The Art and Science of Thriving

Do you come back from vacation more tired than when you left?  You're not alone — and it's not a discipline problem. In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I break down what the actual research says about breaks, recovery, and vacations, because a lot of what gets repeated in the wellness world is either wrong or way overstated. Most high-achievers treat breaks as a reward...

What do you do when life gets overwhelming? Research from neuroscience, sport psychology, resilience science, and Special Forces performance points to a surprisingly simple answer: regulate, refocus, and re-engage. In this short, practical episode, Michael Schiel shares three evidence-based strategies to help you maintain your performance—or get back on track quickly—when stress, setbacks, and ove...

Why do so many ambitious, capable people eventually end up overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disengaged, or burned out — even when they are working hard and trying to succeed? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving, I unpack what modern neuroscience, psychology, sport psychology, behavioral science, and performance research actually say about sustainable peak performance. High perfor...

What actually separates the people who continue growing, succeeding, and reinventing themselves from those who stop after setbacks, rejection, or failure? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving, I sit down with Steven Puri for a fascinating conversation about resilience, reinvention, high performance, failure, identity, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life does not...

If you’ve ever set goals that truly mattered to you—only to lose momentum, get pulled in different directions, and eventually stop following through—you’re not alone. In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I break down one of the most common and frustrating challenges high-performing people face: “I know what to do… so why am I not doing it?” The answer is not what most people think....

How do you actually get people to care about their work? Not just show up—but bring energy, focus, ownership, and commitment every day. In this episode, I break down what employee engagement really is—and more importantly, how leaders actually create it in real-world environments. In this episode, I walk you through:  A clear, evidence-based definition of employee engagement (and what it really lo...

What actually creates a team that performs at a high level — not just when things are easy, but when pressure rises? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I answer a question I’ve been asked repeatedly by leaders across sectors: How do you build a team that performs consistently, stays regulated under pressure, adapts during change, and doesn’t burn out? This is not about creating a...

Do you ever feel like you’re working hard all day, yet still ending the day exhausted, behind, and wondering where your time and energy went? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I answer one of the most important questions high-achieving professionals face:  How do I regain control, reduce overwhelm, and perform at my best — without burning out? I explain why overwhelm isn’t a per...

In this episode, I explore what actually happens in the brain and nervous system under pressure—and why even highly capable people often struggle to think clearly, make good decisions, or perform at their best when it matters most. Drawing on evidence-based neuroscience, psychology, and high-performance research, this episode explains: Why pressure narrows attention and degrades thinking Why “just...

If you’re thinking ahead to the new year and want to start strong without slipping into the usual overwhelm, this episode will help you do exactly that. This is Michael’s Version of one of the most downloaded episodes I’ve ever released — a refreshed, clearer, more aligned re-recording of “How to Plan Your Best Year.”  Much like Taylor Swift re-recording her albums, this is the episode I always wa...

As the year comes to an end, many people jump straight into planning their goals for the next one. But the real power — the kind that fuels motivation, clarity, and fulfillment — comes from looking back first. In this episode, High Performance Coach Michael Schiel breaks down the deeper science of reflection and introduces the R.E.S.E.T. Model, a structured, evidence-based framework designed to he...

Have you ever reached the end of the year and felt… underwhelmed? You worked hard, hit some goals, and overcame challenges—but still wonder, Did any of this really matter? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I explore the neuroscience and psychology behind why achievement alone rarely feels fulfilling—and how meaningful reflection is the key to ending your year with clarity, confi...

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I don’t belong here… I’m not good enough… Sooner or later, they’ll find out I’m a fraud” ? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, research shows that most high-achieving professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I dive into the science behind imposter syndrome — what it really is,...

Have you ever ended the day exhausted, yet still felt like you didn’t make progress? You were busy, crossed things off your list, yet something was missing? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I break down why productivity doesn’t always equal fulfillment — and what neuroscience and psychology say actually makes a day feel meaningful. You’ll discover: Why your br...

You’ve just had a great break — maybe a vacation, time with family, or just a few days of rest — but then Monday hits, and it feels like all that restoration disappears the moment you open your inbox. Sound familiar? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I explore why the way you transition back after time off matters more than you think — and how to do it right. Drawing on neurosci...

Back by popular demand for the summer season! Most people head into vacation hoping to relax — but end up thinking about work the whole time. That’s why this episode is making a return appearance. In this powerful re-release, I dive into the neuroscience and psychology of why it's so hard to shut off from work — and what you can do about it. You'll learn why your brain clings to your job...

Still thinking about work, even when you’re on vacation? You’re not alone — but it doesn’t have to be that way! In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , we dive deep into how to truly unplug, reset, and come back from time off actually feeling restored — not just relieved. Whether you're a high-performing professional, a leader, or someone who just can’t seem to switch off, this e...

Most people think recharging means doing less. But neuroscience tells us: it’s not just stepping away from work that resets your brain — it’s what you do with that time that matters. In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I reveal why so many high-achievers finish vacations or breaks still feeling drained — and what to do instead. You’ll learn: Why passive “escapes” like Netflix or s...

Ever feel like you hold it together all day, only to crash the moment you get home? You’re not alone — and it’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a signal from your nervous system that you need to reset. In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I explore the neuroscience and psychology behind end-of-day emotional overwhelm — why it happens, what it really means, and how to respond in a way...

Are you constantly juggling everything — crushing goals at work but feeling like your personal life is on the backburner? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , we’re diving deep into a topic that busy people wrestle with daily: How do you live a high-performance life that actually feels balanced, fulfilling, and sustainable? How do you find balance in a busy life,...

Ever feel like you’re drowning in tasks, spinning your wheels, and struggling to keep up?  You’re not alone. Overwhelm is a modern epidemic, but here’s the truth: feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing—it’s your brain’s way of signaling that something needs to change. In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I explain why overwhelm happens, how it impacts your mind and body, a...

Have you ever felt like your life is on autopilot? You wake up, go through the motions, and by the end of the day, you wonder—did any of it really matter? You’re not alone. Many high-achievers feel pulled in too many directions, chasing goals that don’t align with their true priorities. But what if you could take control, gain clarity, and start living intentionally? In this episode of The Art and...

Do you ever feel stuck, unsure of what truly matters, or overwhelmed by endless tasks pulling you in different directions? You’re not alone. Lack of clarity can lead to mental clutter, stress, and decision fatigue, making it harder to focus and thrive. But what if the solution is simpler than you think? In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I break down a powerful framework to help...

Do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of goals pulling at your attention? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I’ll show you how to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Many people set out to achieve their goals but struggle to make meaningful progress.  Why? Because if everything is a priority, nothing is. Without clear prioritization, you...

In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving , I tackle one of the biggest challenges we all face: planning and achieving meaningful goals without burning out. I share the most common mistakes people make when setting goals—like taking on too much, neglecting brain health, and failing to pace themselves—and explain how these missteps can lead to overwhelm and fatigue. I’ll also walk you thro...