Sonya Looney Mindset Plant Based Nutrition Performance Mountain Biking public
[search 0]
More
Download the App!
show episodes
 
Artwork

1
The Sonya Looney Show

Sonya Looney: : Mindset, Plant-Based Nutrition, Performance, Mountain Bikin

Unsubscribe
Unsubscribe
Monthly+
 
Pro Mountain Biker, Plant-Based Athlete, and World Endurance Champion, Sonya Looney interviews inspiring leaders about vegan & plant-based nutrition, cycling and endurance training, mountain bike tips, sports psychology, adventure travel, mindset, personal development, and entrepreneurship to help you unlock the best and healthiest version of yourself. Find out more at: www.sonyalooney.com
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Today, we’re tackling a crucial topic—finding and fostering meaningful work. It’s not just about what we do, but aligning our work with our deepest values to find joy and purpose every day. I’m thrilled to be joined by Andrew Soren, a leader dedicated to enhancing well-being in the workplace. Andrew is the Founder and CEO of Eudaimonic by Design, h…
  continue reading
 
Plant-based nutrition can change our overall health - but how can it impact athlete performance? In today’s “Quick Study” episode, I'm excited to highlight two remarkable advocates for plant-based living—Olympic silver medalist Dotsie Bausch and vegan bodybuilding pioneer Robert Cheeke. Dotsie shares her transformative journey from professional cyc…
  continue reading
 
Can our biggest challenges become gifts? I’m excited to reshare an incredibly enriching conversation with Shelby Stanger, author of “The Will to Wild” and the voice behind the inspiring podcast, Wild Ideas Worth Living. As I wrap up my master’s thesis and embark on new challenges, Shelby’s journey through life’s big changes, her passion for adventu…
  continue reading
 
Welcome to a new series called “Quick Study." Today we’re diving into how a plant-based diet can significantly boost your longevity and vitality. If you are an avid listener, you know this is one of my favorite topics. So, I was excited to reference conversations with two experts Brenda Davis and Dr. Michael Greger, as we unpack the benefits of fil…
  continue reading
 
Just how high are your standards when you're striving for your goals? Are you striving for excellence or are you striving for perfection? The pressure to be perfect is on the rise and it affects our everyday lives - from social media to parenting, work to hobbies. I sat down with Thomas Curran, professor of psychology and behavioral science at the …
  continue reading
 
Legendary climber Beth Rodden has accomplished so much in her incredible career - and is now also bravely shared her personal journey of growth. I sat down with Beth to hear about her experiences navigating professional climbing as a woman, the highs and challenges of achieving big goals, and how becoming a mother completely shifted her perspective…
  continue reading
 
Ilene Schaffer is a passionate advocate for the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania. Ilene joined me to explore the transformative journey of pursuing MAPP, its impact on individuals and communities, and the practical applications of positive psychology in everyday life. We uncover the power of pos…
  continue reading
 
Did you know that belief in reliable social connections enhances our wellbeing, reduces stress, and boosts life satisfaction? That’s right, today we’re talking about a topic close to my heart: the power of perceived support. I'm thrilled to be joined by four incredible women athletes to explore how support fuels athletes' performance, motivation, a…
  continue reading
 
Contemplating our limited time on Earth can motivate us to pursue vitality, meaning, and courage in our everyday lives. In this episode, executive coach Jodi Wellman shares insights on practical strategies for overcoming fears, finding purpose, and injecting more joy and adventure into our routines. Jodi is an executive coach, author, and the found…
  continue reading
 
Play is more powerful than you may think. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Dr. Elaine O'Brien to explore the wonderful world of play in our adult lives. Elaine shared the countless ways that play can enhance our well-being, boost our performance, and fuel our personal growth. We talked about breaking through barriers that keep…
  continue reading
 
When Daniel Troia set off on a cross country bike tour across the United States, he had packed light. In fact, he traversed 7,000 miles with no money, and no food. He joined Sonya Looney to share stories of long-distance bike touring, the transformative power of human connection, and the profound lessons he's learned along the way. Daniel details h…
  continue reading
 
