Explore every episode of the podcast The Mind Mountain Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for The Mind Mountain Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Sportsense Podcast Interview: From Local Coach to World Class Expeditions | Jake Johnstone & The Mind Mountain
11 Feb 2026
00:57:56
I switched seats recently and was interviewed by Rich from the Sportsense podcast. Enjoy!ย
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Jake Johnstone is the founder of The Mind Mountain and a premier MTB coach based in Squamish, BC.ย
Jake has carved out a unique niche by bridging the gap between technical skill and high-performance psychology. Having successfully transitioned from seasonal coaching to year-round programming, he serves as a best-in-class case study for the future of the coaching industry.
Expect to learn why facing your fears - like the journey from zero to backflip - is a non-negotiable for becoming a better coach, the strategic pivots Jake made to transform a seasonal business into a year-round high-performance program, and how cultural differences across the globe dictate the way we process risk. We dive into the "full-circle" philosophy of integrating technical skill with high-performance psychology, the mental performance tools required to manage anxiety on high-risk features, and his prediction on why the future of coaching must embrace a technological evolution to survive.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
From Bristol to BC, the Mindset Behind Ollie Hooper's Mountain Biking Journey
05 Feb 2026
01:01:28
Welcome back to a brand new season of The Mind Mountain Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the mental performance side of mountain biking with our guest, Ollie Hooper.ย
Ollie, originally from Bristol, UK, now lives in Canada, where he is a director, part-owner, mountain bike coach and guide at RideHub in Squamish.ย
He shares his journey of moving to Canada to chase his mountain biking dreams, his experience in racing, and how he transitioned into coaching. Ollie also discusses his mindset strategies for dealing with fear and doubt, the importance of community, and the process of running a bustling bike shop.ย
We also introduce an exciting new collaboration - the BC Mountain Bike Expedition, which is aimed at providing riders with a comprehensive, guided, and coached experience through some of the best riding zones in BC.
00:00 Introduction to the Mind Mountain Podcast 00:16 Meet Ollie Hooper: From Bristol to Canada 02:19 Ollie's Early Days in Mountain Biking 06:02 Building a Community and Chasing Dreams 07:04 The Canadian Adventure Begins 12:17 Mental Strategies for Overcoming Fear 18:12 Balancing Risk and Progression 24:20 Racing Insights and Managing Nerves 31:28 Finding the Flow in Riding 33:05 The Joy of Coaching 36:54 Joining RideHub: A Journey 41:29 Day-to-Day at RideHub 45:27 Exciting New Expeditions 50:05 Memorable Rides and Adventures 57:09 Building a Riding Community 59:51 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
2024 Crankworx Whistler | Voice of the Athletes Ep.2
15 Aug 2024
00:21:02
We had the incredible opportunity to spend the week at the 2024 Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival in Whistler, where we mingled with some of the worldโs top riders!
Tune in for an insider's view into the lives of MTB athletes, pushing their limits at the highest level.
In episode 2, we caught up with an insightful bunch of riders in the village and on the course during the Adaptive DH, Garbanzo DH, and Red Bull Joyride events.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
2024 Crankworx Whistler | Voice of the Athletes Ep.1
01 Aug 2024
00:14:34
We were lucky enough to spend the week in Whistler at the 2024 Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival, where we connected with some of the best riders in the world!
Take a listen to get a peak into the world of mtb athletes, performing at the highest level.
In this episode, we caught up with as many riders as we could in the pits of the RockShox Canadian Open DH, on the Stevie Smith Memorial, 1199 DH track.
Keep an eye out for episode 2 dropping next week, with interviews spanning riders and events from across the board.
A big shout out to @vinceh03_ย for filming the action!ย
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Ian Lowe | Director of SORCA on 30 years of MTB advocacy work, mental tools for big days in the saddle, and much more!
02 Jul 2024
01:09:04
Join us today for an insightful episode featuring Ian Lowe, the Executive Director of the Squamish Off Road Cycling Association (SORCA), which recently celebrated its 32nd year. For over 20 years, Ian has personally been a driving force in the mountain biking community, bringing his extensive background in leadership, management, and community volunteering to the forefront.
Ian's passion for mountain biking and his vibrant community spirit have made him a well-known figure, known for his creative race costumes and commitment to making racing inclusive and fun. In this episode, we delve into Ian's journey into mountain biking, exploring some of his challenges and triumphs along the way.
We also discuss:
Navigating the challenges and injuries associated with mountain biking
Mental tricks for big days in the saddle
The development of SORCA and its impact on the local mountain biking community over the past 32 years
Advocacy and collaboration efforts with the Squamish Nation
The importance of respecting land ownership and sustainable trail building
The economic impact of mountain biking and its future prospects
How SORCA membership dollars are utilized to support the community
Tune in to gain insights into Ian's mindset and the incredible work he's doing to promote and enhance Mountain Biking in Squamish.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Greg Day | On the Haulback Marathon XC race, and how to get the best out of yourself
13 Jun 2024
00:54:48
We're back for a brand new season of the podcast, and to celebrate our 3rd year, we have an extra special guest. Today, I sit down with Squamish local legend, Greg Day.
Greg has a rich history in mountain biking, starting with racing XC and going on to compete in hundreds of races, becoming the Overall Champion of the BC Bike Race three times.
As a former school teacher and competitive skier, Greg has a diverse perspective across education and competition. These days, he runs Daytime Cycling, offering unique spin classes, full-service bike maintenance, and a retail shop.
Known locally for his inspiring race-day stories and his ability to bring out the best in people, Greg has launched a new Marathon XC Mountain Bike race in Squamish called the Haulback. At ~ 34 km and ~ 1,269 m, with a mix of classic trails and a few hidden gems it's sure to be a brilliant test of determination and skill.ย The race is happening on June 22nd and rumour has it, there are a couple of spots left!
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Ciaran King | How To Create High Performance In Your Life And On The Bike
12 Mar 2024
00:58:02
On today's episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ciaran King, an elite Downhill Mountain Biker turned Certified High-Performance coach.
Ciaran's journey has been marked by challenges, including significant injuries and confidence battles. Yet, he's transformed these obstacles into sources of motivation.
