Flow States for Ultimate Human Performance with Steven Kotler

The Australian Institute of Sport is a national treasure, a source of great Aussie pride, and international success. Stuart Morgan is a world-leading figure in AI and machine learning, and is at the helm of AIS innovation. Stuart’s original background is in psychophysiology, and he is uniquely placed to find the happy medium with technology- both embracing the power of the human mind, and the power of computer science. We go behind the scenes at the AIS, lifting the curtain on some of the world’s foremost tech, like swimming’s Sparta 2.

My guest today is Dr. Christof Koch, one of the worlds foremost experts on neuroscience and consciousness. Dr. Koch is the Chief Scientist and  President of the Allen Institute for Brain Science. He recently released his latest book, The Feeling of Life Itself – Why Consciousness is Everywhere But Can’t be Computed. It explores new insights and perspectives into human consciousness, as well as ideas surrounding the potential of sentient machines. We explore a wide range of issues surrounding consciousness, what it means, and theories on how it works.   Subscribe to the MIND & MACHINE future-tech newsletter: https://www.mindandmachine.io/newsletter    The Allen Institute: https://bit.ly/2rNVEEj Personal Website: https://christofkoch.com   Book: The Feeling of Life Itself https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/feeling-life-itself __________   MIND & MACHINE features interviews by August Bradley with bold thinkers and leaders in transformational technologies.   Subscribe to the MIND & MACHINE newsletter: https://www.mindandmachine.io/newsletter   MIND & MACHINE Website: https://www.MindAndMachine.io

We explore Human Enhancement and Personal Performance Hacking with Matt Ward (@mattwardio), the host The Disruptors podcast, startup investor, adviser and business innovation consultant. Matt and I thought it would be fun to do two episodes, one here on MIND & MACHINE and the other on The Disruptors, where we explore what we've learned, the ideas we've formed and our takeaways across all these different fields that we cover. So with this episode here on MIND & MACHINE, we focus on human enhancement -- technologies that are extending lifespan and enhancing human capability. Then we get into what Matt and I are doing currently to maximize our own performance capabilities -- our ability to think more clearly, to live more energetic vibrant lives... which is all heavily informed by all these amazing guests across these different fields that we explore. In the other part of this discussion, on The Disruptors, we look at another set of subjects from space to AI to Augmented and Virtual reality. So I encourage you to check that out as well at The Disruptors... For the other part of the Conversation on The Disruptors: https://is.gd/mv1Vez MIND & MACHINE features interviews by August Bradley with bold thinkers and leaders in transformational technologies. Subscribe to the MIND & MACHINE newsletter: https://www.mindandmachine.io/newsletter MIND & MACHINE Website: https://www.MindAndMachine.io YouTube Channel for video edition: https://www.mindandmachine.io/youtube Show Host August Bradley on Twitter: https://twitter.com/augustbradley

My guest today is Steven Kotler. Steven is one of the world's leading experts on achieving Ultimate Human Performance through Flow States. "Flow" is the cognitive state of full immersion and focus in which brain activity changes to enable peak human capability across an intellectual or physical activity. It's characterized by rapt attention so deep that one loses their sense of space and time, tapping into radically heightened performance, creativity, and learning.   Steven is the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective, and a New York Times bestselling author. His books include The Rise of Superman, Tomorowland, and Stealing Fire. Along with Peter Diamandis, he co-authored the books Bold, Abundance, and most recently The Future is Faster than you Think. We go deep into the neurological causes of flow states, what it enables, and how to achieve it.   Subscribe to the MIND & MACHINE future-tech newsletter: https://www.mindandmachine.io/newsletter    https://www.MindAndMachine.io