Grow the Good-logo

Grow the Good

1 Favorite

Grow the Good, formerly The Sonya Looney Show, is your guide to continual personal growth, meaningful connections, and positive impact in the world. Challenge the idea that you are broken or need fixing. Instead, discover how to cultivate the good...

Location:

United States

Description:

Grow the Good, formerly The Sonya Looney Show, is your guide to continual personal growth, meaningful connections, and positive impact in the world. Challenge the idea that you are broken or need fixing. Instead, discover how to cultivate the good that already exists within you and amplify the strengths and potential you may not yet realize you have. Grounded in the science of positive psychology and guided by the pillars of purpose, vitality, resilience, hope, and connection, each episode is packed with tools, stories, and evidence-backed insights to help you create a more authentic and flourishing life.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mindfulness in Action: Letting Go of “Should”

4/23/2026
In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I’m talking about one of the sneakiest forms of distorted thinking: shoulds. You know the ones: I should be doing more. I should have this figured out by now. I should be more disciplined, more patient, more productive. These thoughts can sound helpful on the surface, but often they leave us feeling ashamed, guilty, disconnected, and never quite enough. In this episode, I break down three common types of “shoulds”: I also share practical mindfulness tools you can use in real time to work with these thoughts instead of getting hooked by them. We explore practices like labeling, cognitive diffusion, acceptance, self-compassion, psychological distancing, and grounding in the present moment. This is not about getting rid of every self-critical thought forever. It’s about learning how to notice them, soften their grip, and come back to what’s actually here. If you’ve been feeling pressured by your own inner voice lately, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. There are skillful, compassionate ways to meet yourself in those moments. Other meditations: - Slowing Down the Rush - How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance - How to Combat Self-Criticism -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:24:06

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Decision Fatigue, Perfectionism, and the Problem With “Should”

4/16/2026
Ever catch yourself thinking, “I should be better than this. I should be doing more. I should have started earlier” and then spiraling? In this solo episode, I’m diving into the world of "should" and how it quietly drives guilt, shame, and burnout, especially for high performers and ambitious, growth-oriented people. Recently, I injured my rib at my son’s ninja gym birthday party and being forced to pull back on training actually gave me surprising mental relief. So today, I explore why having more ways to train, work, parent, or “optimize” yourself can actually make you feel worse about whatever you choose. Drawing from my background in applied positive psychology and the science of cognitive behavioral therapy, I break down: - The three main categories of “shoulds” - How thinking traps like catastrophizing, personalizing, and overgeneralizing feed the “should” spiral - The difference between neurotic obligations and values-based aspirations - Practical ways to notice your “shoulds,” question the beliefs underneath them - How to decide when to either turn them into concrete, values-aligned plans, or consciously let them go. If you’ve ever felt haunted by the feeling that you’re not doing enough or not far enough along, this episode will help you build awareness, create kinder inner language, and reclaim your energy from unhelpful “shoulds” so you can focus on what truly matters to you. LINKS Episode with Ethan Kross on Chatter James Clear's Atomic Habits Episode with Katy Milkman on How to Change Is self care stressing you out? Solo reflection -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:34:55

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

What Flow Really Is: Mindfulness, Self-Trust, and the Challenge-Skill Balance with Dr. Sue Jackson

4/9/2026
Flow is one of those words that gets used all the time, but what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do we create more of it in real life, not just in elite sport or peak performance moments? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sue Jackson, one of the world’s leading experts on flow, to talk about what flow really is, how challenge-skill balance works, and why mindfulness, self-efficacy, and trust in your own abilities matter so much in creating these deeply absorbing and meaningful states. We also get into how risk perception shapes flow, why self-consciousness can pull us out of it, and whether neurodivergent hyperfocus is the same thing as flow, or something different. This conversation felt especially relevant to me because I’ve been exploring the overlap between flow, self-transcendent experiences, mindfulness in action, and those moments when you’re fully immersed in something challenging and alive. We talk about sport, yes—but also parenting, presentations, reading research, fatigue, difficult days, and how to work with your attention when life is messy and real. Top 5 Takeaways -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:58:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mindfulness in Action: Redefining What It Means to Get Better

