On this episode, Tom Telford sits down with Utah therapist Zach Golding to explore how movement—especially time on a bike—can unlock conversations, regulate stress, and build confidence in ways the therapy office sometimes can’t.

From his early days at Utah Valley University and the University of Utah to working in juvenile detention and youth crisis shelters, Zach shares how bike commuting became his own daily reset after carrying the emotional weight of intense clinical work. Along the way, he discovered something powerful: teenage boys who shut down in a therapy room would open up on two wheels.

Together, they unpack:

• Why bilateral movement (and principles used in EMDR) help the brain process stress
• The difference between “earned” dopamine from movement and “cheap” dopamine from scrolling and compulsive habits
• The rising tide of loneliness—especially among young men
• How boredom, discomfort, and effort actually build identity and resilience

You’ll also hear the inspiring story behind Zach’s weekly school “bike bus,” inspired by Coach Sam Balto, which grew to 70+ kids riding together—teachers included—creating confidence, connection, and community before the school day even begins.

This is a conversation about movement as medicine, therapy as sacred work, and how sometimes the path forward starts by simply riding it out.

Find Zach at ridethisout.com and on Instagram @ride.this.out.

The Lift and Make Lighter podcast is presented by, LÉVO, a mind care company specializing in comprehensive mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Our approach includes personalized plans that may involve therapy, responsible medication management, and additional tools to help navigate a path to better mental health.

In this episode of the Lift and Make Lighter podcast, Andrea Beckstrom, the medical director at LÉVO and the podcast sponsor, engages in a candid discussion with Michael Ruoho, the clinical director at Arcadia Counseling. Mike shares his extensive experience in residential treatment and his transition into private practice, emphasizing his work with trauma, addiction, and pornography. The conversation delves into the importance of addressing underlying issues in addiction, rebuilding trust in relationships, and breaking the stigma surrounding addiction. They also discuss effective therapeutic practices, such as full disclosure and the concept of 'Face, Replace, and Connect.' This episode offers valuable insights and hope for those dealing with addiction and trauma, as well as their loved ones

For more information on Mike and Arcadia Counseling, visit https://arcadiacounseling.com/

The Lift and Make Lighter podcast is presented by, LÉVO, a mind care company specializing in comprehensive mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Our approach includes personalized plans that may involve therapy, responsible medication management, and additional tools to help navigate a path to better mental health.

In this episode of Lift and Make Lighter, Dr. Austin Heaps sits down with Zack Butterfield, a CMHC and BCN ( Board Certified Neurofeedback Therapist). They touch on their mutual love for hunting, the patience and similarities associated with the self-assessment found in the outdoors, and in improving mental health. They speak on Zack's incredible work with Neuralfeedback and the work his clinic, Butterfield Counseling Network, is doing. Understanding how your mind functions on a data-driven scale can help you better understand your mental health story.

Interested in the services LÉVO offers or more about the podcast, visit https://levomind.com/

For more information on Zack and Butterfield Counseling, visit https://butterfieldcn.com/

The Lift and Make Lighter podcast is presented by, LÉVO, a mind care company specializing in comprehensive mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Our approach includes personalized plans that may involve therapy, responsible medication management, and additional tools to help navigate a path to better mental health.