Grow the Good

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 TakeawaysNature 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.