#873 - Steven Kotler

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Joe Rogan and Steven's Exploration of Creativity and Minimalism

  • Joe Rogan invites Steven to discuss the nature of creativity and methods to inspire it.
  • Steven shares his thoughts on living minimally, having experienced life with very few possessions.
  • The discussion shifts to personal anecdotes, including Steven's time in a performance and video gallery in San Francisco.
• 00:07:45

  A Shocking Crime: Gun Violence and the Unsolved Case of the Freeway Shooter

  • The conversation takes a dark turn discussing a freeway shooting incident that left a skier dead.
  • Joe and Steven reflect on the psychological factors behind gun violence and the rarity of such events.
  • They debate the implications of gun ownership and the complex nature of human behavior in violent incidents.
• 00:09:32

  Unpacking Creativity with Stephen King and the 'Show Up' Mentality

  • Discussion about the importance of consistently showing up to create, referencing Stephen King's advice in his book on writing.
  • Exploration of 'long haul creativity' and the challenges creatives face over their careers.
  • Emphasis on the necessity of rising early for focused writing sessions and overcoming daily distractions.
• 00:14:55

  Flow States and Exercise: The Science Behind Creative Inspiration

  • Introduction of 'exercise-induced transient hypofrontality' and its impact on creativity and flow states.
  • Explanation of how lower cognitive function promotes a creative mindset, allowing for a reset after intense creative sessions.
  • Connection between risk-taking in action sports and enhanced flow experiences, demonstrating how automatized skills contribute to creativity.
• 00:18:15

  Floyd Mayweather: Mastering Flow in Fighting

  • The process of achieving a flow state in martial arts training is intricately linked to self-awareness and honest self-assessment.
  • Floyd Mayweather is exemplified as a fighter who reacts reflexively without conscious thought, showcasing mastery in flow.
  • Flow is described as a continuous problem-solving endeavor with immediate physical consequences, particularly in high-stakes fighting scenarios.
• 00:24:38

  Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Understanding Flow Beyond Fighting to Comedy

  • Different creative processes, such as comedy, require audience interaction to develop material fully, unlike other art forms.
  • The concept of flow is linked to balancing challenge and skill, as conceptualized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
  • A spectrum of flow states exists, influenced by various psychological triggers and emotional responses, emphasizing the need for focus and presence.
• 00:28:31

  Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's Revolutionary Discoveries on Flow States and Brain Function

  • Csikszentmihalyi identified ten characteristics defining flow, such as uninterrupted concentration and a sense of self-vanishing.
  • David Eagleman's research links the state of flow to the deactivation of the prefrontal cortex, impacting the perception of time.
  • The Flow Genome Project aims to ground flow research in hard science, correcting misconceptions propagated by pop culture and New Age ideologies.
• 00:32:00

  A Deep Dive into Flow State Mechanics with Authors Steven Kotler and Sam Harris

  • Kotler shares a personal anecdote on achieving flow while writing, emphasizing its powerful effects on creativity and productivity.
  • The debate between Kotler and Sam Harris highlights skepticism around flow states and the importance of statistical analysis in performance measurement.
  • Kotler discusses the influence of music in inducing flow, revealing his creative process and the role of emotional triggers in writing.
• 00:38:23

  Unlocking Creativity: Harnessing Neurochemistry with Flow Hikes and High Stakes Risks

  • Creativity involves acquiring information, recognizing patterns, and having the courage to share ideas.
  • Dopamine and norepinephrine are key neurochemicals that enhance focus and creativity, while anandamide from marijuana supports lateral thinking.
  • Engaging in physical activities, like flow hikes, induces a 'flow state' that boosts problem-solving and creativity.
• 00:46:03

  The Enigma of Flow: Insights from Neuroscience and the Quest for Understanding Consciousness

