Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

How can you train your brain to unlock more joy and success in your life?

Diving deep into this exciting question is today's guest, Dr. David Eagleman, a revolutionary thinker and trailblazer in the world of neuroscience.

"One of the most important things you can do for your brain is to constantly challenge it."

As an esteemed Stanford professor and intrepid explorer of the human brain, David's contributions to the field of neuroscience are significant. He has pioneered studies on the brain's plasticity, sensory substitution (the process of using a different sense to replace or make up for the lack of another), the function of dreams, time perception, and so much more.

But David is not just a scientist and professor—he's the best-selling author of 8 books on neuroscience, the host of a PBS television series on the brain, and the host of his own podcast, 'Inner Cosmos,' which dives deeper into the intersection of brain science and technology.

And if that wasn't enough, he's also the founder of two incredible companies (both of which we discuss in this episode).

Remarkable. I really love the places David took us today.

In our conversation, David shares how an optimized brain could be the gateway to anchoring ourselves in the present moment, unlocking our potential, and living a more vibrant life.

So, whether you're someone in pursuit of optimizing your mind for peak performance or just wanting to think and feel more deeply, this is a thought-provoking conversation you won't want to miss. 

And I can't wait for you to dive in.

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Imagine staring up at 3,000-foot vertical wall of rock—a wall that no one has climbed before—and taking that first grab, exploring uncharted territory, physically and psychologically.

Tommy Caldwell did just that. 

Tommy is a legendary professional big wall rock climber who redefined the boundaries of human achievement by scaling the steepest, most barren face of Yosemite's El Capitan—the infamous Dawn Wall.

And Tommy's story isn't just about climbing; it's about the power of the human mind. In 2000, he faced a different kind of challenge when he and his fellow climbers were taken hostage by rebel militants in Kyrgyzstan. Surviving on minimal food and water, they eventually made a daring escape that would forever change Tommy's perspective on human resilience. It was powerful to hear Tommy tell this story, and how it has impacted his life since. 

Tommy's journey is a testament to the extraordinary – what we can achieve when we dare to imagine what’s possible. While most of us may not be climbers, I think we all have our own “Dawn Walls”... seemingly impossible feats we can aspire to, achieve, and - in time - overcome. Tommy talks us through how he mechanically pushes his edges to discover what he – and what humanity – is capable of. It’s a beautiful story of becoming. 

In this extraordinary conversation, Tommy reflects on his unparalleled experiences, the power of “elective hardship”, and the pursuit of a life that energizes and invigorates. Discover the man behind the legend, the husband, and father who's learned to balance his own needs with those of his loved ones.

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Welcome to the 12th installment of our Ask Me Anything (AMA) series! The goal behind this series - behind these conversations – is to answer your questions and explore the topics that come up for you on your own journey to becoming your best self.

We’re back with our favorite co-host—O’Neil Cespedes—and today, we’ve got a special one for you…

As many of you know, on November 7th, my new book, The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You, is coming out – and the response so far has been epic. So many people are already resonating with the topic.

You can pre-order the book here: findingmastery.com/book

So in this AMA, we explore your questions around the concept of FOPO (or the Fear of People's Opinions).

We dive into:

- The challenges of being authentic in social settings

- Why even the best in the world struggle with FOPO

- Re-defining success

- How to bring more vibrance to your life

- What it looks like to love yourself

And so much more…

Wishing you an epic week.

This AMA is brought to you by CAROL! CAROL is an AI-powered exercise bike that’s scientifically proven to give you the benefits of a 45-minute run in as little as five minutes. To learn more, head to carolbike.com and enter the code FINDINGMASTERY at checkout for $250 off your purchase! (This offer only valid till January 15th, 2024). Again, for $250 OFF your CAORL Bike, head to: https://carolbike.com/

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In a world where choices seem endless, could it be that our 'free will' is nothing more than an illusion? 

When it comes to things like choosing a morning run over an extra hour of sleep, opting for an apple instead of that enticing pint of ice cream, or quitting your job on a whim…

…What's truly guiding these decisions? Is it willpower, biology, environment, or perhaps a unique strength of character we've built over time?

Or… could it be something else entirely, something beyond our control?

Here's where our guest, Dr. Robert Sapolsky - a renowned Professor of Biology, Neurology and Neurosurgery at Stanford University - offers us a slightly unsettling, yet eye-opening, perspective.

He suggests that every decision we make - from the podcasts we tune into, to judges making a case verdict, to choosing our life partner - isn't shaped by any sort of conscious control or free will. Instead, he believes our actions are driven by factors beyond our grasp and influence.

Now, Sapolsky doesn't just challenge our perceptions of free will — he presents a compelling theory that could very well dismantle widely accepted beliefs in this arena.

So, whether you're a leader interested in innovative ways to think about decision-making or someone craving deeply intellectual and exciting insights for your next dinner party, this conversation promises to radically reshape your perspective.

And I can't wait for you to dive in!

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

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Have you ever felt the overwhelming pressure to be perfect in an imperfect world? To excel in every aspect of life in a society that is constantly demanding more?

Welcome to the club.

Thomas Curran has dedicated his career to understanding the complex and often elusive personality trait of perfectionism. A professor of psychology at the London School of Economics, Thomas’s research delves deep into the roots of perfectionism – exploring how it develops and its profound impact on mental health.

His influential TED Talk on perfectionism has garnered over three million views, and his research has reached the pages of esteemed publications like the Harvard Business Review, New Scientist, and CNN – a testament to the urgency of this topic in today's society.

Thomas is also the author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper dive into the psychology of perfectionism and the pursuit of a more authentic life.