3/26/2026
In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I’m recording on a trail run and thinking out loud about something I’ve been re-examining in my own life: the pressure to constantly optimize and get better. We hear it everywhere: be more productive, improve every day, maximize your time. And while growth and striving for excellence matter, I’ve been noticing how easily that mindset turns into pressure, guilt, and a constant feeling of not doing enough. In this episode, I share how I’ve been unlearning that pattern, what it actually means to “strive well,” and why doing less can sometimes lead to better performance, creativity, and well-being. I also guide you through a simple mindfulness practice you can do while moving to help you notice: The goal isn’t to stop growing, it’s to redefine what getting better actually looks like. If you’ve been feeling stuck in the cycle of always needing to do more, this one’s for you. Other meditations: - Slowing Down the Rush - How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance - How to Combat Self-Criticism -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:19:33

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Say What You Mean with Oren Jay Sofer | REPLAY

3/19/2026
Sometimes it's hard to say what you mean. Oren Jay Sofer says, "Communication is a learnable skill and it’s one of the most powerful levers for making change in your life and the world." Non-violent communication is about taking responsibility for what we are experiencing using empathy, deep listening, know how to make requests. // This episode is a replay from the Sonya Looney Show. It originally aired October 22, 2020. // Author and renowned meditation instructor Oren Jay Sofer regularly teaches a mindful approach to non-violent communication. spent two and a half years of living as an Anagarika (renunciate) at branch monasteries in the Ajahn Chah Thai Forest lineage. Today, his teaching combines classical Buddhist training with the accessible language of secular mindfulness. Since the early 2000s, Oren has had a deep interest in the relationship between contemplative practice and communication. A graduate of the BayNVC North American Leadership Training, he has taught classes and workshops in Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC) nationally since 2006. His innovative retreats and online programs in Mindful Communication offer one of the only opportunities in the U.S today to explore the intersection between formal meditation practice, Right Speech and NVC. Oren is the founder and Guiding Teacher of Next Step Dharma, an innovative online course focused on bringing the tools of meditation to daily life, and co-founder of Mindful Healthcare. Oren has created mindfulness programs for organizations, companies, and apps including Apple, Kaiser Permanente, Lumosity, Calm, 10% Happier, Simple Habit and others. I loved his book, Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication. In the book, a main theme is that every thought or feeling is there to try to meet a need. If you can try to figure out what need your thoughts are tied to, it's easier to articulate what you need to those around you. It's also useful when listening to someone in a disucssion or conflict to tease out what need they are trying to have met. I also enjoyed learning about conflict and viewing it as a way to deepen relationships. I also learned that non-violent communication and conflict resolution isn't necessarily to try to get someone to do things your way, it's about deepening understanding of one another because sometimes we simply can't agree to have the same viewpoint. Non-violent communication has a framework of observation, the feeling, the needs and values to be met, and the request. Three questions you can ask yourself are what happened, how do I feel about it, and why? I also loved learning about how to use mindfulness in listening and communication as well as how to ground yourself in your own body when tensions rise. Topics Discussed in the Podcast Resources Oren Jay Sofer's websiteSay What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:58:08

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Move from Survival Mode to Thriving: Jon Rosemberg on Agency, Stress, and Success

3/12/2026
What if the version of “success” you’ve been chasing is actually keeping you stuck in survival mode? In this episode, I sit down with author and coach Jon Rosemburg to talk about what it really means to move from high-functioning survival into genuine thriving. Jon shares his deeply personal story of growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, living in chronic vigilance, and eventually discovering that achievement and productivity were not the same thing as peace, agency, or well-being. This conversation hit me on a very personal level. So much of what Jon shares mirrors my own journey of questioning performance-based definitions of success, asking whether external accomplishments actually create the feeling I’m looking for, and realizing that thriving often has much more to do with connection, meaning, and agency than with metrics. We talk about the body’s role in helping us recognize survival mode, how to challenge the beliefs that keep us trapped in proving and performing, and Jon’s practical AIR framework: Awareness, Inquiry, and Reframing. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things but still feel off, disconnected, or chronically on edge, this conversation is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: LINKS Follow Jon on Instagram Visit Jon's website to learn more about his book Meaningful Work with Tamara Myles and Wes Adams Defining and Feeling Success -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:01:04:17

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Aging as a Female Endurance Athlete: Perimenopause, Strength Training & Adapting with Jenny Smith

