Grit With Wisdom Jake Johnstone

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 ridingHow to set and keep track of goalsManaging focus and strategies for re-focusingBuilding self-belief and confidenceStrategies for mental performance on race dayJoin 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 racingThe 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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In this episode, we caught up with Natasha Bradley, an English rider making waves in Queenstown, New Zealand. 

Natasha is a standout multidisciplinary rider known for her infectious enthusiasm and versatility across BMX, Enduro, Freeride, and DH racing.

A true force to be reckoned with, she secured the 'true blue' award at the Dark Horse Women’s freeride event last year, and more recently won the annual McGazza Fest crainless race - as well as putting on an impressive show at the Dream Line freeride jam.

In this episode, we delve into:
Harnessing nervous energy for peak performance.Natasha's distinct mental approach across various riding disciplines.Coping techniques for those inevitable off-feeling days.Valuable insights from running her coaching business in the UK at just 22 years old.The power of visualization in her riding progression.Strategies for keeping the joy alive and focusing on your strengths.Tune in for a conversation packed with wisdom, shared experiences, and the lively spirit that Natasha brings to the mountain biking community.

You can find Natasha on Instagram @natasha_bradleyy.
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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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This episode of the podcast brings you an engaging conversation with my friend and fellow coach, Piyush Chavan. 

Hailing from India, Piyush started his mountain biking journey as part of a tight-knit group of riders. After cutting his teeth in downhill races in Nepal, he found inspiration to embrace a biking lifestyle in New Zealand, drawn by the allure of the mountain playground that is Queenstown. 

During the conversation, we touch on:
Managing emotions like fear and angerRebuilding confidence post-crashBody Dynamics & Building Muscle MemoryThe connection between off-bike mindfulness practice and building composure on the bike.Managing attention and focusListen in to discover Piyush's fascinating journey, from studying tourism business management to establishing his coaching business in Queenstown in 2021, serving hundreds of clients. Beyond being a weapon on the bike, Piyush shares his profound insights gained from off-bike pursuits like meditation retreats, yoga, and mindfulness practices, which he seamlessly integrates into his riding and coaching.


You can follow Piyush and Treadmark on Instagram @treadmarknz and check out their website here: https://www.treadmark.co.nz/

We rode the super fun trail, Squid Run at Skyline Bike Park before recording this chat and it was epic to see Piyush in action, composed and playful - I highly recommend watching that video over on my YouTube channel @jakejohnstone.
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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 this episode, I sit down with Steve Vanderhoek. Steve is a North Shore-born and bread mountain biker, trailbuilder and a professional firefighter/paramedic.
He is known for building and riding some of the most precise, exposed, and high-consequence lines in the area, and along with his long-time partner Kelsey Toevs, makes some of the most creative and jaw-dropping mtb films around. (Hear from Kelsey in the previous episode). 


After recovering from a year-long string of injuries that occurred while riding his own North Shore feature, the pair went on the win the 2023 Crankworx Dirt Diaries filmmaking contest in which Steve returned and rode the safe death-defying line.

During this wide ranging conversation we chat about:
His background and influences in the early North Shore Freeride scene.His 2022 'into the gnar' injury and the lead up to that.The journey of recovery and what he has learned.Managing concussion and life stressors.How to re-build skills ands confidence post injury.How he know's when to send it.And much, much more!


You can follow along for the ride with Steve @svanderhoek on Instagram, and @stevevanderhoek1304 on YouTube.

All images were taken and supplied by Kelsey Toevs.
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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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Today on the podcast I got to chat with Kelsey Toevs. Kelsey is a professional filmmaker and photographer based out of North Vancouver. 

Growing up in Lynn Valley, Kelsey has been combining her passion for Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, and filmmaking since a young age. 
When she met her longtime partner in crime, local free-rider Steve Vanderhoek, they combined forces and set out to help each other push their creative boundaries in the Mountain Biking scene. 
With an impressive portfolio of work too large to list here, Kelsey has gone from filming Steve's stunts purely for fun, to working with Red Bull and Anthill Films - two of the biggest producers in the industry.

On top of this, her film ‘Ready or Not’ which features none other than Steve, Wade Simmons, and Brett Tippie won the 2023 Crankworx Dirt Diaries competition and inspired many with its creative storyline, humor, and jaw-dropping slow-motion sends.

Durning the conversation we touch on:
What it is like to watch her husband risk everything from behind the lens.How she comes up with creative concepts for films.Her own journey on the bike.How following her passion has led to some epic career opportunities.And how riding without expectations or ego allows her to have more fun!
You can check out Kelsey's amazing photography work on her website, kelseytoevs.com and follow her adventures on Instagram @toevs and YouTube @ktoevs

A lot of her filmmaking projects featuring Steve Vanderhoek are posted on his YouTube channel, including the Dirt Diaries Ready or Not film - you can watch that here @stevevanderhoek1304


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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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