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From the archive: a conversation between two women who were handed the same nickname and eventually outgrew it. Rebecca and Amelia Boone each carried the "Queen of Pain" title, and in this replay they get honest about what happens when that identity no longer fits. Amelia's journey is about moving beyond the myth of toughness toward honesty, presence, and real resilience. Together, they talk about the realities of mental health, the courage to be vulnerable, and the ongoing work of aligning who you are on the inside with what the world sees. Show Notes In this episode, Rebecca and Amelia discuss: The origins and impact of the "Queen of Pain" nicknameNavigating eating disorders and OCD as an elite athleteThe pressure to appear tough versus the reality of emotional struggleThe process and risk of going public with mental health challengesBalancing a demanding legal career with high-level competitionRedefining resilience and toughness in sport and lifeUsing her platform to advocate for mental health and authenticityThe shift from achievement-driven identity to living with greater presence Transformative Insights: True resilience is about honesty and emotional openness, not just enduranceLetting go of old identities can create space for real growthAligning your inner and outer worlds is a powerful act of self-respectVulnerability can be a source of strength and connection Vulnerable Moments: Amelia's decision to share her eating disorder and OCD publiclyThe fear of judgment and the relief of finally being honestAdmitting that toughness isn't about hiding emotion, but embracing itThe ongoing challenge of recovery and self-acceptance Practical Wisdom: How to recognize when an identity no longer serves youTools for navigating recovery and building new routinesThe importance of community and honest conversation in healingWhy presence matters more than performance Personal Growth: Amelia's evolution from world champion to advocate for mental healthRebecca's reflections on the value of showing up as your real selfThe role of storytelling and open dialogue in breaking stigmaBoth guests' commitment to using their platforms for collective good Helpful Links: Amelia Boone on InstagramEating disorder support: National Alliance for Eating Disorders, allianceforeatingdisorders.com Support What's the Rusch: If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations. Subscribe and Follow: Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

From the archive: one of our favorite deep dives is back. Rebecca digs into the science and soul of exploration with journalist and bestselling author Alex Hutchinson, known for his books Endure and The Explorer's Gene. Alex unpacks why we're wired to seek challenges, how curiosity fuels growth, and why doing hard things often leads to the most meaningful moments in life. Together, Rebecca and Alex dive into the psychology of pushing limits, rediscovering play, and finding purpose in both stillness and motion. Show Notes In this episode, Rebecca and Alex discuss: The science behind The Explorer's Gene and why curiosity drives human progressThe tension between exploring new frontiers and exploiting what we already knowHow doing hard things gives life deeper meaningWhy we need uncertainty to grow, and how to find the right balance of risk and rewardThe surprising link between exploration, play, and creativityHow sport serves as the ultimate laboratory for self-discoveryThe difference between passive and active exploration in the age of algorithms Transformative Insights: Exploration is about learning something new about yourself.The "effort paradox": we value what's hard because it's hard.Play and exploration are deeply connected; curiosity is the bridge between them.The sweet spot for growth lies between fear and boredom, where uncertainty meets possibility.Hardship and learning are inseparable; meaning comes from the struggle. Vulnerable Moments: Rebecca shares how her old Bronco became a symbol of independence, transformation, and letting go.Alex opens up about his struggles with anxiety before races and learning to find calm through experience.Rebecca reflects on losing her sense of play and how she's rediscovering joy beyond performance.Both reflect on shifting from "the next challenge" to learning how to slow down and savor the journey. Practical Wisdom: You can't outsource discovery. Real learning comes from active participation, not algorithms.Explore doesn't mean "chase everything new"; it means follow what sparks curiosity.To stay engaged, add novelty in small ways: take a new route, learn a new skill, have a new kind of conversation.If a goal feels a little scary, you're probably in the right zone for growth.The most meaningful goals are challenging and chosen, not imposed. Personal Growth: How Rebecca's athletic evolution mirrors the explore-exploit balance.Alex's reflections on writing, family, and why building a treehouse changed how he thinks about learning.Finding stillness amid ambition: learning when to slow down without losing momentum.Why rediscovering play as adults is a powerful act of exploration. Helpful Links The Explorer’s Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and Blank Spots on the Map Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance Alex's website Alex's Instagram Alex's Facebook Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rebecca's Private Idaho, where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that's about more than the miles: it's about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open at rebeccasprivateidaho.com. Support What's the Rusch: If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations. Subscribe and Follow: Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

