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 sake. As an elite athlete, writer, and coach, Mario has deep insight into how process, dedication, and commitment can bring satisfaction, regardless of t...
Nov 09, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 374
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 positive interventions, flourishing, and the intriguing concept of maximizing versus sacrificing. I'll share how these ideas have the potential to sha...
Nov 02, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 373
“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 also a mom, like me. We explore the remarkable journey of balancing motherhood with a flourishing athletic career. Our candid discussion covers postpar...
Oct 26, 2023•41 min•Ep. 372
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 research revolves around the intersection of relationship problems and mental health conditions, in order to help individuals and couples manage work, p...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 371
“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 feet, the equivalent of Mount Everest. Marc Hodulich, co-founder of 29029, shares how the concept emerged from measuring workouts by vertical feet gai...
Oct 12, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 370
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 the intersection of natural resource management, intercultural relations, and animal activism. Cory sheds light on the power of choosing a plant-based d...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 369
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 Bigger than Your Business Card . In this conversation, we got into the nitty-gritty of how diversifying your skills and experiences can give you a unique e...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 368
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 learning. I was surrounded by classmates from diverse backgrounds who quickly transformed into an incredible community in just five days and I want to sh...
Sep 15, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 367
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. He shares his journey from battling addiction, running across the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, to confronting the justice system after spending ...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 366
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 her transition to a new type of athlete, her story becomes a powerful lesson in resilience and the importance of prioritizing oneself within a commun...
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 365
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 racing and hosting. Get ready to be inspired by the incredible speakers, like Rachel Scott and Kate Boyle, who graced the summit, and find out how we took...
Aug 26, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 364
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 I'm passionate about sparking conversations that reveal the incredible potential of plant-based living. I sat down with Maxime Sigouin, master health...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 363
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 mindset. Thomas's expertise and extensive research culminates in his book "The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough," where he guides ...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 362
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, we'll unleash the potential of blending athletic pursuits with the power of meditation and discover new techniques and practices that will help you ...
Aug 03, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 361
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 Worth Living podcast, her experience finally putting pen to paper after years of longing to write, and how she prepared for her talk. Shelby delves into...
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 360
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 reverse chronic diseases. Dr. Pulde and Dr. Lederman share insights, practical advice, and the motivation to better understand our own health journey. W...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 359
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 athletes. We break down the key components of a strong mindset foundation and discover the techniques that help anyone find fulfillment, intrinsic reward, an...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 358
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 decided to record how I was processing it in the moment. It happened to be that I was also on a bike ride, and I brought you with me as I was riding a be...
Jul 06, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 357
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 employees impacts the workplace. She’s the host of the Live Greatly Podcast and founder of a company under the same name, which she created to help companies...
Jun 29, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 356
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 incredible conversation, Kara shares her experiences in life and sport with me and my co-host Travis Macy. Kara has represented the USA at the Beijin...
Jun 23, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 355
Mike McCormack's leadership and visionary ideas have turned Breck Epic into a global sensation: from its humble beginnings with 87 riders, this event has grown to be a global event with over 650 riders from 42 countries taking part in the challenge. After 11 years, this six-day, grueling mountain bike race now attracts the biggest names in mountain biking and has left its mark on the sport's history. In this episode, I sit down with Mike Mac to talk about the arc of Breck Epic. He shares how he ...
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 354
What does it mean to be wildly well ? As an athlete, trainer, and women's health advocate based in Bend, Oregon, Abbi Hamlin empowers women through personal training, nutrition coaching, and fostering community for women athletes. In this episode, we'll explore the essential components of an effective nutrition plan designed to fuel female athletes during training, races, and outdoor activities. Whether you're just beginning your fitness journey or a seasoned athlete, our conversation has tons o...
Jun 08, 2023•58 min•Ep. 353
I'll let you in on a secret: communication is not just about talking and using words. It's about listening. Yes, the foundation of communication is being a good listener. As a health and wellness coach, I've received formal training in communication, plus recording over 350 hours of podcasts has been a master class in listening and communication. In today’s solo deep dive, I will share strategies and actionable practices to help you become a better listener, approach conflicts with a new mindset...
Jun 01, 2023•33 min•Ep. 352
When we think about health, we don't always think about brain health. We don't always fully understand how what we're doing is affecting it. It's sort of out of sight, out of mind... But in this week's podcast, hosted by Travis Macy, we talked to Dr. Edward Park, founder of NeuroReserve about the things we can do proactively to improve brain health and potentially delay cognitive decline. Dr. Park is the Founder and President of NeuroReserve with over 15 years of experience in the research and d...
May 26, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 351
How do your expectations affect your mind and body? In this week’s podcast, Sonya speaks with award-winning science writer David Robson about the expectation effect and how your expectations change how you physically and mentally react to various situations. David is the author of two books, the most recent, the main subject of this podcast - The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life . He also authored The Intelligence Trap in 2019. David graduated with a degree in mathema...
May 20, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 350
Have you thought about what your life could be like if you felt grateful every time you stepped outside? Ryan Van Duzer, a bike adventurer from Colorado, finds himself more grateful every adventure he takes. In this episode, Sonya and Ryan talk about gratitude, stepping outside your comfort zone, the bike community, inspiring others, positivity and more. Ryan grew up in Colorado. He started as a runner and has learned to love the bike. He joined the Peace Corps and worked in Honduras for two yea...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 349
Travis Macy is a 2x author, world-class endurance champion across many disciplines including Adventure Racing, 100-mile trail running races like Leadville and Leadman, Snowshoe champion, ski mountaineering, and even Burro racing. He is the host of The Travis Macy Show Podcast and a sought-after speaker including being a TEDx speaker. Travis is also an endurance sports coach and a dad to 2 children. Travis also happens to be a good friend of mine. You may have heard him on the podcasts we recorde...
May 06, 2023•56 min•Ep. 348
What does it mean to be happy? How do you define happiness? What is the difference between awe and gratitude? How do you stay a New York Knicks fans when they’ve given you decades of disappointment? Sonya sat down with clinical psychologist, author and keynote speaker Jonah Paquette to get answers to all of these questions. Jonah specializes in the science of well-being and emotional fitness. He is the author of four books promoting those topics including Happily Ever After, Awestruck, The Happi...
Apr 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 347
Dr. Zurita Ona (Dr. Z) is a licensed clinical psychologist who founded the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center where she runs an outpatient program integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). She is experienced in working with children, adolescents and adults with OCD, trauma, anxiety and emotional regulation problems. Her work is dedicated to helping clients get “unstuck” and living the life they want to live. She is the author of several books, incl...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 346
Dr. Matt Smith, DC, CES, is a sports chiropractor, strength coach, and founder of EverAthlete - an online training, recovery, and injury rehabilitation platform for adventure athletes. Matt grew up in San Jose, California and received his doctorate at Palmer West Chiropractic College, graduating valedictorian of his class. He has spent the past 15 years in the fitness and injury rehabilitation field. During that time, he has served as a trusted rehab consultant and coach to professional athletes...
Apr 14, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 345
