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Flow Radio
Flow Research Collective
129 episodes
4 days ago
Flow Research Collective Radio is a podcast dedicated to helping you unlock the upper edge of your potential. Join New York Times bestselling author Steven Kotler and Co-Founder of the Flow Research Collective, Rian Doris as they attempt to decode the science of peak performance and flow with world leading experts on the topic.
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Life Sciences
Science
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All content for Flow Radio is the property of Flow Research Collective and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Flow Research Collective Radio is a podcast dedicated to helping you unlock the upper edge of your potential. Join New York Times bestselling author Steven Kotler and Co-Founder of the Flow Research Collective, Rian Doris as they attempt to decode the science of peak performance and flow with world leading experts on the topic.
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Life Sciences
Science
Episodes (20/129)
Flow Radio
Gut Instinct, Hard Science: The New Neuroscience of Intuition

What if your gut instinct was more than a hunch? What if it was your brain’s first navigation system—designed to reduce uncertainty, minimize surprise, and keep you alive?

In this episode of Flow Radio, Steven Kotler and neuroscientist Dr. Michael Mannino crack open the black box of intuition. Along with co-authors Karl Friston, György Buzsáki, J.A. Scott Kelso, and Guillaume Dumas, they’ve just completed a new scientific paper—Pathfinding: A Neurodynamical Account of Intuition—set to be published this summer in Nature Communications Biology.

Thirty years in the making, the paper proposes a bold model: intuition as pathfinding. Not magic. Not precognition. But an embodied, neurodynamic process built to help us make the next best move—fast.

From hippocampal sharp wave ripples to attractor landscapes and the free energy principle, Kotler and Mannino break down how your brain runs compressed simulations of the past to predict the future. You’ll learn how intuition differs from insight, why instincts often lead us astray in matters of sex and money, and how novel environments can help you tap into opportunistic assimilation—a key to creativity and problem-solving.

You'll Learn:

  • Why intuition is a movement-based, evolutionarily ancient survival mechanism

  • The role of hippocampal “sharp wave ripples” in solving problems while you sleep—and while you move

  • How to train your “prepared mind” to boost intuitive decision-making

  • Why intuition is fast, embodied, and predictive—and what that means for agency, flow, and peak performance

  • How the brain uses the free energy principle to minimize surprise and optimize action

→ This is neuroscience with bite. A gut-check for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Should I trust my instinct?”


In This Episode:

05:13 Defining Intuition: Pathfinding in the Brain

18:06 Neuroscience Behind Intuition

24:11 The Role of Memory and Problem Solving in Intuition

30:00 Theoretical Frameworks: Free Energy Principle and Meta-Stability

37:00 700% More Creative? Flow Science Explained

40:38 Exploring Intuition and Decision Making

43:52 Neuroscience of Intuition and Action

47:02 The Role of Feedback in Intuition 

54:50 Delta Waves and Intuition

58:42 Meta-Stability and Multitasking


Join 300,000+ members on our weekly newsletter for more neuroscience-based tools delivered straight to your inbox: → ⁠Subscribe here

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.
Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

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2 weeks ago
1 hour 1 minute 20 seconds

Flow Radio
DIY and the Flow Code: How Punk Culture Built the Startup World

What do DIY entrepreneurship, peak performance, and punk rock have in common? Everything.


In this live Flow Radio episode, recorded at Summit at Sea 2024, New York Times bestselling author and FRC Executive Director Steven Kotler joins fashion icon John Varvatos to trace the rebel spirit from CBGB’s to Silicon Valley. Together, they map how the kids nobody wanted—punks, misfits, and rule-breakers—accidentally built the culture of innovation we live in today.


This isn’t just music history. It’s a neuroscience-backed deep dive into how rebellion, risk, and raw self-expression create the perfect storm for flow—and why punk’s anti-authoritarian DNA became the blueprint for startup culture, action sports, and social movements.


If you’re chasing innovation, impact, or just trying to stay sane while breaking things—there’s flow on the other side of risk.

Go get it.


Guest Bio:

John Varvatos is an award-winning fashion designer, cultural curator, and lifelong rebel.Best known for fusing rock-and-roll attitude with high-end tailoring, he launched his namesake brand in 2000 and has since earned multiple CFDA Designer of the Year awards. He’s also the force behind the revival of CBGB—the legendary punk venue turned retail and cultural space.


From the Bowery to boardrooms, Varvatos has spent decades channeling the punk ethos into business, design, and live music. His work sits at the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and radical self-expression—making him not just a fashion icon, but a builder of movements.


In This Episode:

03:30 Punk as Evolutionary Instinct

06:45 The DIY Revolution Begins

10:55 The Neuroscience Behind the Movement

14:30 Group Flow, Mosh Pits & the End of the Stage Dive

18:15 From Subculture to Startup Culture

25:00 Punk Values: Radical Individuality to DIY Capitalism

30:45 Rebellion Goes Mainstream

36:00 The New Punk: Entrepreneurs, Artists & Conscious Rebels

38:20 Final Words from the Moshpit


Episode Resources:

Steven returns to Summit this June in Detroit—a city that pulses with creativity, reinvention, and raw energy.


Join a one-of-a-kind gathering of visionaries, builders, and creators. This one won’t be forgotten.

→ Learn more & apply to attend


Footage shot at Summit At Sea 2024, courtesy of Summit Series, © Summit Series.


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research company. ‍


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.



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1 month ago
38 minutes 44 seconds

Flow Radio
Flow vs. the Victim Mindset: Trade Blame for Breakthroughs

No one is coming to save you—but staying stuck isn’t the only option.

