115 episodes

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.

Flow Radio Flow Research Collective

    • Science
    • 4.7 • 161 Ratings

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.

    Can Caffeine Boost Flow States?

    Can Caffeine Boost Flow States?

    Can a cup of coffee do more than wake you up?



    In this episode of Flow Radio, host Ryan Wickes from the Flow Research Collective explores the effects of caffeine on flow states. Joined by Dr. Michael Mannino, Chief Science Officer, and Dr. Niklas Reich, neuroscientist and high-performance coach, they discuss how caffeine can increase the likelihood you drop into flow.



    Here's what you'll learn in this episode:


    The Science of Flow: Discover what flow states are, how they feel, and why they're the heartbeat of peak performance and creativity.
    Neuroprotective Benefits of Caffeine: Find out why drinking caffeine regularly can lower the risk of dementia and protect your brain.
    Mechanisms of Action: Understand how caffeine interacts with adenosine and dopamine receptors to keep you alert, focused, and motivated.
    Practical Tips: Dr. Reich shares actionable advice on how to strategically use caffeine to enter flow states with less fuss.
    Optimal Dosage and Timing: Learn the best ways to take caffeine, including the right amount and time to get the biggest bang for your cup without affecting your sleep.



    Tune in for an easy-to-follow and practical conversation about how caffeine can be an effective way to enter flow states. Whether you're a student, professional, or athlete, this episode gives you straightforward advice to make the most of caffeine to turbocharge your performance.



    In This Episode:

    00:00 Introduction

    01:37 Neuroprotective Benefits of Caffeine 

    08:15 Caffeine and Dopamine

    20:27 Caffeine as a Tool for Entering Flow

    24:49 Mechanisms of Action

    29:57 Practical Tips for Using Caffeine 

    40:00 Optimal Dosage

    45:00 Caffeine’s Impact on Focus, Flow, and ADHD Management



    About The Guest:

    Niklas Reich, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist and high-performance coach. He works as a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Alzheimer's disease therapies. His research includes developing treatments that can protect our brains, which ties into how caffeine might help us today.



    He has a strong background in Alzheimer's research, having worked at Lancaster University with top researchers like David Allsop and Christian Holscher. His projects there involved creating peptide inhibitors and exploring new treatment options.



    Besides his scientific pursuits, Dr. Reich is a High Performance and Flow Coach trained by us at the Flow Research Collective. He helps people achieve their goals through self-improvement and a growth mindset. 



    Episode Resources:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niklas-reich-ph-d-b1b41b140/ 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.p.reich 



    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: ⁠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 bestsell

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Unleashing Flow in Business with Chip Conley

    Unleashing Flow in Business with Chip Conley

    In this episode of Flow Radio, we dive deep into the intersection of positive psychology and business with the legendary hotelier and entrepreneur Chip Conley. Chip shares his journey from founding Joie de Vivre Hospitality to becoming the Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy for Airbnb and his creation of the Modern Elder Academy. Discover how Chip leveraged concepts from Abraham Maslow, Carol Dweck, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to revolutionize employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and investor relations through the power of meaning, purpose, and flow. Tune in to learn practical strategies for integrating these ideas into your own business and life.



    In This Episode:

    00:00 Introduction and Overview of Chip Conley's Career

    05:00 The Genesis of Meaning in Business

    07:27 Meeting Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Learning About Flow

    09:32 The Challenge-Skills Staircase Concept

    18:27 Applying Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Hospitality

    23:24 Transforming Customer Experiences

    26:29 Balancing Investor Expectations with Meaningful Business Practices

    34:55 Positive Psychology at Airbnb

    40:43 Super Hosts ROI

    41:11 Creating a Can-Do Attitude with Autonomy

    42:20 Incorporating Meaning for Hourly Workers

    46:58 Closing Thoughts and Reflections



    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/home?lang=en

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chipconley/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chipconleyauthor



    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: ⁠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.

    • 47 min
    Building a High-Flow Culture: Insights from Team Exos and Steven Kotler

    Building a High-Flow Culture: Insights from Team Exos and Steven Kotler

    Data from Gallup reveals disengaged employees cost the economy an estimated $1.9 trillion in lost productivity last year. Improving well-being is crucial but challenging. This is where flow states come in, overhauling mental health and positively impacting leadership and team dynamics.

