The Narcissist Expert: How To Spot Them, Survive Them & Why They're Everywhere - Dr. Ramani
What if some of the traits that drive high performance – are also at the very core of narcissism? This week on Finding Mastery, we welcome clinical psychologist and narcissism expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula to explore one of the most complex psychological dynamics of our time.Narcissism isn’t always loud or obvious. Dr. Ramani breaks down how narcissism lives on a spectrum, from subtle manipulation and gaslighting to full-blown disorders, and how it shows up in high performers, workplaces, relationships, and even within ourselves.In this conversation, we explore:The 4 major types of narcissism and how gender influences their expressionWhy high achievers may unknowingly enable narcissistic tendenciesHow to recognize gaslighting, and why we often miss itHer 5-step framework for managing narcissistic relationshipsThe cost of constantly accommodating others at the expense of your own wellbeingThis conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating tough personalities, leadership challenges, or recovering from emotionally confusing relationships. Dr. Ramani’s insights are practical, powerful, and grounded in decades of research and clinical experience.Links & ResourcesSubscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet 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/morningmindsetFollow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Millions Watched Me Dance — No One Saw My Trauma I Derek Hough
What if one of the greatest choreographers and dancers of our time found mastery not in movement… but in stillness?This week on Finding Mastery, we’re joined by Derek Hough—four-time Emmy Award winner, six-time Dancing with the Stars champion, and one of the most respected dancers and choreographers in the world.This conversation isn’t just about dance. It’s about self-discovery, emotional resilience, and the quiet power of going inward.Derek opens up about the intense challenges he faced growing up—from early trauma and feeling like an outsider to finding belonging in rhythm and movement. He shares the surprising moment that forced him to stop dancing—and what he found in the stillness that followed.This episode explores:Why comfort, not control, was the key to Derek’s healingHow early trauma shaped his drive for perfection—and how he redefined successWhat it takes to lead others through fear and unlock performance through empathyThe shift from external validation to internal alignmentThe daily practices that help Derek stay grounded in a high-pressure worldWhether you’re an artist, a coach, or someone navigating your own path to self-mastery—this one’s for you.Links & ResourcesSubscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet 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 XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Why Most Relationships Fail (And How to Break the Cycle) — Yung Pueblo
What are the three things you need to know to love better? This week, we’re joined by Yung Pueblo — a meditator, poet, bestselling author, and one of the most impactful modern-day wisdom teachers whose work is grounded in lived experience.Diego shares his deeply personal journey: from hitting rock bottom in his early twenties to rebuilding his life through Vipassana meditation, emotional honesty, and the daily discipline of inner work. Together, we explore what it means to heal, how to let go of reactivity, and how real love is shaped through compassion, kindness, and growth.In this powerful conversation, Yung Pueblo reveals:The 3 things you need to know to love betterHow emotional maturity is built through repetition and presenceWhy meditation changed his life — and how it can support yoursWhat “letting go” really meansHow to build relationships rooted in healing, not painThis one’s for anyone on the path of self-discovery, deeper love, or emotional transformation.Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet 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://findingmastery.lpages.co/morningmindset!Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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What AI Can't Replace: The Ancient Skills That Will Save Us | Soren Gordhamer
The question is not if AI will advance. It will. The real question is whether humans will advance with it?This week on The Finding Mastery Podcast, we sit down with Soren Gordhamer — founder of Wisdom 2.0, a global movement exploring the intersection of mindfulness, purpose, and technology.Soren’s latest book, The Essential: Discovering What Really Matters in an Age of Distraction, invites us to slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with what truly counts — even as the world speeds up around us.In this conversation, we explore:How suffering and early identity struggles shaped Soren’s lifeWhy achievement alone isn’t enough for true fulfillmentHow to stop performing and start beingWhy cultivating inner power is essential in the age of AIIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by technology or stuck chasing external success, this episode offers a grounded path forward — toward presence, purpose, and authentic living. Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet 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://findingmastery.lpages.co/morningmindset!Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How do you stay true to your values when others are playing political games? What if your purpose feels too small compared to others? And how do we raise kids who can handle life's inevitable hard blows?We're back for Part 2 of our special Finding Mastery Ask Me Anything with Dr. Michael Gervais and our good friend—author, documentarian, podcaster, football analyst, and renaissance man, Yogi Roth. Through thoughtful questions from our community, we dive deep into the messy realities of modern life: workplace politics, purpose discovery, and parenting with intention.Drawing from years of experience with elite performers and leaders, we explore practical strategies for maintaining integrity in competitive environments while building the inner foundation that sustains long-term success and fulfillment.Key insights we explored:When workplace politics get messy - How to protect your team's expertise while staying true to your valuesPurpose doesn't need to be grand - Why "being a great parent" is just as meaningful as "wells in Africa"The three pillars of authentic purpose - It must matter to you, be bigger than you, and have future orientationBuilding self-efficacy in children - Let them figure things out, celebrate effort over outcomes, and create safety in their strugglesThe discovery model vs. formal instruction - Why guided discovery creates deeper, more resilient learningManaging the "hungry ghost" - How connection to something bigger than yourself dissolves achievement addictionSignal vs. noise in feedback - Treating both praise and criticism as noise while trusting your inner circleThis conversation reminds us that the most meaningful work often happens in the quiet moments—how we handle daily challenges, raise our children, and stay connected to what truly matters. Whether you're navigating office politics, questioning your purpose, or trying to raise resilient kids, these insights offer practical wisdom for living with greater intention and authenticity.__________________Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet 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!Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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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