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 expression
• Why high achievers may unknowingly enable narcissistic tendencies
• How to recognize gaslighting, and why we often miss it
• Her 5-step framework for managing narcissistic relationships
• The cost of constantly accommodating others at the expense of your own wellbeing

This 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 & 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.

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 healing
• How early trauma shaped his drive for perfection—and how he redefined success
• What it takes to lead others through fear and unlock performance through empathy
• The shift from external validation to internal alignment
• The daily practices that help Derek stay grounded in a high-pressure world

Whether you’re an artist, a coach, or someone navigating your own path to self-mastery—this one’s for you.

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.

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 better
• How emotional maturity is built through repetition and presence
• Why meditation changed his life — and how it can support yours
• What “letting go” really means
• How to build relationships rooted in healing, not pain

This 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/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://findingmastery.lpages.co/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.