One of our most-requested conversations is back. This week we're replaying our very first guest episode: Rebecca sits down with renowned performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais for an intimate conversation about the journey from high performance to true mastery. Together, they explore how our greatest breakthroughs sometimes come not from pushing harder, but from having the courage to be still. Show Notes In this episode, Rebecca and Dr. Gervais discuss: The distinction between high performance and masteryWhy the first rule of mastery is to stop worrying about what others thinkThe power of vulnerability in personal growthFinding wisdom through stillness and self-examination Transformative Insights: The three foundational practices for meeting yourself: meditation, journaling, and conversations with people of wisdomHow trauma and hardship can be gateways to deeper understandingWhy purpose and connection are the two key variables for a fulfilled lifeThe difference between being thoughtful and true meditation Vulnerable Moments: Rebecca opens up about hiding her concussion symptoms for yearsDr. Gervais shares his journey of understanding his own drive for achievementRebecca discusses her mother's passing and the tools for processing griefBoth explore their ongoing work to shed perfectionism and find play Practical Wisdom: How to approach meditation as a practice of starting overThe importance of creating space for vulnerability in high achievementWhy awareness is fundamental to high performanceTools for building authentic community Personal Growth: Dr. Gervais's ongoing journey to embrace play over intensityRebecca's evolution from "Queen of Pain" to embracing vulnerabilityHow traumatic experiences can become catalysts for transformationThe power of sharing our struggles to help others Helpful Links: Finding MasteryDr. Gervais on InstagramDr. Gervais on LinkedInDr. Gervais on XThe First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of YouFinding Mastery Podcast: Explorer's Guide to Self-Discovery with Rebecca Rusch Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rebecca's Private Idaho, where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that's about more than the miles: it's about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open at rebeccasprivateidaho.com. Support What's the Rusch: If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations. Subscribe and Follow: Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

Aaron Lutze has spent two decades helping athletes and brands navigate change. First as Rebecca's own athlete manager during 12 years at Red Bull, and now as the creative force behind Super Rider and Second Nature Media. In this episode, Rebecca and Aaron dig into the anatomy of a transition: the chosen ones we run toward, the unchosen ones that gut-punch us, and the strange, sideways path that took a non-athletic Wisconsin teenager into a career managing elite athletes and, eventually, into building his own media company. Together, they talk about getting fired, getting rebuilt, and why the best response to a shipwreck might be curiosity instead of panic. Show Notes In this episode, Rebecca and Aaron discuss: Aaron's accidental path into mountain biking and filmmaking, sparked by a random campground meeting and a college roommate with a cameraThe "puzzle pieces" theory of transitions: collecting skills and interests without knowing yet where they'll fitWhat it was like managing Rebecca's career (and 20 other athletes') during 12 years at Red Bull, and the art of planting an idea instead of forcing itHow Aaron helped two other athletes launch their own podcasts by clearing the first, hardest steps for themTaking stock of your own skill set before making a career leapThe Gartner Hype Cycle, and why every transition passes through a "trough of disillusionment" before it gets betterGetting fired from a bike shop job in Portland, and how that shipwreck led directly to Red BullZeno of Citium's shipwreck and the origins of Stoic philosophy, by way of Ryan Holiday's The Daily StoicRebecca's concussion, the identity crisis that followed, and how it led to this podcastRebecca's decision to step away from Rebecca's Private Idaho after 14 years, and what asking "I wonder..." can do in a hard transitionThe three-part anatomy of every transition: an ending, a messy middle, and a rebuild Transformative Insights: Transitions live on a spectrum, from tiny daily course-corrections to catastrophic, life-altering shifts, and both kinds matterThe meaning of a transition is almost always invisible in the moment; it can take years to see what a "shipwreck" actually builtYou can't force someone into a transition, but you can plant a seed and keep watering itReal resilience comes from controlling the controllables, not the outcomeEvery transition follows the same rough shape: something ends, a messy middle happens, and eventually you rebuild Vulnerable Moments: Aaron on getting fired from a Portland bike shop job, arriving home to a disconnected phone and changed locksRebecca on the concussion that forced her out of competition and the long identity crisis that followedAaron on losing his own father a year before Rebecca's Blood Road journey, and what that lens changed about how he saw her rideRebecca on the fear behind her decision to step away from Rebecca's Private Idaho after 14 years, in her final year running the event Practical Wisdom: The "I wonder" reframe: replacing panic with curiosity the moment something goes wrongTaking