2/26/2026
I’ve known Jenny Smith since the early 2000s, back when I was a brand-new pro mountain biker watching her absolutely dominate at Nationals. She’s been a mentor, a competitor, a mom who kept racing when that wasn’t common, and someone I’ve always admired for her longevity in sport. In this episode, Jenny and I talk honestly about aging as female endurance athletes, especially navigating perimenopause, hormone changes, recovery shifts, strength training, anxiety, inflammation, and evolving expectations. We discuss how training needs to change as estrogen fluctuates and why strength training becomes even more important for bone health, metabolic health, and performance. Jenny shares the reality of needing more recovery, setting goals that reflect your life stage and responsibilities, and how to embrace aging with flexibility, wisdom, and self-compassion instead of fear. Plus, we cover hormone replacement therapy and getting medical support. This conversation is for women who love endurance sport and want to keep performing, not by pretending nothing is changing, but by adapting. Aging doesn’t mean decline, it can mean agency. Here’s what you’ll learn: LINKS Follow Jenny Smith Coaching Learn more about Aim High Performance Authenticity and managing pressure with Sarah Sturm Aging athletes with Joel Friel How women should train differently with Dr. Stacy Simms -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:54:08

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Be a Better Communicator: The OARS Framework from Motivational Interviewing

2/19/2026
The most valuable skill I’ve ever learned isn’t about performance, mindset, or even resilience. It’s communication. In this solo episode, I’m teaching you one of the most powerful tools I use as a coach, mentor, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, keynote speaker, parent, and partner. It comes from motivational interviewing and it’s called OARS: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing. These skills have completely changed how I show up in conversations. They’ve made me a better coach, teacher, partner, mom, and human. Motivational interviewing is a client-centered communication approach designed to guide people toward what matters most to them. Instead of telling someone what to do (which often undermines autonomy and competence), this framework helps people feel heard, understood, and empowered to make their own decisions. In this episode, I walk you through what active listening really means (and why most of us aren’t actually doing it) and how to ask open-ended questions that deepen conversations. I discuss how affirmations and reflective listening builds trust and shared understanding. I also give real-life examples you can use immediately with your partner, your kids, your team at work, or your friends. And yes, we talk about AI. Because as AI handles more intellectual tasks, our human communication skills will matter even more. If you want stronger relationships, better conflict management, and deeper connection in your personal and professional life, this episode gives you one skill to practice today. Top 5 Takeaways: LINKS - Learn about meditation from Oren Jay Sofer - Episode on how to be a better communicator -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:16:30

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Brownout vs. Burnout: Relieving Pressure, Reclaiming Energy, and Realigning Your Life with Jessie Reese

2/12/2026
Many of us know what burnout looks like: exhaustion, cynicism, and the feeling that we simply can’t keep going. But there’s another state that shows up far more often and it’s easier to miss. It’s called brownout. In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Reese, leadership and executive development specialist and positive psychology practitioner, to unpack the critical difference between brownout and burnout, and why so many high-achieving people, especially women, are quietly living in that in-between space. Jess shares her environmental alignment model, a practical framework that helps you see how all parts of your life (work, caregiving, relationships, health, identity, and invisible labor) draw from the same energy reservoir. Together, we explore why adding more self-improvement often backfires, and why the most powerful move is often asking a different question: “What is the most impactful thing I can do to relieve pressure right now?” We also talk about the cultural pressure to “do it all,” why trying to make everything a top priority leads to depletion, and how real alignment requires honest reflection on your values, not an external definition of success or a past version of yourself. If you’re feeling stretched thin, quietly overwhelmed, or wondering why rest doesn’t seem to work anymore, this conversation will help you name what’s happening and give you a clearer path forward. My Top 5 Takeaways Jessie's Links and Work: Connect with Jessie on LinkedIn The Tipping Point: Executive Burnout, Brownout, and Realignment Running on Half Power: Why Women Burnout and How to Reclaim Alignment -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:52:54

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mindfulness in Action: Burnout, Drive, and How to Build Real Human Connection

