What if the pursuit of happiness is making us miserable?

On the podcast today to help us answer that question is Dr. Arthur Brooks. Arthur is a Harvard professor, social scientist, and bestselling author known for his work on well-being, leadership, and human flourishing. 

His journey is anything but traditional—starting out as a professional musician before transitioning to academia, where he’s become a leading voice in the study of happiness… But as you’ll hear in this episode, the path of happiness might not be exactly what you think it is.

Whether you’re a high performer seeking more fulfillment or simply looking to understand happiness from a deeper perspective, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for living fully.

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How do we navigate all the changes that come with radical growth – the fortunes, the fame, social challenges…all while staying true to ourselves?

Today’s guest is Deryck Whibley, lead singer and guitarist for the iconic punk rock band Sum 41. Over two decades, Sum 41 has sold over 15 million records, earned Grammy nominations, and won numerous awards, including a Juno for Group of the Year. Known for hits like "Fat Lip," "In Too Deep," and "Still Waiting," Deryck and his band have defined punk rock for a generation, and sold out arenas around the world. 

Beyond the stage, Deryck’s journey has been marked by psychological and emotional battles that includes both addiction the road to recovery—chronicled in his new book, Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell. 

This is a special conversation – we dive deep into how he uses his mind to create and how he is navigating the challenges of creating his next chapter. We also get an insider look at the untold stories behind Sum 41’s rise to stardom and what it takes to push boundaries - in a punk rock way.

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What makes rational people adopt irrational beliefs? And, what can we do to bridge the growing divide in society?

Here to help us answer those questions is today’s guest, Dr. Dan Ariely. Dan is a renowned behavioral economist, Duke University professor, and author, known for his groundbreaking research on human decision-making, irrationality, and the psychology behind beliefs and behavior. 

I’ve admired Dan’s work for a long time – his insights into how stress, cognition, and social factors influence our beliefs have been groundbreaking. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books, including Predictably Irrational and his latest work, Misbelief – where he tackles how seemingly rational people come to believe in, and fiercely defend, things that just aren’t true.

In today’s conversation, we dive deep into the psychology of belief and the importance of challenging our own assumptions. Dan shares the fascinating ways stress and cognitive biases can lead us down paths of misbelief, and how empathy and curiosity can help us bridge divides in this polarized world. 

Whether you’re interested in the intricacies of human psychology, the challenges of navigating modern-day stress, or simply want to learn how to better understand those around you, this episode is packed with insights that will make you think deeply about the world we live in. It may just change how you think about your own beliefs and rationality.

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Wondering how to create time for your life priorities when it’s not part of your employer’s culture? Then this is the AMA for you.

Back once again is my co-host O’Neil Cespedes, and in today’s conversation, we get into topics like:

• How to design your own life based on *your* priorities 
• Bridging the gap between who we were in our younger years and who we’re becoming.
• The hidden dangers in giving – and asking for – advice.
• How to fully experience the range of your emotions, from joy to sadness, without muting them.
• The difference between “getting good” and “feeling good” 
• And so much more…

And there’s a lot of fun stuff along the way – O’Neil uncovers a bit about my past, and I get a window on his obsession with anime.

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

With Fire,

MG, OC, and the FM Team

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Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!

For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.

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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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Check out more from Live Talks LA

Buy Malcolm's latest book Revenge of the Tipping Point

Connect with us on our Instagram.

Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!

For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.

To check out our exclusive sponsor deals and discounts CLICK HERE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

With Fire,

The FM Team

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WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.

Connect with us on our Instagram.

Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!

For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.

To check out our exclusive sponsor deals and discounts CLICK HERE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

With Fire,

The FM Team

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WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.

Connect with us on our Instagram.

Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!

For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.

To check out our exclusive sponsor deals and discounts CLICK HERE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

With Fire,

MG

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WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.

Connect with us on our Instagram.

Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!

For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.

To check out our exclusive sponsor deals and discounts CLICK HERE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

With Fire,

MG, OC, and the FM Team

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

With Fire,

MG and the FM Team

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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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WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.

Connect with us on our Instagram.

Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!

For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.

To check out our exclusive sponsor deals and discounts CLICK HERE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

With Fire,

Dr. Mike and the FM Team

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WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.

Connect with us on our Instagram.

Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!

For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.

To check out our exclusive sponsor deals and discounts CLICK HERE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.