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, he's a trailblazer in creating positive workplace environments and a respected mentor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the Unive...
Jul 18, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 404
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 cycling to Olympic glory, all while embracing a plant-based diet that she credits for her increased energy, enhanced recovery, and superior performance. ...
Jul 11, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 403
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 resonate deeply with me—and I know they will with you too. Shelby shares how her love for the wild has h...
Jun 27, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 402
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. You'll learn how easy meeting your daily protein needs can be with a whole food plant-based diet—your ticke...
Jun 20, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 401
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 complexities of perfectionism, providing you with knowledge and tools to strive for a healthier mindset. Th...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 400
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 all time, the youngest woman to conquer 5.14a, and a globally recognized ambassador for the outdoor ...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 399
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 for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to embark on your own path towards personal ...
May 23, 2024•35 min
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 cyclist Ellen Campbell to the trailblazing trail runner Courtney Dauwalter , each guest shares their unique journey a...
May 16, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 397
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 graduate of the Masters of Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her latest book e...
May 09, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 396
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 busyness, and shared practical tips for infusing more playfulness into our daily routines. Plus, Elaine sha...
May 02, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 395
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 United States with no provisions, relying entirely on the kindness of strangers. He chronicled his experien...
Apr 25, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 395
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 relationships, and practical strategies for fostering self-compassion in daily life. Plus, learn how y...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 393
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-opening revelations and practical strategies for optimizing our health and happiness. Dr. Ratey shares ...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 392
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 mindset. Get ready to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for mastering your mind and revol...
Mar 28, 2024•59 min•Ep. 391
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 with an inspiring path in the world of ultra running. We explore the profound changes in training, racing,...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 390
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 Canada and Australia in the Olympics. She has also nailed the delicate balance of motherhood and athleti...
Mar 07, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 389
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 sought-after speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. She also hosts the podcast You...
Feb 29, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 388
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. Caroline shares what it means to develop grit how to cultivate intrinsic motivation. We talk throug...
Feb 22, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 387
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 Jenny's evolution from a young runner to a dominant force in cross-country mountain biking and XTERRA tri...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 386
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 plant-based diet was initially fueled by ethical convictions, it ultimately led her on a quest for improved he...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 385
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 inspiration and a powerful challenge in our lives. With a Ph.D. in positive organizational psychology and experienc...
Feb 02, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 384
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, exercise and well-being. As athletes, it's so important that we create bridges between endurance sports, ho...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 383
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 professionally. As we explore the pathways "the optimal experience," we find not only enhanced productivity but a ...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 382
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 "Becoming Vegan" ignited a transformative journey for my husband and me. In this conversation, Brenda and I explore the nuanced realms ...
Jan 11, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 381
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 pursuing a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology, I unravel the threads of resilience, personal growth, an...
Dec 21, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 380
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 intersection of mind and body becomes the gateway to sustained flow states and optimized performance. From conscious br...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 379
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 his unwavering belief in the transformative power of a healthy lifestyle. His commitment to sharing knowled...
Dec 07, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 378
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 uncertainty and clarifying values to cultivating acceptance. We delve into the delicate dance of harmonious and obsessive passion, discover the resilience-b...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 377
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 patience, contentment, and forgiveness. Oren shares wisdom on differentiating empathy, compassion, and kindness, highlighting how shaping our inner liv...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 376
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 parent to athlete, come together to form an integrated whole. We talk about how making changes from a place of strength versus weakness urges us to asses...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 375