a literal inventory of your skills and interests, like puzzle pieces, before deciding what to build nextControlling the controllables: putting energy into daily inputs like movement, water, and community instead of outcomes you can't controlThe three-stage anatomy of a transition as a way to normalize the hard, messy middle part Personal Growth: Aaron's evolution from Red Bull athlete manager to founder of Super Rider and co-founder of Second Nature MediaRebecca's ongoing shift from competitive athlete to mentor, coach, and advocate for athlete mental healthBoth reflecting on 20 years of friendship and how it shaped both of their careers Helpful Links: Aaron's Instagram: @aaronlutzeSuper Rider: @superridertvSecond Nature Media: @secondnature.mediaAaron on LinkedInAaron on FacebookSuper Rider on YouTubeSecond Nature Media on YouTubeThe Daily Stoic by Ryan HolidayWriting Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rebecca's Private Idaho, where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that's about more than the miles: it's about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open at rebeccasprivateidaho.com. Support What's the Rusch: If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations. Subscribe and Follow: Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

Kait Boyle is a world champion ultra-endurance mountain biker and co-founder of Bikepacking Roots, known for setting course records on some of the hardest self-supported races in the world, including the Arizona Trail, Kokopelli Trail, and Vapor Trail 125. Two months after winning 24-Hour Worlds in 2018, a car accident on black ice shattered her pelvis and left her uncertain whether she'd walk again. In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca and Kait trace the eight years since: a full recovery, a season stepped away from ultra racing, and this year's third attempt at the Colorado Trail record, cut short after one day by a back injury. They talk through the mantras that carried Kait through her hardest hours, the sports psychology and physical therapy behind her comeback, and what it means to build an identity that isn't tied to finishing lines. Show NotesRebecca and Kait discuss:Her path from graduate work in adventure education to racing ultra-endurance mountain bikes full timeWinning 24-Hour Worlds in 2018 and stepping away from a full-time job to chase racingThe car accident two months later that shattered her pelvis and ruptured her bladderThe ICU conversation with her surgeon that shaped her entire recoveryLearning to tell ordinary back tightness apart from an injury serious enough to stop forThe mantras "I get to" and "water is the softest thing" that carried her through recovery and this year's setbackWalking away mid-race at 24-Hour Worlds and stepping back from ultra racing for several yearsReturning to racing and building toward three attempts at the Colorado Trail recordThis year's Colorado Trail attempt, cut short after one day, and what she's carrying into the next chapter Transformative insights:A doctor's early belief in a patient's recovery can shape the entire trajectory of that recoverySoftness and patience can move as much as force ever couldAn identity built entirely on athletic performance is fragile; a life built on community and place is notPreparation and effort still count, even when the goal itself doesn't come together Vulnerable moments:Kait describes lying in the ICU on Christmas Eve, not knowing if she'd walk againHer partner Will's fear about her returning to ultra racing after living through the accident with herThe moment mid-race at 24-Hour Worlds when she and her physical therapist agreed she had to stopWatching this year's Colorado Trail race unfold without her, after scratching her own attempt Practical wisdom:How to tell normal training soreness apart from an injury serious enough to stop forUsing a mantra tied to a specific goal, not a generic one, to get through low pointsWorking with both a sports psychologist and a physical therapist as ongoing, standard supportDeciding your own limits in advance, before race-day pressure and public commitments make that harder Personal growth:Kait's shift from defining herself by racing results to defining herself by community, place, and connectionHow three years spent chasing the Colorado Trail record left room for a new chapter instead of another attemptRebecca's reflection on her own concussion recovery and what led her to start this podcastLearning to sit with not knowing what comes next, rather than rushing toward an answer Links and ResourcesBikepacking RootsKait's websiteKait's InstagramKait's Substack, Here + Now Show SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho, where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that's about more than the miles; it's about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open! Support UsIf this episode moved you, please share it with someone, leave a review, send it to a training partner, or post your favorite takeaway on social media. All of these help us continue to bring you these inspiring conversations! Subscribe and Follow Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Follow Rebecca on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes content and updates on new episodes. Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in reaching an engaged audience of leaders, athletes, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals? What's the Rusch is the place to align your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and personal growth. For sponsorship inquiries and media kit information, please contact [email protected].

