Mayo Clinic On Human Optimization

Hopefully, you’ve experienced getting so absorbed in work or an activity you enjoy that you lose track of time. We tend to be most productive in what is often called a “state of flow.” When harnessed effectively, flow can act like a superpower for personal fulfillment and progress. To help us better understand and maximize moments of flow, we’re joined by Biju Samkutty, chief operating officer of international and enterprise automation at Mayo Clinic. Known for aligning people, processes and technology, Biju leads Mayo Clinic’s global expansion efforts, including managing international patients, building strategic collaborations and establishing new international entities. In this episode, we explore three key questions: What is the state of flow, and why is it critical for performance and well-being? Why do we struggle to access flow consistently, and how does that impact productivity and happiness? What proven methods can help us maximize flow in daily life and work? Learn more about On Human Optimization and access Pod Club questions here. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

How often do you feel that your brain is functioning at its highest level? If you are like most of us, it’s not as often as you would like. Given the high-pressure world we live in, it’s critical for us to ensure our brain is firing on all cylinders, as often as possible. To make that happen, we need to help our brains be more efficient. Just like mileage on a car, we want to optimize the mileage we get out of our brains. To help us do that, our expert guest today is Dr. Amit Sood, the creator of the Resilient Option program and executive director of the Global Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing. The three questions he is going to walk us through are: 1. What does it mean to "get more mileage" out of our brain, and why are we currently so inefficient? 2. Why is it so hard to stay in "Focused Mode" as our brain tries to pull us towards distraction? 3. What is the solution and what are the specific steps we can take to get the most out of our brains? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1. The podcast defines "getting more mileage out of your brain" as accumulating more experience, learning, insights, and making a difference, rather than just increasing intelligence. How does this broader definition of "brain mileage" resonate with your personal goals for growth and impact? 2. Dr. Sood states that our biggest challenge is our "inability to influence our attention and emotions." In what specific areas of your life do you feel this lack of influence most acutely? 3. The discussion highlights that we spend 60-80% of our time in the "default/automatic mode," which is linked to unhappiness and anxiety. What are some common triggers that pull you into this default mode? 4. The podcast explains that our negativity bias, while once crucial for survival, now often protects our "emotional body." What emotional "threats" do you find yourself constantly guarding against? 5. The concept of "willpower depletion" is linked to poor sleep, nutrition, and lack of exercise. How do your daily lifestyle choices impact your ability to exercise self-control and stay in a focused, intentional mode? 6. Dr. Sood suggests that overthinking occurs when "thinking is happening to you" rather than you choosing your thoughts. What strategies do you currently use, or could you commit to trying this week, to regain control and choose your thoughts more intentionally? 7. The "rum" analogy (Rest, Uplifting emotions, Motivation) is presented as a way to be kind to your mind. Which of these three elements do you find most challenging to incorporate into your daily routine, and why? 8. The podcast suggests that progress in brain optimization can be measured by feeling lighter, less cynical, and experiencing deeper connections. What specific indicators would signal to you that you are successfully "getting more mileage out of your brain"?

