What does it really mean to accomplish something and why doesn’t it always feel the way we think it should?

This week, I’m joined by my good friend, longtime pro mountain biker, and mindset coach Sonya Looney for a deep and honest conversation about something a lot of us wrestle with, perfectionism.

Sonya and I dive into what it means to strive with purpose, how to redefine accomplishment through contribution instead of comparison, and why feeling like we matter isn’t always about metrics. We also talk about big transitions, like Sonya’s move from full-time bike racing to trail running and mental performance coaching—and the freedom (and fear) that comes with letting go of old identities.

If you’ve ever been stuck chasing numbers, doubting your worth, or wondering if it’s okay to want something new, I think you’ll find a lot to chew on here. Sonya brings her usual clarity, research-backed wisdom, and vulnerability to the table and I’m always grateful to learn from her!

Sonya Looney Website | Podcast | Instagram | LinkedIn 

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
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The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

I’m stoked to introduce you to three incredible athletes and good friends from the Colorado endurance scene: Josiah Middaugh, and his sons, Porter and Sullivan. You’ve probably heard Josiah on the show before — he’s an XTERRA World Champion and one of the most respected voices in endurance sports. Now, his sons are stepping up and following in his footsteps, and it’s pretty inspiring to see.

We dive into what it means to fuel like a pro — both in racing and in everyday life. From training in the snow-packed streets of Colorado to chasing PRs in hot Arizona marathons, these guys are doing the work and bringing a ton of wisdom to the table. We cover:

• Why ultra-low-carb diets might work for Arctic expeditions (but not your next triathlon)
• The importance of keeping your fueling simple, consistent, and dialed
• How elite athletes balance performance with real life: work, parenting, and yes — mac & cheese leftovers
• Tips for training your gut, staying flexible on race day, and using fueling as a performance enhancer, not an afterthought

Whether you're chasing a podium or just trying to make your long runs suck a little less, there's a lot here for you. Let's go!

This episode is a special one. I’m joined by my friend Nickademus de la Rosa—ultra runner, coach, and mental performance consultant—for a powerful, real, and deeply personal conversation. Nick takes us through his journey from being an ego-driven, results-focused athlete to someone who’s learned, through some incredibly hard life experiences, how to lead with compassion, for himself and for others.

We talk openly about the tough stuff: performance pressure, mental health struggles, identity, and healing. Nick shares his story of how navigating a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and undergoing open-heart surgery reshaped his approach to life, coaching, and endurance sports. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a perfectionist loop, battled internal critics, or wondered how to truly support the people you care about, this episode is for you. Nick’s insights on unconditional love, emotional resilience, and the power of being your full, authentic self are something I’ll carry with me—and I think you will, too.

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

Do you know your cognitive profile? Amber Hanna, a cognitive design consultant who’s helped me personally in ways I’m really grateful for. Amber specializes in using neuro regulation techniques—like meditation, exercise, and creating personalized environments—to help people manage ADHD, high sensitivity, and other neurodivergent conditions. In this episode, we talk about the importance of creating a supportive environment tailored to your needs, the significance of setting boundaries, and how to use sensory cues to minimize stress and maximize comfort.

Amber also dives into the value of understanding neurodiversity, and we discuss how these techniques help people find better mental well-being, productivity, and balance. I share a few takeaways from my work with Amber—like reframing periods of boredom, diving into those “boring” tasks with a new perspective, and going all-in on recovery strategies. If you’re looking for ways to improve your self-care, create a more mindful environment, or manage your mental well-being, this episode is full of great insights.

Enjoy the conversation, and check out Amber’s website, cocoonedliving.com, for more resources and consultative services!

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

Welcome to the premiere episode of SKIMO Gold! I'm kicking off a brand new podcast and I want to invite you to check it out! Read more below.

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Hosts Travis Macy and Cam Smith kick things off with a deep dive into Cam’s 2025 season—one packed with high-altitude racing, Olympic aspirations, and, yes, a meticulous croissant tally (52 and counting).

Fresh off a standout performance at the World Cup in Andorra, Cam breaks down Team USA’s strategy in the mixed relay event, a crucial step in securing a quota spot for the 2026 Olympics. He shares insights into relay dynamics, the mental and physical demands of skimo racing, and how he balances elite-level training with his work at the Adaptive Sports Center.

