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, ryan@healthtechconnects.com. Check out the technology and follow along @neurocatch

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @Jake Johnstone



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. The content is intended solely for entertainment purposes only. THE MIND MOUNTAIN, THE GRIT WITH WISDOM PODCAST, AND ITS AUTHORS ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PODCAST, ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LISTENERS OF THE PODCAST, AND READERS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, BLOG POSTS, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING WHEN ENGAGING IN ANY ACTIVITY RELATED TO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY MENTIONED.

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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.

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @Jake Johnstone



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. The content is intended solely for entertainment purposes only. THE MIND MOUNTAIN, THE GRIT WITH WISDOM PODCAST, AND ITS AUTHORS ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PODCAST, ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LISTENERS OF THE PODCAST, AND READERS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, BLOG POSTS, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING WHEN ENGAGING IN ANY ACTIVITY RELATED TO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY MENTIONED.

...

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

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @Jake Johnstone



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. The content is intended solely for entertainment purposes only. THE MIND MOUNTAIN, THE GRIT WITH WISDOM PODCAST, AND ITS AUTHORS ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PODCAST, ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LISTENERS OF THE PODCAST, AND READERS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, BLOG POSTS, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING WHEN ENGAGING IN ANY ACTIVITY RELATED TO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY MENTIONED.

...

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!

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @Jake Johnstone



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. The content is intended solely for entertainment purposes only. THE MIND MOUNTAIN, THE GRIT WITH WISDOM PODCAST, AND ITS AUTHORS ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PODCAST, ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LISTENERS OF THE PODCAST, AND READERS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, BLOG POSTS, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING WHEN ENGAGING IN ANY ACTIVITY RELATED TO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY MENTIONED.

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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

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @Jake Johnstone



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. The content is intended solely for entertainment purposes only. THE MIND MOUNTAIN, THE GRIT WITH WISDOM PODCAST, AND ITS AUTHORS ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PODCAST, ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LISTENERS OF THE PODCAST, AND READERS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, BLOG POSTS, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING WHEN ENGAGING IN ANY ACTIVITY RELATED TO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY MENTIONED.

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We're back for a brand new season of the podcast, and to celebrate our 3rd year, we have an extra special guest. Today, I sit down with Squamish local legend, Greg Day.

Greg has a rich history in mountain biking, starting with racing XC and going on to compete in hundreds of races, becoming the Overall Champion of the BC Bike Race three times.

As a former school teacher and competitive skier, Greg has a diverse perspective across education and competition. These days, he runs Daytime Cycling, offering unique spin classes, full-service bike maintenance, and a retail shop.

Known locally for his inspiring race-day stories and his ability to bring out the best in people, Greg has launched a new Marathon XC Mountain Bike race in Squamish called the Haulback. At ~ 34 km and ~ 1,269 m, with a mix of classic trails and a few hidden gems it's sure to be a brilliant test of determination and skill. The race is happening on June 22nd and rumour has it, there are a couple of spots left!

The Sports Psychology For Cyclists book by Peg Hill that Greg references can be found here. And you can check out @thehaulback and @day.time.cycling on Instagram via these links.

Photo Credit: Andrew Hughes

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @Jake Johnstone



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. The content is intended solely for entertainment purposes only. THE MIND MOUNTAIN, THE GRIT WITH WISDOM PODCAST, AND ITS AUTHORS ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PODCAST, ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LISTENERS OF THE PODCAST, AND READERS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, BLOG POSTS, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING WHEN ENGAGING IN ANY ACTIVITY RELATED TO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY MENTIONED.

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On today's episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ciaran King, an elite Downhill Mountain Biker turned Certified High-Performance coach.

Ciaran's journey has been marked by challenges, including significant injuries and confidence battles. Yet, he's transformed these obstacles into sources of motivation.

Now, he's committed to passing on his hard-earned insights to the next generation of riders. With a keen focus on promoting positive mental health and performance in mountain biking, Ciaran not only shares his experiences but also offers actionable tools and guidance to help you reach your peak performance.

During the conversation, we touch on:

• How to get clear and intentional with your riding
• How to set and keep track of goals
• Managing focus and strategies for re-focusing
• Building self-belief and confidence
• Strategies for mental performance on race day

Join us as we delve into Ciaran's inspiring story and learn practical strategies we can all adopt to enhance our mindset for riding.


You can follow along with Ciaran's racing journey @ciaranking12 on Instagram, and check out his coaching @peakin_high_performance.

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @Jake Johnstone



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. The content is intended solely for entertainment purposes only. THE MIND MOUNTAIN, THE GRIT WITH WISDOM PODCAST, AND ITS AUTHORS ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PODCAST, ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LISTENERS OF THE PODCAST, AND READERS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, BLOG POSTS, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING WHEN ENGAGING IN ANY ACTIVITY RELATED TO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY MENTIONED.

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In this episode, I catch up with Louise-Anna Ferguson, better known as Lou,

Originally from Fort William, Scotland, Lou now calls Queenstown, New Zealand, her home, where she's immersed in the thriving mountain biking scene.

Lou's approach to the sport is all about letting her riding skills do the talking. Her passion for uplifting everyone in the community shines through, whether she's leading Women's progression camps or participating in freeride events.

Fresh from her debut season on the global racing circuit, which included stops at the DH World Cup, Crankworx, and the Red Bull Formation, Lou joins me for a chat about her journey thus far.

We cover a range of topics including:

• The challenges of competing at the World Cup level
• Managing race day nerves and fear
• What you can and can't control in racing
• The importance of being honest yet kind to yourself.
• The Art of Track Walks and Visualization

So tune in as we explore the world of professional mountain biking through Lou's eyes, and discover the insights she's gained along the way.

You can follow along with Lou's journey on Instagram @loufergmtb and follow her new team @intensefactoryracing.

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
themindmountain.com
Instagram @the_mind_mountain
Facebook @themindmountain
YouTube @Jake Johnstone



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. The content is intended solely for entertainment purposes only. THE MIND MOUNTAIN, THE GRIT WITH WISDOM PODCAST, AND ITS AUTHORS ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PODCAST, ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR ON OUR WEBSITE. THE LISTENERS OF THE PODCAST, AND READERS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, BLOG POSTS, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING WHEN ENGAGING IN ANY ACTIVITY RELATED TO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY MENTIONED.

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