We are excited to share our first ever collaborative episode between What's the Rusch and Afternoon Snack, bringing Meredith Root onto the show to launch our Summer Streak Challenge together. Meredith's story is about building a coaching business around movement that doesn't require punishing yourself to earn it. In this episode we explore why motivation shows up after you act instead of before it, how the right amount of stress builds growth while too much burns you out, and what happens when training data starts running your life instead of supporting it. We discuss the four types of motivation, the tools that pull you out of a demotivated spiral, and the launch of our Summer Streak Challenge, a joint habits challenge between Meredith's coaching business, Tactic Functional Fitness, and the Be Good Foundation. Every dollar raised goes toward the Be Good Foundation's girls and women mentorship program at Rebecca's Private Idaho, pairing young women with experienced mentors in cycling, bike mechanics, and action sport photography and videography so they can build real skills and find their own places in the outdoor and sports industry. This episode is sponsored by Rebecca's Private Idaho Show NotesRebecca and Meredith discuss: How Meredith and Alex met Rebecca by showing up at Rebecca's Private Idaho, where Meredith cornered her to talk shopMeredith's move from a career in engineering, and Alex's move from law, into building Tactic Functional Fitness togetherThe Yerkes-Dodson performance curve and why the right amount of stress builds growth while too much burns us outThe four types of motivation: intrinsic, extrinsic, introjected, and identifiedThe Fogg Behavior Model and why motivation naturally fades over time no matter how committed we areHow power meters, heart rate monitors, and training data can help or hurt depending on where we are mentallyThe launch of Summer Streak, a joint habits challenge between Tactic and the Be Good Foundation, running August 10 through September 12The origins of the Be Good Foundation, tied to Rebecca's ride down the Ho Chi Minh Trail to the site of her father's death Transformative insights: Motivation is found after action, not before it. We cannot think our way into a new way of being; we have to act our way into it.Stress and discomfort are the mechanism of growth, not something to eliminate; the goal is the middle of the curve, not the extremesRebecca's realization on the Ho Chi Minh Trail that winning wasn't the end point but a launch pad for something else, which led directly to founding the Be Good FoundationLasting fulfillment comes from love, community, and service, not from accolades, even for people who've already reached the top of their fieldMotivation problems are often not about willpower, but about never having identified the real reason behind the habit in the first place Vulnerable moments: Rebecca on her concussion and the long recovery that led to creating this podcast, including putting her power meter in the closet because the data was demotivating her at her lowest pointRebecca on texting sports psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais out of nowhere during her concussion crisis to say she needed help and didn't know what to doRebecca on the eating disorder she experienced in high school and how her early years in sport were rooted in fear rather than joyRebecca on nearly quitting the Alaska Fat Pursuit after a wrong turn cost her the race, and the internal spiral of shame before deciding to keep goingMeredith on realizing she was still spending the same hours in the gym after leaving competitive CrossFit and questioning what she was actually doing it for Practical wisdom: The motivational menu: treat motivation like a buffet and build a mix of intrinsic, extrinsic, introjected, and identified motivators to draw from depending on the dayThird-person self-talk: talking to ourselves the way we'd talk to a friend, especially when the internal voice turns harshThe opposite action technique: when a demotivating emotion takes over, do the literal opposite of what we feel like doing for 60 seconds, since emotions typically pass within 45 to 90 secondsThe emotion-conversation-behavior loop: we notice the emotion, notice the story we're telling ourselves about it, and then choose the behavior; this is the point where change actually happensAsk what outcome we actually care about before starting a practice so we're working from identified motivation instead of just going through the motions Personal growth: Rebecca's shift from a competitive athlete to someone who will never retire from being an athlete, separating retirement from competition from retirement from movement itselfRebecca's purpose expanding beyond personal achievement into service after the Ho Chi Minh Trail ride, moving from podiums to helping other people find their ownMeredith's transition from an engineering career and a hyper competitive gym identity into building a coaching business meant to make movement sustainable rather than punishingBoth women reflecting on how their reasons for training have changed over time and how that process is ongoing rather than finished Links and ResourcesJoin the Summer Streak ChallengeTactic Functional Fitness, Meredith and Alex's coaching businessAfternoon Snack Podcast hosted by Meredith RootRebecca's Private Idaho, September 9 through 12Be Good Foundation Show SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho, where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that's about more than the miles; it's about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open! Support UsIf this episode moved you, please share it with someone, leave a review, send it to a training partner, or post your favorite takeaway on social media. All of these help us continue to bring you these inspiring conversations! Subscribe and Follow Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Follow Rebecca on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes content and updates on new episodes. Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in reaching an engaged audience of leaders, athletes, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals? What's the Rusch is the place to align your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and personal growth. For sponsorship inquiries and media kit information, please contact [email protected].