Steven Kotler and Ryan Wickes welcome back Columbia professor and humanistic psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman—author of the just-released Rise Above, and one of today’s leading voices on human potential.

Kaufman joins to unpack the victim mindset, the neurobiology of agency, and how narcissism, entitlement, and impostor syndrome can quietly block the path to self-actualization.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful truth: flow demands agency. When we feel powerless, we avoid challenge—and without challenge, there is no flow. A victim mindset disrupts the neural circuitry behind motivation, focus, and drive.

This episode breaks down the science of that disruption—and maps out a way through. From learned helplessness to learned hopefulness, you’ll hear how reclaiming agency reactivates your growth, unlocks flow, and strengthens resilience.

The journey is personal. The tools are universal.


Guest Bio:

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a humanistic psychologist, Columbia University professor, and one of the world’s leading experts on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. Ranked in the top 1% of most-cited scientists worldwide, he’s the founder of Self-Actualization Coaching, director of the Center for Human Potential, and host of The Psychology Podcast (30M+ downloads). Named one of Business Insider’s 50 groundbreaking scientists, he’s authored 11 books—including Transcend, Choose Growth, and his latest, Rise Above.


In This Episode:

03:03 The Journey from Creativity to Self-Actualization

06:07 Overcoming the Victim Mindset

09:07 Neurobiology of Mindsets

15:06 Understanding the Victim Mindset

17:53 Evolutionary Perspectives on Victimhood

20:53 Empathy and Honest Love

25:29 Empowerment Through Adversity

28:39 Challenging the Trauma Narrative

32:39 Navigating the Victim Mindset

45:12 Imposter Syndrome: A Signal for Growth

52:08 Narcissism and Wellbeing


Episode Resources:

Self-Actualizing People in the 21st Century by Scott Barry Kaufman

A modern, data-driven update to Maslow’s theory—complete with a validated scale and new insights into well-being, resilience, and creative expression.

→ Read the full paper


Scott’s New Book — Rise Above

Want to go deeper on the science behind the victim mindset, resilience, and human potential?

Grab Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman’s latest book, Rise Above…

→ scottbarrykaufman.com/books/rise-above


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research company. ‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.



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2 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 43 seconds

Flow Radio
The Creative Leader’s Playbook

Creativity isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a survival skill.

In this episode of Flow Radio, Steven Kotler sits down with artist, designer, and serial entrepreneur Jody Levy for a conversation on how intuition, constraint, and ritual unlock creativity—and why all three are non-negotiables for high-performance leadership.

They trace Jody’s path through experience design and explore the mindset behind building high-flow communities. From the tactical to the transcendent, this episode delivers real tools—and ends with a major announcement: the Summit community is coming to Detroit. It’s a rare chance to catch Steven live, speaking on flow, AI, and the future of creativity.

If you're chasing innovation, collaboration, and community at full tilt—don’t miss it.


Guest Bio:

Jody Levy is an artist, systems thinker, and serial entrepreneur whose work lives at the intersection of wellness, innovation, and impact.

She’s the founder of WTRMLN WTR, the category-defining beverage brand; the creator of NeuroPraxis, a breakthrough platform for brain and spinal cord recovery; and a leader in large-scale trauma and disaster response. Today, she serves as the Global Director and CEO of Summit—the legendary community of creators, builders, and change agents.

Jody has a rare ability to turn bold ideas into real-world systems for healing, creativity, and human optimization.


In This Episode:

02:51  The Journey of Creativity and Flow

05:49  The Role of Art in Emotional Regulation

08:58  Intuition and Decision-Making in Entrepreneurship

11:50  Constraints as Catalysts for Creativity

17:48  Building High-Impact Experiences

29:53  The Importance of Structure in Creative Environments

31:06  Cultivating Flow in Teams

36:25  The Power of Rituals

41:04  Time Management and Leadership

46:32  Optimizing Community Engagement

52:37  Preserving the Magic in Growth



Summit Detroit

This June, Summit heads to Detroit—a city that pulses with creativity, reinvention, and raw energy. Join an unforgettable gathering of visionaries, builders, and creators.

→ Learn more & apply to attend


Flow Radio is Presented Bt Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research company. ‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Guest Bio:
In This Episode:
Episode Resources:
Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

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3 months ago
56 minutes 20 seconds

Flow Radio
Flow vs. the Machine: AI, Creativity & the Next Human Renaissance

What happens when AI takes center stage—and humans still want to create?

Steven Kotler returns to Peter Diamandis’s Moonshots to unpack the forces shaping our future: AI, abundance, creativity, and how flow fuels the human advantage. Drawing on three decades at the bleeding edge of peak performance, they explore what it takes to thrive in a world accelerating beyond imagination—and why the right 100 people can still change everything.

This is required listening for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone building in the age of machines. If the future belongs to the bold, flow is your blueprint.


Guest Bio:

Recently named one of Fortune’s “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” Peter Diamandis is the Founder and Executive Chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, which has launched over $500 million in incentive prize competitions. He also founded Singularity University and has started more than 25 companies in healthtech, space, venture capital, and education.

Diamandis is Co-founder and Vice-Chairman of Celularity and Vaxxinity, and Chairman of Fountain Life—a platform for predictive, preventative, and data-driven health. He also co-founded BOLD Capital Partners, a $500 million fund investing in exponential technologies and longevity companies.

A four-time New York Times bestselling author, his books include Abundance, BOLD, The Future is Faster Than You Think, LIFE FORCE (with Tony Robbins), and LONGEVITY: Your Practical Playbook.

He holds degrees in molecular genetics and aerospace engineering from MIT and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School. His motto: “The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself.”

