Podcast: Facing Fear with Michael Sousa: Flips, Flow, and Mental Fortitude

In this episode of the Mind Mountain Podcast, I sit down once again with my good friend Michael Sousa - a seasoned coach, guide, and freeride mentor from Whistler, BC. With nearly two decades of experience on the steeps and jumps of the Sea to Sky, Mike shares what it’s like coaching everything from first-time riders to up-and-coming mtb professionals.

We dive deep into the psychology of progression, fear management, and how to truly build lasting confidence on the bike. We also reveal a new project - a mini-series documenting the journey of facing my fears and learning to backflip, from zero experience to upside-down airtime. Mike breaks down the safe and structured way to take on big goals, and we unpack the difference between surface-level skill hacks and deep, sustainable growth as riders.

This one is full of real talk, laughs, coaching gold, and a whole lot of passion for helping riders unlock their potential.

You can follow Michael on Instagram @whistler_mtb_sensei and check out his website michaelsousa.online

Listen here or by searching for ‘The Mind Mountain’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, or over on my website.

Happy trails - Jake