PODCAST · health
Grow the Good
by Sonya Looney
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.
Episodes
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Mindfulness in Action: A Practice for Connecting to Nature
How often are you outside without really being with the place you’re moving through? In this Mindfulness in Action, I’m taking last week’s conversation about nature connectedness out of the theoretical space and into your body. You can do this practice while walking, running, riding, sitting...
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How Connecting With Nature Changes Your Well-Being
A lot of us spend time outside. We run, ride, hike, train, explore, and use nature as a place to play or pursue our goals. But does spending time in nature actually mean we’re connected to it? This episode was inspired by something I heard during a recent breathwork session: many of us use nature...
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The Courage to Quit with Lindsay Crouse
What if quitting was courageous? In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Crouse, a former New York Times journalist and producer who spent 15 years at the Times, where she worked in Opinion and helped commission hundreds of short documentaries for Op-Docs. As an endurance athlete herself…
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Squamish 50K: Racing to the Level of Who I Am Today
A couple of days ago, I finished my first ultra trail running race: the Squamish 50K. This episode is a reflection on what it took to get there, what actually happened out on the course, and what I’m still processing afterward. This wasn’t a fairy-tale race story. I came into it after broken…
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Using Self-Talk for Mindset, Perception, and Expectations with Ethan Kross | REPLAY
This week, I’m bringing back a conversation from the archives with Ethan Kross, one of the world’s leading experts on the conscious mind and the author of Chatter and Shift. I wanted to replay this episode because it connects so strongly with what I’ve been exploring lately on Grow the Good:...
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Growing Up as Adults with Travis Macy
What does it actually mean to keep growing as an adult? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Travis Macy for a conversation that is less of an interview and more of a real, honest exploration of adulthood, grief, parenting, identity, intimacy, and mattering. Travis and I have had many...
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Mindfulness in Action: Slow Down 2%
In this Mindfulness in Action episode, we’re practicing patience in real time. If you listened to last week’s solo episode, I talked about impatience, rushing, and how so many of us move through life like our self-worth depends on our productivity. This practice is about noticing that urgency in...
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The Urgency Trap
In this solo episode, I’m talking about patience, and really, about rushing. Rather than focus on time management conversation, I'm taking a look at what happens in our bodies and nervous systems when we move through life with constant urgency, and how impatience can show us where we feel out of...
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Hope Is the Strategy: Burnout, Mattering, and Meaningful Work with Jen Fisher
In this episode, I sit down with workplace well-being expert and author Jen Fisher to talk about her book, Hope Is the Strategy, and why hope matters so much in a world where so many people are burned out, languishing, and struggling to feel like they matter. Jen shares her own story of severe...
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Mindfulness in Action: Letting Yourself Feel Valued
In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I’m exploring what it means to not only add value, but to let ourselves feel valued. So many of us are working hard to matter. We’re trying to contribute, perform, improve, achieve, help, and show up for other people. But even when we are adding value, we…
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What It Really Means to Matter
What does it actually mean to matter? In this solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that has been occupying my mind for years and has become a central part of my research, workshops, and the book I’m writing: mattering. Mattering is more than belonging. It’s more than self-esteem. It’s the lived...
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How to Build a Life of Contribution with Tom Rath
What if the real value of achievement isn’t what it proves about us, but how it contributes to others? In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author, researcher, and publisher Tom Rath. Tom is known for books like How Full Is Your Bucket?, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Strengths-Based Leadership…
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Mindfulness in Action: Practicing Mental Agility in Real Time
This Mindfulness in Action episode is a real-time practice in mental agility: the ability to notice what’s happening in your thoughts, emotions, and body, and make small adjustments that help you stay aligned with what matters. In the previous solo episode, I talked about mental agility from a…
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Mental Agility: How to Work With Your Emotions, Attention, and Inner Chatter
What does it really mean to be mentally agile? In this solo episode, I’m talking about the emotional and attentional skills that help us notice what’s happening inside of us, create space, and choose our next move with more intention. Mental agility is the ability to shift, adapt, and stay...
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Rethinking Goals, Striving, and Self-Worth with Jeff Warren and Tasha Schumann
What if so much of our suffering comes from trying to become who we think we’re supposed to be? In this episode, I sit down with meditation teachers Jeff Warren and Tasha Schumann for a wide-ranging, deeply practical conversation about mindfulness, creativity, neurodiversity, and how to let go of...
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Mindfulness in Action: Letting Go of “Should”
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…
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Decision Fatigue, Perfectionism, and the Problem With “Should”
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,...
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What Flow Really Is: Mindfulness, Self-Trust, and the Challenge-Skill Balance with Dr. Sue Jackson
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…
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Mindfulness in Action: Redefining What It Means to Get Better
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…
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How to Say What You Mean with Oren Jay Sofer | REPLAY
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...
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How to Move from Survival Mode to Thriving: Jon Rosemberg on Agency, Stress, and Success
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 Rosemberg to talk about what it really means to move from high-functioning survival into genuine thriving. Jon shares his deeply personal…
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Aging as a Female Endurance Athlete: Perimenopause, Strength Training & Adapting with Jenny Smith
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…
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How to Be a Better Communicator: The OARS Framework from Motivational Interviewing
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...
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Brownout vs. Burnout: Relieving Pressure, Reclaiming Energy, and Realigning Your Life with Jessie Reese
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...
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Mindfulness in Action: Burnout, Drive, and How to Build Real Human Connection
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...
