Podcast
What's The Rusch
Hosted by Rebecca Rusch · EN
What’s the Rusch is a podcast about finding stillness and shedding the armor we wear to reveal the masterpiece within. Hosted by Rebecca Rusch—a seven-time world champion, Hall of Fame athlete, celebrated endurance icon, Emmy winner, and founder of the Athlete Operating System—the show takes listeners on a transformative journey with some of the world’s most accomplished individuals. Known as the "Queen of Pain" for her unmatched grit, Rebecca shifts the spotlight to a deeper truth: the most profound growth often comes not from what we achieve, but from what we let go of.
Inspired by Michelangelo’s insight in creating the statue of David by chiseling away everything that wasn’t David, Rebecca champions the art of shedding: shedding fear, baggage, and the armor we build to protect ourselves. Each episode delves behind the scenes of high achievers, exploring what they’ve had to lose to become whole. What identities have they outgrown? What vulnerabilities have unlocked their greatest triumphs? And what lessons can we take from their private battles to shed what no longer serves us?
With conversations navigating ancient wisdom, modern science, and personal revelation, What’s the Rusch redefines the boxes we’re put in, revealing the hidden versions of who people are and the powerful truths they carry. Rebecca’s own path—marked by extreme challenges and moments of vulnerability—sets the tone for uncovering the humanity behind the headlines.
This is more than a podcast—it’s an explorer’s guide to becoming your own masterpiece by pausing and removing everything that isn’t you. Through the stories of leaders you know and the truths you don’t, What’s the Rusch invites you to embrace the courage to shed your armor, redefine your identity, and navigate your own extraordinary and adventurous path.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ride Forward: The Art of Endurance with Jay Petervary | EP39
Mar 401:03:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch welcomes ultra-endurance cycling legend Jay Petervary for a conversation that moves far beyond finish lines and records. Jay, known for pioneering bikepacking, setting iconic records on the Tour Divide and Iditarod Trail Invitational, and founding events like Fat Pursuit, opens up about the deeper motivations that drive his journey. Together, Rebecca and Jay explore the art of embracing uncertainty, the quiet power of simplicity, and the importance of community in endurance sports. Jay’s story is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the freedom found in letting go of perfection.Show Notes:In this episode, Rebecca and Jay explore:The evolution from adventure racing to redefining ultra-endurance cyclingHow Jay’s “Ride Forward” philosophy shapes his approach to life, sport, and mentorshipThe role of adaptability and continuous learning in both racing and personal growthWhy building community and sharing knowledge matter more than medalsThe mental and emotional challenges of self-supported racing—and the lessons found in solitudeGear innovation: how tinkering and necessity led Jay to revolutionize bikepacking equipmentThe origins and spirit behind the Fat Pursuit and Gravel Pursuit eventsNavigating setbacks, uncertainty, and the unexpected with curiosity and graceTransformative Insights:The value of “perfect is good enough” in high-stakes environmentsHow letting go of rigid expectations opens space for discovery and joyThe importance of mentorship and inviting others into the wild unknownWhy the most meaningful achievements are often the ones shared with communityVulnerable Moments:Jay reflects on the discomfort of public recognition and the challenge of self-definitionRebecca and Jay discuss the tension between solitude and connection in endurance pursuitsHonest stories about failure, recalibration, and the courage to keep moving forwardPractical Wisdom:Approaching adversity as an opportunity for growth, not just a hurdle to overcomeSimple practices for staying grounded during long, uncertain journeysThe power of curiosity and play in sustaining motivationPersonal Growth:Jay’s ongoing journey to balance ambition with presenceRebecca’s reflections on learning from Jay’s mentorship and friendshipHow both have found meaning in letting go of what no longer serves themHelpful Links:Jay Petervary’s Website: https://www.jaypetervary.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_petervary/Fat Pursuit: https://www.fatpursuit.com/Gravel Pursuit: https://www.gravelpursuit.com/Iditarod Trail Invitational Sponsor:Support What’s the RuschLove the show? Share it, review it, or text it to a friend who needs it.Connect with Rebecca:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood Road
Transcribe →Birthday Episode 3: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science - What’s the Rusch
