What if there was a formula to tap into flow state more often and sustain it longer? Neuroscientist Rachel Lambert joins David for this special bonus episode of The Dr. & The Nurse, embarking on a mission to crack the code. Together they break down the science of flow, the role of brain waves, and why most people struggle to replicate their peak moments.

During their conversation Rachel and David discuss why flow feels effortless yet remains elusive, touching on research from Mihály Csíkszentmihályi and Steven Kotler while revealing gaps in traditional flow science. David challenges existing theories, arguing that flow isn’t just about pushing limits—it’s about training the mind for adaptability.

Listeners will also get an exclusive glimpse into the Flow Code Study, the first scientifically-backed approach to mapping flow in the brain. Rachel and David share insights on how neurofeedback, brainwave training, and mental conditioning can unlock higher performance in sports, business, and daily life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to tap into your flow state on command, this super practical conversation lays the foundation for understanding and mastering flow state like never before.

Follow Rachel on Instagram at @braincodecenters

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro – Breaking Down Flow State

03:06 Defining Flow: A Personalized State of Peak Performance

05:15 Understanding the Five Brain Waves

08:09 The Role of Gamma in High-Level Cognition

12:43 Building the Perfect Brainwave Cocktail for Flow

14:29 Why Athletes Struggle to Replicate Flow State

16:08 The Key to Training Your Brain for Peak Performance

19:30 Neurofeedback & The Science of Brainwave Regulation

21:12 How to Train Your Brain at Braincode Centers

24:53 The Future of Flow Science & The Flow Code Study

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David is joined by some top-tier guests for this special episode of The Dr. & The Nurse! First up, mixed martial artist Michael Chandler talks about the concept of embracing uncertainty in the ring—digging deep to tap into a state of flow no matter who he’s faced with. Next, David sits down with retired NBA player Gordon Hayward—Gordon taking the time to share a few of the groundbreaking insights he learned from his one-on-one coaching relationship with Kobe Bryant. Finally, David talks with George Mumford—Kobe and Michael Jordan’s mental coach—all about being a life-long learner. Each of these guests has so much wisdom to share, and you’re not going to want to miss a single minute!

As always, David is joined by Dr. Daniel Amen towards the end of the episode to analyze what’s actually going on in the brains of these top athletes, performers, and coaches. Together David and Dr. Amen discuss if it’s possible to prepare for some of the high-pressure situations Michael, Gordon, and George described. The two also take a look at the factors that actually make these performers great—is it the number of wins versus loses, or simply a love for competition that drives them to be their best? Don’t miss this inspiring, impactful episode!

Follow Michael Chandler on Instagram at @mikechandlermma

Follow Gordon Hayward on Instagram at @gordonhayward

Learn more about George Mumford and his practice on his website: https://georgemumford.com/.

Timeline is offering 33% off your order of Mitopure this week only while supplies last:

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to High Performance and Mindfulness

02:42 The Importance of Preparation and Flow State

03:04 Michael Chandler Interview

06:07 Lessons from Legends: Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan

08:22 Gordon Hayward Interview

11:58 Overcoming Struggles and Expectations

14:52 Navigating Social Media and External Opinions

17:49 George Mumford Interview

18:04 Embracing Flow and Creativity

23:53 The Power of Preparation and Passion

27:08 Dr. Daniel Amen's Thoughts

30:01 The Love of Competition vs. Outcome

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Ever struggle with refocusing during the day or recharging at night? Meet Muse, the newest innovation in meditation technology. Use my link for 20% off your purchase today: http://choosemuse.com/NURSE

The flow state: that ever-elusive place where anything comes naturally—actions follow thoughts and everything works together in perfect harmony. How do we achieve that flow state to perform at our highest levels, or is that even possible? On today’s episode of The Dr. & The Nurse David sits down with acclaimed neuroscientist and the creator of Muse, Ariel Garten, to outline exactly how to attain that state of flow through optimized sleep, meditation, and visualization.

David and Ariel begin their conversation by looking at some of the ways we can achieve flow state, from metavisualization—a combination of meditation and visualization—to stimulating pressure so we can perform better when the pressure is actually real. They then get into how optimizing sleep can help us perform to the best of our ability no matter what we’re trying to achieve. Ariel points to Muse—a tool she helped create—that acts as a data tracker for your brain and can also be used as a meditation tool to help you fall asleep, and stay asleep. The two wrap up their conversation by discussing how to de-regulate and up-regulate your brain for optimal performance.

Dr. Daniel Amen joins David for the second part of the episode, weighing in on Ariel’s points about metavisualization and which levels of brain activity—if any—are ideal for achieving flow state.