Dean Fidelman has spent fifty years photographing the climbers who shaped Yosemite, from the original Stonemasters to Dean Potter to today's Camp 4 generation. In this episode, Rebecca and Dean explore what it takes to earn a soloist's trust before you ever raise a camera, why performance and vulnerability sit at the center of every photograph he makes, and what it finally took for him to grieve a friend he'd lost years earlier. Together they talk about patience as a practice, art as a byproduct of honesty, and why there's no rush to get anywhere worth going. Show notes: In this episode, Rebecca and Dean discuss: Dean's path from teenage climber to the unofficial photographer of the Stonemasters in early 1970s YosemiteMeeting Rebecca through a Five Ten ad campaign and the first Stone Nudes shootWhy performance, not posing, is what actually makes a photograph workReading someone's mindset in a first conversation, and what separates good from eliteTrying to go commercial in fashion and advertising, and why it never fitThe phone call from Lynn Hill that pulled Dean back into climbing photographyBeing present for Dean Potter through his hardest periods without judgmentWhat it took to finally grieve Potter years after his death, once The Dark Wizard forced him to look backArchiving Glen Denny's work and keeping Yosemite's climbing history aliveSlowing down at 70 and letting the work come to him instead of chasing it Transformative Insights: Self honesty is the line between good and elite, in art and in athleticsTrust gets built by being embedded in a community, not by observing it from outsideGrief that gets shoved down doesn't disappear. It waitsKeeping someone's story and history alive is its own form of healing Vulnerable Moments: Dean on the depression that hit him only after The Dark Wizard's premiere, years after Potter's deathSecond guessing his own actions during a physical altercation with Potter in ChinaRebecca on her own body image struggles going into her first Stone Nudes shootDean naming the losses that have stacked up over five decades in the climbing community Practical Wisdom: How to build enough trust with someone that they forget the camera is thereReading passion and mindset in someone within a first conversationWhy staying broke by choice can be what keeps your art honestProcessing loss by putting the work into preserving someone's history Personal Growth: Dean's evolution from documenting his friends for fun to becoming Yosemite's de facto historianRebecca's reflection on how the same photograph that once terrified her gave her confidenceBoth on what it means to keep learning from younger generations instead of just teaching themThe throughline between what healed Dean as a teenager and what still fuels him now Helpful Links: Stone Nudes: stonenudes.comDean's Instagram: @pictures_of_fidelmanFidelman: A Body of Work: gripped.com featureThe Dark Wizard: HBO Max Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rebecca's Private Idaho, where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that's about more than the miles: it's about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open at rebeccasprivateidaho.com. Support What's the Rusch: If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations. Subscribe and Follow: Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

Paige Onweller’s journey proves that it’s never too late to chase big dreams or reinvent yourself. In this episode, Rebecca and Paige dive into the realities of starting over, the power of community, and how setbacks can become springboards for transformation. From the ER to the elite gravel scene, Paige shares her story of hard work, healing, and using her platform to lift others up, especially women in cycling. Rebecca & Paige Discuss: Jumping into cycling in her 30s after a career in emergency medicineHow a “work hard to survive” mindset shaped her approach to sportNavigating recovery and trauma therapy after a major crashThe role of sponsors and community in supporting her comebackDiscovering new mental strengths through adversityLaunching the Rosie Up Initiative to empower women in gravel racingBalancing ambition with self-compassion and honest reflectionThe importance of representation and advocacy in sportRecent highlights: Unbound Gravel podium, Lifetime Grand Prix success Transformative Insights Setbacks can unlock unexpected strengths and new directionsCommunity support is essential for resilience and recoveryStarting late can be a superpower, bringing fresh perspectiveAdvocacy and visibility create pathways for othersGrowth is found in both vulnerability and determination Vulnerable Moments Paige’s candid account of trauma therapy and identity shiftsThe pressure to return to racing—and the courage to heal firstAdmitting the ongoing impact of injury and mental health challengesSharing the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated sport Practical Wisdom How to turn adversity into opportunityBuilding a support network and asking for helpBalancing high achievement with self-careEncouragement for women and late bloomers to pursue their goals Personal Growth Paige’s evolution from ER professional to gravel champion and advocateRebecca’s reflections on the value of unconventional journeysThe power of storytelling to break barriers and build communityBoth guests’ dedication to using their voices for positive change Links & Resources Paige Onweller: Instagram | WebsiteThe White Line Project: thewhiteline.org SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that’s about more than the miles: it’s about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open at rebeccasprivateidaho.com. Support What’s the Rusch If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations. Subscribe and Follow Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

Amelia Boone’s journey is about moving beyond the myth of toughness to embrace honesty, presence, and real resilience. In this episode, Rebecca and Amelia dig into what happens when the “Queen of Pain” identity no longer fits, and how facing struggle head-on can lead to deeper growth. Together, they talk about the realities of mental health, the courage to be vulnerable, and the ongoing work of aligning who you are on the inside with what the world sees. Rebecca & Amelia Discuss:The origins and impact of the “Queen of Pain” nicknameNavigating eating disorders and OCD as an elite athleteThe pressure to appear tough versus the reality of emotional struggleThe process and risk of going public with mental health challengesBalancing a demanding legal career with high-level competitionRedefining resilience and toughness in sport and lifeUsing her platform to advocate for mental health and authenticityThe shift from achievement-driven identity to living with greater presence Transformative InsightsTrue resilience is about honesty and emotional openness, not just enduranceLetting go of old identities can create space for real growthAligning your inner and outer worlds is a powerful act of self-respectVulnerability can be a source of strength and connection Vulnerable MomentsAmelia’s decision to share her eating disorder and OCD publiclyThe fear of judgment and the relief of finally being honestAdmitting that toughness isn’t about hiding emotion, but embracing itThe ongoing challenge of recovery and self-acceptance Practical WisdomHow to recognize when an identity no longer serves youTools for navigating recovery and building new routinesThe importance of community and honest conversation in healingWhy presence matters more than performance Personal GrowthAmelia’s evolution from world champion to advocate for mental healthRebecca’s reflections on the value of showing up as your real selfThe role of storytelling and open dialogue in breaking stigmaBoth guests’ commitment to using their platforms for collective good Links & ResourcesAmelia Boone: InstagramEating Disorder Recovery: NEDA SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that’s about more than the miles: it’s about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open at rebeccasprivateidaho.com. Get Connected: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