Feb 2500:30:22Tap to summarizeIn the final episode of our birthday series, Rebecca Rusch explores how timeless wisdom and cutting-edge science come together to help us grow, heal, and perform at our best. Through conversations with world-class thinkers, athletes, and teachers, this episode dives into the practices, mindsets, and research that bridge the old and the new—reminding us that the most powerful tools for transformation are often found where tradition and innovation meet.Featured Guests & Clips:Andy WalsheAndy shares stories from the world of elite performance, describing how uncertainty, mindset, and ancient selection rituals are used alongside modern data to push athletes beyond their limits. He reflects on the importance of learning, shifting expectations, and the untapped frontier of the mind.Florence WilliamsFlorence discusses her research into awe, resilience, and the healing power of nature. She explains how ancient practices of noticing beauty and connecting to the natural world are now being validated by science—and why we need both the data and the reminders to seek out what our ancestors knew intuitively.Teddi DeanTeddi, a former pro skateboarder turned mindfulness teacher, explores how meditation and Buddhist philosophy help us build a relationship with our minds and bodies. He shares practical wisdom on sitting with discomfort, tuning into our emotions, and using heart-centered practices to transform daily life.Michael GervaisMichael, high-performance psychologist and host of Finding Mastery, reflects on the path from high performance to true mastery. He discusses how ancient insights and modern psychology both point us toward self-knowledge, purpose, and connection as the foundation for a meaningful life.Key Themes:The intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science in personal growth and performanceMindset, uncertainty, and the power of learningThe healing and transformative potential of nature, awe, and mindfulnessThe importance of self-knowledge, purpose, and communityJoin the Conversation:How do you blend ancient wisdom and modern science in your own life? What practices or research have helped you grow? Share your thoughts with Rebecca on social or by leaving a review.Thank you for being part of this journey and for celebrating a year of meaningful conversations with us. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to What’s the Rusch wherever you listen to podcasts.Click the links below to listen to the full episodes mentioned in today's podcast:Andy Walshe on the Future of PerformanceFlorence Williams on Healing through Nature and HeartbreakTeddi Dean on Identity, Meditation, and Purposeful PacingMichael Gervais on the Dark Side of SuccessConnect with Rebecca:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood Road
Transcribe →Birthday Episode 2: Redefining Success & Identity | EP37
Feb 1800:23:49Tap to summarizeIn this second episode of our special birthday series, Rebecca Rusch explores the theme of redefining success and identity. Over the past year, What’s the Rusch has become a space for honest conversations about what it means to grow, change, and find purpose beyond the finish line. This episode features stories from athletes and leaders who have reimagined what achievement looks like, let go of old expectations, and found new meaning in their journeys.Featured Guests & Clips:Caroline BuchananCaroline opens up about building her identity both on and off the bike, navigating reinvention, and learning to define success on her own terms. She shares how she’s found purpose beyond podiums by mentoring others and embracing new challenges.Kate CourtneyKate reflects on what it means to define success beyond the podium. She shares how she’s learned to measure achievement by effort and growth, not just results, and how her work with the She Sends Foundation is helping to expand opportunities and redefine what winning looks like for herself and the next generation.Allen LimAllen shares how growing up as part of an immigrant family in Los Angeles shaped his sense of identity and belonging. He reflects on how the bicycle, the Olympic movement, and the power of community helped him redefine what success means—not just as winning, but as connection, dignity, and inspiring others.Alexandera HouchinAlexandera talks about how her identity has evolved and so has her sense of responsibility. She shares how her early drive to right past injustices and give voice to her family story has shifted toward embracing her own presence and authenticity, and creating space for others to do the same.Key Themes:Redefining what it means to succeedLetting go of old expectations and embracing new identitiesThe power of community, mentorship, and giving backFinding purpose and meaning beyond traditional measures of achievement Join the Conversation:How has your definition of success changed? What does identity mean to you? Share your thoughts with Rebecca on social or by leaving a review.· Thank you for being part of this journey and for celebrating a year of meaningful conversations with us. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to What’s the Rusch wherever you listen to podcasts.Connect with Rebecca:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood Road
Transcribe →Birthday Episode 1: Embracing Vulnerability - What’s the Rusch | EP36
