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:

Research:

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

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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: 

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

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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

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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

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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.