Useful Possibilities
Promoting quality content that cracks open the mind and sparks curiosity.
Standing Cyclist presents Useful Possibilities (UP), spotlighting extraordinary teachers and leaders, athletes and activists, researchers and writers, filmmakers and engineers, and their groundbreaking projects.
UP recognizes individuals and teams who raise awareness and drive innovation in areas such as health and wellness, environmental science, spirituality, personal growth, and human rights.
We celebrate those who promote unity, tolerance, respectful collaboration, mindful living, and the [responsible] use of technology, social media, and modern marketing tools.
Honoring people and content that inspire us to be the very best versions of ourselves.
Categories
- Adventure
- Adventure Travel
- Athletes
- Bikepacking
- Books
- Climate Change
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Contemplative
- Cycling
- Documentaries
- Environmentalism
- Exploration
- Healing Trauma
- Heroism
- Human Interest
- Inspiration
- Meditation
- Mental Toughness
- Mindfulness
- Motivation
- National Geographic
- Nutrition
- Ocean Adventure
- Pain Management
- Peacekeeping
- Personal Development
- Philanthropy
- Physical Training
- Podcasts
- Running
- Spirituality
- Wellness
Mission: Joy - The Dali Lama and Desmond Tutu Taking on a Tough World
Mission: Joy is a heartwarming documentary that brings together the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, two beloved spiritual leaders, to explore the essence of joy, resilience, gratitude, forgiveness, and connection. Inspired by their bestselling book, The Book of Joy, the film combines their profound wisdom and playful friendship with captivating visuals and inspiring global stories of finding happiness amidst adversity. Their intimate conversations and shared laughter make the film both enlightening and entertaining, offering a powerful reminder that joy is not just an emotion but a state of being that can be cultivated, even in life’s most challenging moments.
Gino Bartali: Legendary Athlete and Wartime Hero
Discover the inspiring story of Gino Bartali, one of cycling's greatest athletes and a courageous hero during World War II. Famous for winning the Giro d’Italia three times and the Tour de France twice, Bartali's legacy goes beyond his victories. During the war, he risked his life as a courier for the Italian resistance, smuggling forged documents in his bicycle to save Jews from Nazi persecution. His heroic acts and cycling achievements are beautifully detailed in the book Road to Valor by Aili and Andres McConnon and the documentary My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes. Bartali’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, humility, and the quiet courage of doing what’s right.
Michael Pollan May Change Your Mind
Discover the transformative power of psychedelics in Netflix's docuseries How to Change Your Mind, hosted by renowned author Michael Pollan. This visually stunning series explores the history, science, and potential healing benefits of substances like LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline. Each episode delves into their use in treating mental health issues such as PTSD and depression, blending compelling personal stories with cutting-edge research. With its focus on possibilities for healing and self-discovery, How to Change Your Mind is an enlightening exploration of the human mind and its untapped potential.
David Goggins: Honest, Hellbent and Hard
David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL, endurance athlete, and bestselling author known for his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. Born in Buffalo, New York, he transformed his life from battling poverty, abuse, and obesity to becoming one of the toughest individuals alive. Goggins has competed in over 60 ultra-marathons and triathlons, set a world record for pull-ups, and is renowned for his mental toughness and mantra, “Stay Hard.” His books, Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds and Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within, offer actionable insights on resilience and self-mastery. Goggins’ journey inspires millions to push beyond their limits and embrace discomfort for growth.
The Rich Roll Podcast: Truly Transformative Conversations
Discover the Rich Roll Podcast, a top-rated show blending inspiration, education, and authenticity. Hosted by Rich Roll, a former lawyer turned plant-based ultra-endurance athlete and bestselling author of Finding Ultra, the podcast highlights his incredible journey from addiction and obesity to becoming one of Men’s Fitness' "Fittest Men in the World." Featuring long-form conversations with diverse guests, like David Goggins, Dr. Michael Greger, and Jay Shetty, the podcast explores topics such as nutrition, mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth.
Exploring the Book Peace Begins Here by Thich Nhat Hanh
Drawing on his decades of experience as a Zen master and peace activist, in the book Peace Begins Here, Thich Nhat Hanh introduces readers to the foundational practices of mindfulness - deep listening, mindful breathing, and compassionate dialogue - as keys to healing and reconciliation. The book is rooted in his experiences hosting retreats in Plum Village, where Israelis and Palestinians gathered to engage in mindful practices and dialogues. These retreats were not about resolving political disputes but about creating a space for participants to recognize each other's shared humanity and pain.
Blood Road Film Featuring Rebecca Rusch
Discover the journey of a lifetime in Blood Road. Embark on a powerful journey with cyclist Rebecca Rusch in the critically acclaimed documentary Blood Road. This visually stunning and emotionally charged film follows Rusch as she pedals 1,200 miles along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, uncovering the story of her father, a U.S. Air Force pilot lost during the Vietnam War. More than just a cycling adventure, Blood Road dives deep into themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the lasting impacts of war. With breathtaking cinematography and heartfelt storytelling, it’s a film that connects past and present, weaving together personal triumph and shared history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a seeker of inspiring stories, Blood Road promises to move and inspire.