Now, he's committed to passing on his hard-earned insights to the next generation of riders. With a keen focus on promoting positive mental health and performance in mountain biking, Ciaran not only shares his experiences but also offers actionable tools and guidance to help you reach your peak performance.
During the conversation, we touch on:
How to get clear and intentional with your riding
How to set and keep track of goals
Managing focus and strategies for re-focusing
Building self-belief and confidence
Strategies for mental performance on race day
Join us as we delve into Ciaran's inspiring story and learn practical strategies we can all adopt to enhance our mindset for riding.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Louise-Anna Ferguson | A mental perspective; navigating the world of professional mountain bike racing
26 Feb 2024
01:09:33
In this episode, I catch up with Louise-Anna Ferguson, better known as Lou,ย
Originally from Fort William, Scotland, Lou now calls Queenstown, New Zealand, her home, where she's immersed in the thriving mountain biking scene.
Lou's approach to the sport is all about letting her riding skills do the talking. Her passion for uplifting everyone in the community shines through, whether she's leading Women's progression camps or participating in freeride events.
Fresh from her debut season on the global racing circuit, which included stops at the DH World Cup, Crankworx, and the Red Bull Formation, Lou joins me for a chat about her journey thus far.
We cover a range of topics including:ย
The challenges of competing at the World Cup levelย
Managing race day nerves and fearย
What you can and can't control in racing
The importance of being honest yet kind to yourself.
The Art of Track Walks and Visualization
So tune in as we explore the world of professional mountain biking through Lou's eyes, and discover the insights she's gained along the way.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Natasha Bradley | Harnessing nervous energy, mental approaches for going big, and becoming a standout multidisciplinary rider.
29 Jan 2024
00:44:31
In this episode, we caught up with Natasha Bradley, an English rider making waves in Queenstown, New Zealand.ย
Natasha is a standout multidisciplinary rider known for her infectious enthusiasm and versatility across BMX, Enduro, Freeride, and DH racing.
A true force to be reckoned with, she secured the 'true blue' award at the Dark Horse Womenโs freeride event last year, and more recently won the annual McGazza Fest crainless race - as well as putting on an impressive show at the Dream Line freeride jam.
In this episode, we delve into:
Harnessing nervous energy for peak performance.
Natasha's distinct mental approach across various riding disciplines.
Coping techniques for those inevitable off-feeling days.
Valuable insights from running her coaching business in the UK at just 22 years old.
The power of visualization in her riding progression.
Strategies for keeping the joy alive and focusing on your strengths.
Tune in for a conversation packed with wisdom, shared experiences, and the lively spirit that Natasha brings to the mountain biking community.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Piyush Chavan | Body Dynamics, Muscle Memory, and Insightful MTB Coaching in Queenstown, NZ
21 Jan 2024
00:58:56
This episode of the podcast brings you an engaging conversation with my friend and fellow coach, Piyush Chavan.ย
Hailing from India, Piyush started his mountain biking journey as part of a tight-knit group of riders. After cutting his teeth in downhill races in Nepal, he found inspiration to embrace a biking lifestyle in New Zealand, drawn by the allure of the mountain playground that is Queenstown.ย
During the conversation, we touch on:
Managing emotions like fear and anger
Rebuilding confidence post-crash
Body Dynamics & Building Muscle Memory
The connection between off-bike mindfulness practice and building composure on the bike.
Managing attention and focus
Listen in to discover Piyush's fascinating journey, from studying tourism business management to establishing his coaching business in Queenstown in 2021, serving hundreds of clients. Beyond being a weapon on the bike, Piyush shares his profound insights gained from off-bike pursuits like meditation retreats, yoga, and mindfulness practices, which he seamlessly integrates into his riding and coaching.
We rode the super fun trail, Squid Run at Skyline Bike Park before recording this chat and it was epic to see Piyush in action, composed and playful - I highly recommend watching that video over on my YouTube channel @jakejohnstone.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Steve Vanderhoek | Rebuilding skills & confidence post injury, seizing opportunities, and enjoying the ride!
29 Nov 2023
01:12:10
On this episode, I sit down with Steve Vanderhoek. Steve is a North Shore-born and bread mountain biker, trailbuilder and a professional firefighter/paramedic.
He is known for building and riding some of the most precise, exposed, and high-consequence lines in the area, and along with his long-time partner Kelsey Toevs, makes some of the most creative and jaw-dropping mtb films around. (Hear from Kelsey in the previous episode).ย
After recovering from a year-long string of injuries that occurred while riding his own North Shore feature, the pair went on the win the 2023 Crankworx Dirt Diaries filmmaking contest in which Steve returned and rode the safe death-defying line.
During this wide ranging conversation we chat about:
His background and influences in the early North Shore Freeride scene.
His 2022 'into the gnar' injury and the lead up to that.
The journey of recovery and what he has learned.
Managing concussion and life stressors.
How to re-build skills ands confidence post injury.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Kelsey Toevs | Following your passion, channelling creativity, and riding without an ego.
15 Nov 2023
00:56:36
Today on the podcast I got to chat with Kelsey Toevs. Kelsey is a professional filmmaker and photographer based out of North Vancouver.ย
Growing up in Lynn Valley, Kelsey has been combining her passion for Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, and filmmaking since a young age.ย
When she met her longtime partner in crime, local free-rider Steve Vanderhoek, they combined forces and set out to help each other push their creative boundaries in the Mountain Biking scene.ย
With an impressive portfolio of work too large to list here, Kelsey has gone from filming Steve's stunts purely for fun, to working with Red Bull and Anthill Films - two of the biggest producers in the industry.
On top of this, her film โReady or Notโ which features none other than Steve, Wade Simmons, and Brett Tippie won the 2023 Crankworx Dirt Diaries competition and inspired many with its creative storyline, humor, and jaw-dropping slow-motion sends.
Durning the conversation we touch on:
What it is like to watch her husband risk everything from behind the lens.
How she comes up with creative concepts for films.
Her own journey on the bike.
How following her passion has led to some epic career opportunities.
And how riding without expectations or ego allows her to have more fun!
