What if the key to deeper connection isn’t in what you say — but in how your body speaks, listens, and moves?

On today’s episode, we sit down with Vanessa Van Edwards — behavioral researcher, bestselling author, and founder of Science of People. A self-described “recovering awkward person,” Vanessa turned social anxiety into a science-backed toolkit anyone can use to improve communication, connection, and leadership. Vanessa studies what happens beneath words: how posture, tone, eye contact, and presence shape how we’re perceived and how we make others feel.

Together, we explore the subtle science of connection — from how warmth and competence support charisma to the micro-cues that determine trust, likability, and confidence. This is an episode for anyone who wants to show up with authenticity, read the room better, and make their communication more impactful.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to use posture and physical space to project calm confidence
• Why warmth must come before competence to build trust fast
• How to eliminate vocal fry and question-inflection for stronger communication
• The key to spotting and disarming contempt before it festers
• How to teach kids “micro social skills” that build courage and connection

It’s a grounded, science-backed guide to showing up with more presence — and helping others feel at ease in your orbit.

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Links & Resources

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Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

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What if instead of chasing a seat at the table, you built an entirely new game — and the world fell in love with it?

On today’s episode, we sit down with Jesse Cole, founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas and creator of Banana Ball. Jesse has built one of the most extraordinary, fast-growing sports movements by breaking every rule in the book. In an era where attention is the hardest currency, he’s turned baseball into a full-blown entertainment experience — part sport, part show, and all heart.

From selling out ballparks across America to giving foster families standing ovations mid-game, Jesse’s vision is driven by one principle: Fans First. He shares the habits and systems behind that mindset — from his “Learn, Change, Plus” culture of constant improvement to the leadership lessons that came from adopting two daughters during COVID. It’s a conversation about leading with joy, embracing risk, and using creativity as a form of love.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to design sold-out experiences by removing friction — and why iteration beats perfection
• Why culture must evolve from “team” to “teammates”
• The simple system that keeps the Savannah Bananas innovating nightly
• Why “winning” is redefined as a remarkable show and shared joy–not just the score
• How Jesse and his wife Emily turned their foster journey into Bananas Foster
• What it means to “play your own game” — in business and in life

This is a masterclass in building something meaningful — not by following the rules, but by following your heart.

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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

Banana Foster: https://bananasfoster.org/

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

What if being overlooked; dismissed as too slow or too average, was actually the foundation for becoming one of the greatest of all time?

On today’s episode, we sit down with Luc Robitaille; Hockey Hall of Famer, NHL’s all-time leading left-wing scorer, Stanley Cup champion, and President of the LA Kings. Recorded live at the California Surf Club, Luc pulls back the curtain on the mindset that carried him from ninth-round afterthought to hockey immortality: the daily commitment to get a little better, the discipline to quiet corrosive self-talk, and the belief that being underestimated can be a gift.

Luc’s story is the stuff of legend. In this candid, emotionally intelligent conversation, we dig into self-talk, flow, and the small daily behaviors that compound into greatness—plus how to transition from athlete to executive without losing your edge (or your humanity).

You’ll learn:

• How to move from negative mind → positive mind → no mind (flow)
• The simple rituals Luc used to build consistency and confidence
• Why service to the team is the quickest path out of doubt
• How elite organizations align inputs (not just talk about “winning”)
• What modern leadership looks like when you prioritize people

If you’ve ever been underestimated—or are leading people who are—this conversation will give you a grounded blueprint for turning doubt into durable confidence.

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.