Feb 1100:29:27Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary:To celebrate one year of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch brings together some of the most honest and courageous moments from the past year. This special episode is all about embracing vulnerability, slowing down, letting go, and sharing the real stories behind the highlight reels. Rebecca introduces and reflects on powerful clips from four guests who have opened up about their struggles, growth, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.Featured Guests & Clips:Stacy SimsStacy shares her experience of moving to New Zealand, facing postpartum depression, and reaching a breaking point that led to a suicide attempt. She talks about the importance of support systems, rebuilding, and the need to reach out for help—even when you feel you have to be stoic.Jess KimuraJess opens up about the loss of her partner, the overwhelming grief that followed, and how she found herself again through surfing and allowing herself to be vulnerable. She discusses the pressure to appear tough in her sport and the relief of finally letting herself be seen.Rush SturgesRush recounts a harrowing experience in Nepal, surviving a massive earthquake while on a river expedition. He describes the trauma and PTSD that followed, the physical symptoms he endured, and the long journey of healing through therapy, mindfulness, and learning to listen to his nervous system.Chris BurkardChris reflects on a transformative darkness retreat and the power of being vulnerable with others. He shares how opening up to a stranger after the retreat changed his perspective, and how he’s learning to bring more honesty and connection into his everyday life—not just during extreme adventures.Key Themes:The strength in sharing what’s real, even when it’s uncomfortableNavigating grief, trauma, and mental health challengesThe importance of support, community, and self-compassionRedefining what it means to be strong and successfulConnect with Rebecca:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood RoadBrain Storm PodcastJoin the Conversation:What does vulnerability mean to you? How have you learned to let go or ask for help? Share your thoughts with Rebecca on social or by leaving a review.Thank you for being part of this journey and for celebrating a year of meaningful conversations with us. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to What’s the Rusch wherever you listen to podcasts.
Transcribe →Wild Resilience: From Surviving to Thriving with Dr. Jaimie Lusk | EP35
Jan 2801:04:43Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Rebecca welcomes Dr. Jaimie Lusk, a Marine Corps veteran, clinical psychologist, and endurance athlete, whose life’s work bridges the worlds of trauma recovery, adventure, and community healing. Their conversation moves beyond the surface of resilience, exploring what it means to truly thrive after survival. Together, they unpack the messy, beautiful process of listening to your inner wisdom, honoring the body’s need for rest, and finding clarity through movement and nature. This episode is a deep dive into the art of staying open, even after life cracks you wide open, and the power of community in the healing journey.Show NotesRebecca and Dr. Lusk explore:The difference between surviving and thriving and how to recognize when you’re ready for more than just getting byHow Jaimie’s experience as a Marine and psychologist shapes her approach to trauma, moral injury, and complex griefThe role of nature, movement, and adventure in building resilience and self-trustWhy healing is never a solo endeavor, and how community and purpose fuel recoveryThe importance of tuning into your “inner knower” and honoring intuition, even when it runs counter to external expectationsPractical ways to integrate mind-body practices, from breathwork to outdoor experiences, into daily lifeTransformative InsightsHealing is a practice, not a destination—one that requires both fierce compassion and honest self-reflectionSometimes the nervous system needs space and movement before words can landTrue resilience is about staying open and choosing connection, even after hardshipThe “script” of toughness can drown out our real needs; learning to listen inward is a radical actVulnerable MomentsJaimie shares her journey from the battlefield to the therapy room, and how her own healing informs her workRebecca and Jaimie reflect on the challenges of letting go of high-performance identities to embrace rest and recoveryBoth discuss the ongoing process of moving from impenetrable strength to authentic vulnerabilityPractical WisdomHow to use nature as a co-therapist: simple ways to bring the outdoors into your healing processTools for checking in with your intuition and honoring what you need in the momentThe value of community, mentorship, and shared adventure in sustaining long-term growthPersonal GrowthJaimie’s evolution from “mud-loving kid” to Marine, psychologist, and advocate for wild resilienceRebecca’s reflections on the power of collaboration and shared values in the healing journeyHow adventure and evidence-based psychology intersect to create new pathways for thrivingHelpful LinksModern Elder Academy: Wild Resilience Retreat with Rebecca & Dr. Jaimie LuskDr. Jaimie Lusk’s WebsiteLinkedIn: Dr. Jaimie LuskPsychology Today BlogSponsorSupport What’s the RuschLove the show? Share it, review it, or text it to a friend who needs it.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood RoadBrain Storm Podcast
