Talks at Google

Steven Kotler, author and co-founder of the Flow Genome Project, dives into the fascinating world of flow states, emphasizing their crucial role in achieving peak performance. He shares how flow enhances creativity and success in business, sports, and the arts. Kotler recounts his personal journey to vitality through surfing and explains the neurobiology behind flow. He also discusses innovative research linking diet and athletic performance, revealing techniques to harness flow for maximizing human potential.

Masatoshi Ohno, a three-time Japan Pro Surfing Association Grand Champion, and Jérôme Guth, head coach of the Japanese fencing Olympic team, share powerful insights on teamwork and resilience. They highlight how team sports can transform fear into excitement, nurturing essential life skills. Their discussion spans the balance between competition and artistry, the emotional challenges of Olympic qualification, and the importance of fostering supportive team dynamics. They also tackle mental health issues athletes encounter, emphasizing community support and personal passion in sports.

Mike Steib, CEO of XO Group (The Knot Worldwide) and creator of the viral "Career Manifesto," shares powerful insights on finding one's purpose. He discusses the importance of taking charge of your career while reflecting on mortality's role in shaping ambitions. Mike encourages evaluating career choices beyond big tech giants and emphasizes aligning work with personal values. He provides practical strategies for navigating decisions and stresses the balance between ambition and gratitude for your current situation, inspiring early professionals to pursue meaningful growth.

The cast & creatives from the Tony Award winning musical “The Outsiders” join us to perform a song and discuss the beloved story that defined a generation, reimagined as a groundbreaking new musical. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their greaser family of ‘Outsiders’ battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. “The Outsiders” navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them. With a dynamic original score, “The Outsiders” is a story of friendship, family, belonging, and the realization that there is still “lots of good in the world.” Visit http://youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle/ to watch the video.

David DeSteno, a neuroscientist and author of "Emotional Success", discusses the role of prosocial emotions like gratitude, compassion, and pride in achieving success. He reveals that these emotions can enhance perseverance more effectively than sheer willpower. DeSteno dives into the marshmallow test, illustrating how delayed gratification leads to long-term success. He also emphasizes the importance of emotional strategies in fostering team dynamics and building empathy, offering practical tips for creating supportive environments.

Rose Levy Beranbaum, an award-winning author known for 'The Cake Bible,' and her partner Woody Wolston dive into the art and science of cake baking. They discuss the revolutionary reverse creaming technique and the significance of precise measurements, especially with metric scales. The duo celebrates 35 years of The Cake Bible and shares personal stories that highlight their bond with the baking community. Listeners will learn about the chemistry behind cake ingredients and innovative methods for achieving perfect textures in their baking.

Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos and author of "Delivering Happiness," shares insights from his remarkable career in e-commerce. He discusses how prioritizing happiness can drive profits and purpose in business. With anecdotes from his early lemonade stand to Zappos’ corporate culture, he emphasizes the importance of core values and exceptional customer service. Hsieh also explores the science of happiness, outlining its role in personal growth and business success, while examining three types of happiness: fleeting pleasure, engaging experiences, and lasting fulfillment.

Dr. Tony Nader, author and global head of the International Transcendental Meditation Organization, discusses his book, offering a path to peace through consciousness. He explores the complex nature of consciousness and its role in well-being, touching on topics like the intersection of AI and self-awareness. Nader emphasizes practices like Transcendental Meditation to enhance daily life, creativity, and clarity, while providing practical steps for individuals to elevate their consciousness in our rapidly changing world.

Alton Brown, a beloved culinary television presenter and author, chats about his latest book, *Good Eats 3: The Later Years*, packed with over 200 engaging recipes. He shares his thoughts on cooking science, like why bacon burns and how to achieve crispy perfection. The conversation touches on diverse culinary cultures, humorous kitchen mishaps, and navigating the complexities of social media in the food world. Alton also reflects on creative challenges in cooking shows and his love for Thanksgiving traditions, all delivered with his signature wit.

Joanna "JoJo" Levesque, a singer and actress celebrated for her memoir "Over the Influence," shares her extraordinary journey from child star to empowered artist. She candidly discusses the challenges of fame and the fight for creative freedom. JoJo reflects on the impact of social media, the importance of authenticity, and the pressures to remain connected with fans. With nostalgia, she revisits iconic 2000s R&B hits while emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and vulnerability within her music and personal life.