Beyond the lung-burning ascents and lightning-fast transitions, Cam opens up about the mental side of competition, the role of a sports psychologist in his journey, and how he stays motivated through setbacks and injuries. Plus, hear about his plans for the World Cup relays and his big goal: the Mountain Trail World Championships in September.

Join us for this exciting first episode—Cam will be co-hosting SKIMO Gold regularly, bringing you insider knowledge, athlete stories, and plenty of stoke for the sport. Let’s go!

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

How do you navigate the space between ambition and contentment? In this episode, I sit down with author Steve Magness to unpack the psychological forces that shape our beliefs and behaviors - and more importantly, how we can take back control.

Steve's new book 'Win the Inside Game' covers the latest research on identity, belonging, and the pursuit of success. But as a former elite runner and coach, he's also got powerful personal stories to share about the pitfalls of hyper-focus and the importance of maintaining joy in your passions. 

Whether you're a parent navigating the challenges of raising kids today, an athlete striving for peak performance, or simply someone trying to stay true to yourself in a divided world - this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Steve Magness Website | Podcast | Instagram
Check out Steve's new book Win the Inside Game

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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

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Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

Getting and staying motivated can be tough—especially as we age. That’s why I was stoked to talk to Kush Khandelwal, host of the Ageless Athlete podcast. From discovering his passion for salsa dancing in San Francisco to embarking on a year-long climbing sabbatical around the world, we discuss how trying new things fosters flow and personal growth. We also talk about the challenges of aging in sports, including the importance of adapting and advocating for yourself.

Kush reflects on his sabbatical, the camaraderie he found among climbers, and how immigration has shaped his journey. We touch on themes of community, environmental awareness, and the joy of engaging in activities that create connection and fulfillment.

Learn more about Kush: Instagram | Website
Listen to the Ageless Athlete podcast YouTube | Apple
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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

- - - - - - - - - - -
Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

What makes Aaron Saft different? It’s all about putting the person before the athlete. I sat down with Aaron, a seasoned endurance athlete and coach, to talk about his philosophy, and the real nuances of coaching, especially when it comes to personalized training and building strong, genuine connections with athletes. Aaron shares his approach to fueling in ultra-endurance sports and how mental preparation plays a huge role in success. We also hear some great stories, including his family’s adventure at the High Lonesome 100-mile race.

At the end of the episode, I’ve got a special segment with Steve and Brian, who talk about their involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Ride to End Alzheimer’s. The 2025 event is coming up on June 8 in Fort Collins, and they share details about the event, which offers routes for all skill levels and resources for those affected by the disease

Learn more about Aaron: Instagram Website
Listen to the Running is Life Podcast
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A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

- - - - - - - - - - -
Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

Join us on The Travis Macy Show as we kick off a special holiday treat: the audiobook novella The Runner, shared in serial form over eight episodes from December 25 to January 2. Each episode is paired with a stunning AI-generated image, designed to bring the chapters to life visually—don't forget to check out the thumbnails!

This project is my gift to you, and I'm grateful for your support and for being part of this community. Begin the journey with Chapter 1 today and immerse yourself in this unique piece of fiction.

If you enjoy The Runner or have questions, I’d love to hear from you via the contact form at travismacy.com. While you're there, consider exploring my nonfiction books, The Ultra Mindset and A Mile at a Time. And as always, sharing this episode with your friends means the world to me.

Happy listening and happy holidays!

- - - - - - - - - - -
A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

- - - - - - - - - - -
Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co

Join us on The Travis Macy Show as we kick off a special holiday treat: the audiobook novella The Runner, shared in serial form over eight episodes from December 25 to January 2. Each episode is paired with a stunning AI-generated image, designed to bring the chapters to life visually—don't forget to check out the thumbnails!

This project is my gift to you, and I'm grateful for your support and for being part of this community. Begin the journey with Chapter 1 today and immerse yourself in this unique piece of fiction.

If you enjoy The Runner or have questions, I’d love to hear from you via the contact form at travismacy.com. While you're there, consider exploring my nonfiction books, The Ultra Mindset and A Mile at a Time. And as always, sharing this episode with your friends means the world to me.

Happy listening and happy holidays!

- - - - - - - - - - -
A big thanks to our sponsors:

RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain Health

Hagan Ski Mountaineering

- - - - - - - - - - -
Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son’s Inspiring Alzheimer’s Journey of Love, Adventure, and Hope

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co