You can check out Kelsey's amazing photography work on her website, kelseytoevs.com and follow her adventures on Instagram @toevs and YouTube @ktoevs
A lot of her filmmaking projects featuring Steve Vanderhoek are posted on his YouTube channel, including the Dirt Diaries Ready or Not film - you can watch that here @stevevanderhoek1304
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Unpacking the Magic of Mountain Biking in Tasmania, with Mark and Brendan from Tailored Trails
18 Dec 2025
01:00:18
In this special episode of The Mind Mountain Podcast, recorded at the Maydena Bike Park on the final days of our Tasmania Mountain Bike Expedition, Jake sits down with Mark and Brendan from Tailored Trails to dive into all things riding bikes in Tasmania.
Youโll also hear from a few of our amazing expedition guests who share their favourite trails, key takeaways, and standout moments from the expedition.ย
Along the way, Jake, Mark, and Brendan share practical mindset tips, tools, and strategies, and discuss the most common skills they find themselves teaching riders in Tasmania. Together, they unpack the vast and varied riding zones and the unique culture that makes Tasmania such a special place to ride.ย
The conversation pulls back the curtain on how joining an expedition like the Tasmania MTB Expedition allows riders to experience the very best trails in the most seamless way possible, while also returning home a better rider.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Nate Spitz | High consequence decision making, and finding the path to make Freeride Mountain Biking his job
09 Nov 2023
00:59:36
In this episode, I catch up with Nate Spitz. Nate is one of the most creative and talented mountain bikers in the Sea to Sky and has a lot of wisdom to share.
Originally from New Hampshire on the east coast of the USA, Nate grew up skiing, and when he wasnโt doing that he was riding bikes and learning an impressive bag of tricks.
He now lives and works here in Squamish, sharing his skills and passion through Yoann Barelliโs Into The Gnar coaching company, and also through a multitude of free-ride, filming, and building projects.
We chat about:
What it is like to build and ride some of the gnarliest features in town.
How he motivates himself to keep working towards a challenging goal.
You can join the wild ride by following Nate @ztipsetan on Instagram, @natespitz6583 on YouTube or book in for a coaching session with him at intothegnar.com
Nate would like to offer a special thanks Yoann Barelli for his ongoing support.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Michael Sousa | Breathe, Trust, Commit - How to achieve your version of performance on the bike.
02 Nov 2023
01:10:15
On today's episode,ย we have Michael Sousa. Mike is a passionate Mountain Biker, Instructor, Guide, and Filmmaker based in Whistler, BC.
After almost 20 years of honing his skills on the steep and technical trails of BC he has dedicated the summer to learning air tricks on his mountain bike.ย
As well as this personal exploration, Michael recently gained his Level 3 PMBIA coaching qualification which for those that arenโt aware, is the gold standard of Instructor training and no easy feat.
He has also been part of numerous Filmmaking projects, perhaps most notable are the Dirt Diaries and VIMFF films in which he has featured as both an actor in front of the lens and a filmmaker capturing the action.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Blake Rowsell | ADHD, using MTB as a tool to refocus & reset, and understanding MTB tourism in BC
25 Oct 2023
01:00:21
On this episode, I got to interview Squamish local, Blake Rowsell.
Blake is a professor at Capilano University who teaches a variety of outdoor recreation programs. He also has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Mountain Bike Tourism in BC having completed his master's degree on the topic.
We dive straight into Blake's personal journey with Mountain Biking, discussing some of the tools he has picked up along the way that help him manage his own Mental Health and thrive as an Educator, Dad, Husband, and engaged community member.
Blake and I had a wet and wild lap of Angry M and Mcloud before recording this podcast. You can check out that video on my YouTube channel @jakejohnstone.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Yoann Barelli | An in depth look into his mental processes, How to send it 'SAFELY,' and the mindset behind Into The Gnar!
05 Oct 2023
01:00:54
In this episode, we hear from Yoann Barelli. For those that aren't familiar, Yoann hails from Nice in the south of France and has been racing Mountain Bikes since the tender age of 7 years old. From there he went on to have numerous successes, including becoming the French Elite DH champion in 2004, and multiple podium finishes in the Enduro World Series after that.ย
Over the past few years, we have seen Yoann pivot towards free riding, getting creative, and of course, having loads of fun! He shares this incredible passion and energy through his coaching Business, Into The Gnar, which he launched back in 2020 and has completely blown up from there!ย
Yoann also curates a yearly free ride extravaganza in the Sea To Sky which sees some of the world's best Pro Riders and up and up-and-coming athletes test their limits on some of the most technical and high-consequence features in the area.
In this inspiring conversation, we cover:
New sponsors and new bikes
His mental process from start to finish
How to use humour to help boost your mental game.
How to use breathwork in your riding
How he assesses risk
What he has learned since becoming a mtb coach
His specific Visualization strategy
And so, so, much more.
We rode the Double Black Green Monster trail in Whistler prior to recording this chat and it was epic to see his processes and decision-making in action - I highly recommend watching that video over on my YouTube channel @jakejohnstone.
Along with Yoann and I, Aven's family encourages you to Donate to Whistler SARย (who extricated Aven along with Whistler Bike Park Patrol). You can support Aven directly via this link: Aven Elsberg Gofundme
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Greg McDonnell | Mental Performance Counsellor on finding your why, regulating the nervous system, and developing self-compassion.
20 Sep 2023
01:02:27
In this episode, I chat with Greg McDonnell. Greg is a sports fanatic, an avid mountain biker, and is also a registered clinical counsellor. He grew up on the North Shore and has been riding bikes for as long as he can remember.ย
When he moved to Whistler 20 years ago, he started racing mountain bikes, and alpine ski mountaineering which enhanced his growing interest in the mental side of performance.
Fast forward to today, Greg has worked in the mental health and performance space for over 30 years and has owned his own private psychotherapy practice here in Whistler since 2007. He currently works with a variety of athletes from different sports including skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
None of this was handed to him, as youโll hear, Greg is someone who has worked through some tough life circumstances himself, and he now holds real tools, and real wisdom learned through rising to the challenge of those experiences.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Jo Peters | Taking gender out of Mountain Biking, mindset for racing, and fostering a Mind/Body/Bike connection.
