In this episode, I sit down with Lewis Brindley, founder of Adventure Fuel, a professional bike guide with Adventure South NZ, and a New Zealand mountain biking expert.

Originally from the UK, Lewis shares how a rough first ride in Queenstown sparked a lifelong passion for mountain biking that would eventually take him around the world. From seasons in Whistler and Morzine to riding the length of New Zealand and guiding riders through some of the country's most remote terrain, Lewis has built a unique perspective on progression, adventure, and what makes mountain biking such a powerful vehicle for growth.

Together, we explore the value of coaching, the mental skills required for riding unfamiliar trails, and how to navigate fear, uncertainty, and decision-making on the bike. Lewis shares practical strategies for building confidence, using points of commitment, and recognizing when to push versus when to listen to your intuition.

We also dive deep into New Zealand's mountain biking culture, why guided experiences can unlock a completely different level of riding, and what riders can expect from an unforgettable journey through the Southern Alps. Whether you're planning your own MTB adventure or simply looking to improve your riding mindset, this episode is packed with lessons from years of exploration, coaching, and trail experience.

Check out the NZ MTB Expedition here.

https://www.adventuresouth.co.nz/

https://adventurefuel.org/

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Lewis Brindley

02:05 Lewis's First Mountain Bike Experience

05:00 The Coaching That Changed Everything

07:10 From Chef to Professional Bike Guide

09:30 Building Adventure Fuel & Teaching Bikepacking

12:20 Why Guiding Mountain Bikers Is So Rewarding

14:15 What Makes New Zealand Riding Special

15:30 Riding Blind & Making Better Decisions on Trail

19:15 Managing Fear, Doubt & Uncertainty

22:45 Knowing When to Push and When to Back Off

25:00 Pre-Ride Mindset & Self-Assessment

27:00 The Power of a Point of Commitment

29:45 Physical Reset Cues for Technical Riding

32:20 New Zealand MTB Culture & Community

35:20 Why Guided MTB Expeditions Are Different

38:30 The Reality of Riding in New Zealand's Mountains

40:40 Preparing Riders for Remote Terrain

42:10 Exploring Wanaka on a Rest Day

44:15 Riding Glenorchy Bike Park

46:20 Cardrona & the Peak-to-Pub Experience

49:30 Managing Energy on Multi-Day MTB Trips

53:15 Why Queenstown Belongs on Every Rider's Bucket List

54:00 Final Thoughts & Closing Conversation

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
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Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

In this episode, Jake sits down with Cait Leavitt, a registered clinical counsellor, certified mental performance consultant, mountain biker, and founder of Mind With Matter, for a deep conversation on the connection between mental health, performance, injury recovery, and self-awareness in mountain biking.

Cait shares how a serious accident and years of persistent concussion symptoms reshaped her understanding of identity, resilience, and what sustainable high performance really looks like. Together, Jake and Cait explore the difference between the old-school “mind over matter” mentality versus a more integrated “mind with matter” approach that works with the nervous system instead of against it.

They dive into practical tools for regulating fear and stress on the bike, the importance of intentionality and self-talk, how to build confidence through awareness and smart progression, and why acceptance is often the missing piece in both performance and recovery. Cait also unpacks her REWIRE framework for concussion recovery, discusses identity loss after injury, and explains why community and nervous system regulation play such a crucial role in healing and long-term progression.

You can learn more about Cait and her work at: Mind With Matter

Check out Cait's six-step skills for concussion recovery here.

00:00 Welcome and Ride Recap
 02:02 Kate’s MTB Origin Story
 05:14 Finding the Right Bike & Community
 07:45 Defining High Performance
 11:28 Intentional Riding & Progression
 15:04 Racing, Identity & Injuries
 18:09 From Sport Marketing to Counselling
 22:04 Why “Mind With Matter” Matters
 27:13 Acceptance vs Toxic Positivity
 31:45 Nervous System Regulation Explained
 36:02 Reset Rituals & Breathwork
 41:28 Awareness, Self Talk & Reflection
 47:10 Performance Anxiety & Flow State
 54:33 Decision Making on the Trail
 59:26 Fear, Intuition & Smart Progression
 01:07:04 Identity Beyond Performance
 01:14:42 Building Healthy Community
 01:22:03 Concussion Recovery & REWIRE Framework
 01:32:16 Acceptance, Healing & Recovery
 01:38:04 Mental Health vs Mental Performance
 01:42:21 Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

In this episode of the Mind Mountain Podcast, Jake sits down with John Casson. Director of Education at the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association (PMBIA), to explore how a more human-centered approach to coaching helps riders build confidence and keep progressing. John shares how he got into mountain biking in the late 1980s, reflects on how the sport has changed—especially access, cost, and youth programs like NICA—and explains how his background in snowboard instruction and high-performance coach development shaped his approach to teaching. They discuss why frameworks and principles matter more than rigid “one right way” tutorials, the difference between information and implementation, decision-making in high-consequence terrain through smart progression and terrain choice, and why deliberate practice and the “explore” phase are often overlooked. John also outlines his PMBIA role overseeing curriculum development and instructor-trainer training.

You can check out the PMBIA on their website here, or follow them on Instagram here.



