working in isolation -- something that we all can relate to over these past 18 months._________________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 Dawn Staley, the University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Head Coach and Team USA Olympic Head Basketball coach for the Tokyo Olympics.Catapulting South Carolina into the national spotlight, Dawn has made the Gamecocks a mainstay in the battle for SEC and national championships. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have reached many firsts – National Championship, NCAA Final Fours, No. 1 rankings, SEC regular-season and tournament titles, SEC Player of the Year, National Player of the Year, WNBA No. 1 Draft pick and No. 1 recruiting classes – to name the most notable.While her coaching career is in full bloom, Dawn is still recognized for her body of work as a one of the most decorated participants in United States women’s basketball history. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame solidified that legacy with her enshrinement as part of the Class of 2013.I wanted to speak with Dawn to understand her leadership style and learn how we can all apply those same insights – inside and outside the world of sport. We discuss the qualities required to become resilient and agile when adversity strikes — and — why relationships are at the center of her coaching philosophy._________________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.

Dr. Jud Brewer, a neuroscientist and addiction psychiatrist, shares his insights on unwinding anxiety and transforming habits through mindfulness. He delves into the complexities of anxiety, highlighting its impact on mental health and performance. Brewer discusses the rise of anxiety in our lives, especially post-pandemic, and critiques traditional treatment methods. He emphasizes the role of awareness and curiosity in managing anxiety and introduces practical tools like the Unwinding Anxiety app to foster positive behavior change.