06 Sep 2023
01:10:29
Today on the show, I got to head out for a rip with Jo Peters. We rode one of her favorite trails here in Squamish, Two Stroke Smoke, and then sat down for an insightful conversation.
Jo is active in the mountain bike community as a coach, volunteer, and enduro racer. She also works full-time as an RMT and is an expert when it comes to the Mind/Body/Bike connection.ย
Coaching-wise, Jo runs her own foundation called Jo and Co. - which aims to make MTB more accessible to women in British Columbia. Along with a small team of talented female-identifying coaches, she runs womenโs coaching programs and events at trail centers all around the province.
We talk about what it was like to start out as a female Mountain Biker in a male-dominated sport, and how she has used some of those early negative experiences as fuel for her fire, inspiring her to take a lead now and provide meaningful change.
Along with this, she shares a bunch of the mental tricks, tips, and tools that she uses to ride at her best, whether it be between the tape or simply lapping local trails with friends.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Bonus Episode - About Me, my Coaching Background, and my Passion for all things Mountain Sports and Mindset
23 Aug 2023
00:17:41
Today's episode is a little different. I felt called to introduce myself, or re-introduce myself to new and old listeners alike since we have seen our audience base expand a lot in recent times! (A huge thank you to you all for listening)
So join me as I talk a little bit about my background in the Mountain Bike coaching industry, my passion for all things Mountain Sports, and how I got into the Mental aspect of performance.ย
As always, I'd love to hear from you with any feedback, suggestions, or guests you'd like to hear me interview. Reach out via one of the channels below!
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Adam Van Luu | Concussion, Finding Balance, and Setting Lofty goals!
09 Aug 2023
01:01:09
Today on the show Iโm sitting down with Adam Van Luu, a Squamish local Physiotherapist and Concussion Specialist.
Through his clinic which is part of Union Health & Performance,ย Adam works with people ranging from everyday enthusiasts, all the way up to elite-level athletes including a lot of the Blueprint crew.
Outside of work, Adam is an avid Mountain Biker, Climber, and Trail Runner.
This has been a conversation Iโve been wanting to have for a long time now, as I feel like by now we all know how important it is to take concussion seriously, but the specific Doโs and Donโts of managing this injury arenโt always super clear.ย
Listen in as we cover the current best practices of managing concussion, as well as a deep dive into the mindset behind Adam's numerous Mountain Sports pursuits and ambitious goals!
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Geoff Gulevich | mindset for injury rehab, putting in the work, and having fun!
20 Jul 2023
01:08:22
On this episode of the show, I went for a ride and sat down for a chat with North Vancouver local and freeride legend, among many other things, Geoff Gulevich who is otherwise known as, 'Gully'.
Geoffโs longtime career as a Professional Mountain biker has been filled with impressive highlights, remarkable comebacks from injuries, and a continued dedication to sharing his passion and expertise with others.
Most notably, Geoff has solidified himself among MTB Stardom with appearances in legendary bike films like New World Disorder, the Kranked series, and Follow Me, as well as competing in the Red Bull Rampage and Crankworx Slopestyle events.
As youโll hear during the conversation, His ability to concentrate his focus on the task at hand is unmatched. Geoff is someone who's been refining his ability to make decisions and think critically under pressure for a lifetime. Whether it be riding freeride lines blind in the Red Bull rampage or getting himself to safety in the face of a potential near-death incident, this guy knows his way around mindset.
So today Iโm stoked to share with you all a post-ride conversation where we dive into the mental side of his Mountain Biking, Freeriding, Competing, and most recently, his journey of recovery after shattering his femur in 17 places during a backcountry skiing accident.
You can follow along with Geoff's amazing journey on Instagram @geoffgulevich and on YouTube @geoffgulevich, where he shares a whole bunch of quality content.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Voice of the People | A Mental Perspective on the Whistler Bike Park
12 Jul 2023
00:10:52
In this special episode of the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, we headed to ย @WhistlerBlackcomb for one of the most exciting days of the year, Whismas. With both excitement and nerves running high among the crowd, we set about getting a real voice of the people, to understand some of the different ways we can operate mentally in the Bike Park.
We got a whole bunch of unique and entertaining answers when asking riders:ย - Is giving it 100% faster? Or riding at 80 or 90%? - Is slow smooth? - Should Mountain bikers learn how to crash or learn how not to fall?
Listen right through to hear our bonus question of the day.ย
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Facing Fear: Zero to Backflip wrap-up with Michael Sousa
15 Sep 2025
00:31:17
In this wrap-up episode, we celebrate the challenging and enlightening journey of the Facing Fear: Zero to Backflip project.ย
Reflecting on the progress from Episode 8, we discuss the highs and lows, including a significant injury that turned into a valuable learning experience. Join me and coach Mike Sousa as we delve into the importance of seeing the broader perspective, the courage to face big goals, and the gratitude for community support and expert guidance. Despite setbacks, the journey has been full of wisdom and growth, setting the stage for future endeavours.ย
Special thanks to Norco North Shore, Whistler Mountain Airbag, and Air House Squamish for their generous support.
00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:24 Dealing with Unmet Goals 01:24 First Major Injury Experience 02:57 The Day of the Backflip Attempt 04:48 Injury and Recovery Process 06:31 Reflections and Future Plans 11:16 The Value of Coaching and Community 21:59 Conclusion and Gratitude
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Geoff Livingston - shares his perspective from behind the lens, and what it means to be 'capable' as a Mountain Biker.
05 Jul 2023
00:51:53
Today on the show we have Geoff Livingston. Geoff is a North Vancouver local Mountain Biker, Photographer, Dad, and Cancer Survivor.
Having been through some incredibly tough circumstances, Geoff sheds an interesting perspective on what it means to be a mountain biker, and what is important in life. We talk about the mental rollercoaster of going from his highest high, completing the Great Divide - a 4350km bike ride, to being diagnosed with cancer and what he has learned along the way.