  • Research at institutions like UCSF and Johns Hopkins is exploring the brain's neurochemistry during flow states, yet many basic questions remain unanswered.
  • The distinction between humans and other mammals is narrowing, with shared abilities like theory of mind and delayed gratification being key focal points.
  • Key figures like Robert Sapolsky emphasize that the ability to synthesize opposing ideas is one defining trait of human consciousness.
• 00:49:14

  Bill Burr's Impact on Audience Perception and Understanding: A Deep Dive into Human and Animal Communication

  • The narrator reflects on how comedians like Bill Burr influence audience thinking during performances.
  • The concept of everyone once being a baby shapes the narrator's understanding of adults and their pasts.
  • Research on prairie dog communication reveals their ability to convey detailed information, challenging previously held beliefs about animal intelligence.
• 00:55:21

  Chimpanzee Evolution and Techno-Physio Evolution: Insights from Robert Fogel's Research

  • Chimps are observed entering the Stone Age, suggesting their potential for future intelligence and tool use.
  • The idea of techno-physio evolution indicates that human evolution has accelerated due to improved living conditions and technology.
  • Cultural changes in comedy highlight how societal norms and perceptions shift over time, affecting the acceptance of humor.
• 00:59:12

  Lenny Bruce's Timeless Genius: A Dive into Comedy's Evolution

  • Discussion on Lenny Bruce's groundbreaking comedy about homosexuality from the 1960s.
  • Reference to how Bruce's work influenced later comedians, including anecdotes about friends unknowingly borrowing his jokes.
  • Comparison of the lasting impact of various comedians like Steve Martin and Richard Pryor on contemporary culture.
• 01:05:40

  Jordan Peterson and the Controversy of Gender Pronouns: A Reflection on Modern Society

  • Overview of the legal implications of misgendering in Canada and New York City, highlighting penalties for non-compliance.
  • Critique of societal obsession with numerous gender pronouns and the argument that it stems from a lack of real-world challenges.
  • Jordan Peterson's approach to discussing gender identity and freedom of speech in the context of current cultural debates.
• 01:13:47

  Anderson Silva's Journey: From Career-Breaking Injuries to Yoga and Flow States

  • The speaker discusses their struggle with injuries from skiing, including multiple fractures and surgeries.
  • An inspiration from a 75-year-old yoga practitioner motivates them to pursue yoga to enhance flexibility and recover.
  • The concepts of 'flow' and 'momentum' are explored, emphasizing their relationship to happiness and performance in sports.
• 01:56:12

  The Rise and Fall of Anderson Silva: A Dominant Fighter Who Conquered the Octagon

  • Anderson Silva is highlighted as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, achieving unmatched performance levels.
  • Descriptive examples of Silva's fights showcase his extraordinary ability to evade attacks effortlessly, creating a 'matrix' effect.
  • His eventual knockout by Chris Weidman served as a turning point, indicating the impermanence of athletic dominance.
• 01:13:47

  Athlete Recovery: Overcoming Fear After Injuries with Fighter Insights

  • Discussion on personal injury experiences, including a near-severed hand from a cliff fall.
  • The psychological impact of injuries, highlighting the fight or flight response in athletes, particularly skiers and bikers.
  • Insights into fighters' mental barriers after a knockout, emphasizing the difference between being the hammer and becoming the nail.
• 01:56:12

  Lyme Disease Revelation: A Personal Journey Through Misdiagnosis and Mental Struggles

  • The speaker discusses their own struggle with Lyme disease, highlighting severe symptoms and multiple misdiagnoses.
  • Anecdotes about the paranoia and cognitive difficulties faced during the illness, including hallucinations and memory loss.
  • Importance of proper diagnosis discussed, citing the speaker's experience and the perception of Lyme disease as primarily an East Coast issue.
• 01:13:47

  Misdiagnosed by My Doctor: The Lyme Disease Revelation

  • The narrator visits a new doctor in LA after feeling ill for some time.
  • Initially dismissed, the doctor incorrectly diagnoses him with AIDS instead of Lyme disease.
  • The narrator discusses his family background, revealing his mother was an early AIDS activist.
• 01:56:12

