Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Dr. Michael Gervais
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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.

  1. The Loudest Voice in the Stadium: Cam Newton on Self‑Talk

    9H AGO

    The Loudest Voice in the Stadium: Cam Newton on Self‑Talk

    The noise at the Super Bowl can be overwhelming—tens of thousands of voices colliding into a single roar. But the loudest voice a player hears isn’t coming from the stands. It’s the one inside their own head. In this episode of The Game Inside the Games, Dr. Michael Gervais and All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall sit down with former NFL MVP Cam Newton to explore one of the most overlooked forces in elite performance: self-talk. Rather than revisiting highlights or headlines, the conversation focuses on the internal dialogue that shapes performance in football’s biggest moments. From the intensity of the Super Bowl stage to the quieter moments when doubt creeps in, Cam and Brandon share how the words athletes say to themselves can either steady them—or pull them out of the moment entirely. This is a candid, human conversation about confidence, pressure, imagination, and the unseen work required to stay grounded when everything is on the line. And while the stories come from the highest level of sport, the lessons reach far beyond the field—offering insight into how anyone can use self-talk to access their best when it matters most. Follow Finding Mastery all week as The Game Inside the Games continues to unpack the inner game at global sporting events,, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. _____________ This episode is brought to you by CDW and Microsoft.  AI is revolutionizing how work gets done. CDW and Microsoft can play a vital role in unlocking the transformative potential of Microsoft Copilot. By leveraging this technology, organizations can achieve significant productivity gains, enhance innovation and streamline workflows. Unlock opportunities to improve both employee and customer experiences when you partner with CDW to deploy your Copilot solutions. Our experts can help maximize the capabilities of Copilot, by building out roadmaps, use cases, and agent experiences that supercharge efficiency for your organization. Aka.ms/CDWMicrosoftCopilot Learn more about CDW’s internal Copilot adoption story: CDW rolls out Microsoft 365 Copilot to 10,000 employees, reporting 85% productivity gains | Microsoft Customer Stories _____________ Links & Resources Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get 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: findingmastery.com/morningmindset  Follow on YouTube, 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.

    27 min
  2. One Yard from Everything: Flow, Pressure, and the Play that Changed Football

    1D AGO

    One Yard from Everything: Flow, Pressure, and the Play that Changed Football

    The Super Bowl isn’t just a physical game — it’s a psychological one. In this special Game Inside the Games episode, Dr. Michael Gervais is joined by NFL coach Matt Patricia and former All-Pro Brandon Marshall to unpack one of the most defining moments in Super Bowl history: Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception. This episode explores what it looks like to perform under pressure when the whole world is watching.  Subscribe and follow along all week as The Game Inside the Games delivers daily episodes leading up to the Super Bowl — revealing the mindset behind elite performance. _________________ This episode is powered by:  Microsoft Copilot, Insight Insight is redefining integration for the Agentic Era by closing the 65% execution gap currently leaving enterprise AI at a standstill. As a leading Solutions Integrator and top 1% Microsoft partner, we don’t just provision licenses; we build the high-performance infrastructure and secure data estates AI requires to thrive. By converging AI-optimized networking with our proprietary Radius™ Microsoft 365 Copilot framework, we solve the infrastructure-AI paradox. From silicon to skills, Insight leverages "Customer Zero" expertise to transform software into a high-yield autonomous enterprise—enabling seamless, secure collaboration between your people and your AI. From Hype to How _________________ Links & Resources Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get 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: findingmastery.com/morningmindset  Follow on YouTube, 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.

    49 min
  3. Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions | Ryan Holiday

    JAN 28

    Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions | Ryan Holiday

    What does it mean to live wisely in a loud, distracted, and often reactive world? Ryan Holiday—bestselling author and modern Stoic philosopher—returns to explore how wisdom actually works… not as a theory or a prize of age, but as a daily practice of reflection, humility, and courage. Ryan breaks down why wisdom takes work, how Stoic philosophy applies to modern parenting and leadership, and why the ability to think deeply and act deliberately might be the rarest skill in today’s world. This conversation goes beyond ideas — it’s about living wisely when life feels anything but quiet. You’ll learn: How to treat wisdom as a practice, not an identityWhy wisdom demands both courage and humilityThe key to raising thoughtful kids in a noisy worldHow to find calm and clarity in times of distraction and divisionWhy discernment is the superpower for the age of AI and misinformation__________________________________________________ Links & Resources Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get 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: findingmastery.com/morningmindset  Follow on YouTube, 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.

    1h 23m
  4. Why You’re Aging Faster Than You Think | Dr Gabrielle Lyon

    JAN 21

    Why You’re Aging Faster Than You Think | Dr Gabrielle Lyon

    What if the real risk to our health isn’t aging itself, but becoming metabolically weak? Dr. Gabrielle Lyon — physician, researcher, and one of the leading voices redefining how we think about health and longevity — shares why muscle sits at the center of lasting strength, energy, and vitality. In this wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Michael Gervais, she explores why health isn’t something to manage later with prescriptions, but something to build deliberately through strength and daily discipline. Dr. Lyon’s muscle-centric approach reframes aging and performance: real longevity is not about doing less, but building the capacity to do more — with purpose, clarity, and resilience. From the science of protein and training to the psychology of sustainable health, this conversation offers a roadmap to living strong, not just long. You’ll learn: Why muscle is the organ of longevityHow to build metabolic health through training and nutritionThe key to balancing strength, performance, and recoveryHow to approach GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) with nuance and cautionWhy physical strength fuels mental resilience and purpose_______________________________________________________ Links & Resources Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get 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: findingmastery.com/morningmindset  Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X Pre-order The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK and receive exclusive bonuses - https://drgabriellelyon.com/playbook/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 8m
  5. How To Stay Calm Under Stress | Dan Harris