Learn more about Ariel and Muse here: https://choosemuse.com/.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Flow and Meditation

03:08 Understanding Flow State

05:52 Brainwaves and Flow

09:09 The Role of Meditation in Mental Health

11:53 Meta Visualization and Its Impact

15:11 Simulating Pressure in Performance

18:07 The Importance of Sleep for Flow

21:07 Introducing Muse: The Brain Sensing Headband

23:53 Deep Sleep and Its Benefits

26:46 Neurofeedback and Brainwave Training

29:59 Practical Techniques for Up and Down Regulation

32:53 Conclusion and Future of Flow State Training

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We’re starting off 2025 with a bang, looking at how to become unkillable according to human performance scientist Dr. Andy Galpin. Is it possible for a person to become virtually invincible? And how does that translate to the way we think and react to high-stress situations? David sits down with Andy to find out exactly that on this first episode of The Dr. & The Nurse for 2025.

David starts out his discussion with Andy by breaking down exactly what it looks like to become unkillable: the physiological aspects, the physical training, and the psychological expertise. The two then do a deep dive into why resilience is so important to this idea of being unkillable, and how to build resilience into your everyday practices. Finally, Andy hits on the importance of sleep and why this simple tool is so essential on the path towards becoming unkillable.

Dr. Daniel Amen joins David for the second part of this conversation, looking at how to build a bulletproof, unkillable brain. Dr. Amen takes a look at the practices of high-performance athletes and the ways they manage their minds to point out some of the commonalities of individuals with this unkillable mindset. The episode wraps up with Dr. Amen—like Andy—emphasizing the absolute importance of sleep as a key factor to becoming unkillable.

Learn more about Dr. Andy Galpin on his website: https://www.andygalpin.com/.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Becoming Unkillable: The Concept Defined

07:45 Physical Resilience and Adaptation

12:06 Limits of Human Adaptation

21:46 The Importance of Sleep and Recovery

30:16 Precision in Health Optimization

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Professional beach volleyball player turned health and fitness leader, Gabby Reece, has built a life she loves through the practice of intentional focus. On today’s episode of The Dr. & The Nurse, Gabby sits down with David to talk about how each of us can use the practices she’s employed to create our dream lives.

David begins the conversation by asking Gabby how she maintained her focus on what mattered most as her career change and priorities shifted—first from athlete/spokeswoman to now business owner/mother/wife. Gabby walks us through some of her daily focus practices: how she schedules her day to capitalize on her best windows of focus, balancing scatterfocus and hyperfocus, and when (and how!) to tap into a flow state of focus. Their conversation wraps up with Gabby sharing some of her best advice for building that life of intentional focus. 

Dr. Daniel Amen joins David for the second half of this episode—taking a look at what’s going on in Gabby’s brain when she taps into that intensely focused state. Together the two discuss the best times for achieving high focus, if it’s possible to increase the amount of time we can focus well on a task, and creating rhythms of focus that bring you, and those around you, joy. 

Ever struggle with refocusing during the day or recharging at night? Meet Muse, the newest innovation in meditation technology. Use my link for 20% off your purchase today: http://choosemuse.com/NURSE 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Life's Focus and Priorities

07:03 Understanding Hyperfocus and Scatterfocus

13:54 Building Focus Stamina Through Physical and Mental Practices

20:51 The Art of Flow State and Its Importance

26:59 Designing a Life of Intentional Focus

34:11 The Science of Focus and Brain Function

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Welcome back to another super practical episode of The Dr. & The Nurse! This week on the show David welcomes Grayson Boucher, aka “The Professor,” professional street basketball player turned content creator best known for his creative take on the game. During their conversation David and The Professor talk skill mastery: how to attain that level of achievement in any area, if it really takes 10,000 hours to truly master something, and the relationship between creativity and execution. This first part of the episode wraps up with The Professor outlining how he translated skill mastery of basketball into skill mastery in the content creation world.

Dr. Daniel Amen joins David for pt. 2, looking at what’s actually going on in The Professor’s brain when he talks about creatively mastering a new basketball move or video edit. Though Dr. Amen believes everyone is inherently creative, he cautions listeners with employing creativity too early when attempting to master a new skill—instead encouraging them to perform slowly and deliberately before adding in their own dose of creativity. The two also hit on how to use the skills you’ve developed in one area to help attain success in a totally different arena.

Ever struggle with refocusing during the day or recharging at night? Meet Muse, the newest innovation in meditation technology. Use my link for 20% off your purchase today: http://choosemuse.com/NURSE

Check out The Professor on Instagram @theprofessor

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Skill Mastery and Creativity

03:01 Mindset and Flow State in Performance

05:54 The Process of Skill Acquisition

08:48 Deliberate Practice vs. 10,000 Hours

12:01 Visualization and Mental Preparation

15:01 Transitional Skill Mastery

18:02 The Artist's Approach to Basketball

20:56 Future Aspirations and Expanding Horizons

24:05 Conclusion and Societal Impact

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We live in an age of digital distraction—from social media and Google to information overload and the constant presence of our phones, it’s getting harder and harder to live a life of slow productivity. Computer scientist and bestselling author, Cal Newport, wants to help change all that. On today’s episode of The Dr. & The Nurse, David sits down with Cal to discuss how to lead a less distracted life in the hopes of achieving a state of “deep work.”

David doesn’t waste a minute of this conversation, asking Cal his take on how technology is affecting this generation and the generations to come, and if there’s an antidote to the level of digital distraction we’ve grown used to as a society. Together Cal and David discuss the myth of multitasking for productivity, outline how to eliminate distractions in order to achieve that deep state of work, and Cal shares some of his favorite tools for living an unhurried life.

Dr. Daniel Amen joins David for the second part of this episode, looking at what’s going on in our brains when we continue to live digitally distracted. The two take a look at the recent changes countries like Australia have made to limit social media use in those under 16 years-old, plus outline ways to swap low-dopamine activities (like social media and video games) for high-dopamine options that will leave you feeling filled up rather than depleted.

Learn more about Cal and his work on his website: https://calnewport.com/.

Check out Cal’s podcast, Deep Questions with Cal Newport: https://www.thedeeplife.com/listen/.

MUSE DISCOUNT LINK:

http://choosemuse.com/NURSE 

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Impact of Digital Distraction

08:19 Deep Work vs. Flow State

15:24 Information Overload and Its Consequences

20:58 Implementing Slow Productivity

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What sets those who succeed apart from those who don’t? And once they do succeed, how do they maintain that level of success? On this episode of The Dr. & The Nurse, David sits down with billionaire real estate investor and founder of Cardone Capital, Grant Cardone. In his 66 years, Grant has achieved a level of success that’s almost unmatched in the business world. How does he tap into that relentless drive to keep performing at the highest level again and again? That’s exactly what we’ll unpack today. 

For the first part of this episode, David invites Grant to share his story—how success (not failure) motivated his initial drive to become who he is today, what’s behind his longevity as a top performer, and why he’ll never be satisfied. 

Dr. Amen joins David for the second half of today’s conversation, taking a look at what’s actually happening in Grant’s brain when he talks about drive. David and Dr. Amen analyze why being goal-driven, rather than threat-oriented, can lead to better results, plus how to actually sustain the success Grant exemplifies through training your brain the right way. 

Learn more about Grant on his website: https://grantcardone.com/. 

CHAPTERS 

00:00 The Relentless Drive of Grant Cardone

06:54 Transforming Pain into Motivation

14:07 The Game Within the Game

20:01 Sustaining Greatness Over Time

26:12 Predictions and Future Aspirations

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When it comes to understanding what it takes to learn at the highest levels, there’s no better expert out there than Jim Kwik. The founder of Kwik Learning, Jim was labeled, “the boy with the broken brain” by his peers after a childhood brain injury left him learning-challenged. Given those early obstacles, Jim created practical strategies to enhance his mental performance—strategies that he’s since taken and transformed into courses, books, and podcasts all geared towards helping others increase their learning power. On today’s episode of The Dr. & The Nurse, David sits down with Jim to dive into some of those practices and strategies—discovering how anyone can increase their learning capacity, at any age.

During this first part of the episode, Jim shares some of his best practical tools for working out your brain and fostering a practice of lifelong learning. David invites Jim to share the tools he uses to help top Hollywood actors memorize their lines, talks about how our learning strategies should change as we get older, and what parents can do to help their kids start off as lifelong learners. It’s a masterclass in how to learn better, and you’re not going to want to miss it!

After his conversation with Jim, David welcomes Dr. Daniel Amen into the discussion, looking at what exactly is going on in the brain when someone is learning at the highest levels. Dr. Amen walks us through the brain benefits of “deep practice,” some of the healthy habits we can all adopt to increase our learning capacities, and what’s actually happening in a child’s brain during those early stages of development.

Learn more about Jim and his practice here: https://www.jimkwik.com/.

Take the C.O.D.E. brain quiz here: https://start.kwikbrain.com/quiz.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Jim Kwik and Learning

03:01 Techniques for Memorization and Learning

05:48 The Importance of Physical Movement in Learning

09:05 The Role of Sleep and Nutrition in Brain Health

11:54 Building Relationships and Community for Learning

15:08 Lifelong Learning and Neuroplasticity

18:05 Learning Strategies for Children

20:55 The Impact of Environment on Learning

24:07 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Winning the daily battle for our minds all comes down to the way we think about the world around us. Can positivity really help us live longer? What role does discipline play in suffering? Is it possible to manufacture that flow state to perform at our highest level? The mind architect himself, Peter Crone, joins this episode of The Dr. & The Nurse to talk all things mindset and how to tap into that transcendent state of being human.

For the first part of this episode, David Nurse sits down with Peter to discuss what stands out to him about the mindsets of the greatest performers in the world. Together Peter and David outline the realities (and choices) of suffering, why the stories we tell ourselves about who we are matter, and how to overcome the powerful hold the past can have on us.

During the second half of this discussion on mindset, David takes some of Peter’s insights and breaks them down further with Dr. Daniel Amen—looking at how positive thinking isn’t necessarily always a good thing, and the process of emptying your mind to get into that flow state of performance.

Learn more about Peter Crone here: https://www.petercrone.com/.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Nature of Suffering and Choice

06:08 Discipline and Transcendence

12:10 Reality vs. Story: The Power of Perspective

18:09 Healing Through Mindset

24:06 Flow State and Presence

29:58 The Role of Curiosity in Personal Growth

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