In this raw and fearless episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch is joined by legendary snowboarder, filmmaker, and community builder Jess Kimura. Known for her gritty street style and fearless progression, Jess has redefined women’s snowboarding—both on the board and behind the scenes. Together, Jess and Rebecca unpack everything from trauma and transformation to head injuries, grief, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to succeed in male-dominated spaces.

What emerges is a conversation about healing, identity, and purpose—one where Jess reminds us that being “the uninvited” is sometimes what it takes to change the game.

In this episode, Rebecca and Jess discuss:

Breaking into a sport where women weren’t invited—and staying there
The connection between athletic ambition and grief
The power of mentorship and building opportunities for others
The creation and impact of The Uninvited film and invitational series

Transformative Insights:

Why “showing up uninvited” became a guiding force in Jess’s career
How redefining success helped Jess shift from accolades to impact
The evolution from performance to purpose after personal tragedy
Why surfing became a lifeline—and what fear in the water taught her about fear in life

Vulnerable Moments:

The Uninvited: Grief, Grit, and Giving Back with Jess Kimura | EP20