1/29/2026
In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I’m sharing a spontaneous trail-side reflection on something that’s been very present for me lately: how we manage drive without burning out and how we stay truly connected in a world that keeps telling us to “go bigger.” I talk about rethinking social media impact, why I’m increasingly prioritizing local and real-time connection, and how and asking better questions can completely change the quality of our relationships. I also share some simple practices I’ve been using, like voice memos and short phone calls, to stay meaningfully connected without adding more pressure or noise. Synchronous, human connection matters so much for feeling valued. That's why I wanted to explore how curiosity helps us move beyond surface-level interaction, and why small, intentional shifts can have a bigger impact than trying to reach everyone, everywhere. I close with a short mindfulness practice you can do anywhere to help you reconnect with your body, reflect on when you feel most connected to others, and take one small step toward more meaningful connection in your everyday life. You'll learn to: Other meditations: – Slowing Down the Rush – How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance – How to Combat Self-Criticism -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:20:28

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Empathy, ADHD, and Mindfulness: Practical Tools for Anxiety, Burnout, and Emotional Well-Being with Corinne Kneis

1/15/2026
One of the things I love most about podcasting is getting to have the conversations I wish more people could hear, especially the ones that normalize what so many of us quietly struggle with. I sit down with my friend and fellow MAPP grad Corinne Kneis, a psychotherapist and wellness educator whose work beautifully bridges empathy, mindfulness, ADHD, and anxiety. Corinne and I first met during the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania, and I’ve long admired how she brings both science and humanity into her work. In this conversation, we explore what empathy really looks like in therapy and everyday life, why so many women mask ADHD with anxiety and perfectionism, and how mindfulness can help create space between emotional overwhelm and thoughtful response. We also talk openly about sensitivity, burnout, overfunctioning, and the strengths that often come with ADHD—like curiosity, passion, and love of learning. Corinne shares practical tools therapists use (and that anyone can apply) to regulate the nervous system, manage anxiety, and build healthier relationships with their emotions. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, ADHD, burnout, or simply want more emotional clarity and self-compassion, this episode offers grounded insight and actionable strategies you can start using right away. Top 5 Takeaways Empathy has two forms. Understanding the difference between affective (emotional) and cognitive empathy can reduce burnout and increase compassion.Many women mask ADHD with anxiety. Perfectionism and overfunctioning are often coping strategies, not character flaws.Mindfulness creates space. Simple practices can help separate emotional reactions from cognitive responses.ADHD is not a deficit. Differences often come with powerful strengths like curiosity, passion, and creativity.Structure + play matter. Routines, humor, and nervous system regulation are essential tools for emotional well-being.Learn More about Corinne Below: Flourish Psychotherapy by Corinne Kneis Follow Along with Corinne on Instagram Connect with Corinne on LinkedIn -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:01:02:57

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Science of Gratitude: Striving, Meaning, and Why Entitlement Steals Our Joy with Dr. Bob Emmons

1/8/2026
Gratitude is one of the most researched, and misunderstood, topics in psychology. In this episode of Grow the Good, I sit down with Dr. Bob Emmons, one of the world’s leading gratitude researchers, for a candid, nuanced conversation about what gratitude really is, where it comes from, and how it shapes our striving, relationships, and sense of meaning. What makes this conversation especially rich is Bob’s journey. Long before he became known for gratitude research, his work focused on striving, goals, and purpose. It’s a foundation that deeply informs how he thinks about gratitude today. Bob and I explore how research often reflects our own life questions (“research is me-search”), and how gratitude emerged for Bob not just as an academic interest, but as a personal turning point. We unpack why gratitude isn’t about forced positivity, how entitlement quietly erodes well-being, and why authentic gratitude helps us see what (and who) we might otherwise take for granted. We also discuss the emotional depth of gratitude: how fully waking up to life means experiencing both joy and sorrow more deeply. As we head into a new year, this episode is for anyone who wants a more honest, grounded understanding of gratitude. I hope it brings you an understanding that strengthens relationships, deepens meaning, and supports growth without bypassing real emotion. Top 5 Takeaways Gratitude is deeper than thankfulnessEntitlement is the enemy of gratitudeGratitude can coexist with hardshipHealthy gratitude requires balanceGratitude strengthens relationships and mentorship-------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:01:15:31

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mindfulness in Action: Letting Go, Embracing What Matters Next

