Grow the Good

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 adventure, and her insights into overcoming fears reso...

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 filling your plate with plant-based proteins. Yo...

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 London School of Economics, to unravel the co...

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. Beth is one of the best female rock climbers of...

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 positivity, resilience, and human connection. Tune in...

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, and self-belief.   From rising star cycli...

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 founder of Four Thousand Mondays. She is also a graduat...

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 us from embracing play, like judgment and bu...

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 his decision to bike unsupported across the Un...

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 importance of self-compassion in goal-setting and r...

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 individual strengths, this episode is packed with eye-ope...

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 deeply intertwined with our emotions, habits, and...

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 professional trail runner and endurance coach w...

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 has earned Gold in China and Silver Medals in...

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 psychologist, international trainer, and sough...

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 cultivating the determination to see them through....

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 this summer. In this conversation, we explore...

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 strength in cycling. While her transition to a...

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, including how it can be both a source of inspi...

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 training methods, coaching, self-regulation, exercis...

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 in our lives - both personally and professio...

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. Brenda's book "Beco...

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 mountain bike race on Earth in Nepal, and pursu...

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 incredible insights into where the intersect...

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 future.   Dr. Greger's mission is rooted in...