Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bestselling author Ryan Holiday discusses living ethically with purpose, compassion, and empathy influenced by Stoicism. He explores the balance between authenticity and audience expectations, touching on open dialogue and the importance of justice and virtue in modern lives.

Dr. Michael Gervais and O'Neil Cespedes discuss topics like nurturing potential, avoiding cognitive bias, finding a healthy balance of FOPO, moving forward from trauma, working from the inside out, and stories of personal experiences with humor and insights.

Embark on the journey of high-stakes performance and leadership aboard the USS Ronald Reagan with Captain Daryle Cardone and Captain Patrick Corrigan. Explore their unique leadership approaches, roles on the aircraft carrier, excellence in teams, trust building, mindfulness practice, mentorship dynamics, and the valuable lessons learned in the Navy.

Misty Copeland, the first African-American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, shares her inspiring journey from living in motel rooms to breaking barriers in ballet. She discusses handling pressures, connecting with audiences, making an impact beyond dance, and the transformative power of art in her life.

Legendary hockey player Zdeno Chara discusses his leadership philosophy emphasizing humility and kindness, his transition to endurance sports post-NHL, and the importance of learning from both good and bad days. He shares insights on mental imagery, giving up control for leadership, and the value of daily routines. Chara's reflection on striving for perfection, recovery practices, and visualization techniques highlights his commitment to personal growth and peak performance.