Don't let your defaults go unexamined—the affects of our holding patterns compound over time.

Holding patterns, the unconscious positions in the body (and the mind) can develop from stress, injury, or repetitive actions over time. They can also surface as a default response to our own individual structure. Identifying and addressing these holding patterns through mindfulness, play, and feedback can help improve alignment, stability, flexibility, and performance.

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Our Fall Better episode

Antelope Island (which emerges out of the Great Salt Lake)

Holding pattern definition in aviation

Kyphotic curve, which is an exaggerated, forward rounding of the upper back (so when you slouch, your spine is in this position)

Knees over toes guy

Rocksteady Bodyworks (whom we love and recommend to everyone—tell them we sent you!)

If you’re wondering what Jamie’s “ums” look like in my editing software, they look like this:

You’re welcome.

Let’s connect!

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How we approach the trail matters, especially when climbing and turning. Sometimes, you gotta come in sideways, you know? 

Considering the angle of approach is important in technical climbing. It can also be applied to communication and relationships. Danielle and Jamie talk about how considering different angles of approach, both physically and verbally, can make difficult situations and obstacles easier to navigate.

Like the podcast? Send us a tip here or consider a recurring paid subscription. Your support helps us cover the time and resources it takes to create free long-form content. Also, if you’re in the market for a new bike, consider an Ari (formerly Fezzari) bike, and tell them we sent you.

Moab’s Klonzo network.

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg

“No” energy, as discussed in our Fall Better episode

A note on happiness research: These weren’t mentioned explicitly in the episode, but when Danielle talks about approaching happiness at an angle, she’s drawing on research about some indirect things that bring about wellbeing, like nurturing good relationships and experiencing other people’s joy, and other research that is leery of what they (yes, the royal “they’) call toxic positivity—when people take the goal of happiness a little too far.

Let’s connect!

Please don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and share this if it resonates, and you can DM Danielle now directly on Substack! If you’ve found value in the podcast, consider sending us a tip, here.

Many of us know that feedback is good for us (if you don't, it is). Here we break down the mechanics of how it works and what often gets in the way. Feedback, flow, performance, growth… they all go hand in hand.

Also, hiiii! We’re back, and we missed you all!

Like the podcast? Send us a tip, here or consider a recurring paid subscription. Your support helps us cover the time and resources it takes to create free long-form content. Also, if you’re in the market for a new bike, consider an Ari (formerly Fezzari) bike, and tell them we sent you.

Moab trail Bull Run and Navajo Rocks and Klondike Bluffs areas.

Please don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and share this if it resonates, and you can DM Danielle now directly on Substack! If you’ve found value in the podcast, consider sending us a tip, here.

If you would like to lend your support and help us navigate this next chapter as this amazing year comes to a close, we’d love it if you’d consider a:

One-time Donation: This would go a long way in sustaining our podcast and allowing us to continue producing valuable content. Name your price. You can send a direct donation via Paypal.

Paid Subscription: By signing up for a paid membership, not only will you be supporting us in a more sustainable manner, but you'll also gain access to ad-free listening.

Additionally, if you’re in it with your year-end holiday shopping, we've got a few ways you can support us indirectly:

Check out Xero Shoes: If you're in the market for new footwear, consider using our link when purchasing Xero Shoes. I wear almost only these. Your purchase through this link will help us earn a commission, without costing you anything extra.

Get a Fezzari Bike: If you're considering a new bike for yourself or someone special, check out Utah’s own Fezzari Bikes. Jamie rides them exclusively, and has for years. They’re awesome. Let them know that The Art of Mountain Biking Podcast sent you.

Once again, our deepest gratitude goes out to you for your continued support throughout the year. With your assistance, we can ensure the longevity of The Art of Mountain Biking Podcast and its ability to positively impact the lives of fellow (and future) enthusiasts.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a fantastic year ahead!

Go deeper in the winter to go wider in the summer.

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Want some awesome shoes? Try Xero Shoes—they’re rad and Danielle’s new favorites are the Denvers (she still loves the Taris tho), and they have several cold-weather options too. Plus, they’re having a mega sale right now, so…

If you're considering a new bike for yourself or someone special (maybe as a holiday gift?), check out Fezzari Bikes. Jamie rides them exclusively, and has for years. They’re awesome. They offer financing options. Let them know that The Art of Mountain Biking Podcast sent you.

Liam Johnston, who did our cover art and is also doing the art for Danielle’s forthcoming newsletter, It’s Nuanced. He’s great.