1/1/2026
In this special Mindfulness in Action episode, I’m sharing a very personal reflection from the trails of Squamish, BC where muddy puddles, forest quiet, and time on the bike create space for clarity. For the first time in over 22 years, I’ve made the decision to step away from competitive bike racing. Not because I can’t race, but because my life, priorities, and sense of fulfillment have shifted. In this off-the-cuff, honest conversation, I reflect on what it means to let go of an identity you’ve held for decades, how task-focused mindfulness has shaped my thinking, and why courage sometimes looks like choosing less instead of more. This episode isn’t just about sport. It’s about transitions, motivation, family, mattering, and learning to listen to yourself when something inside is asking for change. If you’re navigating a transition, feeling stretched thin, or questioning what really matters in this next season of your life, I hope this episode helps you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what’s true for you. Top 5 Takeaways Mindfulness isn’t passive, it’s active presence.Identity transitions are uncomfortable, but necessary.Motivation changes with life seasons.Doing less can be a powerful choice.Reflection reveals values.Other Mindfulness in Action Episodes: - Slowing Down the Rush - How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance - How to Combat Self-Criticism -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:36:30

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Nature Connectedness & Well-Being with Molly Peterson & Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore

12/19/2025
What if improving your well-being didn’t require more time, effort, or productivity, but simply a deeper relationship with the world around you? I’m your host Sonya Looney, and in this episode of Grow the Good, I’m joined by nature connectedness researcher Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore and well-being practitioner Molly Peterson for a rich, science-backed, and deeply human conversation about how our relationship with nature shapes our mental health, meaning, and sense of presence. Together, we explore what nature connectedness really means, and why it’s not about hiking more miles or living in the wilderness, but about attention, intention, and emotional connection. Sonya shares personal stories about how nature has helped her regulate, heal, and reconnect during demanding seasons of life, while Molly and Holli-Anne bring powerful research and practical tools listeners can use immediately. This episode is for anyone feeling overstimulated, disconnected, or craving more meaning in everyday life, whether you live in the mountains, the city, or somewhere in between. Top 5 Takeaways Nature connectedness is about relationship, not timeSmall, daily moments with nature (plants, clouds, light, birds) can significantly boost well-being and presence.Technology can either enhance or erode nature connection, depending on how intentionally we use it.Character strength amplify nature’s benefits, increasing meaning and transcendence.Early and intentional exposure to nature, especially in childhood and family life, predicts lifelong well-being and environmental care.-------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:01:05:49

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Science of Brain Fatigue: How to Balance Ambition, Recovery, and Life Transitions with Scott Frey & Brent Bookwalter

12/11/2025
Why do we sometimes feel mentally exhausted even when our bodies are rested? I’m your host Sonya Looney, and in this episode of Grow the Good, I’m joined by neuroscientist Dr. Scott Frey and former professional cyclist Brent Bookwalter to dig into the science of central (brain) fatigue, life transitions, and how to balance performance with well-being. Through stories from elite sport, neuroscience, and personal growth, Scott, Brent, and I explore how understanding brain fatigue can help us better navigate change, maintain motivation, and thrive through life’s transitions. I’ve been through this. You’ll hear about when I realized that my high need for mental stimulation was impacting my racing performance, and how learning about mental fatigue helped me reframe training and recovery in both sport and life. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or parent trying to “do it all,” this conversation will help you understand your brain’s limits and unlock tools to work with your mind, not against it. Top 5 Takeaways: What is Central Fatigue?Mental Energy is FiniteTransitions Require CompassionRest is a SkillSelf-Awareness Fuels Growth-------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:01:04:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Building Stronger, Deeper Relationships with Suzie Pileggi Pawelski

11/20/2025
What makes relationships truly thrive, not just survive? In this episode of Grow the Good, I sit down with Suzie Pileggi Pawelski, positive psychology expert and co-author of Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts, to explore how strengths, gratitude, and intentional effort create lasting connection. Suzie shares her evidence-based framework for building flourishing relationships using character strengths, gratitude, and virtue. We talk about how to balance differences, embrace vulnerability, and move beyond “utility-based” love into Aristotelian “love of goodness.” I also share some of my own reflection, from learning to appreciate my husband Matt’s different strengths, to maintaining intimacy while raising kids. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more meaning, patience, and joy into your relationships (romantic or otherwise), this conversation offers both science and heart. Top 5 Takeaways: LINKS Learn more about Suzie https://www.suzannpileggi.com/about/ Read Happy Together https://www.suzannpileggi.com/author2/#happy Listen to Love in Your Golden Years https://www.audible.com/pd/Love-in-Your-Golden-Years-Audiobook/B0FJ2V1WL5?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:01:04:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Finding the Courage to Put it All Out There

