In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca dives into the deep currents of creativity, purpose, and healing with legendary kayaker, filmmaker, and musician Rush Sturges. From first descents on the world’s most powerful rivers to producing award-winning films like The River Runner (on Netflix), Chasing Niagara, and Edge of the Unknown (on Disney+), Rush has lived his life on the edge of adventure and artistry. Together, he and Rebecca explore how nature, trauma, and creativity intertwine—and how slowing down can be the most radical act of all.

Rush shares his journey from world champion athlete to filmmaker and mentor, the lessons learned from loss and risk, and how a devastating earthquake in Nepal reshaped his understanding of fear, nervous system health, and what it really means to live fully. This is a conversation about flow, healing, and the art of coming home to yourself.

Show Notes

In this episode, Rebecca and Rush explore:

Growing up at his parents’ kayak school, Otter Bar, and discovering a lifelong calling on the Grand Canyon at age 14
The parallels between rivers and life—how chaos, calm, and flow teach us who we are
What expedition kayaking reveals about presence, teamwork, and vulnerability
The evolution from athlete to filmmaker to musician, and the importance of building creative “teams” off the river
The transformative impact of mentoring Indigenous youth through Ríos to Rivers and the Paddle Tribal Waters project during the historic Klamath River dam removal
Lessons from loss—processing death, danger, and risk in the adventure community
Rush’s experience with PTSD after surviving a deadly Nepal earthquake and how it forced him to confront the limits of endurance
The healing power of therapy, meditation, and slowing down
Why true mastery is learning to move—and to rest—with intention

Transformative Insights

The river as teacher: Its turbulence and stillness mirror the flow of life.
Healing the nervous system: How mindfulness, breathwork, and community restore balance after trauma.
Creativity as connection: Music, film, and art as extensions of nature’s flow.
Redefining performance: Moving from risk and recognition toward service, purpose, and self-awareness.

Vulnerable Moments

Rush recounts surviving a catastrophic earthquake in Nepal that triggered years of tremors and insomnia.
He opens up about witnessing loss in the kayaking community and how grief shaped his view of risk.
Rebecca shares her own recovery from brain injury and how both learned the power of stillness and surrender.

Practical Wisdom

Small shifts—like walking more slowly or unplugging from your phone—can reset the nervous system.
True strength comes from knowing when to stop pushing and start listening.
Building “teams” in life, art, and healing creates the support needed for real transformation.

Personal Growth

From adrenaline and ego to empathy and awareness—Rush’s evolution as a creator and human being.
How service projects like Paddle Tribal Waters reconnect purpose to passion.
The practice of slowing down as a daily meditation—one mindful step, one quiet breath at a time.

Helpful Links

Rush Sturges: Website | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify
Films: The River Runner | Chasing Niagara | Paddle Tribal Waters
Ríos to Rivers: riostorivers.org
Concussion Resources: Brain Storm Podcast & Resource Book | Concussion Video Resources

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From Rapids to Stillness: Rush Sturges on Healing Through Nature and Creativity | EP31