Flow Radio

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, Steven will be joining forces with Summit (once again) in 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

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 is a hyper-curated 15-person think tank where we train creativity and collaborate with one another.

The Alliance is made up of visionary, entrepreneurs and thought leaders looking to accelerate their creative process and realize their next breakthrough

→ 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.

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.

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:

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.

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

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