If you’ve ever experienced self-doubt, felt like you didn’t have what it takes, or were fearful of being “found out”, this episode is for you. We have all had the unfortunate experience of improperly doubting ourselves and our abilities to the extent that they had a negative impact on how we feel about ourselves and diminished our performance. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome can be paralyzing, but life is too short for us to live with constant fear and doubt about our abilities. Our expert guest here to help us with this is author and executive consultant, Cade Cowan. The three big questions Cade is going to walk us through are: 1. What exactly is “imposter syndrome”? What are the downsides? 2. How common is self-doubt and how can we tell if it’s impacting us? 3. What steps can we take to overcome imposter syndrome and develop healthy confidence to become our best selves? Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Cade Cowan, Managing Partner | Executive Development Consulting – Atlanta, GA How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1. The podcast distinguishes between imposter syndrome (high competence, low confidence) and low self-confidence (global lack of belief in ability). Think about a time when you experienced one versus the other. How did your actions or feelings differ in those situations? 2. Cade mentions the Dunning-Kruger effect as the opposite of imposter syndrome (low competence, high confidence). How might recognizing both imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect help us achieve a more balanced and realistic self-assessment? 3. The discussion highlights the "cycle of imposter syndrome" – a trigger event leading to anxiety, overwork or procrastination, success, and then explaining that success away. Think about a time when you experienced this cycle. What was the most challenging aspect for you? 4. The speakers discuss how environmental factors, such as work culture or societal pressures (like social media's "highlight reels"), can exacerbate imposter syndrome. What specific aspects of your current environment might be contributing to feelings of self-doubt? What is one way you might address this? 5. Cade shares a personal story about presenting to a CEO at 28, realizing he should "stay in his zone of expertise." Consider your own "zone of expertise." What helps you feel comfortable sharing what you don't know in professional or personal settings? 6. The idea of "confident humility" is introduced, emphasizing the ability to say "I don't know" while still being confident in one's ability to learn. How can you practice this balance in your daily interactions? 7. The podcast suggests that imposter syndrome is a "universal experience" and that "everybody else is doing it." How does knowing this change how you interact with others who might be experiencing imposter syndrome? 8. Cade shares his "keepers file" of positive emails and notes. What is one tangible way you could start collecting and revisiting evidence of your own successes and positive impact to combat imposter syndrome? Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Katherine A. Meese, PhD, Researcher | Author | CEO - HuMargin Group – Nashville, TN If you are someone over the age of 22, you’ve likely noticed that it’s harder to make friends than it was when you were younger. Some of this is due to societal changes, but much of it is because life starts to pull us in so many directions that it’s hard to pin down time to make true friends and genuine social connections. However, social connections are critical fuel to our joy and fulfillment, so we have to find a way to keep them going late into life. To show us how, our expert guest is award winning author and speaker, Katherine Meese. The three big questions Katherine is going to answer for us in the episode are: 1. Why is friendship and social connection so important for us as adults? 2. Why is it so hard to form and maintain these friendships as adults? 3. What practical, repeatable behaviors help adults form, deepen, and sustain real friendships in modern life? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1. The podcast uses the analogy of a tree's root system (fibrous roots for acquaintances, taproot for deep friends) to describe social connections. How do you currently balance these two types of relationships in your life? 2. The discussion highlights how the importance of social connection changes across different life stages (childhood, young adulthood, middle age, and later life). How have your needs and expectations for friendship evolved as you've gotten older? 3. The podcast states that social isolation and loneliness can be as detrimental to physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. What are your personal reflections on the physical and mental health impacts of your social connections (or lack thereof)? 4. The speakers discuss how modern factors like technology, career demands, and polarizing worldviews make adult friendships challenging. Which of these factors do you experience in your life? 5. The concept of "firing friends" is brought up, especially when beliefs diverge. How do you navigate friendships with people who hold different values or worldviews than your own, and when do you decide a friendship might not be worth continuing? 6. The podcast suggests a four-step plan for building friendships: 1) Assess where you are, 2) Become a regular somewhere, 3) Be responsible for your own fun, and 4) Be the friend you want to have. Which of these steps do you feel you already do well, and which could you focus on improving? 7. When discussing maintaining friendships, the advice includes understanding what the other person needs, making a routine, seeing people as having "layers like an onion," and showing grace. Which of these maintenance strategies do you find most challenging or most rewarding? 