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
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As we celebrate during the Olympics, I am always struck by the power of elite athletes who are also navigating motherhood. In this Quick Study, I'm highlighting conversations with three incredible women who share their raw and honest experiences transitioning into motherhood while competing at the highest levels. Hear from Betsi Flint, a 7x AVP Cha…
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Revisiting Practice: A Moving Meditation for Your Next Ride
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As I’ve recently raced the TransRockies, the importance of mindfulness in riding, sport, and life was vividly reminded to me. Mental well-being isn’t just a component of high performance—it’s the foundation. This episode revisits our exploration into the transformative practice of moving meditation, specifically tailored for cycling. In this moving…
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Finding Meaning and Mattering at Work Through Eudaimonia with Andrew Soren
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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…
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Quick Study: Plant-Based Performance for Athletes
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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…
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Committing to Your Wild Ideas with Shelby Stanger
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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…
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Quick Study: Powering Up with a Plant-Based Diet
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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…
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Revisiting Perfectionism with Thomas Curran
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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 …
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Climbing, Motherhood, and the Path to Self-Discovery with Beth Rodden
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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…
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Insights from Positive Psychology with Executive Coach Ilene Schaffer
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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…
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Power of Perceived Support with the Women of Tailwind
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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…
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Living Wider and Deeper: Finding Fulfillment by Facing Mortality with Jodi Wellman
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58:39
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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…
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Play Your Way to Peak Performance with Dr. Elaine O'Brien
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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…
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Exploring the World on Bike and Through Film with Daniel Troia
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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…
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Perfectionism, Self-Criticism and the Path to Self-Compassion with Psychologist James Kirby
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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…
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Movement, Nature, and Connection for Optimal Well-Being with John Ratey
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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…
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The Neuroscience of Food Habits with Dr. Jud Brewer
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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…
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Real Stories of Challenge, Support, and Motherhood with Ultra Runner Amanda Basham
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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…
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Competition, Motherhood, and the Business of Professional Sports with Beach Volleyball Player Betsi Flint
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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 …
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Nurturing Self-Compassion with ACT Psychologist, Dr. Diana Hill
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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…
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The Science of Goal Setting and 'Good Grit' with Caroline Miller
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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 …
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Championing Change: Athleticism, Motherhood, and Identity with Cyclist Jenny Smith
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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…
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From Olympics to Advocacy with Switch4Good's Dotsie Bausch
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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…
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Embracing Competition: Cultivating an Adaptive Mindset with Kim Perkins
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52:18
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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…
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Aging Gracefully, Training Powerfully: Insights from 80-year-old Endurance Coach Joe Friel
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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…
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Finding Flow with Positive Psychology Expert Orin Davis
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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…
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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…
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How to Find Meaning and Purpose Through Life's Peaks and Valleys
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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…
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Awake Athlete: A Mind-Training Guide to Optimize Performance in Sport and Life with Jess Gumkowski
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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…
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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…
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Mindset Mastery: Elevating Performance with Neal Palles
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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…
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Cultivating Inner Qualities for Positive Change with Oren Jay Sofer
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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…
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Mastering Change, Rugged Flexibility, and Building Resilience with Brad Stulberg
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1:04:58
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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…
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Finding Fulfillment Beyond Growth: Consistency, Goals, and Pivoting with Coach Mario Fraioli
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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…
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Exploring the Science of Happiness: My Journey in Applied Positive Psychology
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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 …
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Balancing Motherhood and the Podium with Olympian Erin Huck
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“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…
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Navigating Love: A Deep Dive into Relationships with Psychologist Yael Schonbrun
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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…
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Redefining Limits: Conquering 29,029 Vertical Feet with Marc Hodulich and Lindsay Wojciechowski
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55:49
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“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 …
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Living Plant-Based for Environmental Sustainability with Cory Davis
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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…
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Embracing the Portfolio Life: Balancing Passions and Pursuits with Christina Wallace
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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…
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Building Flourishing Communities with Positive Psychology
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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…
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Embracing Adversity with Curiosity: A Conversation with Ultramarathon Runner & Author Charlie Engle
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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. …
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How Starla Teddergreen is Empowering Women Cyclists with Distance to Empty
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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…
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Breck Epic & the Women's Cycling Summit: Embracing Challenges, Empowering Cyclists, and Racing Forward
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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…
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Finding Vitality in Plant-Based Living with Maxime Sigouin
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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…
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Embracing the Power of Good Enough: A Journey Through Perfectionism with Thomas Curran
1:02:31
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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…
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Practice: A Moving Meditation for Your Next Ride
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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…
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Harnessing the Power of Adventure to Change Your Life with Shelby Stanger
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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…
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Wellness to Wonderful with Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman
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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…
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Empowering Young Athletes: Unlocking Potential Through Mindset Training with Brad Dempsey
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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…
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Behind the Scenes of My Imperfect Process: Managing Expectations and Letting Go While Striving For More
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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…
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