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
- AI
- Activism
- Adventure
- Adventure Travel
- Ancient Civilizations
- Archaeology
- Athletes
- Autobiographies
- Bikepacking
- Biographies
- Books
- Climate Change
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Consciousness
- Conservation
- Contemplative
- Cycling
- Deep Ecology
- Disability Rights
- Disease Prevention
- Documentaries
- Docuseries
- Ecology
- Education
- Emotional Intelligence
- Empathy
- Endurance Sports
- Environmentalism
- Exploration
- Faith
- Healing Trauma
- Heroism
- History
- Human Interest
- Inclusion
- Indigenous People
- Innovators
- Inspiration
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Longevity
- Meditation
- Mental Toughness
- Mindful Living
- Mindfulness
- Motivation
- National Geographic
- Nutrition
- Ocean Adventure
- PTSD
Responsible Science Trumps Irresponsible Marketing
The DOE’s July 2025 climate report downplayed climate change, but over 85 leading scientists issued a transparent, evidence-based rebuttal. Their response is a model of responsible marketing. Clarity over spin, science over politics. This Useful Possibilities article spotlights how integrity in [scientific] communication builds trust and drives action.
Hell or High Seas: Sailing from PTSD to Purpose
Hell or High Seas follows Navy veteran Taylor Grieger and crew as they sail around Cape Horn to raise awareness for veteran suicide and PTSD. This breathtaking documentary blends ocean adventure with a powerful journey of healing, resilience, and purpose—proving that even in life’s roughest seas, hope can chart the course home.
Into the Canyon: Walking the Wild Edge of Silence
Into the Canyon follows Pete McBride and Kevin Fedarko’s 750-mile, 13-month trek on foot through the Grand Canyon. Raw and intimate, the film captures brutal challenges, deep friendship, and urgent threats to this sacred landscape, offering a quiet yet powerful call to protect and truly listen to wild places.
Graham Hancock’s Ancient Apocalypse
Ancient Apocalypse, hosted by Graham Hancock, explores controversial theories about a lost Ice Age civilization. Through eight visually stunning episodes, Hancock visits ancient sites, links myths with geology, and challenges mainstream archaeology. A provocative blend of history and mystery, it invites viewers to question accepted narratives.
Danielle Krettek Cobb and the Emotional Intelligence of AI
Danielle Krettek Cobb, founder of Google’s Empathy Lab, pioneers emotionally intelligent AI rooted in kindness, presence, and human connection. Her work blends neuroscience, design, and contemplative practice to build technology that feels and heals. She’s redefining AI as a compassionate companion, not just a clever tech tool.
Arne Næss, Deep Ecology and Thinking Like a Mountain
Discover the life and legacy of Arne Naess, founder of Deep Ecology. Learn how his philosophy challenges human-centered thinking and invites us to see nature as intrinsically valuable. Explore his key works, the concept of ecosophy, and how the film Planetary echoes his call to "think like a mountain."
Robert Marchand Pedaled Beyond What’s Possible
Robert Marchand shattered expectations by setting cycling world records at 100 and again at 105. A symbol of resilience and vitality, he proved age is no barrier to movement, purpose, or joy. His life—spanning world wars to velodrome glory—reminds us it’s never too late to redefine what’s possible. Keep going. Keep pedaling.
Common Ground Dares Us to Heal the Soil…and Ourselves
Common Ground (2023), from the creators of Kiss the Ground, reveals how regenerative agriculture can reverse climate change, restore ecosystems, and reform our broken food systems. Narrated by Laura Dern and featuring Rosario Dawson and Jason Momoa, it’s a powerful call to heal our soil—and ourselves—through action, awareness, and unity.
Ted Corbitt: The Quiet Titan of Ultrarunning
Ted Corbitt, the "Father of Ultramarathon Running," revolutionized endurance sports with his record-setting performances and pioneering efforts in race measurement. A 1952 Olympian, he ran 100+ mile races before ultras were mainstream and logged 200-mile training weeks. His legacy lives on in modern distance running, inspiring athletes to push beyond limits with resilience and passion.
Judy Heumann: The Unstoppable Mother of the Disability Rights Movement
Judith “Judy” Heumann, a fearless advocate for disability rights, helped spark the ADA, led the landmark 504 Sit-In, and served under Presidents Clinton and Obama. From suing NYC schools to starring in Crip Camp, her life reshaped policy and perceptions worldwide. Learn more through her memoir Being Heumann and the global legacy she left behind.
Ian Stevenson: The Scientist Who Studied Reincarnation
Discover the groundbreaking work of Dr. Ian Stevenson, a psychiatrist who studied over 2,500 cases of children recalling past lives. Using scientific methods, he investigated their detailed memories, physical evidence, and family connections. His extensive, groundbreaking research challenges our understanding of memory, identity, and consciousness, sparking global interest in reincarnation studies.
Love Over Money: How John Robbins Redefined Success and Wellness
John Robbins, former heir to Baskin-Robbins, became a health pioneer by rejecting his inheritance to promote plant-based living, ethical food choices, and sustainability. Through his bestselling books, the Food Revolution Network, and the powerful documentary Love Over Money, Robbins continues to inspire global wellness and conscious living.
The Courageous Uru-eu-wau-wau and their Shrinking Territory
The Territory is a gripping documentary showcasing the Uru-eu-wau-wau people's fight to protect the Amazon rainforest from illegal land grabs and deforestation. With stunning cinematography and intimate footage filmed by the tribe, it highlights resilience, environmental urgency, and the battle for Indigenous rights. A must-watch for climate and social justice advocates.
Dan Buettner: The Man Behind the Blue Zones
Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and New York Times bestselling author, is the visionary behind the Blue Zones, regions worldwide where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Through his groundbreaking research, Buettner identified lifestyle habits like a plant-based diet, strong social connections, and natural movement that contribute to exceptional longevity. His books, including The Blue Zones and The Blue Zones Solution, offer practical advice for adopting these principles. The Blue Zones Project brings these lessons to modern communities, improving public health and well-being globally.
Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold: Pushing the Limits for Future Generations
Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold combines thrilling Arctic climbing with a powerful environmental message. Follow Honnold as he tackles icy cliffs and highlights the impact of climate change. The film explores his Honnold Foundation, which funds solar energy projects for underserved communities. With breathtaking visuals and inspiring stories, it’s a must-watch for adventurers and environmental advocates. As Alex puts it: “Climbing is about finding harmony with the natural world. Protecting it is the least we can do.” That’s the spirit of Arctic Ascent, and it’s why this film is such a standout.
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.