8. The call to action encourages listeners to recognize that building friendships is a choice and to assess their current social network. What is one concrete action you could take this week to either assess your friendships or intentionally invest in one? Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Amy Morin, LCSW, Psychotherapist / Mental Strength Coach / International Bestselling Author | Mentally Strong One of the biggest limiters of our mental strength is our very common (usually unintentional) struggle with self-sabotaging behaviors. Since we all feel too busy to do more, maybe the answer is to actually do less? For some behaviors, that is absolutely the case. To help us better understand how we can do less, and be better for it, our expert guest for this episode is bestselling author, Amy Morin. The three big questions she is going to answer for us today are: 1. What exactly is “mental strength?” 2. What are the things we are doing that commonly sabotage our mental strength 3. How can we remove these things from our lives in order to maximize our mental strength? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1. Amy Morin defines mental strength as finding the courage to live the life you want according to your values. How does this definition resonate with your personal understanding of mental strength? 2. Morin breaks mental strength into three components: thinking, feeling, and behaving. Which of these areas do you find most challenging to manage? 3. The podcast highlights that venting can sometimes reinforce negative thought patterns rather than alleviate them. How do you typically process frustrating experiences? 4. Morin suggests that giving away our power, often through language like "I have to," can be self-sabotaging. What is one instance where you've used this language? How could you rephrase it to reclaim your power? 5. The concept of focusing energy on what we can control, rather than what we can't, is discussed. What is one area of your life where you tend to focus on the uncontrollable? 6. Morin identifies making the same mistakes repeatedly as a common self-sabotaging behavior. What is one recurring mistake you've made, and what strategy could help you break that cycle? 7. The pressure for immediate results is identified as a common societal challenge. How does this expectation impact your approach to personal growth or habit formation? 8. Amy emphasizes that mental strength is a spectrum and requires ongoing effort, not just a destination. What is one small, proactive step you can take this week to build your mental strength? Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Charanjit S. Rihal, M.D., MBA William S. and Ann Atherton Professor of Cardiology - Department of Cardiovascular Medicine | Chair, Mayo Clinic People and Culture Committee, Member Board of Trustees - Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN We are all a product of our environment, and this includes the people we surround ourselves with. Anyone that has achieved a level of success knows that they didn’t do it completely alone. One of the key ingredients to success in all activities is having high quality mentorship. A good mentor is worth their weight in gold, but how do we FIND a good mentor? And equally important, how can we BE a good mentor to others? That’s what we’ll discuss with our expert guest, Dr. Chet Rihal. The three big questions we will cover include: What qualities make up a good mentor and why do we need one? What are the most common mistakes we make when trying to find a mentor or be a mentor? What steps can we take toidentify a good mentor, and serve as a mentor to others? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: Dr. Rihal defines mentorship as a relationship that helps one achieve their optimal professional self. How does this definition differ from your initial understanding of mentorship? How does the concept of mentorship differ from sponsorship, according to Dr. Rihal's explanation? How have you experienced mentorship and / or sponsorship in your career? What are the primary benefits of having a mentor, as described by Dr. Rihal, beyond just technical or professional guidance? Dr. Rihal suggests that mentors can help mentees see potential they might not recognize themselves. Can you recall a time when someone else saw potential in you that you hadn't recognized? What are the key qualities Dr. Rihal identifies as essential for a good mentor, and which of these do you find most crucial? Dr. Rihal emphasizes that mentees should avoid trying to become a carbon copy of their mentor. What steps can a mentee take to ensure they develop their own unique professional identity? What are the most common mistakes mentors make, and how can mentees avoid falling into the trap of mistaking their mentor for an “oracle” with all the answers? Dr. Rihal suggests that individuals can eventually become their own mentor by understanding their goals and drivers. What is one step you can take this week to better understand your own internal drivers? Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Chelsey Hoffmann, PA-C, MS, RD, Physician Assistant | Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine - Mayo Clinic - Rochester, MN It’s been said that "we are what we eat," and we all sort of understand what that means. At the same time, most understand what it's like to intermittently experience body aches and pains that we can't always explain. While the reasons for these aches and pains are variable, much of this pain and inflammation we experience may be related to the food we eat and the beverages we drink. Are you curious if that is the case for you? Our expert guest here to help us figure that out is Chelsey Hoffman. The three big questions we have for her are: 1. How does our nutrition impact pain and inflammation in the body? 2. What are the foods are the biggest problems and why do we keep eating them? 3. What practical changes can we make to our nutrition to reduce pain and inflammation to leave us feeling like our best selves? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: The podcast defines pain and inflammation as distinct but related, with inflammation being beneficial in the short term but problematic when chronic. How might you differentiate between helpful vs. harmful inflammation in your own body? Chelsey emphasizes that nutrition is a major lever for health, but also highlights the interconnectedness of lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and exercise. How do you currently balance these different pillars of health? If you were able to substantially improve one of these (nutrition, stress, sleep, and exercise), which do you think would have the biggest impact on reducing your physical aches and pains for you personally? The discussion identifies saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars, and ultra-processed foods as major pro-inflammatory culprits. Reflect on your typical diet; which of these categories do you consume most frequently, and what challenges do you anticipate in reducing their intake? The concept of an "anti-inflammatory diet" is described as an umbrella term, best approached through overall dietary patterns like the Mediterranean or Mayo Clinic diets. What are some specific anti-inflammatory foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.) that you could easily incorporate more into your daily meals? Chelsey suggests that after a "washout period" from processed foods, taste buds can readjust, leading to a new appreciation for the natural sweetness of fruits and less craving for processed foods. Have you ever experienced a similar shift in your taste preferences? If not, commit to trying it this week and noting how you feel. What strategies could help you commit to such a washout period? The podcast advises against relying solely on improving your "blood tests" for reducing inflammation, instead recommending objective functional metrics like improved sleep, mood, and energy. How do you currently measure your own well-being, and how might you start tracking these functional metrics to assess the impact of dietary changes? The SMART goals framework (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) is presented as a way to make dietary changes. If you were to set one SMART goal related to your nutrition, what would it be, and how would you ensure it's tied to a personal "why" or value? The speakers discuss the importance of habit formation, accountability partners, and removing unhealthy foods from the home. Which of these behavioral strategies do you find most effective for yourself, and how could you leverage them to make healthier eating the "path of least resistance" in your daily life? Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Graeme Rosenberg, MD., Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery | Director of Performance & Wellness for the Department of Surgery | Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA We define “human optimization” as the ability to do “more” while simultaneously improving our well-being. One of the keys to that is, defining what “more” means to you, because it’s different for all of us. The other key is linking that “more” up with your well-being. Many people feel that in order to accomplish more, their well-being automatically has to suffer. We don’t think that’s the case, and we are going to tell you why in this episode with our expert guest, Dr. Graeme Rosenberg. The three big questions we are going to tackle are: 1. How do we define performance and well-being, and what is their relationship with one another? 2. Why does it seem like our performance and our well-being are in competition with one another? 3. What practical steps can we take right now to allow us to achieve more, while simultaneously improving well-being? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1) Dr. Rosenberg defines performance as an equation involving individual abilities, internal factors, and external environmental factors, all aimed at an "outcome of interest." How do you currently define "performance" in your own life or work? How might broadening this definition to include these components change your perspective? 2) The podcast emphasizes that "more" (in human optimization) is individualized and rooted in personal values and priorities. What does more mean to you? What steps could you take to better align your performance objectives with your core values? 3) Dr. Rosenberg argues that performance and well-being are intrinsically linked and synergistic, rather than being in competition. Can you recall a time when improving your well-being (e.g., better sleep, less stress) directly led to improved performance, or vice versa? 4) The discussion differentiates between "enduring" (suffering for suffering's sake) and "performing" (suffering linked to purpose). How often do you find yourself "enduring" rather than "performing?" 5) Dr. Rosenberg distinguishes "rest" from "recovery," defining wellness as a verb (actions taken to build well-being). What specific "wellness actions" do you intentionally incorporate into your routine? Or: Identify one or two to incorporate this week and record/ journal what you notice about your performance. 6) The episode suggests that well-being can serve as a "barometer" for whether you need to reassess your approach to performance. How attuned are you to your own well-being as an indicator? What changes might it be signaling for you right now? 7) The call to action encourages listeners to define their values, vision, mission, and purpose. If you were to start this process today, what's one core value or purpose that you believe would significantly impact both your performance and well-being? 