    Creating a high-flow organization relies on culture as much as individual hires. By encouraging a flow-friendly culture, companies can boost motivation, creativity, and productivity. Companies like Toyota, Patagonia, and Exos have succeeded by embedding flow-centric values.Tune in to hear senior leaders from Exos , Steven Kotler, and Dr. Sarah Sarkis discuss integrating peak performance science into corporate culture.



    Guest Bios:

    Sarah Robb O’Hagan(SRO): Sarah Robb O’Hagan took the helm as CEO of Exos in 2020. She’s leading Exos' transformation from predominantly gym-based services to a fully omnichannel performance programs and coaching platform. Prior to Exos, she served as CEO of Flywheel, global president of Equinox and Gatorade, and held leadership roles at iconic brands like Virgin and Nike.



    Greg Hill: 

    Greg Hill has been with Exos since 2020 as the company’s chief people officer. By advocating for and supporting the development of Exos team members, he leads people operations, talent acquisition, and culture development. Exos’ culture has been recognized as a certified Great Place to Work and Best Employer in Sports by Front Office Sports.



    Amanda Carlson-Phillips: 

    Amanda leads the Exos performance innovation team, bringing cutting-edge solutions to clients and pioneering the human performance industry for almost 20 years. She joined Exos in 2003 and holds a master’s degree in sports/clinical nutrition and exercise physiology.



    In this episode:

    0:00 Introduction

    5:11 Burnt Out

    8:30 The Solution Started with an Epic Fail

    15:12 Initial Skepticism and Overcoming Doubts

    20:03 Giving Yourself Over to Science

    26:00 Can You Be a High-Performing Organization and Not Kill Your Employees?

    32:31 Creating a Readiness Culture Code

    45:31 Flow’s Impact on Leadership and Team Dynamics

    51:50 Practical Steps to Implement Flow



    Episode Resources:

    Website:https://www.teamexos.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exos/

    X: https://x.com/TeamEXOS

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_exos

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamEXOS

    Four-Day Workweek Pilot: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exos-four-day-workweek-pilot-reveals-a-winning-formula-for-achieving-business-success-without-sacrificing-employee-well-being-302103866.html



    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: ⁠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.

    • 54 min
    Beyond Consciousness: Unlocking Flow Through Meditation with Dr. Richard Davidson

    Beyond Consciousness: Unlocking Flow Through Meditation with Dr. Richard Davidson

    Dr. Richard “Richie” Davidson is a pioneer in the study of the neuroscience of emotional wellbeing, exploring how meditation and different states of consciousness affect physical and mental health. He has contributed to more than 300 published articles, was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2006, and has collaborated with the Dalai Lama. Dr. Davidson joins Flow Research Collective’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Michael Mannino, Executive Director Steven Kotler, and former Flow Research Collective coach Dr. Sarah Sarkis in a conversation about the art and science of meditation as a lever for health and peak performance.

    In This Episode:

    0:00 Introduction

    03:22 The Interplay Between Mediation, Mental Health, and Flow States

    14:44 The Phenomenon of Tukdam and its Implications for Consciousness

    31:58 The Malleability of the Brain and Challenging Popular Beliefs

    34:33 Exploring the Complexity of Brain Changes and Expertise

    37:01 The Impact of Meditation on Inflammation and Longevity

    44:16 The Importance of Regular Meditation Practice

    48:45 Personalized Meditation Recommendations Based on Individual Metrics

    52:26 Understanding the Different Types of Empathy in Meditation

    56:50 The Role of Compassion in Meditation



    About The Guest:

    Dr. Richard “Richie” Davidson is a professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he is the founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds. His research explores the neural bases of emotion and emotional style, as well as methods to promote human flourishing including through meditation and related contemplative practices.



    Episode Resources:

    Website: https://www.richardjdavidson.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-j-davidson/

    X: https://twitter.com/healthyminds

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthy.minds/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforhealthyminds/



    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: ⁠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.