Transcribe →Fly Always: Kaya Turski on Identity, Surrender, and Starting Over | EP34
Jan 1401:04:58Tap to summarizeKaya Turski’s story isn’t just about medals or firsts, it’s about what happens when the thing you love most gets taken away, and you’re forced to meet yourself without the helmet, goggles, and identity that once felt impenetrable. Kaya shares how pain shaped her from the very beginning, starting with a catastrophic crash at 18 that led to emergency pancreatic surgery, and how a lifetime of impact, whiplash, and chronic symptoms eventually pushed her out of competition before 2018, whether she was ready or not.In this conversation, we explore what “Fly Always” really means when you can’t do your sport the way you used to, and how Kaya has rebuilt her life through honesty, values work, and learning to create space for herself and others. From the moment she told her coach, “I’m done…pull me out,” to the dark, quiet years of healing back home in Montreal, Kaya walks us through the hardest kind of courage: the kind that looks like surrender, asking for help, and choosing self-care on an 8/10 pain day.Show NotesIn this episode, Rebecca and Kaya explore:How rollerblading and skateparks became Kaya’s foundation for freestyle—and why she taught herself to ski at 17 by taking the Greyhound to Whistler every dayThe misconception that elite freestyle athletes are fearless—and why fear is part of staying alive on “hundred-foot kickers”The difference between chosen pain (growth) and unchosen pain (life, injury, heartbreak)—and why the second one is where “the real work” beginsThe crash that sliced Kaya’s pancreas in half, the ICU in San Francisco, and being told to leave skiing behind before her career even beganHow chronic headaches, cumulative impacts, and undiagnosed concussions became an invisible war that forced retirement a year before 2018The moment at Worlds in Spain when Kaya finally said, “I surrender…this is enough,” and made the call to stopWhy identity can get dangerously fused to performance—and what it takes to become “more than one thing”The question Dr. Mike Gervais asked that cracked Kaya open: “Why are you here on this earth?”The real meaning of “Fly Always”: create space, take the leap, inspire—and why “creating space” starts with honestyWhat “flying” looks like now: self-care, hard conversations, sitting with pain instead of escaping it, and “standing in the center of the fire” with yourselfHow mindfulness “micro-breaks” and Rebecca’s “brain breaks” help regulate the nervous system and bring you back steadier, brighter, more presentThe six-year healing chapter: moving back to Montreal, low capacity, and rebuilding from a dark period—one phone call at a timeTransformative InsightsPain has layers. There’s pain that expands you (chosen) and pain that humbles you (unchosen)—and the second one asks for a different kind of strength.Identity isn’t a job title. Kaya reframes “who I am” as what she loves, what she values, and what lights her up—not just what she did in sport.“Fly Always” is a life philosophy, not a sports slogan. For Kaya, it begins with creating space (and safety) for the whole human to show up.Values work is the bridge. The journey from “be the best” to “be true” runs straight through first principles and personal philosophy.Presence is built in tiny moments. Five-minute resets and micro “slices of discipline” change the nervous system—and the way you move through your day.Vulnerable MomentsKaya relives the crash that caused pancreatic surgery at 18—and the whiplash of being told her career might be over before it started.She names the invisible suffering of chronic pain—hurting internally while the outside world encourages you to push one more year.The Worlds-in-Spain moment: “I’m done…pull me out,” and the catharsis of finally leaning in.The dark stretch after retirement—UCLA dreams, surrendering independence, moving home, and not working for six years because survival took everything.Kaya opens up about escaping pain for a long time—and then learning to sit with it, listen, and stay with herself through it.Practical WisdomTry a 5-minute reset 2–3 times a day: breathe, notice what you’re feeling, and return with a steadier pace.Build “brain breaks”: step off screens, go outside, lie down, pet the dog—then come back more regulated.If you don’t know what to do next: reach out anyway. Kaya describes the power of dropping the guard and calling someone who knows you.Practice “create space through honesty”: tell the truth about what you’re carrying—even when it’s messy.When you see someone hurting: say something simple—“I see you.” It matters more than you think.Personal GrowthKaya moves from “queen of slope style” armor to a more integrated identity—artist, nature-lover, community-builder, coach.She redefines high performance as self-care on hard days, honesty in relationships, and staying present when the body flares.Her career comes full circle: from athlete with Dr. Mike to mindset coach at Finding Mastery—turning lived experience into service.Helpful LinksKaya Turski- Kaya’s Instagram- LinkedIn:- Threads:- Team Canada bio:Finding Mastery (Dr. Michael Gervais)- About Finding Mastery (coaches/team): https://findingmastery.com/about-us/SponsorThis episode is supported by MOMENTOUSUse code RUSCH to get 35% off your first momentous subscriptionSupport What’s the RuschLove the show? Share it, review it, or text it to a friend who needs a little more space to breathe today.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood RoadBrain Storm Podcast