Perfectionism, self-criticism, self-hatred. As an athlete, academic, or even a parent, finding the path to self-compassion can be easily interrupted. Psychologist James Kirby helps break down the nuances of these feelings and their profound impacts on mental health and well-being. Sonya and James talk about different types of self-criticism, the im…
  continue reading
 
How can moving our bodies and connecting with others optimize brain health across our lifespan? I sat down with Dr. John Ratey and Travis Macy to discuss how our modern lifestyles may be affecting our innate human tendencies. From the transformative power of movement on brain health and ADHD to the importance of embracing neurodiversity and individ…
  continue reading
 
Why is food so complicated for us? As a professional mountain biker, a national board-certified health and wellness coach, and my certification in plant-based nutritional studies, I know firsthand the importance of fueling our bodies with the right foods. But as Dr. Jud Brewer shares, our relationship with food goes beyond mere sustenance—it's deep…
  continue reading
 
Becoming a mother is a transformative experience, but for elite athletes like Amanda Basham, it also presents unique challenges when it comes to pursuing their dreams. I was honored to sit down with Amanda to hear her story of returning to competitive sports after having children and the profound lessons she's learned along the way. Amanda is a pro…
  continue reading
 
Professional beach volleyball player Betsi Flint brings a unique perspective to our audience of endurance athletes and high performers. As the first volleyball player we've had on the podcast, she offers invaluable insights into the mental aspects that are so crucial to success in sports, life, and motherhood. As a Team USA 7-time AVP champ, Betsi …
  continue reading
 
It's time to rewrite the narrative of self-criticism and embrace the transformative power of self-compassion. Dr. Diana Hill joins us from a writing retreat in Costa Rica to explore the challenges of self-criticism, the science behind self-compassion, and practical techniques for cultivating kindness toward oneself. Diana Hill, PhD, is a clinical p…
  continue reading
 
In a world filled with endless possibilities and opportunities, setting goals is often seen as the key to success. But what exactly makes a goal effective, and how can we avoid common pitfalls in the goal-setting process? I sat down with renowned goal-setting expert Caroline Miller to learn practical strategies for achieving our toughest goals and …
  continue reading
 
From her upbringing in New Zealand to her career as a multi-sport athlete, Jenny Smith has proven that you can achieve athletic excellence while balancing changes in identity. Jenny's journey through motherhood and endurance sports hits close to home for me, and I was thrilled to reconnect after our time with the Breck Epic Women’s Cycling Summit t…
  continue reading
 
At the height of the "Got Milk" campaign, Olympic silver medalist Dotsie Bausch found herself appalled at the assumption that dairy milk created successful athletes. She decided to do something about it. I sat down with the remarkable cyclist and advocate to hear her story of overcoming adversity, conquering anorexia, and finding solace and strengt…
  continue reading
 
Competition isn't just about winning—it's about growth, resilience, and pushing beyond our limits. I sat down with former pro speedskater and organizational psychologist Kim Perkins to talk about how competition shapes our lives and how to harness the power of an adaptive mindset. Together, we explored the multifaceted nature of competition, includ…
  continue reading
 
At the remarkable age of 80, Joe Friel is a testament to the power of staying engaged in the activities that bring joy and fulfillment. He is an active endurance sports coach, author of 17 books, and a trailblazer in the realm of multisport coaching. What does it mean to age gracefully? In this episode, Joe shares his wisdom on fitness, adaptive tr…
  continue reading
 
Flow—an elusive state where time seems to dissolve, and we're fully immersed in the present moment. But how do we get there? Dr. Orin Davis is self-actualization engineer and the first recipient of a doctorate in the field of positive psychology. Today, he joins us to explain the complexities of what flow really means, and how we can incorporate it…
  continue reading
 
