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.

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  1:11:30
• 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.

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  1:02:50
• 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.

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  58:17
• 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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  38:23
• 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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  47:39

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