Transcribe →Wild Wonder with Craig Childs | EP33
Dec 3100:56:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca welcomes explorer-author Craig Childs, a man whose life is spent listening deeply to the land. Known for tracing ancient migration routes, following water across vast deserts, flying through curtains of Virga, and biking into the darkest sky in America, Craig’s work reveals a world still full of mystery for those willing to pay attention.This conversation moves through ghost-lit writing rooms, ritual landscapes, long bike journeys, serendipity, and the internal shifts that only happen when we slow down enough to let the world permeate us. Together Craig and Rebecca explore why immersion, not arrival, is what transforms us.Show Notes: Immersion as the Pathway to TruthWhy Craig must be in a place—feeling the ground, light, wind—for the story to reveal itselfHow walking ancient routes or biking across deserts becomes a form of listeningThe difference between reading landscape through photographs vs. letting it enter your bodyHemingway’s House & the Ghost of InfluenceCraig’s three-week writing residency in Ernest Hemingway’s preserved home in IdahoThe strange, creative tension of living where Hemingway lived—and even feeling watchedHow inhabiting another writer’s space reshaped Craig’s awareness of language and simplicityEnergy, Memory & Mystery in the Natural WorldThe ineffable sensations some landscapes hold—ritual sites, ancient paths, places marked by lossHow intention sharpens awareness of what we cannot explainRebecca’s story of biking 1,200 miles along the Ho Chi Minh Trail to reach her father’s crash site, and the unexpected peace found thereThe Wild Dark: Riding Into the NightCraig’s decision to bike—not hike or drive—from the brightest sky (Las Vegas) to the darkest sky in NevadaUnderstanding the Bortle Scale, and how each night revealed an entirely different skyWhat humanity loses when we stop looking upward—and the questions the night sky asks of usCreative Curiosity & How Stories Choose UsHow Craig selects each new book subject: serendipity, timing, emotional bandwidth, personal readinessWhy some stories (such as those rooted in trauma) demand discernment, and why he sometimes says noMoving from archaeology, to animals, to geology, and now to mountain lionsInternal Exploration & the Dialogue WithinThe constant internal conversations that unfold when moving across landscapesHow physical exertion becomes a gateway to reflection, memory, and presenceWhy writing is the spark—not the purpose—behind many of Craig’s journeysModern Disconnection & What We’re LosingCraig’s experience witnessing a death on a transatlantic flight and realizing how few people noticedThe shrinking spaces for eye contact, curiosity, and shared humanityThe closing-in effect of modern life compared to the expansive awareness offered by natureTransformative InsightsImmersion creates understanding—arrival alone does not.Landscapes hold memory and meaning that reveal themselves when we’re quiet enough to notice.Awe is not optional; it is a human requirement.The night sky is one of our oldest teachers, and losing it means losing half our questions.Serendipity is often guidance—if we’re paying attention.Vulnerable MomentsRebecca shares the emotional unraveling of reaching her father’s crash site after a long bike journey.Craig opens up about choosing not to pursue certain book topics because the emotional toll would be too great.Both explore the discomfort of modern loneliness and the desire for deeper connection.Craig reflects on being swept into the rush of freelance life—and how he finds his way back to slower rhythms.Practical WisdomUse nature as your reset—it requires no preparation or perfection, only presence.Let your curiosity—not your agenda—shape your explorations.Build spaciousness into your life: dawn light, unstructured time, long walks, quiet moments.Notice what your senses are telling you; they’re often wiser than your plans.When life feels rushed, create friction by slowing down—sit on a boulder, look at the sky, breathe.Personal GrowthCraig’s evolution from writing about ancient worlds to exploring the immediate, living stories around him.Rebecca’s ongoing shift from “rusher” to someone who seeks and protects stillness.The power of long journeys—literal and internal—to peel away armor.How exploration helps us remember our humanity and place in the larger world.Helpful LinksCraig ChildsWebsite: https://www.torreyhouse.org/craig-childsInstagram: @wandercragSupport What’s the RuschIf this episode opened something in you, share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite moment. Your support helps bring deeper, more meaningful conversations into the world.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood RoadBrain Storm Podcast