  Controversial Insights on AIDS and Drug Abuse: The Peter Duisberg Debate

  • The narrator recounts a contentious discussion with Peter Duisberg about the relationship between HIV and AIDS.
  • Duisberg's controversial view suggests that AIDS is not caused by HIV but by drug abuse and compromised immune systems.
  • The conversation highlights the broader implications of drug use on health and the fight against infectious diseases.
• 01:36:12

  The Healing Power of Surfing: How a Day at Sunset Beach Transformed My Battle with Lyme Disease

  • The narrator recounts a severe three-year struggle with Lyme disease, affecting their mental and physical well-being.
  • A friend's persistence leads them to try surfing, resulting in a life-changing experience and a surprising sense of freedom and vitality.
  • Subsequent surfing sessions contribute to a significant improvement in their overall health and functionality, sparking a quest to understand the effects of flow states.
• 01:50:45

  Unveiling Flow States: The Connection Between Neurochemistry and Healing in Chronic Illness

  • The narrator explores the neurobiological basis of flow states and their ability to reset the nervous system and enhance immune function.
  • Insights from Herb Benson, a Harvard researcher, suggest that spontaneous healing may relate closely to experiencing flow.
  • The discussion highlights the intricate relationship between mental health, emotional experiences, and gut microbiome, illustrating the body's holistic nature.
• 01:06:35

  Lyme's Toll: The Journey of Recovery from Lyme Disease by [Name of Speaker]

  • Discussion on the impact of antibiotics on gut health and the complexity of Lyme disease symptoms.
  • Personal anecdotes shared about a staph infection and the associated antibiotic treatment experiences.
  • Detailed narrative about the challenges faced in diagnosing Lyme disease and the importance of seeking second opinions from competent physicians.
• 01:12:40

  Conquering Lyme: [Name of Speaker]'s Unorthodox Healing Protocol

  • Exploration of a personal healing journey involving action sports, specifically surfing, and their therapeutic benefits.
  • Insights into the role of medical marijuana and steroids in the speaker's recovery experience.
  • Discussion on the correlation between flow states and overall well-being, emphasizing how engaging in nature and writing promotes recovery.
• 01:13:47

  Dean Potter's Daring Climb and Fatal Leap: The Risks of Extreme Sports

  • Discussion of former Navy SEAL's extreme sports videos, showcasing his thrill-seeking lifestyle.
  • Tribute to climber and wingsuit pilot Dean Potter, who tragically died during a flight in Yosemite.
  • Exploration of the concept of terminal velocity and the risks associated with extreme sports and flow states.
• 02:23:18

  Unlocking Flow States: From Montessori Education to Corporate Success

  • Examination of various flow triggers including emotional, social, and intellectual risks.
  • Analysis of Montessori education as a method that encourages flow through hands-on learning.
  • Insights into how executives can achieve heightened productivity through entering flow states.
• 01:26:04

  Jamie Wheel and the $4 Trillion Revolution of Altered States in 'Stealing Fire'

  • Jamie Wheel discusses the underground revolution involving altered states of consciousness that impacts top performers across various fields.
  • The book highlights the Greek term 'ecstasis' and its relevance to understanding altered states like flow, psychedelics, and mysticism.
  • Research shows that neurobiological similarities exist across these states, characterized by deactivation of the prefrontal cortex and a unique sense of selflessness and timelessness.
• 01:34:12

  'Stealing Fire': How Breath Control Influences Performance with Hicks and Gracie

  • Discussion on Hicks and Gracie, a renowned jiu-jitsu practitioner, emphasizing his mastery of breath control and its impact on performance.
  • Breathing techniques such as prolonged exhalation are presented as effective tools for managing anxiety and calming the nervous system.
  • The concept of 'target panic' in bow hunting illustrates how focus and controlled breathing can enhance performance under pressure.
• 01:36:25

