Grow the Good

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

  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.

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• Building Stronger, Deeper Relationships with Suzie Pileggi Pawelski

  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:Relationships Thrive on Strengths: Knowing and celebrating your and your partner’s character strengths deepens understanding and connection.Balance and Awareness Matter: Overusing or underusing strengths can create friction, mindful awareness and communication are key.Gratitude and Vulnerability Build Trust: Truly receiving appreciation (without deflecting!) strengthens intimacy.Aristotelian Love = Love of Goodness: Building virtue-based relationships elevates love beyond utility or pleasure.Relationships Require Practice: Like going to the gym, thriving relationships take ongoing intention, curiosity, and growth.LINKSLearn more about Suzie https://www.suzannpileggi.com/about/Read Happy Together https://www.suzannpileggi.com/author2/#happyListen 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.

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• Finding the Courage to Put it All Out There

  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.

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• Mindfulness in Action: 10 Min Meditation for Cycling | REPLAY

  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.

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

  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.

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