00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:09 John’s MTB Origin Story
03:59 How MTB Culture Evolved
06:45 From Snowboarding to Coaching
08:41 Joining PMBIA and Education Role
10:52 Why PMBIA Framework Clicks
15:42 Human Centered Coaching Defined
16:26 YouTube vs Real Implementation
21:04 Static Tips vs Dynamic Riding
24:43 Short Courses vs Long Term Growth
32:11 Coaching Under Pressure Setup
32:55 Racing Risk Reality
33:34 Progression to Big Features
35:34 Personalized Rider Timelines
36:41 Why Sending It Fails
38:43 Leap of Faith Mindset
40:03 Previewing Goal Features
43:35 Fear Versus Readiness
45:38 Growth Without Going Bigger
48:56 Learning Joy Beyond Riding
54:30 Learning Styles Myth
57:31 Explore Phase Matters
01:01:42 Think Less Ride Better
01:03:17 PMBAA Future Direction
01:06:16 Final Wrap Up

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

In this episode, I sit down with Rich McLennan, one of the leaders behind the SportSense remote coaching app and host of the SportSense Podcast.

We dive into the mental side of mountain biking - using cues, commitment, rhythm, and internalized feeling to perform in high-stakes gravity sports. Rich shares stories from a ski trip in Japan and reflects on lessons from his decade on Canada’s speed skating national team.

We talk about how adult riders can progress safely through small, calculated increments, measure themselves against their own goals rather than others, and use failure as information and learning. 

Rich also explains how coaching tips can transform familiar trails, why balance and outside interests boost performance, and how community shapes what feels possible. Plus, we explore how video feedback and remote coaching tools like SportSense make coaching and connection more accessible.

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Lowell - mountain bike operations specialist, global guide with H+I Adventures, and a longtime friend from our days coaching together on Vancouver’s North Shore  

Since leaving BC and intentionally “moving to” (not back to) Scotland, Matt has stepped into a new chapter - helping shape world-class mountain bike experiences across the globe while building a life in the Scottish Highlands.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• The power of intentional language - and how it shapes your experience on and off the bike
• Moving countries, starting fresh, and embracing a new chapter
• The shift from skills-focused coaching to full-spectrum adventure guiding
• How to adapt when the plan changes mid-ride
• The mindset required for big mountain, all-day riding
• Why foundational skills matter more than flashy techniques
• What makes riding in Scotland unique (and humbling)
• Wildlife, culture, local food - and why adventure is bigger than just trails

We also give you a behind-the-scenes look at our upcoming Scottish MTB Expedition - why we chose September, how we designed the itinerary, and what skills riders will need to thrive on natural, rugged Highland terrain.

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding wild landscapes, refining your skills in big mountain environments, and experiencing mountain biking as a true adventure, this episode will be right up your alley.

Learn more about H+I Adventures and the Scottish MTB Expedition via these links.

Until next time - happy trails. - Jake

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

On today’s episode of podcast, I sit down with Joaquin Madrid - operations manager and lead guide at RideHub in Squamish, BC.

Originally from Santiago, Chile, Joaquin’s journey into mountain biking started at 16 with sketchy city trails, downhill racing, and plenty of crashes. After stepping away from the sport, diving deep into rock climbing, and eventually rediscovering bikes through guiding and freeriding, Joaquin built a new relationship with riding - one rooted in skill development, self-trust, and community.

Now based in Squamish, Joaquin brings over a decade of outdoor industry experience and a calm, supportive coaching style that helps riders build confidence, manage fear, and truly enjoy the process of progression.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why racing wasn’t the right path for him and what riding for fun gave him instead
• The mental crossover between rock climbing and mountain biking
• How to rebuild confidence after serious crashes
• The “full circle” approach to riding: skills, fitness, mindset, and bike setup
• Why community is an underrated performance enhancer
• The biggest mistakes riders make when they first come to BC
• How to approach steep granite slabs with control and confidence
• What a “perfect ride” really looks like through Joaquin's eyes

We also dive into what makes Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton such a special riding corridor - and why a guided experience can accelerate your progression while keeping you safe and confident on world-class terrain.

This conversation is packed with honest reflections, practical insight, and a powerful reminder that mountain biking isn’t about proving something, it’s about the progression, the passion, and the people you share it with.

You can learn more about Joaquin and RideHub here: https://ridehub.ca/meet-the-team/ 

And if riding BC has ever been on your bucket list, this episode might just be the push you need to make it happen - Check out the BC MTB Expedition

Until next time, happy trails - Jake

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

In this episode, I sit down with Ross Dunlop, a Scottish-born mountain bike and snowboard coach who’s spent the last 20 years in Whistler and co-founded the SportsSense app.

We dive into the mental side of riding - hesitation, commitment, reading terrain, and staying strong when things get tough. Ross shares his journey from Scotland to Canada, from snowboarding instruction to year-round coaching, and how his thinking around progression has evolved.

We talk about using frustration as a positive sign of growth, breaking down skills like manuals, managing confidence and risk, and how a coach’s energy shapes rider belief. We also explore how technology can support in-person coaching, and why small, consistent gains matter most in the long run.

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

I switched seats recently and was interviewed by Rich from the Sportsense podcast. Enjoy! 

------

Jake Johnstone is the founder of The Mind Mountain and a premier MTB coach based in Squamish, BC. 

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.

Check out the Sportsense Coaching App here.

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...

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.

You’ll also hear from a few of our amazing expedition guests who share their favourite trails, key takeaways, and standout moments from the expedition. 

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. 

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.

___________________________

FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

___________________________

THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @the_mind_mountian



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. ...