  Michael Mitthehofer's Groundbreaking MDMA Therapy for PTSD Soldiers

  • Michael Mitthehofer used MDMA to successfully treat PTSD in victims of child and sexual abuse.
  • At Camp Pendleton, a study replaced MDMA with surfing and talk therapy to help 1,000 soldiers.
  • Different therapeutic techniques yielded varying timescales to address PTSD symptoms, with MDMA being the quickest.
• 01:40:20

  The Animal Kingdom's Quest for Consciousness Alteration Revealed by Ronald K. Siegel

  • Ronald K. Siegel's research highlights that many animals, including jaguars and dolphins, seek ways to alter their consciousness.
  • Different species utilize various substances like pufferfish, mushrooms, and fermented fruits for stress relief and creative problem-solving.
  • Siegel's book 'Intoxication' describes how altering consciousness is critical for innovation and survival among mammals and birds.
• 01:13:47

  Brian McKenzie and Laird Hamilton's DMT-Like Experiences through Breathwork

  • Brian McKenzie and Laird Hamilton discuss using breathwork techniques to achieve altered states akin to DMT experiences.
  • Kundalini Yoga is highlighted as a method to access profound mental states without psychedelics.
  • The brain naturally produces DMT, leading to interesting conversations around legality and its prevalence in everyday life.
• 01:56:12

  Ibogaine's Revolutionary Impact on Opiate Addiction with Ed's Healing Journey

  • Ed underwent an Ibogaine trip in Mexico which helped him break free from his opiate addiction, leading to his establishment of a treatment center.
  • Research and history of psychedelic substances in treating addiction are explored, including the significant Good Friday experiment.
  • The advent of technology in understanding and achieving altered states, such as neurofeedback and its application in training novice archers, is discussed.
• 01:58:42

  The Sociopathic Dilemma: Exploring Empathy and Neuroscience with Joe Rogan

  • Discussion on the ramifications of precognitive technology analogous to 'Minority Report' and its implications on justice.
  • Joe Rogan and the guest consider the challenge of treating sociopathy and the potential science behind empathy deficits.
  • Mention of neuroscientist Sasha Cohen's work on autism and empathy, sparking controversy within the autism community.
• 02:23:18

  The Ants' Mechanistic World: A Reflection on Consciousness and Society

  • A light-hearted examination of ants and their collective behaviors, including the concept of an 'ant death spiral'.
  • Analogy drawn between human societal structures and those of ants, highlighting the absence of free will in insects.
  • Discussion about human perceptions of different animals, revealing biases based on size and appearance.
• 01:13:47

  Exploring the Potent Powers of the Brazilian Wandering Spider with Patricia Wright

  • Discussion about the Brazilian wandering spider and its potential use as an erectile dysfunction drug.
  • Highlights the conservation work of Patricia Wright in Madagascar and her experience transporting giant spiders on a plane.
  • Remarkable anecdote of spiders crawling on Patricia's skirt while she was seated in first class.
• 02:52:53

  Steven Kotler's Vision for Flow States in Enhancing Human Performance

  • Steven Kotler discusses the dangers and potentials of commercialization and hedonism in exploring altered states of consciousness.
  • Highlights the research on flow states and their significant boost in creativity and motivation, especially within the military.
  • Encouragement to utilize the flow genome project’s free flow profile for understanding personal flow experiences and maximizing performance.
• 01:13:47

  Scott Adams Discusses His Support for Trump in 'Stealing Fire'

  • Scott Adams shares insights on the upcoming release of his book 'Stealing Fire'.
  • The conversation highlights the significance of the book's themes and its relevance in today's political climate.
  • Adams expresses excitement about engaging with his audience and plans to promote the book on social media.
• 01:56:12

  Anticipation Builds for 'Stealing Fire' Release and Its Impact

  • The book is now available for preorder on Amazon, generating interest among readers.
  • Adams emphasizes the importance of discussing the book's ideas and connecting with supporters.
  • The conversation wraps up with a promise of more engaging discussions in future episodes.