Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Today’s episode is a special one. It wasn’t recorded in our studio, but live from Balboa Theater in San Diego for a Live Talks LA event, where I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with one of the most influential thinkers of our time: Malcolm Gladwell.

This conversation was so much fun – we explored his writing process, the lessons he learned from his father about effort and resilience, and big questions about the future—like the real impact of AI and the time it takes to fully understand emerging technologies. 

We also dive into Malcolm’s latest book, Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering. 

This was one of those wonderfully refreshing conversations – I think you’ll be really surprised by where Malcolm and I go. It’s full of emotion, insight, and energy. I can’t wait for you to learn from Malcolm’s insights and the way he shapes his words and stories. You’re in for a real treat.

With Fire,

The FM Team

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What if your biggest risk in life is playing it safe? 

Today, I am stoked to welcome back to the podcast one of the most dynamic voices in the creative world, Chase Jarvis. 

Chase is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, and the founder of CreativeLive, a leading online learning platform that has supported millions of creators worldwide. As a thought leader in the creative industry, Chase is dedicated to helping people unlock their potential through creativity, risk-taking, and embracing discomfort for personal growth and fulfillment.

He also just released his latest book, Never Play It Safe: A Practical Guide to Freedom, Creativity, and A Life You Love.

In this conversation, we dive deep into Chase’s life design – revealing his key insights on how creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and harnessed for personal and professional success. We explore the importance of taking risks, challenging conventional thinking, and embracing vulnerability as part of the creative process.

I always love when I get to sit down with Chase and can’t wait for you to learn from his rich perspective and insights.

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How did studying military dolphins lead to a breakthrough in human health?

Our guest today, Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, is a scientist, entrepreneur, and veterinarian with a remarkable story – one that begins with dolphins and leads to groundbreaking discoveries about human health. Her research with Navy dolphins led to the discovery of C15, an essential fatty acid with the potential to revolutionize how we think about healthy aging and longevity.

I’ve been fascinated by the role of fatty acids in the aging process for a long time... Today, we explore C15’s critical role in maintaining healthy cells, and how it may even help fight against diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.

What I love about this conversation is how Stephanie brings the science to life – showing us how the simplest discoveries can have profound implications for our health and well-being.

Our mission and values are so aligned that we partnered with her breakthrough C15 product, Fatty15. Stephanie and the team at Fatty15 are reshaping the world’s approach to healthy aging, and I’m thrilled to support their mission of advancing human health through cutting-edge science.

Try out Fatty15 for yourself and receive 15% off when you visit https://fatty15.com/FINDINGMASTERY

This is one of those conversations that makes you rethink how you care for your body, what you eat, and what truly supports healthy aging. So whether you’re on your own mission to change the world or simply interested in practical ways to live a healthier life, this conversation with Dr. Stephanie is one you won't want to miss.

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How can something as simple as your breath unlock greater resilience, enhance performance, and transform how you navigate high-stress moments?

Our guest today is Brian Mackenzie, a human performance expert and pioneer in the field of breathwork, endurance, and stress adaptation. And he’s back for the second time on the podcast. 

As the founder of Shift Adapt, Brian's innovative training methods blend breathing protocols, movement, and mindset strategies to optimize health, performance, and resilience for athletes and everyday individuals alike. 

In this conversation, you’ll learn how mastering your breath can be one of the keys to unlocking your potential. But it’s not just about performance; Brian shares how breath control is a remote control for your nervous system, helping you manage high-stress situations and live with greater clarity and presence.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of how to harness your breath for both high performance and everyday well-being, this conversation is packed with insights.

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Ever wonder how top leaders shape organizational culture or how to turn criticism into fuel for success? You're in for a treat.

Back once again is my friend and co-host, O’Neil Cespedes – these AMAs are some of our favorite episodes. Your questions are always insightful, and allow us to dig deeper into the core principles we discuss here every week.

In today’s conversation, O’Neil and I explore:

• How to navigate the tension between staying grounded and pushing your limits
• How leaders define and grow an organization's culture
• The "forming, storming, norming, and performing" model in team building
• The power of showing - not telling - when guiding young athletes
• Turning negative "noise" into positive action
• How to tell a loved one you need more space
• And so much more...

Thank you once again for challenging us with great questions -- keep them coming in!

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Today, we’re venturing deep into the wild with someone whose life’s work challenges us to reconnect with the essence of nature and, in doing so, rediscover our own humanity.

Our guest today is Craig Foster—a renowned filmmaker, photographer, and naturalist whose immersive experiences in the wild have captivated millions. Craig is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking documentary My Octopus Teacher, which not only won an Academy Award but also sparked a global conversation about our relationship with the natural world. I watched this movie with my son – we were gripped, we shared tears together, and I immediately reached out wanting to meet him. 

In our conversation, we dive into Craig’s profound journey through The Great African Sea Forest, exploring the intricate balance between ‘the wild’ and ‘the tame’ in our lives. Craig shares his insights on the importance of embracing the wisdom of indigenous traditions, the detrimental effects of our modern, tech-heavy existence, and how shifting our mindset from infinite capitalism to a regenerative relationship with nature can lead to a more meaningful life.

We also explore the transformative power of connecting with even the smallest aspects of nature and how these connections can reignite our sense of belonging in this world.

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Resources:

My Octopus Teacher (Oscar-winning film; available on Netflix)

https://www.netflix.com/title/81045007

Amphibious Soul: Finding the WIld in a Tame World (Craig’s New Book)

https://seachangeproject.com/projects/books/amphibious-soul/

Sea Change Project (donate to support global biodiversity)

https://seachangeproject.com/

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Today, we’re diving deep with someone who redefines what it means to excel — the legend, Gabby Reece. 

Gabby was Nike’s first female spokesperson, she’s a successful entrepreneur with her husband Laird Hamilton, a best-selling author, and a former supermodel named one of the "Five Most Beautiful Women in the World" by Elle Magazine. As if that wasn’t enough, she also played professional beach volleyball for five seasons – two of which she was named the tour’s Top Offensive Player.

Gabby has created a life she loves – and she’s here to share the principles that have guided her extraordinary adventure.

From overcoming a challenging childhood to becoming a household name, Gabby talks about turning fear into fuel, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the power of gratitude. She’s not just about success on the court or in the boardroom—she’s about thriving in every aspect of life.

So, whether you’re looking to conquer your own challenges or just curious about the mindset of a true champion, I’m confident you’ll be able to connect with Gabby’s insights and wisdom.

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Kids who grow up playing American football dream of doing a few things: winning the Heisman Trophy; being a top NFL draft pick; winning a Super Bowl, and… in their wildest dreams… perhaps even winning a Super Bowl MVP.

Our guest today is one of the rare few who made all of those dreams a reality – Desmond Howard. 

Desmond’s career is a highlight reel of jaw-dropping plays at the University of Michigan and in the NFL—a journey that’s left an indelible mark on the sport. And now, he is a prolific broadcaster for ESPN College GameDay – making him not just an athlete but a true icon in the world of sports. 

What's equally remarkable, if not more so, are the strategies that have fueled his success. Desmond’s approach to life—marked by meditation, a positive mindset, deep humility, and a commitment to continuous growth—offers powerful lessons for all of us.

And I want to give a quick shout out to our partners at Mack Weldon for introducing us to Desmond – great brands attract great people, and this is certainly no exception. To experience the comfort of Mack Weldon clothing for yourself and receive 20% off orders over $100, just head to the following link and enter the code FINDINGMASTERY at checkout: https://mackweldon.com/findingmastery 

Enjoy this incredible conversation with Desmond Howard.

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There's an age-old question: Are humans fundamentally good or evil? Are we hardwired towards greed and cynicism... or towards compassion and goodness?

Our guest today, Dr. Jamil Zaki, is a leading psychologist and empathy researcher who has dedicated his career to exploring this question. He believes that humans are fundamentally good – and he has the science to back it up.

Jamil is at the forefront of research at Stanford's Social Neuroscience Lab, where he's exploring how we understand emotions, conform to social norms, and choose to do good.

Cynicism is on the rise in the United States, and Jamil refers to this rising tide as a disease. But the good news? There is hope for a cure.

His latest book, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, lays out a practical roadmap to transform cynicism into hopeful skepticism—an approach that could make our world a better place.

In this conversation, we dive deep into actionable strategies to build trust and empathy, like "social savoring" and "positive gossip." If you’re looking to create lasting positive change in your life and those around you, this episode is for you.

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When was the last time you felt completely free? Not just “happy”.. but you felt a profound sense of clarity and calm from within?

Dr. Emma Seppälä has spent over a decade proving that this state of inner freedom – which she refers to as “sovereignty” – is not only achievable but essential for our wellbeing.

Emma is a psychologist, best-selling author, and leading researcher in the science of happiness and social connection. As the director of the Women's Leadership Program at the Yale School of Management, she's guided thousands of individuals towards greater emotional intelligence and resilience. 

In this episode, we dive deep into Emma's groundbreaking research from her new book, "Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power." She reveals how cultivating moments of clarity and calm can unlock a powerful state of being that goes beyond happiness.

Get ready for an enlightening discussion that challenges our approach to wellbeing. Whether you're aiming to enhance your work, relationships, or personal growth, Emma's insights offer a fresh perspective on thriving in our complex world.

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