    • 59 min
    Beyond Innovation: Flow in Startups with Dr. Corinna Peifer and Leonie Kloep

    Beyond Innovation: Flow in Startups with Dr. Corinna Peifer and Leonie Kloep

    This episode of Flow Radio features Dr. Corinna Peifer and PhD candidate Leonie Kloep, researchers at the University of Lübeck who recently coauthored a paper on the role of team flow in early start-up stages. They join Flow Research Collective Chief of Staff Ryan Wickes and Chief Science Officer Dr. Michael Mannino in a conversation about how leaders can harness flow to propel their teams and avoid burnout, especially within startups and emerging enterprises. This episode will be especially useful for leaders wanting to leverage flow in their teams, as well as anyone who’s interested in learning how to tap the benefits of flow to bring ease to collaborative tasks for better results. 



    About The Guest:

    Dr. Corinna Peifer is Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology at the University of Lübeck and head of the Work and Health Lab, whose research focuses on flow states, stress, and well-being at work.

    Leonie Kloep is a PhD candidate and Organizational Psychology researcher at the University of Lübeck, as well as the co-author of a recent paper on the role of flow in early-stage startups. 



    Episode Resources:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinna-peifer-9a553714/ 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-kloep-a85b3b175/ 

    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: ⁠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.

    • 59 min
    Leadership as Behavior with Coby Karl, Rich Diviney, and Dr. Sarah Sarkis

    Leadership as Behavior with Coby Karl, Rich Diviney, and Dr. Sarah Sarkis

    This episode of Flow Radio is a masterclass on leadership best practices, featuring three very special guests: Retired Navy SEAL commander and bestselling author Rich Diviney, Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Coby Karl, and veteran performance psychologist Dr. Sarah Sarkis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn how to lead teams that consistently outperform and out-innovate the competition. how to lead teams that consistently outperform and out-innovate the competition.



    In This Episode:

    0:00 Introduction

    04:35 Defining leadership

    11:05 Leadership as Behavior

    26:13 Dynamic Subordination in High-Performing Teams

    30:55 Lessons from Phil Jackson and Dennis Rodman

    39:11 Defining Leadership Expertise

    49:00 The Role of Flow in Leadership

    57:44 Attunement and Shared Experience in Leadership

    1:16:53 Balancing Training and Education in the Business World

    About the Guests:  

    By day, Dr. Sarah Sarkis is a licensed psychologist, a certified executive coach, and the senior Director of Performance Psychology at Exos. Occasionally, you’ll also find her moonlighting as a writer and keynote speaker. 

    Dr. Sarkis has spent 20-plus years in the trenches, exploring every corner of the human psyche. Her passion and focus these days is working with CEOs, athletes, professional coaches, and other executives striving to achieve moonshot dreams. In a nutshell, she considers herself a human performance hybrid: part shrink, part coach, part Jedi of the unconscious. 

    Dr. Sarkis has been a featured guest on many popular podcasts, including The Gabby Reece Podcast and LinkedIn Live. She is also a regularly featured SME in publications such as CNBC, Women’s Health, The Huffington Post, and the New York Times.



    Rich Diviney, a bestselling author, leadership expert, and retired Navy SEAL commander, brings over two decades of exceptional experience to the stage. Over the course of a 20-year career, he completed more than thirteen overseas deployments and served in multiple leadership positions, to include being the officer in charge of an extremely specialized SEAL selection process, curating the most elite performers through a specialized selection process.



    Coby Karl is an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. Starting as a Seattle Sonics ballboy to becoming an NBA player, he's spent a lifetime learning the game and how to lead a team. His experiences helped him coach the Delaware Blue Coats to win their first NBA G League title in 2023. Coby learned to lead with compassion and thoughtfulness from his mentors, icons like Phil Jackson and his dad, George Karl.



    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: ⁠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.

    • 1 hr 30 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
161 Ratings

161 Ratings

DrWayne2002 ,

Awesome

Great interviews! An easy way to review and learn how to activate flow triggers and avoid flow blockers! What a great use of my time!

Igor Ganapolsky ,

Real truth about Flow

I went through the Flow Reaearch Collective’s program - Zero to Dangerous in 2022. I have to say, they are the real deal when teaching how to achieve Flow states. I regularly implement the lessons and strategies I learned in FRC.

Also, in this podcast, they actually talk the truth about finding intrinsic Flow states (not chasing external material bulls*%t that all the other podcasts focus on).

mvelasco07 ,

A must-listen!

No matter the subject, you’re guaranteed to gain something from every episode - can’t recommend Flow Research Collective Radio enough. 🙌

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