Flow Research Collective Radio is a podcast dedicated to helping you unlock the upper edge of your potential. Join New York Times bestselling author Steven Kotl...
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
Art and Flow: The Neuroaesthetics Revolution
In this episode of Flow Radio, Steven Kotler and Dr. Michael Mannino sit down with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.
These groundbreaking experts explain how making and experiencing art changes the way we think, feel, and perform. From our ancient past to cutting-edge science, find out why art isn’t just beautiful—it’s fuel for your brain.
Learn how just 20 minutes of creative practice can boost your mental edge, unlock more flow, and supercharge problem-solving. Plus, discover how AI is revolutionizing art creation and opening new frontiers in human-machine creativity.
Tune in to unlock practical insights for tapping into your creative genius.
In This Episode:
00:03 The Intersection of Art, Brain, and Performance
02:11 How Susan and Ivy Became Pioneers in Their Fields
05:04 Bridging Art and Science
09:10 Why We're Wired for Art
14:22 Art as Medicine
22:52 Flow States and Creativity
30:57 Current Research
37:46 Daily Practices for Enhancing Creativity
43:24 AI and Art
48:22 Why Neuroesthetics Matters for Everyone
About The Guest:
Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Design for the Hardware organization at Google. Over the past six years, she and her team have launched 50+ products winning over 240 global design awards. This collection of hardware established a new Google design aesthetic that is tactile, colorful, and bold.
A winner of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, Ivy’s innovative metal work in jewelry is in the permanent collections of 12 international museums.
Ivy has held executive positions ranging from head of product design and development to CMO and presidencies of several companies, including Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach, Mattel, Bausch & Lomb, and Gap.
Ninth on Fast Company’s list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business 2019, Ivy believes the intersection of arts and science is where the most engaging and creative ideas are found.
Most recently, Ivy co-authored with Susan Magsamen Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.
Susan Magsamen is the executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, a pioneering neuroaesthetics initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint with the Aspen Institute and co-author of the New York Times Bestseller, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Susan studies how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the brain, body, and behavior and how this knowledge can be translated to inform health, wellbeing and learning in medicine, public health and education.
Episode Resources:
Book website: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us
Lab: The International Arts + Mind Lab
Social: YourBrainonArtBook
Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective
Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview
Follow Flow Research Collective:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective
X: https://twitter.com/thefrc_official
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A
Website: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/
Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.
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51:02
Afterthoughts: The Neurobiology of Breath and Emotion
In this Afterthoughts episode of Flow Radio, hosts Ryan Wickes, Steven Kotler, and Dr. Michael Mannino revisit their recent conversation with Dr. Jack Feldman, diving deeper into the neuroscience of breathing and its impact on peak performance.
Building on Dr. Feldman's groundbreaking research, the hosts explore:
The surprising links between breathing techniques and psychedelic experiences
How different types of breathwork might open various "neuroplastic windows" in the brain
The complex relationship between breathing patterns and flow states across different activities
The potential of short, 5-minute breathing exercises for stress reduction
This episode blends scientific insights with practical tips for everyday life, offering valuable takeaways for scientists, peak performers, and anyone curious about the power of breath.
Join the discussion by leaving your questions for future Afterthoughts episodes in the comments.
In This Episode:
0:00 Introduction
05:48 The Surprising Link Between Breathing and Emotion
14:57 How Interoception Enhances Flow and Peak Performance
20:09 Can Breathwork Unlock Neuroplasticity?
22:49 Breathwork and Psychedelics
40:38 Meditation vs. Breathwork: Which is a Better Gateway?
45:29 The Role of Conscious Breathing in Enhancing Flow States
About The Guest:
Steven Kotler is a New York Times-bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the cofounder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. He is the author of eleven bestsellers (out of fourteen books), including The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over sixty languages, and has appeared in over 110 publications, including academic journals such as Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews and Psychophysiology, and mainstream publications like The New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review.
Dr. Michael Mannino is the Director of Programs at the University of Miami's Institute for Data Science and Computing, focusing on AI projects across various domains. He holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a Master’s in philosophy, with expertise in embodied cognition, critical thinking, and the philosophy of mind. As a professor of philosophy and ethics for over a decade, Michael integrates his academic background with a passion for peak performance, flow science, and the mind-body connection. He is also an athlete, musician, and avid learner, and serves on the Singularity University Miami Chapter.
Episode Resources:
Paper: Breathing Rhythm and Pattern and Their Influence on Emotion
Article: Reengineering the Everglades
Paper: The psychophysiology of flow during piano playing
Interview: Holotropic Breathwork with Dr. Stanislav Grof
Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective
Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If the answer is yes, then our peak-performance training Zero To Dangerous may be a good fit for you.
Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you’re interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview
Follow Flow Research Collective:
YouTube: Flow Research Collective
Instagram: Flow Research Collective
LinkedIn: Flow Research Collective
X: @thefrc_official
Facebook: Flow Research Collective
Spotify: Flow Radio
Website: Flow Research Collective
Flow Research Collective Radio is a podcast dedicated to helping you unlock the upper edge of your potential. Join New York Times bestselling author Steven Kotler and Co-Founder of the Flow Research Collective, Rian Doris as they attempt to decode the science of peak performance and flow with world leading experts on the topic.
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