In this wrap-up episode, we celebrate the challenging and enlightening journey of the Facing Fear: Zero to Backflip project. 

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. 

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

___________________________

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, 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 Emmy’s 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

28:04 Pavlov's Positive Stimulus Response

28:41 Pre-Race Rituals and Anchors

29:25 The Power of Keywords

30:21 Maintaining Control and Confidence

33:14 Breathing Techniques for Racing

35:31 Handling Pressure and External Influences

40:37 Adapting to Unplanned Changes

42:18 Balancing School and Racing

48:39 Upcoming Races and Goals

53:22 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

___________________________

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, I sit down once again with my good friend Michael Sousa  - 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 it’s 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

___________________________

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, we sit down with Alex Cairns, a former Paralympian sit-skier who’s now carving his own path in adaptive mountain biking. From technical climbs to Squamish’s iconic slabs, Alex shares how his approach to sport is rooted in calculation and control rather than reckless abandon. We explore his journey from ski racing to MTB, the nuances of adaptive trail design, and how mindset plays a critical role in both performance and progression. This one’s packed with insight, grit, and a good dose of trail talk.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲
https://bit.ly/MAMTBchat 👇

𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 👇
https://www.themindmountain.com/podcast

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲?

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮👇
https://tally.so/r/wgZBMN

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗖𝗫𝟰 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
https://tally.so/r/mJV8G4

___________________________

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 Episode 48 of Grit with Wisdom, we’re diving headfirst into the mental and practical side of managing risk in mountain bike racing. Jake is joined by two special guests: Dylan Smith, organizer of the iconic Squamish Enduro, and Matthew Smith, a medical risk expert from Canadian Outdoor Medical Consulting.

We cover everything from choosing the right course for your skill level to situational awareness, the concept of 'risk creep,' and why blue flow trails see a surprising number of incidents on race day. Whether you’re preparing for the Squamish Enduro, tackling your first race, or just looking to ride smarter, this episode is packed with insights to help you ride sustainably and have fun for years to come.

Listen in for practical tools, industry insight, and a deep appreciation for the joys and challenges of mountain biking. You can follow @squamish_enduro and @canadianoutdoormed on Instagram for updates, check out the Squamish Enduro courses and sign up on their website.
 
Race Date: April 27, 2025. Registration Opens Feb 2, 9 am PST.

See you on the trails!

___________________________

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. ...

Today on the podcast, I got to hang out with Dr. Ryan Darcy to dive into the intersection where neuroscience meets mountain biking. Ryan’s a neuroscientist, president of NeuroCatch, and—like the rest of us—a stoked mountain biker.

We chatted about everything from the science behind flow states, personal anecdotes from Ryan's riding experiences, and actionable advice on concussion protocols and brain health. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pro rider, tune in to learn how to ride safer and sharper.

Ryan also breaks down how NeuroCatch's portable brain scanner is changing the game when it comes to tracking cognitive function and boosting performance for riders. They recently partnered with Crankworx to prioritize brain health in Mountain Biking, and have also been working with none other than 5-time Downhill World Cup champion Aaron Gwin.

You can check out Ryan's Ted Talk 'Unleashing Potential Brain Power' with Capt. Trevor Greene here and ask questions via his email, [email protected]. Check out the technology and follow along @neurocatch

___________________________

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 Grit With Wisdom, I sit down with Alex Chapellier, a mountain biker, mechanic, photographer, and videographer. Alex shares his journey from growing up in France, where he was captivated by any two wheels, to living his mountain biking dreams in British Columbia, Canada. He talks extensively about his passion for mountain biking, the importance of mental performance, and how he transitioned from behind the camera to being an influential rider in his own right.

Alex dives into the details of his early days of riding and racing, including how learning to ride on a basic bike helped him develop his skills. He also offers insights into his approach to taking risks, mental preparedness, and dealing with crashes. On top of that, Alex shares some intriguing stories about working alongside well-known riders like Remy Metailler and Yoann Barelli.

Listen in to hear Alex's advice on balancing passion with profession, setting realistic goals, and the importance of enjoying the ride. Whether you are a seasoned mountain biker or just starting out, Alex's journey is sure to inspire and motivate you.

You can follow along with Alex's journey and learn more via his Website, YouTube Channel, or Instagram.



This episode is proudly brought to you by our friends at Devinci Cycles and the Tasmanian MTB Expedition, which is happening in February 2025.

___________________________

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. ...

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 world’s 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.

A big shout out to @vinceh03_ and @grooverinvancouver for filming the action! 


Riders Featured: 

• Jayden Glentworth
• Amanda Timm
• Alex Cairns
• Aaron Gwin
• Emmy Lan
• Casey Brown
• Brett Tippie
• Jack Pelland
• Georgia Astle

___________________________

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. ...

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_ for filming the action! 

___________________________

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. ...

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.


Ian's book recommendation (which I now second), 21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act can be found via this link.

You can buy a SORCA Membership or support the trails via a donation at Sorca.ca

___________________________

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. ...