Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

This week’s conversation is with Cal Ripken Jr., baseball’s all-time Iron Man.Cal retired from baseball in October, 2001 after 21 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.Although he began and finished his career at third base, Cal is still best known for redefining the position of shortstop.On July 29, 2007 he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.Cal received the 4th highest percentage of votes in history, collecting the second highest vote total ever by the BBWAA.His name appears in the record books repeatedly – he’s one of only eight players in history to achieve 400 home runs and 3,000 hits.But most notably Cal broke Lou Gehrig’s Major League record for consecutive games played (2,130) playing 2,632 consecutive games before he voluntarily ended the streak.Think about that for a second – that’s 16 years straight without missing a game.Imagine not missing a day of work for 16 years… imagine the willpower, the mental fortitude required to keep at it.We get into that in this conversation.Cal shares some amazing stories from his career to help illustrate what was really going through his mind during “The Streak,” why he had such a high standard of excellence and cared so deeply about playing the game the right way.We touch on focus, resiliency, motivation, pressure and more…_________________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 Blake Mycoskie, a social entrepreneur and the founder of TOMS.Blake started TOMS in 2006 and revolutionized the way companies give back by giving shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased.With all his focus going to TOMS, Blake realized he stopped taking care of himself and was diagnosed with mild depression.With this diagnoses, he began exploring how he could better show up for himself and others and that ultimately led to his newest venture, Madefor, where he’s helping people gain control of their lives.We cover so much in this conversation.Blake shares how he got started in entrepreneurship, what’s been key to his success, and why his initial concept of success proved to be offbase.The external factors, the money, the fame, the status all came with Blake’s business accomplishments but when he got everything he was chasing, he realized it wasn’t what he was actually interested in.My hope is that if you only take one thing from this conversation, it’s that none of us have it all figured out, no matter how successful we may appear on the outside._________________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 Julie Rice, an entrepreneur best known for co-founding the fitness phenomenon, SoulCycle.She served as Co-CEO at SoulCycle from 2006 to 2015 before serving as a Partner at WeWork from 2017 to 2019.Julie is currently the Co-Founder of LifeShop, a company developing original concepts in the health and happiness space.In this conversation, we discuss what inspired Julie to create SoulCyle.We touch on the key to being a great leader and the right questions to ask if you want to be successful in business.For Julie, building community is the center of everything she does.Her thoughts, words, and actions are all focused on helping people creating meaningful relationships… because ultimately we’re all a product of the people that we surround ourselves with.Julie shares how her approach to creating meaningful relationships has evolved and how you can apply those same lessons to your own life.We also discuss what the next two to three years will look like for physical, brick and mortar experiences vs. digital and how Julie is adjusting to the pandemic._________________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 Duane Brown, the starting left tackle for the Seattle Seahawks.He played college football at Virginia Tech, and was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft.If you’re not familiar with the role of the left tackle, it’s one of the most important positions on the field, responsible for protecting the “blind side” of the quarterback.These are big men.Duane is about 6’3”, 315 lbs.This conversation is about what life is like for Duane when he’s not on the field.It’s easy to judge a book by its cover and in Duane’s case, he’s gone through life being judged by both his size and his skin color.The conversations I enjoy most on this podcast are when the guest is willing to turn off their “marketing mind” and let us in… to really understand what’s at the center of their world.Duane does just that… he opens up about his experiences as a child and why there were times when he felt his “light was dimmed” because it was easier to be accepted that way.This is a powerful conversation._________________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.

Shea Serrano, a New York Times best-selling author and journalist, shares his inspiring journey from teaching to writing. He discusses how perseverance and hard work were key to providing for his family while overcoming fear throughout his creative process. Shea reflects on the impact of his upbringing on his identity and aspirations, and delves into how personal growth transformed family dynamics. He also addresses the evolution of his community initiative, emphasizing the balance between humor, philanthropy, and resilience in his work.

This week’s conversation is with Kelley O’Hara, who plays soccer for both the US women’s national team and Utah Royals FC.As a member of the USWNT, she has won two World Cups and an Olympic Gold Medal.Prior to her professional career, she attended Stanford University, where she won the Hermann Trophy in 2009, awarded annually to the United States' top male and female college soccer players.We cover so much in this conversation.Inner Drive. Resiliency. Equality. Authenticity. Impact.When I think about the challenging times we’re currently facing, those 5 words are just about the most significant words I can think of right now.Kelley is a tremendous role model for the next generation and I can’t wait for you to learn from her._________________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.

Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, and Dr. Michael Gervais discuss their collaboration and the release of their new Audible Original and book. They explore the importance of personal growth, authenticity, and creating a positive culture. They also discuss their experiences in writing, building a cohesive culture, and the significance of treating individuals as individuals.

This week’s conversation is with Travis Pastrana.If you're a fan of action sports, you know the name.By four years old, Travis was already riding a one-speed motorcycle.At the age of 14, he won the world freestyle championship.Travis continued to display his versatility into the early 2000's racking up numerous Supercross and Motocross podiums as well a Motocross of Nations Championship title.In 2001, Travis was awarded Motocross Rider of the Year at the ESPN Action Sports & Music Awards.He has since accumulated 17 X-Games medals, including 11 gold medals, plus five golds from the Gravity Games, as well more wins at other events including Dew Tour and Red Bull X-Fighters.At the 2006 X Games, Travis redefined what was possible in Freestyle Motocross with his groundbreaking double backflip on a motorbike.As one of the founders and ringleader of Nitro Circus, Travis is committed to the progression of action sports as a whole and has set his sights on redefining the sport of rallycross with the evolution of Nitro Rallycross.Travis is highly skilled at risk – and I think you’ll be fascinated to learn why he’s comfortable in high consequence environments._________________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 Soledad O’Brien, an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist.She is dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues.Soledad currently anchors and produces the Hearst Television political magazine program “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien” and she also reports regularly for HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”She has anchored shows on CNN, MSNBC and NBC, and hosted projects for Fox and A&E.At CNN, she was the face of CNN’s morning news shows for many years and a frequent reporter and analyst for breaking news stories and election coverage.She also anchored the CNN documentary unit, where she created the “In America” documentary series, which includes “Black in America” and “Latino in America.”Soledad was recognized with three Emmy awards -- for her coverage of the Haiti earthquake, the 2012 election and a series called “Kids and Race.”So Soledad’s resume speaks for itself-- she has a deep regard for her craft and more importantly: separating right from wrong.On the surface, this movement, these protests, they’re about highlighting the injustices, the police brutality that many African-Americans have been prone to for far too long.But it extends further than that.This conversation is about accountability... we all play a role.It’s up to us whether we’re the person who chooses to actively make a difference or turn a blind eye._________________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 Michael Bennett, a defensive end in the National Football League.Michael signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and was an instrumental member of the 2013 team that won the Super Bowl. He's also a 3x Pro-Bowler.While Michael’s craft is football, there is so much more to Michael the human being.He’s an advocate for social justice and after the events of the last week and the ongoing protests, I wanted to have him on the podcast to more than anything else just … listen.Michael’s words are significant. He has much to share. But what I found even more powerful than his words was his tone.He doesn’t once raise his voice, he doesn’t blame others, yet you can hear the pain in his voice. You can hear the yearning for change; for a different America.We discuss the systemic issues that make everyday life difficult for African-Americans and what each of us can do to make a positive impact going forward.This is an incredibly difficult, yet important time for our country.I recognize that change requires action and solely talking about it will not suffice.At the same time, I hope that we can use this platform to continue to learn, to better understand, and to empathize with those who have felt silenced for so long._________________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.