Embarking on a plant-based lifestyle is more than a dietary choice; it's a profound commitment to personal health, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of all living beings. Today, I'm joined by Brenda Davis, pioneer in plant-based nutrition and the author of "Plant-Powered Protein" to get to the root of fueling properly with plants. Br…
  continue reading
 
How can we find meaning and purpose in our lives? And what does a meaningful life really look like? Woven through personal stories and the lens of science, this episode is a reflection of my own search for meaning - and an invitation for you to do the same. As I traverse the peaks and valleys of my own journey, racing through YakAttack, the highest…
  continue reading
 
What if the key to peak performance lies not just in physical strength but in the intentional integration of breath, mind, and authentic living? In her new book, "Awake Athlete," mindset coach Jess Gumkowski offers a recipe for mental health that seamlessly integrates activity and awareness for sustained embodied engagement. Jess shares some incred…
  continue reading
 
Driven by his passion to reduce suffering and improve health, Dr. Michael Greger joins us to share the science-backed lifestyle changes that can help stave off preventable diseases and disability. From cognitive decline prevention to exercise, hormones, and anti-aging strategies, this episode is a comprehensive guide to embracing a vibrant and rich…
  continue reading
 
Ready for a mindset transformation? In this episode, I sit down with Neal Palles, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Mental Performance Coach based in Longmont, Colorado. With a master's degree in applied sport psychology, Neal helps us better understand the intricacies of mental skills training and performance psychology - from embracing uncert…
  continue reading
 
On the quest for contentment, I have learned so much from meditation and cultivating positivity. I had the privilege of chatting with the insightful Oren Jay Sofer about his transformative new book, "Your Heart Was Made for This." We explored the profound practices of mindfulness, meditation, and Nonviolent Communication to nurture qualities like p…
  continue reading
 
In a world that changes every day, how do we stay flexible? I'm thrilled to have author and expert Brad Stulberg on the show to discuss his latest book "Master of Change," including concepts like rugged flexibility, order/disorder/reorder, identity, and much more. We dive into the complexities of identity, discussing how our various roles, from par…
  continue reading
 
In our quest for self-improvement, it's easy to focus solely on measurable progress—faster times, more significant achievements, and tangible results. However, growth extends beyond these external markers. In this episode, running coach Mario Fraioli joined me to discuss a topic we are both deeply passionate about: doing an activity for its own sak…
  continue reading
 
I'll be taking you on a journey through my academic adventure as I pursue a Master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology. I'm excited to share the fascinating insights I've gained, the classes I've been taking, the papers I've been writing, and the transformative concepts that have left a profound impact on my life. I discuss key components like …
  continue reading
 
“I just can’t believe how grateful I am. I just love being a mom, and I am an Olympian.” This episode features a special conversation with Erin Huck, recorded during the Women's Cycling Summit at Breck Epic. Erin is a mountain biker who competed in the women's cross-country event at the 2020 Summer Olympics, and the 2015 Pan American Games. She’s a…
  continue reading
 
What is the biggest factor in our overall health? Relationships. And despite the hustle and bustle of our own lives, careers, and hobbies, relationships are not something we can put on the back burner and expect them to flourish. Each one requires time and effort. That’s why I was so excited to sit down with Yael Schonbrun, Ph.D., whose academic re…
  continue reading
 
“Everesting” is not a race against others; it's a journey of self-discovery, pushing you to face your doubts and limitations. That’s exactly what sets 29029 apart; it's a unique challenge that involves hiking up and down mountains - Sun Valley, Jackson Hole, Whistler, and many more around the world - for 36 hours, striving to climb 29,029 vertical …
  continue reading
 
Plant-based eating brings energy and vitality to humans - but what does it do for our planet? I sat down with author Cory Davis to find out more about how our diets are connected to broader environmental issues and why the smallest choices can make the biggest impact. Rooted in his love for animal rights, Cory’s sustainability journey led him to th…
  continue reading
 
