Judd Apatow: "Never Stop Learning and Never Stop Growing"
04/16/25 • 84 min
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What does it take to stay emotionally grounded in an industry built on ego?
This week, we sit down with Judd Apatow—the legendary director, producer, and comedy mastermind behind some of the most influential films and TV shows of the past three decades. From "Freaks and Geeks" to "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," Judd has not only created cultural touchstones but has become known as one of Hollywood's greatest talent spotters and mentors.
This conversation with Judd explores the inner workings of a master of craft—how empathy, vulnerability, relentless curiosity, and a deep respect for people have shaped his creative process, and how he stays grounded through it all. From Judd's early days obsessing over comedy as a form of connection, to his transformative experience with Steve Martin as a twelve-year-old fan, to leading with emotional intelligence on set, Judd reveals what it really takes to build greatness—not just in the work, but in the people around you.
Whether you're a comedy fan, a creative leader, or someone interested in the human side of success, this conversation with Judd offers wisdom about craft, relationships, and finding meaning in service to others.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with the incredible Judd Apatow.
_________________
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What does it take to stay emotionally grounded in an industry built on ego?
This week, we sit down with Judd Apatow—the legendary director, producer, and comedy mastermind behind some of the most influential films and TV shows of the past three decades. From "Freaks and Geeks" to "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," Judd has not only created cultural touchstones but has become known as one of Hollywood's greatest talent spotters and mentors.
This conversation with Judd explores the inner workings of a master of craft—how empathy, vulnerability, relentless curiosity, and a deep respect for people have shaped his creative process, and how he stays grounded through it all. From Judd's early days obsessing over comedy as a form of connection, to his transformative experience with Steve Martin as a twelve-year-old fan, to leading with emotional intelligence on set, Judd reveals what it really takes to build greatness—not just in the work, but in the people around you.
Whether you're a comedy fan, a creative leader, or someone interested in the human side of success, this conversation with Judd offers wisdom about craft, relationships, and finding meaning in service to others.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with the incredible Judd Apatow.
_________________
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: 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://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset
Follow us on 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.
Previous Episode
The Human Side of Human Resources: Creating Authentic Connection with Rhonda Morris
What does it take to lead at the highest levels—while staying true to who you are?
Today’s guest is Rhonda Morris, the former VP and Chief Human Resources Officer of Chevron. Rhonda is a powerhouse—sharp, competitive, and deeply committed to helping others perform at their best. How do I know that? Because we’re friends.
Her journey started back in Oakland, California playing sports with the neighborhood kids, determined to be picked first. That same fire and relentless drive propelled her to become the first African American female corporate officer in Chevron’s 140-year history. Success at that level doesn’t come without challenges.
This is the second installment of our Modern Leadership Series. If you haven’t listened to our first episode with Matt Breitfelder, I highly recommend you go and listen to that one as well. These are conversations with the people who are helping to define Modern Leadership and what it takes to build the next generation of leaders.
Everyone who knows Rhonda knows that she leads authentically. That’s how she’s broken barriers and led at one of the largest organizations on the planet.
Check out this week’s amazing conversation with Rhonda Morris.
_________________
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: 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://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset
Follow us on 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.
Next Episode
Lift As You Rise: Purpose-Driven Approach to Leadership with Ellyn Shook
What does it take to create a workplace where people thrive—where leadership is human-centered, purpose-driven, built for the future, and knows how to get results?
Today, as part of our Modern Leadership series I’m excited to sit down with Ellyn Shook, the former Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer at Accenture, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and workplace culture. Ellyn is at the forefront of shaping environments where people do more than simply work—they grow, connect, and thrive. She’s been instrumental in driving Accenture’s people-first approach, supporting people in becoming their best, and cultivating human connection in high-performing organizations.
In this conversation, we unpack the key ingredients of modern leadership—how to build trust, foster resilience, and create cultures that unlock potential. Ellyn’s insights are not just for business leaders—they’re for anyone looking to lead with purpose, empathy, and impact.
This is the third installment of our Modern Leadership Series. If you haven’t listened to our first episodes with Matt Breitfelder and Rhonda Morris, I highly recommend you go and listen to those as well. These are conversations with the people who are helping to define Modern Leadership and what it takes to build the next generation of leaders.
_________________
Make sure to check out the full Modern Leadership series at:
https://www.findingmastery.com/modernleadership
_________________
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: 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://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset
Follow us on 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.
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