In This Episode:

05:42 Tech Tipping Points: From Tesla to GPT-4

10:04 Understanding Flow States

14:00 Flow & Craft

29:51 Facing the Fermi Paradox: What Comes Next?

37:00 700% More Creative? Flow Science Explained

57:37 The XPRIZE & Cross-Disciplinary Breakthroughs

01:19:31 Mindset as Neurobiology, Not Woo-Woo

01:30:31 The Age of AI Companions

01:19:31 Mindset and Resilience

01:57:37 How 100 People Shift Culture

02:09:17  Inside The Alliance: Creativity, Flow, and the Future of Learning


Episode Resources:

The Alliance: An intimate adventure disguised as a mastermind for creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders training together at the intersection of flow, creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

→ Apply to join today
Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research company. ‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.





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3 months ago
2 hours 14 minutes 42 seconds

Flow Radio
The Next Step Won't Kill You: Flow Lessons from the Iron Cowboy

What happens when you reach such extreme states of pain that you start having out-of-body experiences?


Join us for a fascinating conversation with James Lawrence (aka the Iron Cowboy) about redefining human limits, managing pain through flow states, and what happens when you push beyond what doctors claim is impossible. 


James shares his raw truth about overcoming the voice of doubt, achieving out-of-body flow experiences, and why your next step won't kill you—even when everything in your body screams otherwise. 


From his early days riding a Ferris wheel for ten straight days in a contest of who could stay bored the longest to becoming a world record holder, this is a masterclass in human potential. 


In This Episode:

05:04 The Journey to Endurance Sports

10:04 Understanding Flow States

14:53 Managing the Internal Bully

19:58 The 50-50-50 Challenge

25:06 The Conquer 100 Experience

36:37 The Power of Flow in Peak Performance

38:11 Mastering Monotony for Success

40:19 Embracing the Impossible

50:15 Mindset and Resilience

56:39 Recovery and Adaptation

01:01:35 Intuition and Flow Experiences


About The Guest:

James Lawrence, more commonly known as the Iron Cowboy, is a world-renowned speaker, endurance athlete, 2x author, and 2x documentary subject.


He received his nickname from the public after he started to wear a cowboy hat during races to be recognized by his children.


With two Guinness world records under his belt, James and his family attempted to do something every person deemed impossible, the 50/50/50.


However, that wasn't enough to satisfy him. On June 8, 2021, James achieved a remarkable milestone known as the Conquer 100—a series of 100 consecutive full-distance triathlons, as coined by the team. 


Sports Illustrated ranked James in the top 50 fittest freaks with Lebron James and Connor McGregor, two of James' favorite athletes. 


Originally from Calgary, Canada, he now lives in Utah with his wife, Sunny, and their five children. His family plays a crucial role in his endeavors, providing unwavering support through his remarkable journey. 


Episode Resources:

Book: Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible - January 21, 2025

Website: Ironcowboy.com

Social: @ironcowboyjames

Learn more: https://linktr.ee/ironcowboyjames


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com

‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 11 minutes 30 seconds

Flow Radio
Flow Radio Special: You Have Peak Performance Questions. We Have Answers. Safety Not Guaranteed.

Flow—your brain's gateway drug to the infinite game.


How far could you push your performance if you knew exactly what your brain was capable of?


In this special Ask Me Anything episode, Steven Kotler and Dr. Michael Mannino answer questions from people around the world who use their work to unlock more flow. They share mind-bending insights about "getting into the zone"—insights that have helped world-class athletes and entrepreneurs break through their perceived limitations.


Through candid stories and cutting-edge research, they show exactly how anyone can tap into these optimal states of consciousness—whether you're hurling yourself down mountains or seeking deeper connections in your everyday life.


The question isn't whether you can access these states. The question is: what will you do once you know how?


Warning: Side effects include the uncontrollable drive to truly live your life.  


In This Episode:

01:01 Endurance & Scripting

20:27 Clear Goals: Risk vs. Reward

29:00 ADHD, Flow States, and Peak Performance

41:00 Neurodivergence Debate: Rethinking Labels

49:19 Flow States in Healing and Therapy

54:54 Teacher-Student Flow Dynamics 

1:00:04 Psychoneuroimmunology and Healing

1:03:04  Individual vs. Group Flow States

1:07:36 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes


About The Guest:

Steven Kotler is a New York Times-bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the co-founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. He is the author of eleven bestsellers (out of fourteen books), including The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over sixty languages, and has appeared in over 110 publications, including academic journals such as Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews and Psychophysiology, and mainstream publications like The New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review.


Dr. Michael Mannino is the Director of Programs at the University of Miami's Institute for Data Science and Computing, focusing on AI projects across various domains. He holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a Master’s in philosophy, with expertise in embodied cognition, critical thinking, and the philosophy of mind. As a professor of philosophy and ethics for over a decade, Michael integrates his academic background with a passion for peak performance, flow science, and the mind-body connection. He is also an athlete, musician, and avid learner, and serves on the Singularity University Miami Chapter.


Episode Resources:

  • Paper: A framework for neurophysiological experiments on flow states


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Show more...
6 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 50 seconds

Flow Radio
Afterthoughts: Flow—The Gateway Drug to Infinite Possibility

Flow—your brain's gateway drug to the infinite game.


In this episode of Afterthoughts, Steven Kotler reveals how flow states unlock doors to possibilities we never knew existed. Joined by neuroscientist Dr. Michael Mannino and host Ryan Wickes, the team explores how flow can revolutionize aging.


Building on Steven's conversation with Modern Elder Academy founder Chip Conley, they examine why time slows in flow, how brains sync in groups, and why curiosity defends against aging. Tune in for practical insights for maintaining vitality throughout life.