In his professional life, Geoff is an entrepreneur at heart and is in the process of re-designing his professional career, to align more closely with his passion for Mountain Biking and community. He was recently involved in filming the Raceface pick-a-part video series featuring none other than Wade Simmons, Steve Vanderhoek, and Georgia Astel.
So today, weโre going to gain a look into the perspective behind the lens. What is it like to watch someone who is obviously nervous, hit a sketchy feature with mind-boggling consequences, from behind a camera.
You can find Geoff @livingston.geoff on Instagram, and check out his new business, Capable Concepts, which we chat about during the show at capableconcepts.ca
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Jarrad Connolly - On Racing, Mental Training, and how to approach challenges in your riding.
28 Jun 2023
01:17:23
Today on the show we have an avid biking enthusiast - Jarrad Connolly! Hailing from the sunny shores of Newcastle on the Central Coast of Australia, Jarrad has been living and breathing bikes since he took his first steps. He's got a passion for all things two-wheeled and believes that it's not about fancy gear, it's about the pure joy of riding.
Jarrad's journey in the biking world started early, racing BMX and tearing it up on motorcycles before he even hit six years old. By the time he was eight, he was already racing motorbikes, and in his teens, he was even a mechanic for national motorbike races. Talk about a lifetime of two-wheeled experiences!
Fast forward to today, Jarrad is the sales manager at Steed Cycles and the host of the Steed Cycles Podcast. But that's not all - he also shares his extensive knowledge and expertise as a coach through the DEVO Youth MTB Academy right here on the North Shore. With over 30 years of riding and racing under his belt, Jarrad has truly built a foundation of wisdom and skill.
Whether it's pavement or dirt, Jarrad's love for all things bikes knows no bounds. So get ready to be inspired, entertained, and fired up as we dive into the world of biking with the one and only Jarrad Connolly.ย
You can find Jarrad at @jarrad.connolly on Instagram and follow along with the latest from the Steed Cycles shop @ steedcycles or listen in to their podcast here.ย Let's get rolling!
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#23 - Matt Smith - on perceived risk vs. actual risk, life as a first responder, and managing mental health in high stress environments.
14 Jun 2023
01:08:23
Joining us today on the show is Matt Smith, a critical care flight paramedic, and a professional first responder educator.
Matt's journey has taken him across Canada and the US, from the Yukon to Wyoming, and he has held an array of exciting jobs, includingย working as a raft guide, and ski instructor.ย
These days, Matt spends much of his time running bike and ski specific wilderness first aid courses through his business Canadian Outdoor Medical Consulting, as well as providing risk management and medic services to races, events, and outdoor guiding companies. But that's not all, Matt also works part-time as a member of the Whistler Bike Park patrol in the summer and Blackcomb Ski Patrol in the winter.ย
With over 20 years of experience as a paramedic, Matt has been involved in some of the most challenging and high-stress situations imaginable. We touch on how he manages to stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations, and how his passion for mountain biking has helped him stay grounded and balanced in his personal life. We also talk about how to manage risk as a mountain biker, and what to carry in your first aid kit.
So, whether you're a seasoned mountain biker, or just someone who loves thought provoking stories, this episode is for you.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#22 - Nick VanEgmond - on Racing, Insuring your hero's, and Mindset.
07 Jun 2023
01:11:47
On today's episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nick VanEgmond from Bicycle Broker Insurance. What's really cool about this conversation is that Nick has found a way to blend his love for riding, racing, and traveling with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Drawing from his own experiences racing on the global enduro circuit, Nick identified the gaps in coverage and decided to fill them by building Canada's first insurance brokerage exclusively for the cycling community. From everyday enthusiasts to pro racers, YouTubers, and coaches like myself, they offer insurance solutions that cater to mountain bikers of all levels.
We took a deep dive into Nick's world, discussing the mindset behind his riding and the interesting work he's doing. So sit back, relax, and join me as we explore the fascinating journey of Nick van Egmond!
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#21 - Squamish Enduro | Voice of the People - The Mental Side of Mountain Bike Racing
31 May 2023
00:14:39
A few weeks ago we headed back out to the trails for the 2023 Squamish Enduro to find out more about the perceptions, mental tools, and challenges that riders face during Enduro Races here in BC.
Listen in as we gain a broad perspective from a mixed bag of riders including pro racers all the way down to your everyday enthusiasts.
We received a range of interesting and entertaining answers on the following topics -ย
Pre-race preparation
How to stay focused during a long, hot, and technical multi-stage race
What percentage of Mountain Biking is mental
What does mental toughness mean
And, for an added laugh you can hear out bonus question of the day which was: โIf you had to choose between your post-race meal or your post-race beer - what would it be?โย
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#20 - Christina Chappetta - on staying grounded, leaving negativity out of riding, and life at PinkBike!
17 May 2023
01:18:43
On today's episode, I got to have a chat with Christina Chappetta. Christina is a bit of a local legend in the Whistler mountain biking community, known for her incredible energy and passion for the sport.ย
With her background in enduro racing and current role as a video producer and presenter at PinkBike, Christina has a wealth of firsthand knowledge about the highs and lows of mountain biking.
During our conversation, we dive into Christina's philosophies for a successful and fun ride, as well as the tactics she uses to stay present and level-headed when faced with pressure.ย
We also explore what it's like to work behind the scenes as an MTB presenter and how Christina has overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs to fully embrace the incredible experiences that bikes can bring.
Don't miss out on this insightful episode - Christina's stories and insights are sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy!
You can find Christina on Instagram @cchappetta and follow along for the ride by subscribing to the @PinkBike YouTube channel.ย
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#19 - BC Bike Show | Voice Of The People | Part 2 - Challenges, Flowstate, & Crashing
10 May 2023
00:06:22
In this episode, we headed back to the BC Bike Show for day two, armed with some more fun questions.
We had the opportunity to speak to a whole bunch of Mountain Bikers ranging from industry pro's to everyday riders.
Listen in as we gain a broad perspective into people's experiences with:
Mental challenges on the bike
Flowstate, and how to get into it
Crashing. What do riders do directly after a crash?
Listen to the end to hear our bonus question of the day ;)
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#18 - Tori Wood - on psychological counseling, mental tools, FOMO, and how to have more fun!
