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

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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

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