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Empathy, ADHD, and Mindfulness: Practical Tools for Anxiety, Burnout, and Emotional Well-Being with Corinne Kneis
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…
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The Science of Gratitude: Striving, Meaning, and Why Entitlement Steals Our Joy with Dr. Bob Emmons
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...
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Mindfulness in Action: Letting Go, Embracing What Matters Next
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...
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Nature Connectedness & Well-Being with Molly Peterson & Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore
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...
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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...
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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…
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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,...
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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...
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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…
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How to Be a Better Communicator | REPLAY
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...
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A Moving Meditation for Your Next Ride | REPLAY
GROW THE GOOD REPLAY // Though mental well-being is the cornerstone of high-performance, achieving the elusive harmony between mind and body can feel impossible. I recorded this moving meditation as a guide for being mindful while riding a bike; encouraging us to connect with different parts of…
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Embracing Life Transitions with Grace and Self-Compassion with Ilene Schaffer
Transitions are inevitable. Whether it’s becoming a parent, shifting careers, retiring, or simply navigating unexpected change. But why do transitions feel so unsettling, and how can we meet them with more self-compassion and patience? In this episode of Grow the Good, I sit down with my friend…
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Perfectionism, Purpose, and Letting Go | Sonya Looney on The Travis Macy Show
On this special crossover episode of Grow the Good, I'm resharing a conversation with Travis Macy from The Travis Macy Show. - - - - - - - The Travis Macy Show Ep. 195. Perfectionism, Purpose, and Letting Go with Sonya Looney What does it really mean to accomplish something and why doesn’t it...
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Validation: The Communication Skill That Can Transform Your Relationships with Dr. Caroline Fleck
Validation is more than just nodding along. It’s the foundation of healthy communication, trust, and connection. And for today’s guest, it could change the world as we know it. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Caroline Fleck, licensed psychologist, corporate consultant, and author of...
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The Mattering Mindset: How to Feel Valued and Add Value | The Mental Training Lab with Pete Kadushin
Have you ever achieved a big goal, only to feel something was missing afterward? Or wondered why no amount of external validation ever seems quite enough? Today, I’m excited to reshare a meaningful conversation from the Mental Training Lab podcast, where I sat down with sport and performance...
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Regenerating Our World with Positive Psychology: Insights from IPPA Brisbane 2025
I just got back from the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress in Brisbane, and I’m still buzzing with ideas that stretched how I think about well-being, purpose, and what it means to truly flourish. This week, we're unpacking the big shifts happening in the world of…
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Why Pursuing a Psychologically Rich Life Beats Chasing Happiness with Dr. Shige Oishi
What does it really mean to live a rich life? Today’s guest, Dr. Shige Oishi, challenges what we usually think of happiness and meaning by introducing us to the concept of a "psychologically rich life." A psychologically rich life is about collecting diverse and transformative experiences that...
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Mindfulness in Action: How to Combat Self-Criticism
Today, I’m taking you along a trail ride, not just through the physical landscapes but through the terrain of our minds. It’s about confronting and managing the self-criticism that often accompanies our high expectations, especially when we push towards big goals in high-performance settings. In...
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Flourish FM: Resilience, Performance and Growing the Good, with Sonya Looney
Can you chase high performance and well-being without burning out? In this special crossover episode of Grow the Good, I'm resharing a super relevant conversation with Dr. Jon Beale and Nick Holton from the FlourishFM podcast. On the other side of the mic, I open up about my journey as a world...
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Redefining Exercise: How Flexible Movement Boosts Vitality and Joy with Katy Bowman & Diana Hill
Are your “exercise rules” helping or hindering your joy, vitality, and overall well-being? I’m your host Sonya Looney, and in this transformative episode of Grow the Good, I sat down with renowned movement experts Katy Bowman and Diana Hill to challenge traditional fitness narratives. Together…
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Mindfulness in Action: Slowing Down the Rush
Lately, I've been grappling with motivation—questioning what to share, how to show up authentically, and the pressure to always be productive. Let's dive into the emotional and physical toll of constantly hurrying, the societal glorification of busyness, and the importance of setting boundaries…
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Why Feeling Valued Matters: Creating a Culture of Significance with Zach Mercurio
Ever wonder why feeling valued and significant at work (and in life!) matters so much? This week, I'm thrilled to welcome researcher, author, and purposeful leadership expert Zach Mercurio to Grow the Good. Zach dives deep into the critical concept of mattering—the foundational human need to feel...
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The Power of Connection: Why Friendship Matters More Than You Think
We all crave connection—but in the busy shuffle of adult life, it’s easy to lose touch with the very relationships that keep us grounded. In this solo episode of Grow the Good, I’m diving into the topic of friendship and why it’s essential—not just for happiness, but for our health and longevity.…
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Mind-Body Mastery: Building Resilience, Flow, and Confidence with Pete Kadushin
How do you truly unlock your potential—not just in sport, but in life? In this episode of Grow the Good, I’m joined by Pete Kadushin, performance psychologist, educator, and Manager of Learning and Development for the Chicago Blackhawks. Pete brings over 15 years of experience working with elite...
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Meaningful Work Matters featuring Sonya Looney
Today's episode features an episode of the Meaningful Work Matters podcast hosted by Andrew Soren. Beyond Perfect Performance: Lessons from Sonya Looney In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew Soren explores the intricate relationship between perfectionism and meaningful work with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Sonya Looney
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Grow the Good have?
Grow the Good currently has 476 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Grow the Good about?
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...
How often does Grow the Good release new episodes?
Grow the Good publishes regularly with 476 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Grow the Good?
You can listen to Grow the Good on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Grow the Good?
Grow the Good is created and hosted by Sonya Looney.
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