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Mayo Clinic On Human Optimization

Mayo Clinic On Human Optimization

By: Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development
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Summary

 The bar for human performance is higher than it’s ever been. As a result, we all feel the need to do MORE. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the value of sleep, rest, recovery, and wellness. Accordingly, we also feel the need to do LESS. If you’re like most people, it can be challenging to reconcile this conflict of feeling the need to do MORE and LESS simultaneously, and that is likely contributing to high rates of burnout and decreased performance. So how do we reconcile these seemingly competing desires? That is where Human Optimization comes in. Human Optimization is the process of achieving more (however you define that for yourself) while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being. Although it’s not easy, it’s certainly possible. Not only is it possible, but it is becoming increasingly essential. On this Mayo Clinic podcast series, we are going to dive into the topic of Human Optimization and will focus on a few key areas including: exercise, nutrition, culture, emotional intelligence, and finding joy in all you do. Learn more about On Human Optimization at:https://ce.mayo.edu/optimizeInstagram: @MayoHumanOptimizationYouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTubeEmail: optimize@mayo.edu Listening is free and no CME Credit is available for this series.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • E59 The Sleep Paradox: Why Trying Harder Makes It Worse

    E59 The Sleep Paradox: Why Trying Harder Makes It Worse
    May 6 2026
     Why is it that the more we think about falling asleep, the harder it becomes? Our mindset around sleep plays a huge role in our ability to fall asleep, the amount of sleep we get and the quality of that sleep. So how can we use our mindset to our advantage? This episode, we speak with Bhanu Kolla, M.B.B.S., M.D., the co-author of the Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep. He’s also a professor of psychiatry and psychology with clinical appointments in the Center for Sleep Medicine and the Division of Addiction Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The three big questions we discuss with Dr. Kolla are: 1. What is the connection between sleep and psychology, and how does that relationship affect our sleep? 2. What are the most common mental traps that negatively impact our sleep? 3. What steps can we take now to optimize our mindset to help us get the best sleep? Learn more about On Human Optimization and access Pod-Club questions at https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize Instagram: @MayoHumanOptimizationYouTube: On Human Optimization - YouTubeEmail: optimize@mayo.edu 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.
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    43 mins
  • E58 Being in Charge vs. Being a Leader

    E58 Being in Charge vs. Being a Leader
    Apr 22 2026
    Just having a title that sounds authoritative doesn’t make someone a leader. And you don’t have to be a CEO to lead, either. So what actually inspires people to take action? In this episode, we’re joined by Thom Mayer, M.D., to explore how to stop waiting for authority and start leading. Dr. Mayer is medical director for the NFL Players Association and author of the book Leadership Is Worthless, but Leading Is Priceless. Here are three questions we explore with Dr. Mayer: What’s the difference between being in charge and being a leader—and why does it matter? Why do so many people struggle to move from boss to leader, and where do they fall short? How can you move beyond managing and start leading, regardless of your title? Learn more about On Human Optimization and access Pod-Club questions here. Instagram: @MayoHumanOptimizationYouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTubeEmail: optimize@mayo.edu 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.
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    38 mins
  • E57 The State of Flow: How to Maximize

    E57 The State of Flow: How to Maximize
    Apr 8 2026
    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.
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    40 mins
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