03 May 2023
01:14:45
In this episode, I caught up with Tori Wood for a chat right before the snow melted and bike season kicked back into gear.
Tori is a Mountain Biker based in Squamish and is an incredible fit for this show because she not only shreds on a bike, but she is also completing her master's degree in Psychological Counseling.
Having picked up riding only 5 or so years ago, Tori wasted no time and truly embraced diving headfirst into the sport.ย She recently rose to mtb stardom as a contestant in season 2 of the Pink Bike Academy where she competed in her first-ever race in front of countless people online and trackside. Tori quickly became a fan favorite as she approached each challenge with her trademark grit and determination.
We get into all kinds of interesting topics during our conversation including:
Her gymnastics background,ย and the lessons she learned, good and bad from an ultra-competitive environment.
How her Mental Health workshops are helping other mountain sports enthusiasts by providing much-needed awareness and tools.
FOMO, and how to navigate these feelings as a Mountain Biker.
Self-talk. The good, the bad, and the great!
And of course, we relate all of this back to practical tools you can implement in your own riding!ย
On Instagram, you can follow Tori's adventures and hear about her latest Mental Health in Mountain Sports seminars @torrgallore.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#17 - BC Bike Show Voice Of The People - Part 1
26 Apr 2023
00:10:58
We decided to have some fun and mix things up a bit with this episode. We headed over to the BC Bike Show, down in Vancouver, and get the answers to some of Mountain Biking's biggest questions when it comes to mindset.
The goal was to gain a broader insight into the mindset of a whole bunch of Mountain Bikers from a whole bunch of different backgrounds, all over Canada.ย
Listen in as we ask riders for their perspective on a bunch of hottly debated topics like,ย
are warm-up laps necessary?
Mental Techniques for overcoming fear and doubt?
How many bikes are too many?
And their stance on calling the last lap of the day...
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#16 - Lewis Buchanan on facing adversity and stepping outside of his comfort zone
05 Apr 2023
01:20:52
In this episode, I got to share a conversation with the man himself, Lewis Buchanan. Lew is an amazingly accomplished rider who has stuck true to his roots and remains very humble despite his success.
This was an important conversation as we dissect and raise awareness around some of the lesser talked about issues surrounding mental health and mountain biking, especially when it comes to the modern-day, online environment a lot of pros and enthusiasts alike find themselves a part of.
As well as this, we chat about his many learnings and takeouts from his long racing background on the world enduro world series and his times between the tape on downhill courses since age 15. We also dive into some of the more recent races and disciplines he has stepped into, including the Red Bull Hardline in Wales and the Valparaรญso Urban DH race in Chile.
As a rider who has made a habit of leaning into challenges and stepping outside of the 'norm' both on and off the bike, Lew has an incredible amount of lived wisdom ready for you to absorb.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Mountain Biking Mindset Lessons from the World Stage with Emmy Lan
22 Jul 2025
00:54:31
In this episode of the Mind Mountain Podcast, we chat with the tallented Emmy Lan. Emmy, a national titleholder with impressive elite race results, shares her journey in mountain biking. We explore how she maintains fun and light-heartedness during back-to-back races, the importance of internal focus over external comparisons, and balancing life with racing. This episode uncovers Emmyโs mental strategies, her approach to training on and off the bike, and the significance of small goals and patience in achieving peak performance. Join us for insights, tips, and inspiring stories for anyone chasing progression on or off the trails.
00:18 Introducing Emmy Lan: Rising Star in Mountain Bike Racing
01:13 Emmy's Recent Race Successes and Community Impact
02:21 Challenges and Strategies in Back-to-Back Races
05:03 Emmy's Journey: From Struggles to Success
08:23 The Importance of Balance in Life and Racing
10:08 Navigating the Elite Racing Scene
14:07 Training and Strength Building for Peak Performance
18:41 Mental Strategies and the Role of Community Support
21:32 Joining a Factory Team: Experiences and Learnings
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#15 - Jason Bond - on Strength Training for Mountain Bikers, mindset, and enjoying the process!
22 Mar 2023
01:17:46
Today I got to sit down with Jason Bond.ย Jason is a professional strength trainer for Mountain Bikers and has been running his popular MTB Dryland training programs in North Vancouver for the past 15 years.ย His business, Bond Training, has helped thousands of riders ranging from competitive athletes to your everyday enthusiast reach new levels of performance, health, resilience, and happiness on and off the bike.
We had a wide-ranging conversation touching on his competitive racing days and how that led him to develop a strength training regime specific to making Mountain Bikers more powerful on the bike, and also more resilient to injuries when accidents happen.
We also touch on topics including:
What he has learned about riding, whilst coaching his son's BMX team.
The best ways to get stronger for mountain biking.
Analogies from the gym, that can help with our mindset on the bike.
What his racing days taught him.
Including his mindset for racing, vs riding for fun.
You can find Jason online @Bondtraining on Instagram and check out his training programs on his website here: www.bondtraining.ca
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#14 - Ollie Lowthorpe - on having fun whilst progressing, mental techniques, Squamish slabs, and YouTube.
09 Mar 2023
01:30:04
Today I was lucky enough to sit down for a chat and then go for a ride with Ollie Lowthrope.ย
Ollie is a professional mountain biker based out of Squamish, here in BC. Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands of the UK, his roots lie in XC racing, having competed from a young age and most notably at the commonwealth games in Australia back in 2018.
These days, his riding taste has evolved to match the gnarly environment he now calls home. Much of which he captures and posts on his popular YouTube and Instagram pages which are known for steep granite slabs, stylish flow, and of course the infamous rubber ducky on his handlebars.
We dig into some of the challenges with pressure and injury he faced in his racing days, and how that has now shaped his laid-back โdo-it-for-funโ approach to riding.
This has led to a healthy relationship with assessing risks, fear, and self-belief, all the while riding some pretty nerve-wracking terrain.ย
Listen in as we dissect these processes and of course, have a laugh or two along the way.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#13 - Patricio Escobar - on mindset for competing, confidence vs fear, and navigating his life changing injury.