The King’s Peak, Fezzari’s fat bike

Seasonality of human sleep: Polysomnographic data of a neuropsychiatric sleep clinic, published in the journal Frontiers of Neuroscience

“The Year of No Grudges” by poet Andrea Gibson

AOMTB Episode 38: Adventure and Mental Health with Cary Judd

The Gaia yoga app, which Jamie uses. Danielle uses Alo Moves. Also, if you live in Salt Lake County, our in-person studios are Rocksteady Bodyworks and Mountain Yoga Sandy. None of these businesses pay us—we just genuinely like them. If you see us there, say hi.

Sender Ramps

Lastly, Jamie recently had a birthday. Let’s send her some love!

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Traction is an underlying factor to many experiences on the mountain bike. Understanding this concept will help keep you safe and make you fast. 

Like the podcast? Send us a tip, here! Want some awesome shoes? Try Xero Shoes—they’re rad and Danielle wears the Taris every day of her life.

Also, Fezzari Bicycles is offering special financing during their huge Black Friday sale, happening now! You can get the Delano Peak for up to $1100 off and the La Sal Peak for up to $1500 off, and there’s deals on others as well. Make sure to tell them we sent you!

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Lake Blanche hiking trail

Canyon Hollow - Rush - Limelight route in Corner Canyon, UT

9k trail

Our Fast is Fun episode with Rhianon Gelsomino

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Sometimes, the risk of NOT going is higher than the risk of going.

CONTENT NOTICE: This conversation includes depictions of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can find help at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Visit their website or call/text 988. Please keep going.

Cary Judd is a documentarian, photographer, and adventurist. The film 828, directed by Drew Garcia, follows Cary as he attempts to ride the Iceland Ring Road on an e-skateboard.

Like the podcast? Send us a tip, here! Want some awesome shoes? Try Xero Shoes—they’re rad and Danielle wears the Taris every day of her life.

Paid subscribers enjoy ad-free listening! Subscribe at https://www.theartofmountainbiking.com/.

The film 828. You can find it on Instagram (@828documentary), Facebook, and Amazon Prime.

Dr. Gabor Mate

Book a lesson with SimplyMTB or work with Danielle’s project-based growth model at You Need a Thing. Please don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and share this if it resonates! If you’ve found value in the podcast, consider sending us a tip, here!

If you've ever been on a mountain bike in nature, you get it.

Like the podcast? Send us a tip, here! Want some awesome shoes? Try Xero Shoes—they’re rad and Danielle wears the Taris every day of her life.

Ad-free listening available to paid Substack subscribers. 

Danielle’s essay “On Hummingbirds” (which is NOT the title that made it to press)

The Science of Awe white paper

Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization by Scott Barry Kaufman

The poet Andrea Gibson (this one is a fav)

Danielle’s forthcoming newsletter It’s Nuanced

Book a lesson with SimplyMTB or work with Danielle’s project-based growth model at You Need a Thing. Please don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and share this if it resonates! If you’ve found value in the podcast, consider sending us a tip, here!

Speed isn't found, it's built. 

Rhianon Gelsomino is a professional Rally Co-Driver who has co-driven full time with Travis Pastrana and currently co-drives for Lia Block. Simply put, she knows a thing or two about speed and talks all about it in this episode.

Rhianon’s documentary on YouTube

Check out Rhianon’s instagram and Facebook

Brandon Semenuk

Red Bull Rampage

Travis Pastrana

Ken and Lia Block

Let’s connect!

Book a lesson with SimplyMTB or work with Danielle’s project-based growth model at You Need a Thing. Please don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and share this if it resonates! If you’ve found value in the podcast, consider sending us a tip, here!

Jamie's working title was "What If It Were Easy?" Tomayto tomahto. 

In case you missed it, we’ve moved to Tuesdays!

Like the podcast? Send us a tip, here! Want some awesome shoes? Try Xero Shoes—they’re rad and Danielle wears the Taris every day of her life.

The National Parks Service’s instagram account (it’s a good follow)

The trails Mormon Pioneer, Green Pond, and Brim Trail

The book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia talks about Zone 2 cardio.

Our Fall Better and Active and Passive Pressure episodes

Harvard SHINE research on caring work environments

Research from Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program on religious communities

Study linking life expectancy and marriage

The Harvard Study of Adult Development - this one wasn’t referenced directly, but it informed some of what Danielle mentioned. It’s fascinating and has been running since 1938!

Book a lesson with SimplyMTB or work with Danielle’s project-based growth model at You Need a Thing. Please don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and share this if it resonates! If you’ve found value in the podcast, consider sending us a tip, here!