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
Jan 19, 2022 • 1h 45min
The Delicate Dance Between Risk, Reward, and Death | Skiing Legend, Cody Townsend
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.
8 snips
Jan 12, 2022 • 1h 13min
How to Think, Create, and Lead in Unconventional Ways | Sarah Stein Greenberg
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.
6 snips
Jan 5, 2022 • 1h 30min
Wiring Your Brain for Performance Under Pressure | ER Physician, Dr. Dan Dworkis
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.
Dec 29, 2021 • 1h 9min
Narrowing the Gap Between the Body and the Mind | Neuroscientist, Dr. Antonio Damasio
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.
Dec 22, 2021 • 1h 26min
Pain, Pleasure, and the Addictive Chase for Dopamine | Dr. Anna Lembke
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.
Dec 15, 2021 • 2h 21min
Maintaining a Fighter’s Mindset While Battling Disease | Corey Coopersmith
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.
Dec 8, 2021 • 1h 15min
The Truth About Conspiracy Theories | Journalist, David Farrier
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!
Dec 1, 2021 • 1h 5min
The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain | Science Writer, Annie Murphy Paul
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.
Nov 24, 2021 • 1h 30min
Transcendence - Become Your Ultimate Self | Consciousness Expert, Dr. Tony Nader
Dr. Tony Nader, a Harvard-trained medical expert and leading consciousness scholar, delves into the depths of human potential and self-awareness. He discusses the complex relationship between mind and body, encouraging profound personal growth through understanding consciousness. Nader examines the 'hard problem' of consciousness, highlighting cultural dynamics and the impact of gratitude and compassion on well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, not just for personal success but for societal transformation as well.
Nov 17, 2021 • 1h 14min
Take Control of Your Future, Now | Disruptor, Jay Samit
Jay Samit, a dynamic entrepreneur and former vice chairman of Deloitte Consulting, shares his insights on innovation and disruption. He emphasizes the importance of facing fears to prevent future regrets and discusses his transformative journey mentoring a homeless immigrant to success. Samit highlights practical approaches to personal growth, resilience, and the significance of understanding first principles. He also reflects on the emotional risks of new ventures and the necessity of authentic connections in today's ever-evolving job market.