This isn't just theory—it's a roadmap to unlocking your brain's natural anti-aging mechanisms. From neuroplasticity to cognitive reserve, discover how flow might be the fountain of youth we seek.


Join the discussion by leaving your questions for future Afterthoughts episodes in the comments.


In This Episode:

02:30 Gateway Drug to the Infinite Game

14:30 Time Perception Changes

19:05 Zombie Cells and Inflammation

27:03 Training Creativity

31:00 Recovery and Flow Triggers

39:40 Group Flow Synchronization

44:20 Curiosity and Neural Networks

49:15 AI and Flow Research

52:30 The Hippocampus and New Neurons

54:30 Language Learning and Flow


About The Guest:

Steven Kotler is a New York Times-bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the cofounder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. He is the author of eleven bestsellers (out of fourteen books), including The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over sixty languages, and has appeared in over 110 publications, including academic journals such as Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews and Psychophysiology, and mainstream publications like The New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review.


Dr. Michael Mannino is the Director of Programs at the University of Miami's Institute for Data Science and Computing, focusing on AI projects across various domains. He holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a Master’s in philosophy, with expertise in embodied cognition, critical thinking, and the philosophy of mind. As a professor of philosophy and ethics for over a decade, Michael integrates his academic background with a passion for peak performance, flow science, and the mind-body connection. He is also an athlete, musician, and avid learner, and serves on the Singularity University Miami Chapter.


Episode Resources:

Books:

  • The Wisdom Paradox by Elkhonon Goldberg

  • The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler

  • The Mature Mind by Gene Cohen

  • The Mindful Body by Ellen J. Langer

  • Aging Well by George Vaillant

  • The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner


Research:

  • David Eaglemen on Time Perception

  • The Relationship between Flow Experience and Burnout Symptoms: A Systematic Review

  • What is cognitive reserve? Theory and research application of the reserve concept

  • First few seconds for flow: A comprehensive proposal of the neurobiology and neurodynamics of state onset


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning more click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com

‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance.

Show more...
7 months ago
58 minutes 17 seconds

Flow Radio
The Superpowers of Longevity

Think performance peaks when you're "young"? Think again. Research shows you can unlock a surprising set of superpowers as you age.

In this episode of Flow Radio, peak performance expert Steven Kotler sits down with Chip Conley to explore how older minds excel at pattern recognition, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. You'll learn why age brings unique advantages in both business and life.

Conley shares insights from his time as Airbnb's Head of Global Hospitality, where they called him their "modern elder." Today, he runs the Modern Elder Academy, teaching people how to thrive in midlife and beyond.

Tune in to discover why your best years might still be ahead—and how to make the most of them.


In This Episode:

00:00 The Birth of a Modern Elder

07:52 The Hidden Advantages of Aging Brains

13:35 The Midlife Crisis Myth

18:48 Why We Need Midlife Wisdom Schools

23:55 Becoming a Beginner Again

29:15 Flow States and Longevity32:45 Breaking Down Age Apartheid

35:22 The Longevity Paradox36:51 Beyond Lifespan: Intro to Zest Span


About The Guest:

Successful hospitality entrepreneur and bestselling author Chip Conley is on a mission to reframe our relationship with aging. As the founder of MEA, the world's first midlife wisdom school with regenerative communities, Conley is disrupting both the idea of higher education and senior living. He has both a BA and MBA from Stanford University and an Honorary PhD in Psychology from Saybrook University. He’s been a TED speaker at the prestigious annual conference multiple times.


Episode Resources:

Website: https://chipconley.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/

X: https://x.com/ChipConley

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chipconley/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/chip.conley.3/‍

Modern Elder Academy: https://www.meawisdom.com/

Chip’s Books: https://chipconley.com/my-books/


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com

‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

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8 months ago
38 minutes 23 seconds

Flow Radio
Afterthoughts: How Art and AI Unlock Human Potential

Believe the hype—art can transform your life.In this episode of Flow Radio, hosts Steven Kotler, Dr. Michael Mannino, and Ryan Wickes explore the powerful connections between creativity, longevity, and the future of human-AI collaboration.

Tune in for a fresh look at how an “aesthetic mindset” influences aging, cognitive health, and the amount of flow in your life.

Plus, get the low down on how partnering with AI can boost your creative potential far beyond a run-of-the-mill brainstorm.

This is a must-listen for anyone wanting practical tips to lead a happier, healthier, and more creative life. 

Join the discussion by leaving your questions for future Afterthoughts episodes in the comments.


In This Episode:

01:36 Art vs. Altruism

04:06 Creativity and Longevity

06:19 The Role of AI in Future Jobs 

11:10 Wisdom and Creativity as We Age

17:32 Brain Damage and Creativity

28:27 Hacking Creativity with Daydreaming35:12 Microflow and Daily Art Practice

42:08 Can AI Be Truly Creative?


About The Guest:

Steven Kotler is a New York Times-bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the co-founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. He is the author of eleven bestsellers (out of fourteen books), including The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over sixty languages, and has appeared in over 110 publications, including academic journals such as Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews and Psychophysiology, and mainstream publications like The New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review.

Dr. Michael Mannino is the Director of Programs at the University of Miami's Institute for Data Science and Computing, focusing on AI projects across various domains. He holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a Master’s in philosophy, with expertise in embodied cognition, critical thinking, and the philosophy of mind. As a professor of philosophy and ethics for over a decade, Michael integrates his academic background with a passion for peak performance, flow science, and the mind-body connection. He is also an athlete, musician, and avid learner, and serves on the Singularity University Miami Chapter.