    JAN 14

    How To Stay Calm Under Stress | Dan Harris

    What changes when anxiety shows up—and you stop trying to outrun it, and start learning how to work with it? Dan Harris—journalist, bestselling author, and host of 10% Happier—returns to Finding Mastery to explore practical ways to work with anxiety. Dan unpacks how meditation, compassionate self-talk, and exposure built his capacity after a panic attack on live TV—and why curiosity is a powerful antidote to fear. Dan and Dr. Mike go beyond optimization into the human side: rebuilding from collapse, confronting panic (on planes, elevators, and big stages), and the daily reps that make composure more accessible. This is a grounded look at attention, identity, and training your inner life—without hacks or magical thinking. What you’ll learn How to use meditation as “bicep curls for the brain”Why self-talk (especially in third person) regulates panic in real timeThe key to working at your edge without traumatizing yourselfHow to turn exposure into confidence and capacityWhy curiosity beats cynicism for mental performance At its heart, this episode is a reminder: mastery isn’t a shortcut; it’s alignment between awareness, training, and what matters most. _____________________________________________________________ Links & Resources Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get 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: findingmastery.com/morningmindset  Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X Dan Harris on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenPercentHappier See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 13m
  6. Why You Should Quit Social Media in 2026 | Cal Newport

    JAN 7

    Why You Should Quit Social Media in 2026 | Cal Newport

    If you’re trying to be productive, what if the answer isn’t to do more… but to do less, better? On today’s episode, we welcome back Cal Newport — Georgetown computer science professor, bestselling author of Deep Work and Slow Productivity, and one of the most influential voices on focus, sustainable achievement, and the hidden costs of our digital lives. Cal and Dr. Mike pick up where their first conversation left off — exploring why the human brain can’t do its best work while juggling five active tasks, how context switching quietly crushes output, and what leaders can do to build cultures that protect focus without adding headcount. On the human side, Cal dives into digital fatigue, rethinking our relationship with phones, and how parents can create healthier tech norms at home. Finally, he looks ahead to AI — not with fear, but with clarity about how it can remove friction and restore our ability to think deeply. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why doing fewer things at once leads to faster, better resultsHow to reduce context switching and build deep work into team cultureThe difference between true productivity and “pseudo-productivity”How to counter digital fatigue at work and at home — with different strategies for eachWhat parents should know about phones, social media, and attentionHow AI can actually protect deep work when used wisely The heart of this conversation: mastery in the modern world isn’t about speed or volume — it’s about depth, clarity, and choosing what truly deserves your attention. _________________________________________________________________________ Links & Resources Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get 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: findingmastery.com/morningmindset  Follow on YouTube, 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.

    57 min
  7. How to Build (and Repair) Love: The Gottmans on What Every Couple Should Know

    12/31/2025

    How to Build (and Repair) Love: The Gottmans on What Every Couple Should Know

    The most powerful way to enter a new year is not with resolutions, but with a deeper understanding of how to connect with the people who matter most. As we close out the year, the Finding Mastery team is taking time to rest, re-calibrate and reflect — practicing the same principles we talk about on this podcast.  So today, we’re sharing a conversation from the Finding Mastery Vault with two legends in the science of relationships: Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Together, they’ve spent more than 50 years studying what makes love last — from small moments of connection to the hidden habits that quietly erode trust. In this conversation, we explore the daily rituals that deepen intimacy, how to repair after conflict, and why the best relationships aren’t perfect — they’re practiced. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to turn conflict into closeness through repairThe four behaviors that quietly destroy relationships (and how to replace them)Why “love is a verb” — and what that means in actionThe difference between bids for connection and real listeningHow to communicate needs without criticism or defensiveness From the entire Finding Mastery team, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy New Year. We’ll see you in 2026! Enjoy this episode with The Gottmans. ________________________________________________________________ Links & Resources Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get 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: findingmastery.com/morningmindset  Follow on YouTube, 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.

    1 hr
  8. How to Get Unstuck in Life — Lessons on Love from Sharon Salzberg, Meditation Pioneer

    12/24/2025

    How to Get Unstuck in Life — Lessons on Love from Sharon Salzberg, Meditation Pioneer

    What if the greatest gift you could offer this season isn’t something you buy—but rather the way you choose to meet yourself and others—with kindness? As we pause new releases over the holidays, the Finding Mastery team is taking time to rest, reflect, and be with our loved ones — because we believe relationships are part of the practice of mastery itself. So today, we’re re-releasing a powerful, audio-only episode from the Finding Mastery Vault: a conversation with THE Sharon Salzberg, one of the world’s leading teachers of wisdom, mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation. Sharon shares how love can be trained as an ability, why discernment and gratitude sharpen performance, and how to meet fear without hardening. She also walks us through a simple loving-kindness meditation you can use right away. Her lessons are as relevant now as they were when we first shared this conversation — maybe even more so in a world that could use a little more gentleness right now. So, Happy Holidays from all of us here at Finding Mastery and with that, enjoy this week’s From The Vault conversation with Sharon Salzberg. ___________________________________________________________________ Links & Resources Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get 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: findingmastery.com/morningmindset  Follow on YouTube, 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.

    1h 2m
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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.

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