Transcribe →Flow Follows Focus with Steven Kotler | EP32
Dec 1701:09:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Rebecca welcomes her friend, author, and legendary peak-performance researcher Steven Kotler for a conversation that weaves together science, sport, creativity, and the deeper human quest for what’s possible. Steven has spent decades decoding flow, the neurobiological state where we feel our best and perform our best, but this conversation goes far beyond definitions.Together, Rebecca and Steven explore why flow is accessible to everyone, what happens when you chase it too hard, and why recovery is a form of grit. Steven also opens up about the period of his life when Lyme disease left him bedridden, suicidal, and stripped of his identity, and how an unexpected moment in the ocean became the spark that rebuilt everything.This is a conversation about curiosity, resilience, and how the smallest actions, walking the dog, doodling on a page, stepping outside, can literally help us find our way back to ourselves.Show NotesIn this episode, Rebecca and Steven explore:Understanding Flow & Peak PerformanceWhat flow actually is from a neurobiological perspectiveWhy flow follows focus—and the 28 triggers that bring us into the present momentThe different forms of flow: individual, interpersonal, group, and communitasWhy flow operates on a four-stage cycle (and why you can’t be in flow all the time)Chasing Flow vs. Working With ItThe danger of using risk as a flow triggerHow novelty and creativity create safer, more sustainable pathways into flowWhy action sports athletes often “break things” chasing that feelingHow micro-changes—like interpreting terrain creatively—can upgrade performance without increasing dangerRecovery, Afterglow & the Science of the Come-DownWhat happens in the brain after a massive flow stateWhy a big flow day almost guarantees a low-performance day right afterThe neurochemical crash that mimics the comedown of recreational drugsHow to use healthy recovery habits to shorten the “cost of flow”Steven's Journey Through IllnessSteven recounts the years when Lyme disease left him unable to walk across a roomThe suicidal moment when he believed he’d become a lifelong burdenThe friend who insisted he go surfing—and the wave that triggered a full-blown, mystical macro-flow stateHow repeated exposure to flow helped reboot his immune system and rebuild his lifeWhat neuro-immunology reveals about the connection between flow, healing, and homeostasisFlow, Longevity & Life DesignWhy immersion in nature is one of the most potent flow triggersThe role of action sports and outdoor movement in mental health and agingWhy walking—even slowly—is medicine for the nervous system and the brainHow Steven teaches older adults to park-ski using creativity instead of riskTransformative InsightsFlow is trainable. With the right structure, most people can increase flow by 70–80% within eight weeks.Recovery is a grit skill. High performers burn out not from doing too much—but from never shutting down.Creativity microdosing between tasks keeps you in flow and prevents ego spikes that knock you out of it.Tragedy can be a teleportation chamber. Sometimes the hardest experiences become the doorway to the life we wanted but couldn’t reach on our own.Movement + nature = neurobiological reset. Just 20 minutes outdoors begins to flush stress hormones and restore baseline balance.Vulnerable MomentsSteven shares in detail the physical and psychological collapse brought on by Lyme disease.Rebecca reflects on her traumatic brain injury and how losing access to movement shook her identity.Both discuss the terrifying experience of losing cognitive function—and the slow rebuild back to themselves.Steven opens up about the friends who walked him around the block when he couldn’t walk on his own.Rebecca recalls calling Steven in desperation during her recovery, and how his advice helped guide her back.Practical WisdomHow to recognize the difference between microflow and macroflowWhy doodling, sketching, or five minutes of creative play resets the brainHow to transition between tasks without “waking up the ego”Why meditation isn’t about quieting the mind—it’s about practicing returningWhy “clear goals” are a flow trigger and a cue for when to stop working for the dayHow sauna, reading, breathwork, and small rituals can switch the nervous system from drive to recoveryThe importance of training your brain before you “inflict yourself on your relationships”Personal Growth ThemesSteven’s evolution from punk-rock misfit to leading voice in applied performance neuroscienceRebecca’s rediscovery of writing and art during her concussion recovery—and the reminder to keep creativity in her life even when sport returnsThe lifelong pull of curiosity as a survival mechanism and a drive toward masteryEmbracing novelty, humility, and the willingness to start over again and againHelpful LinksSteven Kotler Website: https://www.stevenkotler.com/Flow Research Collective: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/Books by Steven Kotler: The Rise of Superman, The Art of Impossible, Gnar Country, and moreZen authors discussed: John Tarrant & Joan SutherlandSponsorThis episode is brought to you by What’s the Rusch, a listener-powered podcast.If today's episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend, review it, or pass it along to someone who needs a reminder that possibility is always closer than we think.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsite Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast
Transcribe →From Rapids to Stillness: Rush Sturges on Healing Through Nature and Creativity | EP31
Nov 2601:02:29Tap to summarizeIn 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 NotesIn 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 14The parallels between rivers and life—how chaos, calm, and flow teach us who we areWhat expedition kayaking reveals about presence, teamwork, and vulnerabilityThe evolution from athlete to filmmaker to musician, and the importance of building creative “teams” off the riverThe transformative impact of mentoring Indigenous youth through Ríos to Rivers and the Paddle Tribal Waters project during the historic Klamath River dam removalLessons from loss—processing death, danger, and risk in the adventure communityRush’s experience with PTSD after surviving a deadly Nepal earthquake and how it forced him to confront the limits of enduranceThe healing power of therapy, meditation, and slowing downWhy true mastery is learning to move—and to rest—with intentionTransformative InsightsThe 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 MomentsRush 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 WisdomSmall 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 GrowthFrom 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 LinksRush Sturges: Website | Instagram | YouTube | SpotifyFilms: The River Runner | Chasing Niagara | Paddle Tribal WatersRíos to Rivers: riostorivers.orgConcussion Resources: Brain Storm Podcast & Resource Book | Concussion Video ResourcesSupport What’s the Rusch: 💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite moment on Instagram and tag @rebeccarusch. Every bit of support helps us continue these deep conversations.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsite Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast
Transcribe →Risk, Resilience & Partnership in the Mountains with Emily Harrington & Adrian Ballinger | EP27
Oct 801:01:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca sits down with one of climbing’s most accomplished couples—Emily Harrington and Adrian Ballinger. From free climbing El Capitan in a single day to summiting Everest without supplemental oxygen, they’ve each carved their own legendary paths. But beyond the bold headlines, Emily and Adrian open up about what it really takes to balance risk, ambition, partnership, and personal growth at the highest level.Together, they share the stories behind their biggest climbs, the challenges of sustaining both a relationship and two elite careers, and the deep lessons they’ve learned about resilience, love, and redefining success.In this episode, Rebecca, Emily, and Adrian discuss:Emily’s historic free climb of El Capitan’s Golden Gate route in a single dayAdrian’s no-oxygen Everest summit and why he continues to return to the HimalayaThe dynamics of being partners on the mountain and at homeWhat it means to take risks together—and where they draw the lineBuilding a life that blends adventure, purpose, and presenceHow they support each other through setbacks, injuries, and fearTransformative Insights:Growth doesn’t happen without discomfort—and sometimes failure is the best teacher.True partnership means knowing when to step up and when to step back.The stories we tell about our achievements are less important than the values they reflect.Adventure is not just about summits—it’s about the process of becoming.Vulnerable Moments:Emily opens up about the injuries that nearly derailed her career.Adrian reflects on the loneliness and pressure of leading Everest expeditions.Both share what it feels like to risk their lives in the mountains while also protecting their relationship.Rebecca and Emily connect over the challenge of balancing identity as athletes with evolving into new roles.Practical Wisdom:Why clear communication is as essential on the mountain as any technical skill.How to prepare mentally for risk and uncertainty.The role of rest, recovery, and perspective in sustaining long careers.Tips for finding presence—even in the middle of high-stakes pursuits.Personal Growth:Emily’s evolution from competition climber to bold alpinist.Adrian’s shift from chasing summits to finding deeper purpose in guiding and mentoring.Rebecca’s reflections on partnership, identity, and letting go of the need to “prove it.”The reminder that achievement without connection is never enough.Helpful Links:Emily Harrington Website“Girl Climber” - live on Jolt 10/15. Streaming everywhere in NovemberAdrian Ballinger WebsiteAlpenglow ExpeditionsRebecca Rusch WebsiteRebecca Rusch InstagramRebecca Rusch YouTubeRebecca Rusch LinkedIn
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