Steven Kotler unpacks the neurobiology of flow and why accessing it consistently is the key to doing hard things well. We dive into the four-stage flow cycle, how frustration can be a sign you're on the right track, and why lasting change begins with what’s hardwired in all of us. He explains how to structure goals for momentum, why passion requires patience, and how consistency—not intensity—is what drives the impossible forward. Steven also opens up about pain, passion, purpose, and why chasing the impossible is less about big leaps and more about mastering repetition, recovery, and staying in the game.
Timestamps:
00:00 Coming Up As A Bartender
07:05 Difference Between Flow State & Peak Performance
09:48 Using Biology To Work For Us
12:20 Personality Doesn't Scale; Biology Scales
16:46 4 Stage Cycle Of Flow
24:57 Relationship Between Flow & Physical Pain
31:03 Research On Prayer, Sports, & Flow
35:15 Are Emotions Romanticized Words For Flow?
45:29 Peak Performance Is A Game
53:12 Suffering Connected To Passion
58:52 The Art Of Impossible
1:02:55 Holding Yourself Accountable To Your Past Self
1:07:57 Work As A Creative Pursuit
1:17:50 What Steven Has Learned About Himself With Flow
1:19:39 Connect With Steven Kotler
Thank you so much for listening. I truly appreciate your time and support. Let me know what you thought of the episode and what you would like to see in the future. Any feedback would be awesome. Don't forget to subscribe for more exciting content on YouTube, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or whatever platform you are listening on.
Connect with me below:
Instagram: Tim Doyle
Youtube: Outworker
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!