Erin Sprague’s story is about transforming personal adventure into collective impact. In this episode, Rebecca and Erin explore what it means to lead with purpose in the outdoor industry, the lessons learned from endurance challenges, and the importance of showing up for the causes and communities you care about—even when the path isn’t clear. Together, they discuss how small moments of awe, resilience in leadership, and a deep connection to wild places can shape a meaningful life. In this episode, Rebecca and Erin discuss: Erin’s evolution from Adirondack athlete to CEO of Protect Our Winters (POW)How running, skiing, and biking shaped her identity and leadership styleThe drive to turn personal passion for the outdoors into climate advocacy and community actionNavigating uphill challenges as a woman in sports and businessThe power of small, everyday moments—like a walk outside or birdsong—for resilience and presenceWhy showing up for your values matters, even when the outcome is uncertainBuilding community and collective action through POW and industry partnershipsLessons from epic adventures and why the “unlock” in life might be found in simplicityThe importance of getting outside, even for just 10 minutes, to reset and recharge Transformative Insights: Leadership is about showing up for your values, not just your resumeSmall moments of awe can be as transformative as big, bold adventuresCommunity and collective action are essential for meaningful changeResilience is built through both epic challenges and everyday presence Vulnerable Moments: Erin shares the realities of leading in the climate space when the path isn’t always clearHonest reflections on balancing ambition, family, and advocacyStories of setbacks, uncertainty, and the courage to keep showing upThe emotional impact of connecting with nature and community in difficult times Practical Wisdom: How to find meaning in both big achievements and small daily ritualsTools for building resilience through movement and mindfulnessThe value of community in advocacy, sport, and personal growthWhy it’s important to take action, even if it’s just a few minutes outside Personal Growth: Erin’s journey from athlete to advocate, executive, and mentorRebecca’s reflections on presence, purpose, and the power of wild placesHow both use adventure and storytelling to inspire change and connectionThe role of honesty and vulnerability in building a purposeful life Helpful Links: Protect Our Winters: protectourwinters.orgPOW Films: “The Hypocrite” featuring Amy EngelbretsonErin’s LinkedIn: Erin SpragueInstagram: @erin_sprague Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho—where adventure, community, and purpose come together in the wild. Join us in Sun Valley for a ride that’s about more than the miles: it’s about showing up for yourself, your community, and the planet. Registration is open at rebeccasprivateidaho.com. Support What’s the Rusch If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations. Get Connected: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

Brad Stulberg’s journey is about redefining excellence for everyone, not just elite performers. In this episode, Rebecca and Brad dig into what it means to pursue sustainable success, why community and vulnerability matter, and how anyone can practice excellence in daily life. Drawing from his new book, The Way of Excellence, Brad shares science-backed insights and personal stories that illuminate how excellence is a daily practice rooted in groundedness, resilience, and authentic connection. Together, they explore the value of showing up fully, the courage it takes to thrive in a chaotic world, and how the pursuit of excellence can be accessible and meaningful for all. Show notes: In this episode, Rebecca and Brad discuss: Why excellence isn’t reserved for world champions and how everyday people can pursue their own version of greatnessThe difference between fleeting achievement and sustainable successBrad’s personal story: from academic to bestselling author, coach, and powerlifting enthusiastHow community, challenge, and vulnerability shape our growthThe science behind resilience, stress regulation, and fulfillmentLessons from coaching executives, athletes, and creatives on balance and burnoutThe core ideas from Brad’s new book, The Way of ExcellenceHow to thrive amid uncertainty using psychology, philosophy, and sports scienceThe importance of doing hard things—not for the outcome, but for the process and self-discovery Transformative Insights: Excellence is a practice, not a destination—available to anyone willing to show upCommunity and shared struggle are essential for growth and belongingVulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, in both sport and lifeSustainable performance means honoring limits and building habits that last Vulnerable Moments: Brad shares how powerlifting, despite not being a pro athlete, gives him meaning, connection, and humilityHonest reflections on facing fears, letting go of perfection, and embracing the unknownRebecca and Brad discuss the challenges of identity shifts and finding purpose beyond titles or achievements Practical Wisdom: How to approach excellence as a daily practice—grounded, intentional, and adaptableTools for building resilience and regulating stress in high-pressure environmentsThe role of mentorship, both giving and receiving, in personal and professional growthWhy slowing down and tuning into your own values leads to deeper fulfillment Personal Growth: Brad’s evolution from academic to thought leader, coach, and advocate for sustainable successRebecca’s ongoing journey to redefine achievement and embrace groundednessHow movement, nature, and reflection are tools for self-discovery and healingThe power of storytelling and honest conversation in building a meaningful life Helpful Links: Brad's Website & "The Way of Excellence" (book)Brad Stulberg on InstagramBrad Stulberg on LinkedInPodcast: Excellence, Actually Support What’s the Rusch If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations! Subscribe and Follow Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Become a Partner: Want to reach an engaged audience of leaders, athletes, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals? What’s the Rusch is where your brand can align with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and personal growth. For sponsorship and media kit info, contact [email protected].