24 Feb 2023
01:38:32
In this episode, I had a heartfelt conversation with an incredible guest and storyteller, Patricio Escobar. From Columbia, Patricio has had a long and colorful career in the cycling world.
Coming from the humble beginnings of riding trails on the city streets as a kid (before he knew it was called trials), Patricio went on to compete in trails riding for over 20 years. He then doubled down on this success with numerous podium finishes on the enduro bike as a 38-year-old athlete. The peak of his racing career was tragically cut short in 2019 by a life-altering crash that left him unable to move anything below the chest.
He continues to have a huge positive impact on the Mountain Bike Community by sharing his 'glass half full' outlook via his hit YouTube channel @PatricioEscobarDH and as a motivational guest speaker.
I highly recommend listening right through to the end as we get into topics including:
His race-winning mindset
How to balance fear and confidence
How to avoid riding for the Ego
The early days of trials riding
Racing EWSย
His crash. The strength to be alive, and what it has been like to mourn the death of his old self and re-create a new self, and a new stage of his career.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#12 - Mike Wells - on the importance of failures, mental battles, and endurance ultra running.
09 Nov 2022
01:25:08
In this episode, I got to interview a great friend of mine. Mike Wells isnโt the typical diehard Mountain Biker I usually sit down with, however, he does ride, and his main sport of endurance trail running has taught him many important lessons that we Mountain Bikers can draw parallels from, and use to better our mental game out in the trails.
Mike is a lifelong lover of learning and has an incredible way of articulating his insights from the trail, and packaging them up to use in his other sports which are Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing.
We talk about the incredible highs, lows, and sometimes strange places his mind has taken him through various failures, successes, and experiences out on the trail.
Having just completed the Whistler Alpine Meadows which is a mind-boggling 160 km race with over 9000m of elevation gain which he completed over 38 hours straight. We break down what it took to get there, and how many of his โperceivedโ failures in the past actually set him up perfectly to truly experience the success of finishing this race.
Itโs my hope that the topics discussed in this conversation are able to broaden your lens, and help stimulate positive growth in your mental game, whatever the sport is that you use as a vehicle for personal growth, and enjoyment!
You can follow along with Mikeโs adventures at @mrmichaelwells on Instagram. ย
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#11 - Roxy Wieschollek (@roxybike_coaching) - on how to create change, legitimate vs. baseless fears, and how to approach mountain biking progression from a mental perspective!
21 Sep 2022
01:27:21
In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Roxy Wieschollek who I consider to be both a friend, a mentor and a huge inspiration!!
Roxy is a high-level Mountain Bike instructor and also a sports mental trainer and psychological counselor with a wealth of lived experience! She shares her learnings from these experiences generously via her popular YouTube channel called โRoxyโs Ride and Inspireโ as well as coaching everyone from pure beginners all the way up to Olympic pros. ย Throughout this conversation, we get down to the nitty-gritty of how to operate at a high level on the bike, both physically and mentally. We touch on all kinds of interesting topics including:ย
How to set yourself up for progression WITHOUT crashing.
How to deal with and escape loops of frustration.
FEARS. Are they legitimate or are they baseless?
How the brain actually learns and how to turn discomfort into growth.
If you're anything like me, you'll want to grab a pen and paper for this one!! Enjoy.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#10 - Matt Lowell - on riding for FUN, mental reference points, and getting lost in the Scottish Highlands!
31 Aug 2022
01:16:32
Recently, I caught up with a good friend and colleague of mine, Matt Lowell.ย
Matt wears many hats (sometimes all at the same time!) and is an extremely talented Mountain Biker, Instructor/Guide, Designer, and Business Manager! Iโve learned an insane amount from Matt over the years and Iโm super excited to share some of the secrets that he uses to set the scene for success.ย ย ย ย ย ย
Those that know Matt know that his calm, calculated attitude allows him to operate at a super high level - whether it be on the bike, working in the business, or out on the hill teaching and guiding with Endless Biking.
We get into all sorts of topics including:
ย How to choose good riding buddies
How to take mental photographs of features and trails and use them to build confidence on the bike.
How he 'designs' a ride to set clients up for success.
How he deals with frustration and some stories of epic misadventure deep in the Scottish Highlands.
You follow Matt's adventures @Matt_Lowell on Instagram and find the company he has very much helped shape @endlessbiking
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#9 - Nicole Kennedy - on Mindset, the Power of Positivity, the Into the Gnar Progression Team, and more!
27 Jul 2022
01:20:40
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole Kennedy. Originally from Colorado, Nicole is a gnarly rider who now calls Squamish, here in BC, home.
Nicole has a DH racing background, races Enduro races blind, and as a member of the recently formed โInto the Gnarโ Progression Team, she is no stranger to danger when it comes to pushing her limits on the bike. Recent YouTube videos depict her dissecting some of the largest and most technical gaps and drops in the sea-to-sky region, and she shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Listen in as we dig deep into the WHY, and the HOW behind her processes, training, and mindset that allows for such inspiring riding and growth.
You can find Nicole on Instagram @Nicole.a.kennedy and Yoann Barelli's Into The Gnar Progression Team goes by the hashtag: #itgpt
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#8 - Nic Zilinski @VanCan - on Progression, dealing with Nervousness, Visualization and the world of YouTube!
15 Jun 2022
01:43:25
In this episode, I chat with MTB YouTube legend Nic Zilinski, @Vancanmtb. Nic is an incredibly insightful guy and I had an absolute ball chatting about his journey into the world of Mountain Bikes so far.
Originally from further East, Nic brings his solid BMX background, as well as his analytical science brain to the West Coast to make for some great riding and a super entertaining YouTube channel.
We had a wide-ranging conversation touching on everything from progression, discomfort, & nervousness, to focus, visualization, and mentally cataloging trails and features to help remind yourself of your capabilities when riding new terrain.
Have a listen to hear some of the biggest things Nic has learned whilst riding with an impressive list of Pro Riders as part of his YouTube Channel.
You can find Nic @vancanmtb on Instagram and @VanCan on Youtube. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#7 - Simon Noble Pt. 2 - Mental techniques for endurance, Recovering from injury mentally, and more!