8) Dr. Rosenberg states, "Perfection should be the engine, not the outcome." How does this reframe the concept of striving for excellence? Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Shawn M. Ehler, M.B.A., Vice Chair – Human Resources | Mayo Clinic – Arizona We live in a society that requires us to effectively live amongst and interact with other humans. If we can navigate those interactions well, we tend to be more successful. A large part of living amongst others, is feeling like we belong amongst others. This feeling of belonging sits at the root of our purpose and allows us to fulfill our mission. So why is it so many of us struggle to understand the concept of “belonging” and start to feel like we “belong.” To help us get a better handle on this, our expert guest today is Shawn Ehler and the three big questions we are going to answer for you are: What exactly is “belonging” and why is it so important? Why do we struggle: to feel like we belong, and to ensure that others know that they belong? What daily habits can we take to create an atmosphere of genuine belonging at work and at home? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1) How do you personally define “belonging”? For you, is this definition the same at home as it is professionally? How is your definition the same or different from others in your group? 2) Do you think that you have to “belong” in order to be your most successful self? Can you be successful in a place where you feel like you don’t belong? If so, how does success in that type of environment look compared to success in an environment where you feel like you do belong? 3) Prior to reviewing the content, what were you prior perceptions of the concept of “belonging?” In what way have those changed after reviewing the content and discussing with others? 4) What do you think are some of the most common misconceptions you’ve seen (or felt yourself) around the concept of belonging? 5) If you felt like you were surrounded by people that fundamentally understood you and accepted you for who you are, how do you think that would impact your ability to be productive and accomplish your goals? 6) Is it more important for you to be surrounded by people who understand and accept you, or people that are just like you (these are not always the same thing)? 7) Tell your group at least one new thing (action step) you are going to do or behavior you are going to adopt to improve your sense of belonging based on the steps listed for individuals in section three of the session. 8) After others list the "one new thing" or "action step" they are going to do, help them refine that to make it more: clear, objective, measurable, and simple. The more we can make our actions clear, objective, measurable, and simple, the more likely we are to do them and enjoy the process! Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Lisa R. Hardesty, Ph.D., ABPP, PCC, Board Certified Clinical Health Psychologist | Certified Executive Coach at PCC Level | Mayo Clinic In our hyperpaced and active world, we are constantly bombarded by external noise, signals, and messaging. Unfortunately, these external stimuli often distract us from listening to our own internal cues. In fact, many of us intentionally try to block out how we feel physically and try to keep pushing through. Well, what if some of these signals form our bodies we are blocking out are actually important for improving our performance? How can we use them for good? To help us with this, our expert guest today is Dr. Lisa Hardesty. The three big questions we are going to answer for you are: What is somatic intelligence, and why do we need to get better at it? Why is it so hard to listen to our physical bodies and respond appropriately? Can you give us a step-by-step approach to maximizing our somatic intelligence to improve peace and performance? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1) How do you personally define “somatic intelligence” after reviewing this topic? 2) Discuss the difference between your cognitive intelligence, emotional intelligence, and somatic (physical) intelligence. How are they different, and how are they related to one another? 3) What has been your approach to somatic intelligence in the past? Do you tend to ignore these signals from your body, or do you tend to perseverate on them excessively? Does it depend on the situation? Why do you think you approach it this way? What is helpful or unhelpful about your approach? 4) What are some of the clear downsides of having a low somatic intelligence (either not being aware of your physical state, or focusing on it excessively in unhelpful ways)? 5) If you were able to do a better job of listening to your body’s intelligence, what benefits do you think you would experience? 6) What are some common barriers or misconceptions you think people might have that prevent them from using their somatic intelligence to improve their performance? 7) Do a quick (2 minute) somatic check-in that was outlined in section three of the session. What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed previously? Now, name that, and think about why you feel that way. How does naming and understanding that physical sensation impact how you view it? 8) Tell your group at least one new thing (action step) you are going to do or behavior you are going to adopt to improve your somatic intelligence. 9) After others list the "one new thing" of "action step" they are going to do, help them refine that to make it more: clear, objective, measurable, and simple. The more we can make our actions clear, objective, measurable, and simple, the more likely we are to do them and enjoy the process! Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Melanie J. Chandler, PhD, ABPP, Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist | Mayo Clinic – Florida We all want to age well. This is true for our physical bodies, our mental sharpness, AND our social relationships. The social aspect of our lives is one that is often neglected, but this is a huge mistake. One of the greatest drivers of joy in our lives is having genuine and meaningful relationships with people we care about. So why is this often a challenge for us, and why does it get harder as we age? This is a question that we shouldn’t wait to answer until we are past our prime. Our expert guest today is Dr. Melanie Chandler, and the three big questions are going to answer are: 1. What does “aging well socially” look like, and why is it important? 2. Why do so many of us struggle with our relationships and sense of purpose as we move through life 3. What practical steps can we take now to ensure we remain connected as we age? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions in the PDF for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1) After reviewing this episode, how do you define “aging well socially?” 2) Discuss the concept of “social reserve” that was brought up in this session. Had you heard that before? What do you think about it? Is it fair to think about it similarly to financial, physical, or cognitive reserve? 3) What is your ideal make up of social connectedness? For some, this is having a large group of friends. For others, it may be a smaller group of very close friends. What does the ideal set up look like to you? How big do you want your circle to be, and what do you want these relationships to look like? What interests or shared experiences can they be based on? 4) Where have you struggled getting connected in the past? What are some of the barriers that have held you back from making new connections and joining new groups (try to think beyond just “lack of time)? 5) In this episode, we discussed how being socially isolated or lonely can have significant changes on joy, well-being, sense of purpose, physical health, and even mortality. Did that surprise you? Why or why not? 6) Think of an older person that you feel may benefit from improved social connectedness. What barriers do you think are holding this individual back? Are they mostly physiologic changes (decreased mobility, hearing, health, memory, etc.) or behaviors/attitudes (embarrassment, lack of awareness, lack of desire, etc.). 7) After everyone talks though question 6, what are some strategies that you could use to help these individuals if they were open to it? 8) Tell your group at least one new thing (action step) you are going to do or behavior you are going to adopt to improve your social connectedness? What steps can you take NOW (regardless of your age) to help minimize your risk of feeling isolated later in life? 9) After others list the "one new thing" of "action step" they are going to do, help them refine that to make it more: clear, objective, measurable, and simple. The more we can make our actions clear, objective, measurable, and simple, the more likely we are to do them and enjoy the process! Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project Guest: Dona E. Locke, Ph.D., Neuropsychologist | Mayo Clinic – Arizona How we think about ourselves and the world, is what shapes how we experience the world. Not only does it shape our experience, but our thinking is one of the main drivers that determines our success in every avenue of life. Much of our thinking can be helpful for propelling us forward towards our goals, but so much of our thinking is actually UNHELPFUL and prevents us from achieving our goals. To help us take charge of our thinking and use it for good, our expert today is Dr. Dona Locke. The three big questions we are going to answer are: 1. What exactly are “thinking patterns”, and how do we distinguish between those that are helpful and unhelpful? 2. Why do we commonly default to unhelpful patterns of thinking? 3. What steps can we take to start using helpful thinking patterns and mental models to help us achieve our goals? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions in the PDF for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1) How do you personally define “helpful” and “unhelpful” thinking patterns? How does this relate to your prior conception of “positive vs. negative” thoughts? 2) What are some of the key characteristics that separate “helpful thinking” from “unhelpful thinking?” 3) What is an area of your life where you tend to experience “unhelpful thinking patterns?” Why do you think this is the case, and what are some of the negative impacts that result? 4) If you were able to shift your perspective from “positive vs. negative” thinking to “helpful vs. unhelpful” thinking, what benefits do you think you would experience? 5) Do you think recognizing your thinking as “helpful” vs. “unhelpful” will be easy or challenging? Go around your group and ask everyone if this will be easy or hard for them. Then, ask why? 6) Once you are able to recognize certain thoughts as “unhelpful”, what strategies will you use to move on and not perseverate on them (think about the strategies offered in section three of this episode). 7) Tell your group at least one new thing (action step) you are going to do or behavior you are going to adopt to improve your thinking as a result of this episode? 8) After others list the "one new thing" of "action step" they are going to do, help them refine that to make it more: clear, objective, measurable, and simple. The more we can make our actions clear, objective, measurable, and simple, the more likely we are to do them and enjoy the process! Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu