Breathing is the most fundamental human function—yet most of us are doing it wrong. In this fascinating keynote, James Nestor, journalist and bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, reveals how optimizing the way we breathe can profoundly transform health, performance, and overall well-being.

Drawing from cutting-edge research and ancient breathing practices, James uncovers how modern lifestyles have led to dysfunctional breathing patterns linked to chronic illness, anxiety, and poor sleep—and how simple, intentional adjustments can reverse these effects. Through engaging storytelling and practical insight, attendees will explore the critical role of breath in regulating the body and mind, and leave equipped with actionable tools to apply immediately in daily life and clinical care.

Upon completion of this workshop, attendees should be able to:

• Describe how breathing physiology affects the nervous system, brain function, and overall health.

• Apply evidence-based breathing techniques to improve stress management, sleep quality, and physical performance.

James Nestor is an author and journalist who has written for Scientific American, Outside, The New York Times, and more. His latest book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, was released in May 2020 by Riverhead/Penguin Random House and was an instant New York Times and London Sunday Times bestseller. Breath explores how the human species has lost the ability to breathe properly–and how to get it back. To date, Breath has sold more than 3 million copies and has been translated into 44 languages. Breath was awarded the Best General Nonfiction Book by the American Society of Journalists and Authors and was a Finalist for Science Book of the Year by the Royal Society. Nestor has spoken at Stanford Medical School, Yale School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, the United Nations, and more. He lives and breathes in San Francisco.