18 May 2022
01:20:04
In this episode, I was lucky enough to sit down with Queenstown local, Simon Noble, for the second time.
As a rider who simply canโt sit still, Simon recently completed a mega โEverest Challengeโ where he climbed an insane 9007m of vert in just 22hours, all the while descending some pretty gnarly trails down through the Queenstown Bike Park. We dig deep into what went on behind the scenes, and in Simons's mind on the big day, and talk about the WHY, including the amazing 'Making Trax Foundation' that he raised a bunch of money for during this suffer-fest.
Simon is now well and truly into his next big challenge on the bike, as he sets out to ride a whopping 500,000 verticle meters in 2022. This means pedaling every day, about 1400m per day to be exact...
Sit back and enjoy this conversation as we reflect on a broad range of topics including, recovering from crashes mentally, concussion, bike setup,ย and confidence in relation to skill level.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#6 - Matt Bolton - on mindset, progression, and freeriding some of BC's gnarliest trails!
16 Mar 2022
00:54:33
In this episode, I chat with Matt Bolton. Matt is an insanely talented and creative rider and trail builder from Squamish, BC.
Known locally for pushing the boundaries of physics as he pioneers and rides new near-vertical slab lines in areas that have historically been only for rock climbing - Matt is not one to let fear hold him back from riding what most people would consider off-limits on a bike.
With a host of rad films and projects to his name, Matt not only rides inspiring lines, but he also builds them too. We dig into the mindset behind his various riding, building, and filming projects.ย
If you want to learn how high-level riders like this prepare themselves mentally, this is definitely one to listen to right to the end!
You can find Matt @matt_boltz on Instagram and watch his awesome videos including Jurassic 5ย on YouTube here.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Facing Fear with Michael Sousa: Flips, Flow, and Mental Fortitude
09 Apr 2025
01:06:22
In this episode of the Mind Mountain Podcast, I sit down once again with my good friend Michael Sousaย - a seasoned coach, guide, and freeride mentor from Whistler, BC. With nearly two decades of experience on the steeps and jumps of the Sea to Sky, Mike shares what itโs like coaching everything from first-time riders to up-and-coming mtb professionals.
We dive deep into the psychology of progression, fear management, and how to truly build lasting confidence on the bike. We also reveal a new project - a mini-series documenting the journey of facing my fears and learning to backflip, from zero experience to upside-down airtime. Mike breaks down the safe and structured way to take on big goals, and we unpack the difference between surface-level skill hacks and deep, sustainable growth as riders.
This one is full of real talk, laughs, coaching gold, and a whole lot of passion for helping riders unlock their potential.
You can follow Michael on Instagram @whistler_mtb_sensei and check out his website www.michaelsousa.online
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
#5 - Emma Olofsson (@mmurmaider) - the power of keeping it fun!!
02 Feb 2022
01:04:34
In this episode, I chat with Emma Olofsson (aka. @mmurmaider).ย
Emma is an absolute shredder who hales from Sweden originally and has spent the past 5 years or so traveling in between Europe and her adopted home of Queenstown, NZ. All in the pursuit of good times on two wheels.
Emma is 110% laser-focused on her one goal of having fun - all of the time!!
This simple yet powerful approach leaves no room for stress or mental chatter when she is riding, and it shows in her progression. As a rider who has really dove headfirst and all-in to the sport, she has been involved in all sorts of cool filming projects, races, and female progression camps which we explore - while picking apart the mindset that makes all of this possible.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Episode 4 - Damian Stones - Trusting the process, lessons from McGazza, the power of pump tracks and more!
27 Jan 2022
01:38:17
In this episode, I sit down with Damian Stones.
Damian is a professional MTB Guide, instructor, and pump track builder extraordinaire!
With a long and wide-ranging career and life revolving around bikes, Damian has an incredible amount of wisdom to share, and a deep understanding of the processes behind progressing on a bike.
Highlights of mine include hearing about the making of his multi-sport backcountry adventure films & his days spent building, riding, and learning with the legendary Kelly McGarry (McGazza).
You can find Damian @Damian Stones on Instagram or on his website https://www.damianstones.nz/ where you will find his films 'Butters - skip the gym and go digging' and 'Waiau-toa odyssey' among others.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Episode 3 - Anthony Boussetta - Frenchlines, Focus, Visualisation, and more!
13 Dec 2021
01:26:57
In this episode, I sit down with Anthony Boussetta.ย
With a varied background of Enduro and DH racing, to self-imposed backcountry sufferfests, Anthony is always one to be out there getting after it. Iโve been fascinated with Anthonyโs mindset and approach to fear for a long time because it differs from the way a lot of other people think and allows him to achieve an amazing level of riding - both up and down!
We cover a wide range of topics all leading back to Mountain Biking and Mindset from his unique perspective. We dig into the HOW and the WHY behind his riding, mindset, and recent 'Triple-Triple Crown' of all three North Shore mountains here in BC.
Take a listen to hear Anthony speak on how he uses visualisation techniques to channel his focus, WHY he loves riding trails blind, how unproductive language and negativity can seep into our subconscious, 'the equipment trap', and much much more!
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...
Episode 2 - Chris Mildon - tales from one of NZ's most experienced skills coaches
30 Nov 2021
01:03:27
Welcome back!ย
In this episode of the show, we have Chris Mildon. Chris grew up in New Zealand and has been riding bikes for as long as he can remember. From hacking around his townโs old dump on homemade bikes as a kid to BMX racing in the โ80s, he eventually found his wheels of choice - the Mountain Bike. Since then Chris enjoyed some competitive years racing downhill and cross country, before starting on his path to become a Mountain Bike instructor where he now shares his huge passion for the sport.
These days, Chris is based out of the sunny coastal town of Nelson and travels all over New Zealand teaching Mountain Biking through his business, Mountain Bike Skills Clinics. As it works out, Chris also happened to be my first ever mountain biking instructor when I lived down in NZ - the unlucky bugger!ย
Chris and MTB Skills Clinics can be found on their website here: https://www.mtbskillsclinics.co.nz/
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...