In this insightful conversation, Thomas and I explore the depths of perfectionism. We unravel what perfectionism truly means, why it's on the rise in our society, the hidden costs it exacts on our well-being, and most importantly, how we can work with this pervasive force and find a healthier path to personal growth and fulfillment.

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Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we sit down with the inspirational Paula Schneider, CEO of Susan G. Komen®, to explore her awe-inspiring journey through uncharted waters in both leadership and her personal battle against breast cancer. Paula exemplifies how true grit and relentless self-belief can overtake fears and redefine how you approach success in every aspect of life.

This rich conversation explores:

• How Paula navigated a deadly breast cancer diagnosis and the power she found in accepting help
• How she was brought in to execute one of the biggest corporate turnarounds at American Apparel
• How she stays calm with (literal) fires burning all around her
• Her unconventional path from starting as a costume design and theater major to becoming the CEO and president of Susan G. Komen®, one of the world’s leading nonprofits in the fight against breast cancer, with almost $1 billion in research funding
• How to make decisions with imperfect information and Paula’s refreshing approach to leading through uncharted territory 
• Proactive cancer prevention, optimal screening times, and being your biggest health advocate

Paula doesn’t claim to have all the answers; she simply knows she can find them. Join us as Paula reshapes our understanding of success, demonstrating that it's less about what you know and more about trusting that you can face and conquer the hard things—no matter the odds.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

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Could improv comedy be the key to unlocking human potential?

Our guest today isn't just tossing around this idea—he's used the alchemy of the improv stage to forge groundbreaking strategies that are sure to ripple through business, sport, and life itself.

Let's set the stage for Kelly Leonard. His title—Vice President of Creative Strategy, Innovation, and Business Development—only begins to capture his role at The Second City. And this isn't just any theater. It's a global comedy powerhouse that gave us legends like Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, to name a few. 

Yet the improv stage is merely a starting point for Kelly's broader mission. He's on an epic journey to inspire and empower people to use improvisation as a tool for positive change and growth. Kelly's best-selling book, 'Yes, And,' and a pioneering partnership with the University of Chicago reflect this mission—bridging behavioral science with the principles of improv.

I love how Kelly offers us unconventional wisdom on reframing challenges, daring to risk, and savoring the present moment in all its unpredictability.

And our conversation goes deep. We explore thoughtful leadership, building a culture that unlocks radical creativity, tools to deepen relationships and even some remarkably profound ways to approach grief.

So, if you're leading a team, wanting to live fiercely in the now, or simply searching for a fresh lens on life's curveballs, this is one episode you won't want to miss.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: 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 

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Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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Welcome to the 11th installment of our Ask Me Anything series.

The purpose behind these AMAs – is to hear from YOU and have conversations… to explore the topics and questions that you have been wrestling with on your path to becoming.

The goal is to expand on the themes, lessons, and best-practices we’ve discussed on the Finding Mastery podcast in order to make them even more applicable to your own life.

We’re back with our favorite co-host—O’Neil Cespedes—and today, we cover some really interesting and insightful territory, including:

• Where joy comes from (and the art of finding it, every day)
• Why we must practice self-care
• The intricacies of ADD and ADHD
• Being a good friend to yourself
• The nuances of narcissistic traits
• The power of imagery and imagination
• And so much more…

This AMA is brought to you by CAROL! CAROL is an AI-powered exercise bike that’s scientifically proven to give you the benefits of a 45-minute run in as little as five minutes. To learn more, head to carolbike.com and enter the code FINDINGMASTERY at checkout for $100 off your purchase.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: 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! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

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Why do some people excel in the toughest of conditions while others fall short?

This age-old question finds its answer in the lives and experiences of today’s guests: Rich Diviney and Brent Gleeson, both former Navy SEALs and known authors, speakers, and human performance consultants.

Drawing on their background in Naval Special Warfare, Rich and Brent share their unique perspective on the blend of adaptability, resilience, and vulnerability required to achieve peak performance. 

But this wisdom doesn't just apply on the battlefield; it's also incredibly relevant in the boardroom, among teams, and when faced with seemingly impossible goals. 

In today’s episode, we explore:

• The critical traits of successful Navy SEALs
• How to navigate deep emotional pain and turn it into fuel for growth
• Fostering team buy-in during organizational change 
• Defining, setting and achieving goals - even under extreme adversity

Whether you're a leader trying to build a high-performing team or someone simply seeking a more fulfilled life, this is a thought-provoking (and sometimes controversial) conversation you won't want to miss.

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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 

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Success - in any arena - often demands a delicate dance between fearlessness, finesse and dedication. Mikaela Shiffrin, a true luminary in alpine skiing, has mastered this equilibrium like no other. With an astounding 88 World Cup wins to her name, Mikaela stands as the greatest alpine skier in history. Period.

She's a two-time Olympic Champion, seven-time World Champion, and five-time Overall World Cup champion. But Mikaela's influence extends far beyond the slopes. In 2023, Time Magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and the ESPY Awards named her the Best Athlete in Women's Sports. And she’s done all of this before the age of 29.

Clearly Mikaela has talent. Confidence. Discipline. But what sets her apart, as you’ll hear, is her commitment and honesty to work from the inside out. She’s developed incredible abilities to tune out toxic mental noise, perform at the knife’s edge, and bounce forward when it gets hard. More than anything, her success comes from her unflappable courage in the face of challenge - or as she says, “the confidence to try” - and try again and again, even if things don’t work out.

Off the mountain, and in this conversation, Mikaela is equally impressive. We delve into Mikaela's remarkable journey, from her early days on the slopes to her unparalleled achievements in alpine skiing. She shares insights into handling external pressures, maintaining a process-oriented mindset, and embracing an honest approach to self-coaching. Join us as we explore the mindset of a true champion and learn from Mikaela's clarity, intensity, and passion for the sport she loves.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: 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! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

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