When we talk about flourishing, we tend to think, oh, I need a lot of resources. Oh, I'll flourish once I have all the pieces in place.

But in fact, what you find is that there are these communities of meaningful connection.

And that meaningful connection is this form of connective energy that you can channel into doing things together.

Hey, everyone. it's Adam Grant.

Welcome back to Rethinking, my podcast with Ted on the science of what makes us tick.

I'm an organizational psychologist, and I'm taking you inside the minds of fascinating people

to explore new thoughts and new ways of thinking.

Dan Coyle is a journalist and best-selling author

whose work explores how individuals and groups thrive.

His previous book, The Culture Code,

was named the Best Business Book of the Year by multiple outlets,

and he's advised organizations like the Navy Seals, Microsoft, and the Cleveland Guardians.

Dan's new book,

Flourish, is about how to build community in groups, teams, and workplaces. For a visual,

you almost think about a group of starlings moving through the sky together, moving through a forest.

They're solving problems in real time. They're each having a certain role as they make the turn toward home,

but each one also is connected to the larger group.

Something Dan first experienced in the community where he grew up.

So I thought it would be fun to start this conversation in Alaska.

Yeah.

I want to hear about your childhood and the sense of community you had there.

And why in the world that existed in one of the coldest places in America?

...