In this heartfelt and illuminating episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebeccas has the JOY of talking with her friend, Mirna Valerio—known to many as The Mirnavator. Mirna is an ultra-runner, writer, skier, poet, educator, and unapologetic force of joy. Together, they trace Mirna’s journey from a Brooklyn childhood to discovering mountains and ultimately reshaping what outdoor adventure looks and feels like.

Through stories of summer camp, teaching, motherhood, poetry, and being a plus-size Black woman in spaces not designed for her, Mirna reveals the power of choosing yourself, again and again. This is a conversation about joy as resistance, belonging as birthright, and the ripple effect of being exactly who you are. It’s about introducing yourself with your values, not just your profession—and letting adventure be a lifelong thread in your story.

In this episode, Rebecca and Mirna explore:

Finding her voice in both poetry and the outdoors
The poem Trophic Cascade and how it mirrors life transformation
Nature as the ultimate teacher and refuge—“Nature is always the answer”
Core values as non-negotiables, and how to lead with them
What it means to take up space—on trails, in life, and in leadership
The strongest people often don’t get the support they need—and how to change that
Supporting your people in non-threatening, nourishing ways
How writing, community, and curiosity became Mirna’s healing practices

Transformative Insights:

Nature doesn’t just welcome us—it changes us
Your presence can shift a space, even if you weren’t invited in
Belonging starts with deciding you’re allowed to belong
Cultivating joy is a radical act of self-preservation and leadership
Introduce yourself by your values, not just your job title
You don’t need to reach the summit to feel the transformation

Vulnerable Moments:

Mirna shares what it felt like to not be seen in outdoor spaces—and how she kept showing up anyway
She talks about grief, burnout, and the internal tug-of-war of performing vs. simply being
Rebecca opens up about her own depression and loss of purpose during recovery from a head injury
The two reflect on how writing became a lifeline in the dark
Mirna speaks to the exhaustion of being “the strong one”—and how she’s learning to ask for help

Practical Wisdom:

How to identify your core values—and use them as navigational handrails
The importance of creating judgment-free space for processing, growth, and rest
Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness
Ways to build community through action, not just intention
How to hold space for both leadership and learning

Personal Growth:

Mirna’s evolution from educator to outdoor leader to published author and DEI advocate
Rebecca’s journey from podiums to poetry
The ways both women are reclaiming what it means to “perform” and to “belong”
Reframing the pursuit of adventure as something that starts with joy—not outcomes
Embracing a new season of life where permission comes from within
Adventure as a lifelong throughline—for Mirna and for Rebecca
Lifelong educator. Lifelong student. Lifelong adventurer.

Helpful Links:

Mirna Valerio’s website – The Mirnavator
Mirna on Instagram
Mirna’s book – A Beautiful Work in Progress
Camille T. Dungy’s poem “Trophic Cascade”
Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese”

Lisa Congdon’s Live Your Values Deck

Sponsor: Momentous

Fuel your performance from the inside out. Use code RUSCH for 35% off at Live Momentous.

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Belonging & Boldness with Mirna Valerio | EP22