11/13/2025
Today I’m sitting down for an honest reflection about something I’ve been moving through lately: change, identity, and social connection. As I’ve transitioned away from professional mountain biking being the center of my identity, I’ve been exploring how to define value beyond performance, productivity, or outside validation. It’s been a humbling and deeply human process, one that I know so many of us can relate to. In this episode, I share some personal stories, research on well-being and mattering, and practical tools to help you strengthen your sense of connection and self-worth. We’ll talk about how belonging shapes our mental health, why asking for help takes real courage, and how to reconnect with the parts of yourself that don’t depend on achievement. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled through a life transition, or wondered where you fit, this conversation is for you. Let’s grow through it together. LINKS: - Embracing Life Transitions with Ilene Schaffer - Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson - The Power of Mattering by Zach Mercurio - Subscribe to the newsletter -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:28:15

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mindfulness in Action: 10 Min Meditation for Cycling | REPLAY

11/6/2025
Bringing meditation into daily life is a different beast. Today’s moving meditation will be short, simple—and really hard, because we’re taking meditation on the move so you can apply mindfulness to everyday activities like workouts or a quiet hike. In today’s episode, I break down how to shift from an ego-focused to a task-focused mindset during physical activities. I’ll guide you through techniques to anchor your focus, using sounds from your environment or your own breath, to help maintain mindfulness. This practice isn’t just about sitting quietly; it’s about integrating mindfulness into every part of your day. Whether you’re pushing through a tough workout or enjoying nature, I’ll show you how to keep your mind present and engaged. Here's what you'll learn: • Real-World Mindfulness: Learn to extend your meditation practice beyond the cushion and into dynamic activities. • Catching the Wander: Focus on recognizing when your mind drifts and gently guide it back without judgment. • Anchors of Focus: Discover how using simple anchors like sounds or sensations can keep you grounded. • Daily Mindfulness Doses: Implement small, manageable practices of mindfulness throughout your day to enhance cognitive function and reduce stress. Other meditations: - Moving meditation to combat self-criticism - Moving meditation for your next ride -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:11:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Building Antifragility: Thriving Through Challenge with Nick Holton & Adam Wright

10/30/2025
What if resilience isn’t enough? In this episode of Grow the Good, I sit down with Dr. Nick Holton and Dr. Adam Wright, co-founders of the Antifragile Academy, to explore how to move beyond just surviving life’s stressors and instead use them to grow stronger. Nick and Adam share a science-backed, integrative framework that blends psychology, physiology, and purpose to help you thrive under pressure, navigate transitions, and build a more grounded sense of identity. We unpack the difference between resilience and antifragility, how to reframe volatility as a feature, not a flaw, of growth, and why thriving requires both distress tolerance and meaning. Whether you’re an athlete, a high performer, or simply someone who wants to show up better in life, this conversation will expand how you think about potential, identity, and well-being. Top 5 Takeaways: Antifragility vs. resilience: Resilience helps you bounce back; Antifragility helps you grow stronger through challenge. Thriving = pleasantness + distress tolerance: True thriving includes discomfort and meaning, not just happiness. The 4-Lens Framework: Understand yourself through cognitive (top-down), physiological (bottom-up), environmental (outside-in), and values-based (inside-out) perspectives. Identity beyond performance: You are not just what you do. Growth requires detaching self-worth from achievement. Volatility as opportunity: Change, uncertainty, and stress can be leveraged for transformation if you engage intentionally. -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:01:04:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Be a Better Communicator | REPLAY

10/9/2025
THIS EPISODE IS A GROW THE GOOD REPLAY // 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, and ultimately, improve your relationships through the power of mindful communication. Struggle with small talk? Stick around and I’ll share some tips to spark conversation in any setting. Throughout the episode, we'll draw upon insights from various books on parenting, relationships, and communication, such as nonviolent communication and growth mindset talk. I'll also share my own personal experiences and observations, shedding light on the practical application of these concepts. So, are you ready to supercharge your communication skills and revolutionize your relationships? Here’s a breakdown: - Managing conflict with non-violent communication - Respond with a reflection - Asking open-ended questions - Use both/and thinking for feedback and discussion - Affirmation when giving compliments - Validate emotions - Practice active constructive response - Plus, conversation starters LINKS * Check out my newsletter for productivity, mindset, and mental skills * Read more about the Harvard Study of Adult Development -------------- The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Duration:00:30:01