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In this episode of The Mind Mountain Podcast, I sit down with Alex Ackerley, a passionate mountain biker and owner of Mountain Bike Strength Coach. Alex holds a degree in sports science and has a background in high-performance rugby and personal training. Today he specializes in mountain bike performance, injury reduction, and longevity in the sport.
Together, we explore what it means to train in a way that adds to your riding rather than competing with it. We dig into how physical strength supports technical skill and mental clarity, how to build a routine you'll actually stick with, and why full-range strength work can do more for mobility than stretching alone.
Whether you're a mountain biker who wants to ride harder or someone who wants to keep riding into your 70s, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can take straight into your next session.
You can learn more about Alex and his work at: mtbstrengthcoach.ca
Watch our Mobility Follow Along Video here.
Timestamps
00:00 Introย
01:33 How Alex got into mountain biking
04:30 From rugby and personal training to MTB strength coaching
05:54 Why mountain bikers might skip the gym
10:26 Strength and MTB performance
16:36 Staying consistent with a strength routine
22:30 Building explosive fitness for aggressive riding
27:15 Staying mobile and managing knee pain
33:10 Injury prevention and riding into your 70s
41:55 Lifting and riding on the same day
43:54 Training before a race and muscle potentiation
47:44 Biggest strength training misconceptions
51:33 Alex's biggest mental shifts on the bike
56:35 How technology and AI are opening up coaching
59:38 Wrap up and where to find Alex
___________________________
FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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 with Dr. Kath Bicknell, a cognitive researcher, mountain biker, and founder of Intelligent Action. Kath completed a PhD investigating the lived experience of mountain biking, combining academic research with decades of riding, racing, coaching, and working alongside world-class researchers and riders.ย
Together, we explore how our brains process information on the trail, what really happens when we enter a flow state, and why adaptability, not perfection, is one of the most important skills we can develop as riders. We also dive into the power of cues, trail scanning, visualization, body awareness, and the subtle mental strategies that help us ride with greater confidence, composure, and control.
Kath also shares her personal journey of racing with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, how it forced her to rethink traditional approaches to performance, and why looking beyond fitness ultimately led her to uncover entirely new ways to improve on the bike.
Whether you're a mountain biker looking to overcome fear, a coach wanting to better understand the mental side of skill development, or simply fascinated by how the brain learns and performs under pressure, this episode is packed with practical insights that you can take straight to your next ride.
You can learn more about Kath and her work at: Intelligent Action
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome And Guest Intro
01:45 How Cath Found MTB
03:40 Community And Role Models
08:02 Disability And Performance Quest
15:45 Vision And Depth Perception
19:56 Fear Versus Progression
25:47 PhD Origin Story
29:42 Research Methods And Insights
33:14 Flow And Rethinking Thinking
37:15 Mesh Theory And Skill Change
40:28 Tech Shifts And Relearning
42:51 Beyond Fear Mental Skills
43:34 Adaptability In Action
45:19 Trail Scanning Breakthrough
47:34 Cues Eyes Up Effects
52:21 Sticker Ride Method
57:06 Personal Meaningful Cues
58:34 Elephant Cue And Humor
01:04:10 Language Shapes Technique
01:07:42 Root Causes And Adaptation
01:10:02 Failing Safely On Trails
01:16:29 Mission Reflection And Wrap
___________________________
FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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 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 ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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, 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 โmind over matterโ mentality versus a more integrated โmind with matterโ 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
ย 02:02 Kateโs MTB Origin Story
ย 05:14 Finding the Right Bike & Community
ย 07:45 Defining High Performance
ย 11:28 Intentional Riding & Progression
ย 15:04 Racing, Identity & Injuries
ย 18:09 From Sport Marketing to Counselling
ย 22:04 Why โMind With Matterโ Matters
ย 27:13 Acceptance vs Toxic Positivity
ย 31:45 Nervous System Regulation Explained
ย 36:02 Reset Rituals & Breathwork
ย 41:28 Awareness, Self Talk & Reflection
ย 47:10 Performance Anxiety & Flow State
ย 54:33 Decision Making on the Trail
ย 59:26 Fear, Intuition & Smart Progression
ย 01:07:04 Identity Beyond Performance
ย 01:14:42 Building Healthy Community
ย 01:22:03 Concussion Recovery & REWIRE Framework
ย 01:32:16 Acceptance, Healing & Recovery
ย 01:38:04 Mental Health vs Mental Performance
ย 01:42:21 Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts
___________________________
FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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 changedโespecially access, cost, and youth programs like NICAโand 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 โone right wayโ 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 โexploreโ 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 Johnโs 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 ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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 Canadaโs 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.ย
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 ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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, Iโm joined by Matt Lowell - mountain bike operations specialist, global guide with H+I Adventures, and a longtime friend from our days coaching together on Vancouverโs North Shore ย
Since leaving BC and intentionally โmoving toโ (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:
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 youโve 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 ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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 todayโs episode of podcast, I sit down with Joaquin Madrid - operations manager and lead guide at RideHub in Squamish, BC.
Originally from Santiago, Chile, Joaquinโs 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:
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 isnโt about proving something, itโs 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/ย
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 ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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 whoโs 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 coachโs 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 ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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!ย
------
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.
Check out the Sportsense Coaching App here.
___________________________
FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me ๐
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application
Want to work with me?
Join us on a Global MTB Expedition๐
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ Full Circle MTB Mentorship ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ต๐
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. ...
From the publisher's feed
Jake Johnstone from The Mind Mountain delves deep into the inner psyche, tools, and tactics of Mountain Bikers from all walks of life to uncover what it takes to push personal boundaries in theโฆ