Episode Resources:

  • Book: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

  • Book: The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain by Gene Cohen

  • Book: The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older by Elkhonon Goldberg

  • Article: Eric Kandel’s Research on Aesthetic Experience

  • Podcast: John Kounios on Mood and Creativity 


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠⁠

‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

‍

Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

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8 months ago
47 minutes 39 seconds

Flow Radio
Art and Flow: The Neuroaesthetics Revolution

In this episode of Flow Radio, Steven Kotler and Dr. Michael Mannino sit down with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.

These groundbreaking experts explain how making and experiencing art changes the way we think, feel, and perform. From our ancient past to cutting-edge science, find out why art isn’t just beautiful—it’s fuel for your brain.

Learn how just 20 minutes of creative practice can boost your mental edge, unlock more flow, and supercharge problem-solving. Plus, discover how AI is revolutionizing art creation and opening new frontiers in human-machine creativity.

Tune in to unlock practical insights for tapping into your creative genius.


In This Episode:

00:03  The Intersection of Art, Brain, and Performance

02:11  How Susan and Ivy Became Pioneers in Their Fields

05:04  Bridging Art and Science

09:10  Why We're Wired for Art

14:22  Art as Medicine

22:52  Flow States and Creativity

30:57  Current Research

37:46  Daily Practices for Enhancing Creativity

43:24  AI and Art

48:22  Why Neuroesthetics Matters for Everyone


About The Guest:

Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Design for the Hardware organization at Google. Over  the past six years, she and her team have launched 50+ products winning over 240  global design awards. This collection of hardware established a new Google design  aesthetic that is tactile, colorful, and bold. 

A winner of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, Ivy’s innovative metal work in  jewelry is in the permanent collections of 12 international museums.  

Ivy has held executive positions ranging from head of product design and development  to CMO and presidencies of several companies, including Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach,  Mattel, Bausch & Lomb, and Gap. 

Ninth on Fast Company’s list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business 2019, Ivy  believes the intersection of arts and science is where the most engaging and creative  ideas are found.  

Most recently, Ivy co-authored with Susan Magsamen Your Brain on Art: How the Arts  Transform Us. 

Susan Magsamen is the executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, a pioneering neuroaesthetics initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint with the Aspen Institute and co-author of the New York Times Bestseller, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Susan studies how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the brain, body, and behavior and how this knowledge can be translated to inform health, wellbeing and learning in medicine, public health and education.


Episode Resources:

  • Book website: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us

  • Lab: The International Arts + Mind Lab

  • Social: YourBrainonArtBook


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/


Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Show more...
9 months ago
51 minutes 2 seconds

Flow Radio
Afterthoughts: The Neurobiology of Breath and Emotion

In this Afterthoughts episode of Flow Radio, hosts Ryan Wickes, Steven Kotler, and Dr. Michael Mannino revisit their recent conversation with Dr. Jack Feldman, diving deeper into the neuroscience of breathing and its impact on peak performance.


Building on Dr. Feldman's groundbreaking research, the hosts explore:

  • The surprising links between breathing techniques and psychedelic experiences

  • How different types of breathwork might open various "neuroplastic windows" in the brain

  • The complex relationship between breathing patterns and flow states across different activities

  • The potential of short, 5-minute breathing exercises for stress reduction

This episode blends scientific insights with practical tips for everyday life, offering valuable takeaways for scientists, peak performers, and anyone curious about the power of breath.


Join the discussion by leaving your questions for future Afterthoughts episodes in the comments.


In This Episode:

0:00 Introduction

05:48 The Surprising Link Between Breathing and Emotion

14:57 How Interoception Enhances Flow and Peak Performance

20:09 Can Breathwork Unlock Neuroplasticity? 

22:49 Breathwork and Psychedelics

40:38 Meditation vs. Breathwork: Which is a Better Gateway?

45:29 The Role of Conscious Breathing in Enhancing Flow States


About The Guest:

Steven Kotler is a New York Times-bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the cofounder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. He is the author of eleven bestsellers (out of fourteen books), including The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over sixty languages, and has appeared in over 110 publications, including academic journals such as Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews and Psychophysiology, and mainstream publications like The New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review.


Dr. Michael Mannino is the Director of Programs at the University of Miami's Institute for Data Science and Computing, focusing on AI projects across various domains. He holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a Master’s in philosophy, with expertise in embodied cognition, critical thinking, and the philosophy of mind. As a professor of philosophy and ethics for over a decade, Michael integrates his academic background with a passion for peak performance, flow science, and the mind-body connection. He is also an athlete, musician, and avid learner, and serves on the Singularity University Miami Chapter.


Episode Resources:

  • Paper: ⁠Breathing Rhythm and Pattern and Their Influence on Emotion⁠

  • Article: ⁠Reengineering the Everglades⁠

  • Paper: ⁠The psychophysiology of flow during piano playing⁠

  • Interview: ⁠Holotropic Breathwork with Dr. Stanislav Grof⁠

Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠⁠⁠

‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

  • YouTube: ⁠Flow Research Collective⁠
  • Instagram: ⁠Flow Research Collective⁠
  • LinkedIn: ⁠Flow Research Collective⁠
  • X: ⁠@thefrc_official⁠
  • Facebook: ⁠Flow Research Collective⁠
  • Spotify: ⁠Flow Radio⁠
  • Website: ⁠Flow Research Collective⁠⁠
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9 months ago
47 minutes 51 seconds

Flow Radio
Breathwork and Flow: How Breathing Prepares the Brain and Body for Peak Performance

In this episode of Flow Radio, we explore the intricate science of breathing with Dr. Jack Feldman, a world-renowned neuroscientist.