How can we break free from the traditional job-centric identity? And how can we redefine ourselves beyond our professional roles? Christina Wallace is a true trailblazer in the world of career and life design. She's a Harvard senior lecturer and the author of The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigge…
  continue reading
 
What is a flourishing community? What does it look like and how do we build it? Last week, I started my Master's in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. And after my first intensive, I'm already in awe of the power of community building made available to us when we engage in communication, collaboration, and lifelong lea…
  continue reading
 
In a world where challenges can either paralyze us with fear or propel us to unimaginable heights, my conversation with Charlie Engle unveils the remarkable power of embracing adversity with curiosity and the transformative power of sport. Charlie is an ultramarathon runner, recovering addict, keynote speaker, and author of the memoir Running Man. …
  continue reading
 
From starting as a bike messenger to becoming a road racing champion, pro gravel/MTB privateer Starla Teddergreen faced the all too common experience of doubt - from self and others. So she did something about it. She created Distance to Empty, an award-based cycling program that empowers Colorado women to achieve their cycling goals. As we explore…
  continue reading
 
Breck Epic is one of my favorite races in the world. And this year a week in Breckenridge, Colorado was made even more exceptional with the kick off of the Women’s Cycling Summit. I’m excited to recap this awesome week with you! From the thrill of setting process-based goals to the power of community at the WCS, I'll share insights gained from raci…
  continue reading
 
What does true health mean to you? Over a decade ago, my journey towards a plant-based lifestyle was driven by a desire for vitality, not just performance. The documentary 'Forks Over Knives' opened my eyes to the profound impact of our dietary choices on longevity and overall well-being. Today, I'm stronger and more energized than ever before, and…
  continue reading
 
The pressure to be perfect is on the rise and it affects our everyday lives - from social media to parenting, work to hobbies. I sat down with Thomas Curran, professor of psychology and behavioral science at the London School of Economics, to unravel the complexities of perfectionism, providing you with knowledge and tools to strive for a healthier…
  continue reading
 
Though mental well-being is the cornerstone of high-performance, achieving the elusive harmony between mind and body can feel impossible. I recorded this moving meditation as a guide for being mindful while riding a bike; encouraging us to connect with different parts of our body and senses while riding to help us stay focused and present. Together…
  continue reading
 
For storyteller and journalist Shelby Stanger, achieving wild ideas gives her a boost of confidence and courage that lasts for decades. Her latest wild idea? Releasing her first book, Will to Wild: Adventures Great and Small to Change Your Life, and giving her first TEDx talk the same week. I sat down with Shelby to talk about hosting Wild Ideas Wo…
  continue reading
 
Visionary physicians Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman are the driving force behind Forks Over Knives, authors of the new book "Make Life Wonderful," and founders of WeHeal. In this rich conversation, we dive into the nine pillars of health and wellness outlined in their book and how focusing on these pillars can not only prevent but also re…
  continue reading
 
Mindset training can have a profound impact on the drive and well-being of athletes - from amateur to professional. But how do we harness that type of success early on? I had the privilege of speaking with Brad Dempsey, the founder of Mindset Sports, a coaching company and community committed to cultivating a positive and winning mindset in athlete…
  continue reading
 
We often see pictures of people doing things we admire and assign stories to what they are doing. We may assume that it's easy for them, they have it all "figured out," and that their lives aren't as difficult or chaotic as our own. In today's podcast, I am trying something new. I took a moment where I was overcoming stress and frustration, and dec…
  continue reading
 
Kristel Bauer is a former clinician turned wellness expert, speaker, and podcast host. Kristel joins us to share her powerful insights on corporate wellness, leadership, mindset, performance, personal development, and success. Together, we uncover the connection between individual priorities and overall well-being, and how the health of its employe…
  continue reading
 
Kara Goucher is a long-distance runner, Olympian, author, and mother. Her journey has taught her the power of self-belief paired with the support of others. In her new book, "The Longest Race," and through her advocacy for women's rights, she encourages us all to rise above doubt and pressure to become our most authentic selves. In part one of this…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide