In this episode of What One Thing?, host Devon Montgomery Pasha, CMP, CED, talks with world champion Irish dancers Michael and Matthew Gardiner, known globally as The Gardiner Brothers, whose viral performances have reached millions online while bringing traditional Irish dance to modern audiences.
The brothers share how discipline, creativity and innovation shaped their journey from competitive dancers to global performers, content creators and keynote speakers. When the pandemic shut down live performance, they pivoted to digital platforms, a move that helped them build a worldwide brand by blending tradition with modern music, storytelling and collaboration.
They discuss the habits and mindset behind their success, including the belief that hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard, and reflect on what it means to run a business together while continuing to evolve their careers.
The conversation also explores how their work in live events and keynote speaking grew naturally from performance, and how storytelling, rhythm and curiosity can help audiences connect, adapt and think differently. At its core, the episode focuses on growth, resilience and the willingness to redefine yourself when the path changes.
Devon Montgomery Pasha
Welcome to What One Thing, a Smart Meetings podcast where we ask successful people what made all the difference in their life and career so you can learn from their journeys and spark your own growth.
Today’s guests have taken tradition, discipline and creativity and turned it into a global movement. Michael and Matthew Gardiner, known worldwide as the Gardiner Brothers, are five-time world champion Irish dancers whose performances have reached millions online. Beyond the stage, they have built a global brand through storytelling, innovation and hard work.
Michael and Matthew, welcome to the What One Thing family.
Gardiner Brothers
Thanks so much for having us. It’s great to be here.
DMP
You’ve both had incredible careers as dancers, but when did you know this was more than a hobby? When did it become clear this was your life path?
GB
We were very fortunate growing up to have great opportunities, but the moment that really changed things for us was the pandemic. We were both on tour with Riverdance and felt like we were reaching the peak of our careers. Then the world stopped.
We started posting videos online just to stay active, and suddenly our stage changed from a theater to the internet. When we saw the response growing, that was a huge turning point. We realized we could build something new from that moment.
DMP
It’s interesting how something disruptive can turn into an opportunity. You took something rooted in tradition and turned it into a global brand.
GB
We always loved the traditional side of Irish dance, but we also liked experimenting. Even when we were young, we would dance to pop music just for fun. Later we realized that mixing cultures helped people connect to what we were doing.
Someone who might never watch Irish dance could see a video with music they recognize and suddenly they are interested. That became part of our mission, to share Irish culture while also pushing it forward.
DMP
There is also a lot of preparation behind what people see online. What does the work look like behind the scenes?
GB
When we were competing, we practiced every day for hours. That discipline stayed with us. Now we use habit trackers and structure our weeks around content, speaking and performances.
One phrase that stayed with us from our teachers is that hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. That mindset still guides everything we do.
DMP
You are not only performers. You are brothers, business partners and brand builders. How do you manage all of that together?
GB
We are very lucky to do what we do, and even luckier to do it together. We definitely have disagreements, but we always come back to the fact that we are brothers first.
Our dad once told us that going into business together is special, but the relationship comes first. That stuck with us. When things get stressful, we remind ourselves of that.
DMP
You have also moved into keynote speaking and working in the events industry. How did that happen?
GB
It actually happened by accident. We were performing at events and started telling stories between dances to fill time. Afterward, people told us the story impacted them as much as the performance.
That made us realize we had something more to offer. We started working with a speaking coach and developed presentations about innovation, discipline and creativity. Now we combine performance and storytelling to create a full experience for audiences.
DMP
You talk a lot about innovation and creativity. Where do those ideas come from for you?
GB
We believe everyone has creativity, but not everyone is taught how to use it. Our process comes from dance. When musicians and dancers create something, there is rhythm, structure and curiosity.
We talk about being on the beat and off the beat. On the beat is discipline. Off the beat is curiosity. You need both to create something new. That idea translates into business, teamwork and leadership as well.
DMP
Storytelling seems to be a big part of what you do, whether through dance or speaking. Where does that come from?
GB
A lot of that comes from our Irish background. Storytelling is part of the culture. Growing up, we heard stories all the time from our parents and from the community.
Even in Irish dance, every piece of music tells a story. When we performed, we were not just dancing steps. We were trying to show something through movement. That stayed with us, and now we use storytelling when we speak and perform.
DMP
It sounds like the journey has become about more than dancing.
GB
Yes. For a long time, we thought our identity was just Irish dancers. During the pandemic we realized there was more to it.
We could still dance, but we could also speak, create content and connect with people in different ways. That shift helped us grow. Now the goal is not just to perform, but to have an impact on people.
DMP
You have reached millions online, but you also spend time speaking at events and working with live audiences. What is different about that experience?
GB
Live audiences are special because you can feel the energy in the room. When we perform or speak, we want people to feel something, not just watch something.
That is why we combine dancing with storytelling. It helps people connect emotionally, and that is what makes the experience memorable.
DMP
We always ask our guests the same question. What one thing made the biggest difference in your career and life?
GB
One thing for us is the idea that hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. We had talent, but we realized that talent alone is not enough. When we started working harder than everyone else, everything changed.
Another big moment was realizing that our identity was not limited to one role. Once we stopped thinking of ourselves as only dancers, more opportunities opened up. That allowed us to grow in ways we never expected.
DMP
Before we finish, let’s do a quick lightning round. Favorite viral video?
GB
One of our favorites is the Texas Hold ’Em video. That was a fun one to create.
Another favorite is our dance to Queen. That song has great energy and people always connect to it.
DMP
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
GB
Elvis would be incredible. He was such an innovator and performer.
We would also love to collaborate with Avicii. His music has amazing energy.
And of course, Taylor Swift would be an amazing collaboration.
DMP
Michael and Matthew, thank you for sharing your story and your perspective. Your journey shows how discipline, creativity and the willingness to adapt can open doors you never expected.
GB
Thank you so much. We really enjoyed the conversation.
DMP
Thank you for listening to What One Thing, a Smart Meetings podcast where every story sparks inspiration for your journey. Until next time, keep creating, keep connecting and keep sparking change.
