Steven Kotler believes that middle-aged adults are better learners than kids, and he has the Ivy League studies to back it up.In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kotler, the bestselling author of Gnar Country: Growing Ould, Staying Rad, and a true expert in the field of peak performance and human potential.In Gnar Country, Kotler explores the world of extreme sports and the science behind what drives these athletes to push themselves to their limits. But what's really interesting is how this knowledge can be applied to all of us, no matter our pursuits.During our conversation, Kotler introduced the concept of "dynamic deliberate play," which involves taking on new challenges and exploring the unknown with a sense of curiosity and creativity. He also talked about how this kind of play can lead to a state of "flow," which is when we're completely absorbed in the activity we're engaged in and time seems to fly by.Kotler also discussed the idea of "peak performance aging," which is the notion that we can continue to improve and achieve our goals well into our later years. He shared the latest research on how our brains and bodies age, and how we can use this knowledge to stay healthy, happy, and productive as we get older. Kotler's compiled research suggests that 'cognitive superpowers' exist which aren't neurologically available to younger humans, but there are four conditions required in order to tap into those abilities:By age 30: Solve the crisis of identity.Be age 40: Create a tight-knit match between your identity and your principal activity.By age 50: Exhibit forgiveness and empathy for yourself and others.In your 50s: Regularly engage in challenging and creative activities.We covered a lot of ground in this interview, from the science of flow to the keys to achieving your goals, and everything in between. So, whether you're an athlete, a professional, or just someone who wants to live your best life, you won't want to miss this conversation with Steven Kotler. Tune in to learn about the power of dynamic deliberate play and how it can help you achieve your full potential, no matter what your age.Visit the Gnar Country websiteVisit Steven Kotler's websiteSteven Kotler on Twitter------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book Skip the Line is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe  to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook