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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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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
  • 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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    36 mins
  • 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
  • Tomorrow's Cure - When Algorithms Meet Empathy: The Future of Patient-Centered AI
    Apr 1 2026
    Today, we are sharing an episode from our sister podcast Tomorrow’s Cure. Produced by our Mayo Clinic colleagues, this chart-topping and Ambie Award-finalist podcast explores the future of medicine – from the rise of chronic disease and autoimmune disorders to innovations in AI, 3D bioprinting, and cancer research. In this specific episode, you’ll hear from Mayo Clinic physician leader Dr. Anjali Bhagra and human centered AI expert Dr. Ravi Bapna about how automation and AI are changing the way care teams work, how patients access care, and what it takes to keep people at the center of these advances. Featuring real stories from clinic and hospital settings, this conversation tackles the hard questions around trust, bias, and burnout. You listen to other episodes of Tomorrow’s Cure here: https://play.megaphone.fm/uk0u00jeqjandeotmblt0a
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    50 mins
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