Dr. Feldman, a professor at UCLA, has spent decades uncovering the secrets of how our brains control this vital function. His pioneering research has led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as identifying and naming a key brain area responsible for breathing rhythms.


Tune in as Dr. Feldman, along with bestselling author Steven Kotler and Dr. Michael Mannino, break down:

  • The neuroscience behind how we breathe

  • The connection between breathwork and emotional health

  • Why understanding breathing is crucial for peak performance

Whether you’re curious about the science of breathing or looking for ways to improve your life, this episode is full of easy-to-understand insights and practical tips. 


In This Episode:

00:02 Introducing a Legend

03:32 Evolution of Breathing in Mammals

07:41 The Role of the Diaphragm in Breathing

10:58 Understanding Sighs: A Physiological and Emotional Perspective

15:21 The Evolutionary Advantage of Calming Sighs

19:00 Breathing Rhythms and Brain Function

22:27 Disrupting Neural Circuits for Mental Health

25:45 Breathwork and Synaptic Plasticity

30:55 The Connection Between Endorphins and Breathwork

42:05 The Link Between Breathing and Flow States


About The Guest:

Jack Feldman revolutionized our understanding of basic physiological processes controlled by the brain by identifying and characterizing brain sites critical for breathing. He discovered two discrete brain structures critical for regulating breathing. Combining cutting edge techniques, development of new experimental preparations, and expertise in a range of disciplines, Jack identified several critical breathing functions originating in these brain areas including generation of inspiratory (i.e., inhaling) and expiratory (i.e., exhaling) patterns for normal breathing and for sighing. Most recently, Jack and his colleagues investigated mechanisms by which changes in breathing patterns (e.g., breathing practice) can affect emotion and cognition. His research continues to explore how the brain controls breathing, paving the way for further clinically relevant discoveries of mechanisms underlying breathing-related diseases, including sleep apnea, neurodegenerative diseases, and the positive effects of breathing practice on emotion. Jack is a recipient of the Hodgkin Huxley Katz Prize, the 125th Faculty Research Lecture UCLA, and the National Institutes of Health Outstanding Investigator Award in 2017 and 2023.


Episode Resources:

Website


A Snippet of Jack’s Research: 

  • Breathing Rhythm and Pattern and Their Influence on Emotion

  • Microcircuit Synchronization and Heavy-Tailed Synaptic Weight Distribution Augment preBötzinger Complex Bursting Dynamics

  • Emergent Elements of Inspiratory Rhythmogenesis: Network Synchronization and Synchrony Propagation

Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.


Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

Show more...
10 months ago
59 minutes 20 seconds

Flow Radio
Flow's Frequencies: What Brain Scans Tell Us About Creativity with Dr. John Kounios

In this episode of Flow Radio, we dive deep into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, creativity, and flow states.


In his recent paper in Neuropsychologia, Dr. John Kounios and his team explored the neural mechanisms of creative flow during jazz improvisation.


To indulge your curiosity for full-fledged geekery, Dr. Kounios, bestselling author Steven Kotler, and riff on:

  • What EEG (electroencephalography) reveals about brain activity and flow states
  • How cognitive control affects state changes
  • The role of transient hypofrontality, especially in high-flow individuals
  • The relationship between "aha" moments and flow
  • The applied neuroscience of creative flow

Tune in to get the rhythms of creative flow revealed and discover how to unleash your creative potential.


In This Episode:

00:00 Introduction

02:50 Steven’s Favorite Part of the Brain

07:29 Setting Up the Jazz Improv Study on Creative Flow

11:00 Type 1 & Type 2 Processes, Back to Kahneman

12:54 Transient Hypofrontality in High Flow People

15:30 Type Zero Cognition

17:00 Aha Moments and Flow

23:00 Creative Flow vs. Other Flow States

28:00 The Expert Knows to Let Go

30:55 The Brain Knows the Distance

36:45 Practical Advice for Creative Flow


About The Guest:

John Kounios is a Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Drexel University. He has published cognitive neuroscience research on insight, creativity, problem solving, memory, and Alzheimer’s disease and coauthored (with Mark Beeman) the international Amazon Bestseller, The Eureka Factor: Aha Moments, Creative Insight, and the Brain. John's research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation and has been reported by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Times (London), and National Public Radio and was featured in BBC Television and Discovery Science Channel documentaries. His work was profiled by The New Yorker and The Saturday Evening Post and is part of a permanent exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. He is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and the Psychonomic Society.


Episode Resources:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kounios-5242951a/ 

X: https://x.com/JohnKounios 


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.


Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/


Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

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11 months ago
45 minutes 16 seconds

Flow Radio
Can Caffeine Boost Flow States?

Can a cup of coffee do more than wake you up?


In this episode of Flow Radio, host Ryan Wickes from the Flow Research Collective explores the effects of caffeine on flow states. Joined by Dr. Michael Mannino, Chief Science Officer, and Dr. Niklas Reich, neuroscientist and high-performance coach, they discuss how caffeine can increase the likelihood you drop into flow.


Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

  • The Science of Flow: Discover what flow states are, how they feel, and why they're the heartbeat of peak performance and creativity.
  • Neuroprotective Benefits of Caffeine: Find out why drinking caffeine regularly can lower the risk of dementia and protect your brain.
  • Mechanisms of Action: Understand how caffeine interacts with adenosine and dopamine receptors to keep you alert, focused, and motivated.
  • Practical Tips: Dr. Reich shares actionable advice on how to strategically use caffeine to enter flow states with less fuss.
  • Optimal Dosage and Timing: Learn the best ways to take caffeine, including the right amount and time to get the biggest bang for your cup without affecting your sleep.


Tune in for an easy-to-follow and practical conversation about how caffeine can be an effective way to enter flow states. Whether you're a student, professional, or athlete, this episode gives you straightforward advice to make the most of caffeine to turbocharge your performance.


In This Episode:

00:00 Introduction

01:37 Neuroprotective Benefits of Caffeine 

08:15 Caffeine and Dopamine

20:27 Caffeine as a Tool for Entering Flow

24:49 Mechanisms of Action

29:57 Practical Tips for Using Caffeine 

40:00 Optimal Dosage

45:00 Caffeine’s Impact on Focus, Flow, and ADHD Management


About The Guest:

Niklas Reich, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist and high-performance coach. He works as a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Alzheimer's disease therapies. His research includes developing treatments that can protect our brains, which ties into how caffeine might help us today.


He has a strong background in Alzheimer's research, having worked at Lancaster University with top researchers like David Allsop and Christian Holscher. His projects there involved creating peptide inhibitors and exploring new treatment options.


Besides his scientific pursuits, Dr. Reich is a High Performance and Flow Coach trained by us at the Flow Research Collective. He helps people achieve their goals through self-improvement and a growth mindset. 


Episode Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niklas-reich-ph-d-b1b41b140/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.p.reich 


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.


Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠


Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 7 minutes 22 seconds

Flow Radio
Unleashing Flow in Business with Chip Conley

In this episode of Flow Radio, we dive deep into the intersection of positive psychology and business with the legendary hotelier and entrepreneur Chip Conley. Chip shares his journey from founding Joie de Vivre Hospitality to becoming the Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy for Airbnb and his creation of the Modern Elder Academy. Discover how Chip leveraged concepts from Abraham Maslow, Carol Dweck, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to revolutionize employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and investor relations through the power of meaning, purpose, and flow. Tune in to learn practical strategies for integrating these ideas into your own business and life.


In This Episode:

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Chip Conley's Career

05:00 The Genesis of Meaning in Business

07:27 Meeting Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Learning About Flow

09:32 The Challenge-Skills Staircase Concept

18:27 Applying Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Hospitality

23:24 Transforming Customer Experiences

26:29 Balancing Investor Expectations with Meaningful Business Practices

34:55 Positive Psychology at Airbnb

40:43 Super Hosts ROI

41:11 Creating a Can-Do Attitude with Autonomy

42:20 Incorporating Meaning for Hourly Workers

46:58 Closing Thoughts and Reflections


About The Guest:

Successful hospitality entrepreneur and bestselling author Chip Conley is on a mission to reframe our relationship with aging. As the founder of MEA, the world's first midlife wisdom school with regenerative communities, Conley is disrupting both the idea of higher education and senior living. He has both a BA and MBA from Stanford University and an Honorary PhD in Psychology from Saybrook University. He’s been a TED speaker at the prestigious annual conference multiple times


Episode Resources:

Website: https://chipconley.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/

X: https://x.com/home?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chipconley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chipconleyauthor


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.


Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠


Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Show more...
1 year ago
47 minutes 13 seconds

Flow Radio
Building a High-Flow Culture: Insights from Team Exos and Steven Kotler

Data from Gallup reveals disengaged employees cost the economy an estimated $1.9 trillion in lost productivity last year. Improving well-being is crucial but challenging. This is where flow states come in, overhauling mental health and positively impacting leadership and team dynamics.

Creating a high-flow organization relies on culture as much as individual hires. By encouraging a flow-friendly culture, companies can boost motivation, creativity, and productivity. Companies like Toyota, Patagonia, and Exos have succeeded by embedding flow-centric values.Tune in to hear senior leaders from Exos , Steven Kotler, and Dr. Sarah Sarkis discuss integrating peak performance science into corporate culture.


Guest Bios:

Sarah Robb O’Hagan(SRO): Sarah Robb O’Hagan took the helm as CEO of Exos in 2020. She’s leading Exos' transformation from predominantly gym-based services to a fully omnichannel performance programs and coaching platform. Prior to Exos, she served as CEO of Flywheel, global president of Equinox and Gatorade, and held leadership roles at iconic brands like Virgin and Nike.


Greg Hill: 

Greg Hill has been with Exos since 2020 as the company’s chief people officer. By advocating for and supporting the development of Exos team members, he leads people operations, talent acquisition, and culture development. Exos’ culture has been recognized as a certified Great Place to Work and Best Employer in Sports by Front Office Sports.


Amanda Carlson-Phillips: 

Amanda leads the Exos performance innovation team, bringing cutting-edge solutions to clients and pioneering the human performance industry for almost 20 years. She joined Exos in 2003 and holds a master’s degree in sports/clinical nutrition and exercise physiology.


In this episode:

0:00 Introduction

5:11 Burnt Out

8:30 The Solution Started with an Epic Fail

15:12 Initial Skepticism and Overcoming Doubts

20:03 Giving Yourself Over to Science

26:00 Can You Be a High-Performing Organization and Not Kill Your Employees?

32:31 Creating a Readiness Culture Code

45:31 Flow’s Impact on Leadership and Team Dynamics

51:50 Practical Steps to Implement Flow


Episode Resources:

Website:https://www.teamexos.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exos/

X: https://x.com/TeamEXOS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_exos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEXOS

Four-Day Workweek Pilot: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exos-four-day-workweek-pilot-reveals-a-winning-formula-for-achieving-business-success-without-sacrificing-employee-well-being-302103866.html

‍

Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.


Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠⁠

‍

Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠

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Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

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1 year ago
54 minutes 10 seconds

Flow Radio
Beyond Consciousness: Unlocking Flow Through Meditation with Dr. Richard Davidson

Dr. Richard “Richie” Davidson is a pioneer in the study of the neuroscience of emotional wellbeing, exploring how meditation and different states of consciousness affect physical and mental health. He has contributed to more than 300 published articles, was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2006, and has collaborated with the Dalai Lama. Dr. Davidson joins Flow Research Collective’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Michael Mannino, Executive Director Steven Kotler, and former Flow Research Collective coach Dr. Sarah Sarkis in a conversation about the art and science of meditation as a lever for health and peak performance. In This Episode:

0:00 Introduction

03:22 The Interplay Between Mediation, Mental Health, and Flow States

14:44 The Phenomenon of Tukdam and its Implications for Consciousness

31:58 The Malleability of the Brain and Challenging Popular Beliefs

34:33 Exploring the Complexity of Brain Changes and Expertise

37:01 The Impact of Meditation on Inflammation and Longevity

44:16 The Importance of Regular Meditation Practice

48:45 Personalized Meditation Recommendations Based on Individual Metrics

52:26 Understanding the Different Types of Empathy in Meditation

56:50 The Role of Compassion in Meditation


About The Guest:

Dr. Richard “Richie” Davidson is a professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he is the founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds. His research explores the neural bases of emotion and emotional style, as well as methods to promote human flourishing including through meditation and related contemplative practices.


Episode Resources:

Website: https://www.richardjdavidson.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-j-davidson/

X: https://twitter.com/healthyminds

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthy.minds/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforhealthyminds/


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.


Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠


Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.


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1 year ago
59 minutes 14 seconds

Flow Radio
Beyond Innovation: Flow in Startups with Dr. Corinna Peifer and Leonie Kloep

This episode of Flow Radio features Dr. Corinna Peifer and PhD candidate Leonie Kloep, researchers at the University of Lübeck who recently coauthored a paper on the role of team flow in early start-up stages. They join Flow Research Collective Chief of Staff Ryan Wickes and Chief Science Officer Dr. Michael Mannino in a conversation about how leaders can harness flow to propel their teams and avoid burnout, especially within startups and emerging enterprises. This episode will be especially useful for leaders wanting to leverage flow in their teams, as well as anyone who’s interested in learning how to tap the benefits of flow to bring ease to collaborative tasks for better results. 


About The Guest:

Dr. Corinna Peifer is Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology at the University of Lübeck and head of the Work and Health Lab, whose research focuses on flow states, stress, and well-being at work.

Leonie Kloep is a PhD candidate and Organizational Psychology researcher at the University of Lübeck, as well as the co-author of a recent paper on the role of flow in early-stage startups. 


Episode Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinna-peifer-9a553714/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-kloep-a85b3b175/ 

Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.


Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠


Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

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1 year ago
59 minutes 27 seconds

Flow Radio
Leadership as Behavior with Coby Karl, Rich Diviney, and Dr. Sarah Sarkis

This episode of Flow Radio is a masterclass on leadership best practices, featuring three very special guests: Retired Navy SEAL commander and bestselling author Rich Diviney, Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Coby Karl, and veteran performance psychologist Dr. Sarah Sarkis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn how to lead teams that consistently outperform and out-innovate the competition. how to lead teams that consistently outperform and out-innovate the competition.


In This Episode:

0:00 Introduction

04:35 Defining leadership

11:05 Leadership as Behavior

26:13 Dynamic Subordination in High-Performing Teams

30:55 Lessons from Phil Jackson and Dennis Rodman

39:11 Defining Leadership Expertise

49:00 The Role of Flow in Leadership

57:44 Attunement and Shared Experience in Leadership

1:16:53 Balancing Training and Education in the Business World

About the Guests:  

By day, Dr. Sarah Sarkis is a licensed psychologist, a certified executive coach, and the senior Director of Performance Psychology at Exos. Occasionally, you’ll also find her moonlighting as a writer and keynote speaker. 

Dr. Sarkis has spent 20-plus years in the trenches, exploring every corner of the human psyche. Her passion and focus these days is working with CEOs, athletes, professional coaches, and other executives striving to achieve moonshot dreams. In a nutshell, she considers herself a human performance hybrid: part shrink, part coach, part Jedi of the unconscious. 

Dr. Sarkis has been a featured guest on many popular podcasts, including The Gabby Reece Podcast and LinkedIn Live. She is also a regularly featured SME in publications such as CNBC, Women’s Health, The Huffington Post, and the New York Times.


Rich Diviney, a bestselling author, leadership expert, and retired Navy SEAL commander, brings over two decades of exceptional experience to the stage. Over the course of a 20-year career, he completed more than thirteen overseas deployments and served in multiple leadership positions, to include being the officer in charge of an extremely specialized SEAL selection process, curating the most elite performers through a specialized selection process.


Coby Karl is an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. Starting as a Seattle Sonics ballboy to becoming an NBA player, he's spent a lifetime learning the game and how to lead a team. His experiences helped him coach the Delaware Blue Coats to win their first NBA G League title in 2023. Coby learned to lead with compassion and thoughtfulness from his mentors, icons like Phil Jackson and his dad, George Karl.


Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective

Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.

Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠


Follow Flow Research Collective:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠


Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 30 minutes 59 seconds

Flow Radio
Flow Research Collective Radio is a podcast dedicated to helping you unlock the upper edge of your potential. Join New York Times bestselling author Steven Kotler and Co-Founder of the Flow Research Collective, Rian Doris as they attempt to decode the science of peak performance and flow with world leading experts on the topic.