Grow the Good

What does it really mean to live a rich life? Today’s guest, Dr. Shige Oishi, challenges what we usually think of happiness and meaning by introducing us to the concept of a "psychologically rich life."

A psychologically rich life is about collecting diverse and transformative experiences that shift our perspectives and expand our minds, rather than just chasing positive feelings or a singular sense of purpose. Social psyc...

Today, I’m taking you along a trail ride, not just through the physical landscapes but through the terrain of our minds. It’s about confronting and managing the self-criticism that often accompanies our high expectations, especially when we push towards big goals in high-performance settings.

In this episode, I’ll share how I transform self-criticism into a tool for growth and resilience. Whether you’re riding a bike, runn...

Can you chase high performance and well-being without burning out? In this special crossover episode of Grow the Good, I'm resharing a super relevant conversation with Dr. Jon Beale and Nick Holton from the FlourishFM podcast.

On the other side of the mic, I open up about my journey as a world champion athlete, speaker, and coach, and how this pursuit of meaningful accomplishment has led me to reimagine success. We ge...

Are your “exercise rules” helping or hindering your joy, vitality, and overall well-being? I’m your host Sonya Looney, and in this transformative episode of Grow the Good, I sat down with renowned movement experts Katy Bowman and Diana Hill to challenge traditional fitness narratives. Together, we explore how rigid identities around exercise can limit our potential and discuss practical strategies for creating a more flexible, joyf...

Lately, I've been grappling with motivation—questioning what to share, how to show up authentically, and the pressure to always be productive. Let's dive into the emotional and physical toll of constantly hurrying, the societal glorification of busyness, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect our well-being.

Together, we'll reflect on:

• Recognizing the signs and sensations of rushing
• Understanding the co...

Ever wonder why feeling valued and significant at work (and in life!) matters so much? This week, I'm thrilled to welcome researcher, author, and purposeful leadership expert Zach Mercurio to Grow the Good. Zach dives deep into the critical concept of mattering—the foundational human need to feel significant, seen, and valued by others.

Drawing from his latest book, The Power of Mattering, Zach shares compelling insights on why...

We all crave connection—but in the busy shuffle of adult life, it’s easy to lose touch with the very relationships that keep us grounded. In this solo episode of Grow the Good, I’m diving into the topic of friendship and why it’s essential—not just for happiness, but for our health and longevity.

I explore why making new friends gets harder after 30, the different types of friendships we need, and the surprising power of spontaneity...

How do you truly unlock your potential—not just in sport, but in life?

In this episode of Grow the Good, I’m joined by Pete Kadushin, performance psychologist, educator, and Manager of Learning and Development for the Chicago Blackhawks. Pete brings over 15 years of experience working with elite performers in professional sports, collegiate athletics, and the military.

We talk about why building a mindful relationship with your body ...

Today's episode features an episode of the Meaningful Work Matters podcast hosted by Andrew Soren. 

Beyond Perfect Performance: Lessons from Sonya Looney

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew Soren explores the intricate relationship between perfectionism and meaningful work with Sonya Looney, a unique voice at the intersection of elite performance and well-being. As a World Champion mountain biker with two dec...

Have you ever found yourself overcome by emotions—whether excitement at a race start, stress at work, or overwhelm from everyday life? In this Mindfulness in Action session, I explore practical strategies to regulate your emotions, inspired by Ethan Kross’s insightful new book, Shift. I'll share powerful tools, including mindfulness techniques focused on sound, cognitive strategies, and personal examples from my life as an ath...

What does it mean to truly find meaning at work? This week, I'm thrilled to chat with my friends and positive psychology experts, Tamara Myles and Wes Adams. Their new book, Meaningful Work, offers powerful insights and practical strategies on how we can transform our careers and workplaces using their three-part framework: Community, Contribution, and Challenge.

In this conversation, we dive into how solo entrepreneurs, leader...

How do you respond to rejection, uncertainty, or feeling like an outsider? Today's guest, Capella Fahoome, filmmaker and organizational development expert, believes these moments are opportunities for incredible growth. Capella shares her inspiring journey from psychology to award-winning filmmaking, highlighting the essential role of relationships, vulnerability, and authenticity.

We discuss her insights on leadership, the tra...

What does it really take to thrive in today’s world? Dive into this compelling conversation with Steve Magness, renowned performance coach and author of 'Win the Inside Game.' In this episode of Grow the Good, Steve and I unpack the essentials of maintaining a balanced identity amidst life’s challenges. We delve into his innovative framework for success—focusing on clarity, support, and belonging—and explore how these ele...

In this reflective moving meditation, I am taking us on a trail ride through the serene greenery post a heavy snowfall, sharing her personal journey towards finding contentment amidst life’s relentless pace. I'm going to talk about the subtle distinction between rumination and reflection, emphasizing the value of embracing the present moment without the pressure of perfection. Let's practice some real strategies for ident...

We've all been there - stuck in a thought loop about an experience, interaction, or feeling. But how do we break the cycle? Today, I'll explore the six common triggers of rumination, from social interactions to deep-seated resentments, and learn how to differentiate between harmful rumination and productive reflection. I'll guide you through effective mindfulness and cognitive techniques designed to break this cycle,...

Mindfulness expert George Mumford has traversed a remarkable path from injured athlete to mind-body guru and has inspired countless individuals, from NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to corporate leaders and Olympic athletes. In this episode, George shares invaluable insights on achieving peak mental states through “no mind,” embracing life’s challenges, and cultivating deep connections.

You’ll learn George’s phi...

Join me, Sonya Looney, in our first moving meditation of 2025. Today's journey is about harnessing patience and acceptance amidst life's unavoidable interruptions. I'm back on the bike after my longest training break, so it feels more relevant than ever to highlight the importance of emotional regulation, the power of naming our emotions, and the crucial role of acceptance in building resilience.

As we ride together, ...

Are you ready to transform the way you think about success and happiness? This isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about creating a life filled with purpose, vitality, and meaningful connections. Welcome to 'Grow the Good,' where we explore not just surviving, but truly thriving in every area of life.

Formerly the Sonya Looney Show, this podcast is all about leveraging the principles of positive psycholog...

How do your achievements shape your sense of self? In this episode of Grow the Good, I sit down with Ben Walker, an expert in organizational behavior from Victoria University of Wellington, to explore the intricate world of performance-based identities. We discuss how the labels we attach to ourselves shape our sense of self and influence our deeper motivations. Ben offers enlightening perspectives on the risks associated with tyin...