Art and Flow: The Neuroaesthetics Revolution

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 [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-love&utm_content=ep-170] 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 [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-love&utm_content=ep-169] Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ [https://twitter.com/thefrc_official%E2%81%A0] Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A%E2%81%A0] Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-love&utm_content=ep-170]⁠ ‍ 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.

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 [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1875338.The_Wisdom_Paradox?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_18] * The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50209348-the-art-of-impossible?ref=nav_sb_ss_2_14] * The Mature Mind by Gene Cohen [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112092.The_Mature_Mind] * The Mindful Body by Ellen J. Langer [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66087029-the-mindful-body?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Cm8wPm0t0I&rank=1] * Aging Well by George Vaillant [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198018.Aging_Well?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=nCEZBztx5S&rank=4] * The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2213117.The_Blue_Zones?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=5h2fJDWVCF&rank=1] Research: * David Eaglemen on Time Perception [https://eagleman.com/science/time-perception/] * The Relationship between Flow Experience and Burnout Symptoms: A Systematic Review [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8998023/] * What is cognitive reserve? Theory and research application of the reserve concept [https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/abs/what-is-cognitive-reserve-ory-and-research-application-of-the-reserve-concept/B6524DF8FC814A462004141F7B19BCF4] * First few seconds for flow: A comprehensive proposal of the neurobiology and neurodynamics of state onset [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763422004456?via%3Dihub] 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 [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-pain&utm_content=ep-169] ‍ Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ [https://twitter.com/thefrc_official%E2%81%A0] Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A%E2%81%A0] Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-pain&utm_content=ep-169] Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance.

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/ [https://chipconley.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/] X: https://x.com/ChipConley [https://x.com/ChipConley] Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chipconley/ [https://www.instagram.com/chipconley/] Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/chip.conley.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/chip.conley.3/]‍ [https://www.facebook.com/TeamEXOS] Modern Elder Academy: https://www.meawisdom.com/ [https://www.meawisdom.com/] Chip’s Books: https://chipconley.com/my-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 [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-pain&utm_content=ep-168] ‍ Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ [https://twitter.com/thefrc_official%E2%81%A0] Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A%E2%81%A0] Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-pain&utm_content=ep-168]⁠ ‍ 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.

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 [https://www.yourbrainonart.com/] * Book: The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain [https://www.amazon.com/Mature-Mind-Positive-Power-Aging/dp/0465012035/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3w90Mw-RA5_uzD5Wlg8EmbqmDYvToi_eq13dhGQO2JxvgNRTiXGu0RL7wVPbTcSlQ8D4LlOji7Ubl2ux08tLIIxLyFI7KyAx7iS5OwhFydPF73jYLpO-qCQNfEqL3NII0E09YGQaoFiBJiHbipCQsjKc9PKFylLr9-Ou6OXqMDCNAB4TBsD7Ggv0kIBb7eOgftmpB6UbEl61Yb3Xqmc9HzNtWjMO1RT31WFSfEjBDk8.XN3-AshyCq0HKZs-rJJ4KH1VhwHdbK8pQ12uH7wp4lA&dib_tag=se&qid=1730248626&refinements=p_27%3AGene+D+Cohen&s=books&sr=1-1] by Gene Cohen * Book: The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older [https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Paradox-Stronger-Brain-Grows-ebook/dp/B001N89KSG/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.49HorBqVPKnx0ADaeFotDA.s-qasl4ytM9jWz3IjATzGLrywV8cUtxnjb9YdhhEasc&dib_tag=se&keywords=9781592401871&linkCode=qs&qid=1730248746&s=books&sr=1-1] by Elkhonon Goldberg * Article: Eric Kandel’s Research on Aesthetic Experience [https://diatrope.com/kandel-reductionism-art-brain/] * Podcast: John Kounios on Mood and Creativity [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/radio/flows-frequencies-what-brain-scans-tell-us-about-creativity-with-dr-john-kounios]  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 [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-antifragility&utm_content=ep-167] ‍ Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ [https://twitter.com/thefrc_official%E2%81%A0] Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective%E2%81%A0] Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A%E2%81%A0] Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-antifragility&utm_content=ep-167]⁠ ‍ 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.

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 [https://www.yourbrainonart.com/] * Lab: The International Arts + Mind Lab [https://www.artsandmindlab.org/] * Social: YourBrainonArtBook [https://www.instagram.com/yourbrainonartbook/?hl=en] 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/overview⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠ [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-antifragility&utm_content=ep-166] Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective] LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective] X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ [https://twitter.com/thefrc_official] Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective] Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A] Website: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/ [https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link-description&utm_campaign=flow-and-antifragility&utm_content=ep-166] 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.