Boone Speed’s story is one of stripping away the noise to find what’s real. In this episode, Rebecca explores Boone’s evolution from pioneering American sport climber to creative force in photography and design. Together, they reflect on how movement, art, and community can help us shed what no longer serves us and discover a deeper sense of belonging, wherever we land. Show notes: In this episode, Rebecca and Boone discuss: The early days of American sport climbing and the Utah sceneHow creativity and craft shaped Boone’s approach to climbing and photographyThe importance of mentorship and community in pushing boundariesWhy Boone chooses stillness and intentionality in a world that rewards speedBuilding culture inside brands and lessons learned from working with athletes and foundersNavigating transitions—from the crag to the ocean, from athlete to creative advisor Transformative Insights: The value of tuning out external noise to hear your own truthHow community and creativity can be anchors through changeThe power of staying “allergic to the status quo”Why choosing stillness is sometimes the boldest move Vulnerable Moments: Boone reflects on the risks and rewards of forging a new path in climbingRebecca and Boone share stories of feeling like outsiders and finding belongingHonest talk about transitions—letting go of old identities to make space for new growthBoone opens up about the challenges of balancing art, adventure, and personal life Practical Wisdom: How to approach creative work as a practice, not a performanceTools for building authentic community in any fieldThe importance of mentorship—both giving and receivingWhy slowing down can lead to deeper connection and clarity Personal Growth: Boone’s evolution from athlete to creative advisor and mentorRebecca’s ongoing journey to embrace stillness and let go of perfectionismHow both guests use movement and nature as tools for self-discoveryThe role of vulnerability in building a meaningful life Helpful Links: Boone Speed PortfolioBoone Speed on InstagramHence Creative Support What’s the Rusch If this episode moved you, please share it with someone, leave a review, send it to a training partner, or post your favorite takeaway on social media. All of these help us continue to bring you these inspiring conversations! Subscribe and Follow Rate, Review, and Share Get Connected: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Become a Partner: Interested in reaching an engaged audience of leaders, athletes, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals? What’s the Rusch is the place to align your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and personal growth. For sponsorship inquiries and media kit information, please contact [email protected].

Cynthia Carson’s journey is about discovering who you are beyond the results. In this episode, Rebecca and Cynthia dig into the realities of ultra-endurance cycling, the challenge of separating identity from outcome, and the courage it takes to show up as your full self, on and off the bike. The conversation is especially meaningful as Rebecca and Cynthia recently met at the finish line of the Atlas Mountain Race, where Cynthia took the women’s win. Together, they explore how adventure, storytelling, and community can help us find presence in the hardest moments and redefine what it means to succeed. Show notes: In this episode, Rebecca and Cynthia discuss: The evolution from racer to community builder and filmmakerWhy Cynthia chooses not to lead with her athletic achievements when introducing herselfThe struggle and liberation of separating self-worth from race resultsHow ultra-distance events create space for presence and reflectionThe making of “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back” and what Cynthia learned from two years of physical and emotional challengesThe importance of showing up authentically, regardless of outcomeLessons from organizing gravel races and fostering community in cyclingThe value of curiosity and humility in adventure and life Transformative Insights: Identity is more than a podium finish—results are just one piece of the storyPresence and self-reflection are found in the quiet, difficult milesCommunity and storytelling can be powerful tools for growth and connectionConfidence is built through consistent effort, not just external validation Vulnerable Moments: Cynthia opens up about the pressure to define herself by results and the work it takes to move beyond thatHonest conversation about feeling “not enough” and learning to embrace the full spectrum of identityBoth guests share stories of meeting at the finish line and the mutual respect that comes from shared struggleCynthia reflects on the emotional journey behind her latest film and the lessons learned from setbacks Practical Wisdom: How to introduce yourself beyond your job or achievementsTools for building self-belief and showing up as your best selfThe importance of community in endurance sports and beyondWhy it’s essential to separate your worth from your wins and losses Personal Growth: Cynthia’s evolution from athlete to organizer, filmmaker, and mentorRebecca’s ongoing journey to find meaning and presence in adventureHow both use movement and storytelling as vehicles for self-discovery and connectionThe role of vulnerability and honesty in building a meaningful life Helpful Links: Cynthia’s Website: wattwagon.ccCynthia’s YouTube: @wattwagonCynthia’s Films: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Racing the Transcontinental After Everything Fell ApartCynthia’s Instagram: @watt_wagon Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho—an event that’s all about showing up as your full self, finding community in the wild, and discovering what you’re capable of beyond the finish line. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just want to ride with purpose, RPI is where adventure and connection meet. Join us in Sun Valley for an unforgettable experience on and off the bike. Registration is open now at rebeccasprivateidaho.com. Support What’s the Rusch If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, inspiring conversations. Subscribe and Follow Rate, Review, and Share Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit. Connect with Rebecca: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road

Rebecca Rusch welcomes Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a visionary in neuro-optometry and founder of MyVision First, Vision Performance Training, and ScreenFit. This episode unpacks how the way we see, literally and figuratively, shapes our sense of safety, healing, and performance. Dr. B’s journey began with his own childhood vision struggles, fueling a mission to help others retrain their visual brains after injury, overload, or simply the demands of modern life. Together, Rebecca and Dr. B explore the intersection of vision, resilience, and the courage to reimagine what’s possible when we address the root causes that limit our potential. In This Episode, Rebecca and Dr. B Explore: The difference between eyesight and true vision—and why it matters for performance, healing, and self-perceptionHow Dr. B’s personal experience with vision therapy transformed his life and purposeThe hidden impact of visual processing on confidence, learning, and movementWhy addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms—unlocks real growthThe shift from reactive to proactive vision care, and what it means for athletes, patients, and everyday humansHow our visual system is overloaded by modern screens and what we can do about itThe power of awareness, patience, and trust in the brain-body connection Transformative Insights Vision is more than seeing clearly—it’s about how we interpret and interact with the worldHealing and high performance both start with understanding and retraining the visual brainOur sense of safety, confidence, and potential is deeply tied to how we see ourselves and our environmentThe brain’s plasticity means change is always possible, no matter your starting point Vulnerable Moments Dr. B shares how childhood struggles with vision shaped his identity and career pathRebecca reflects on her own concussion recovery and the wish to have found vision therapy soonerBoth discuss the emotional journey of moving from frustration and limitation to empowerment and purpose Practical Wisdom How to recognize when vision—not just eyesight—may be holding you backSimple strategies to reduce screen overload and support healthy visual processingThe importance of seeking care that addresses the whole person, not just isolated symptomsBuilding trust in your body’s ability to adapt and heal Personal Growth Dr. B’s evolution from patient to practitioner, and his commitment to changing the paradigm of vision careRebecca’s ongoing journey to integrate new tools for healing and performanceThe ripple effect of sharing our stories—how one person’s breakthrough can inspire hope and action in others Helpful Links Dr. Bryce Appelbaum’s Website: MyVision FirstScreenFit ProgramVision Performance TrainingDr. Bryce Appelbaum on InstagramDr. Bryce Appelbaum on LinkedIn Sponsor Get $200 off ScreenFit™ using code RUSCH Take 10% off selected MyVisionFirst shop products using code RUSCH Connect with Rebecca: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road

This is Part 2 of Rebecca’s conversation with Jay Petervary, recorded just days after his 13th attempt at the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) in Alaska. If you haven’t listened to Part 1: Ride Forward: The Art of Endurance, go back and catch the pregame episode for the full story and context. In this follow-up, Jay is fresh off the trail, still in Alaska, reflecting on what it means to show up for a race with big goals only to have the weather and trail conditions force a different outcome. He shares honestly about the decision to stop short of the 1,000-mile finish, the mental and physical toll of pushing against nature, and the humility required to accept when the trail has other plans. Jay and Rebecca explore the tension between relentless drive and deep listening, the wisdom that comes from decades of endurance, and how letting go can sometimes be the bravest move of all. Key Topics: The reality of facing unpredictable conditions on the ITI and making the call to stop before the finishHow Jay’s mindset has evolved after years of racing, and what it means to listen to the trail and your own limitsThe emotional aftermath of a race that doesn’t go as planned, and the lessons found in disappointmentThe ongoing process of recovery—physically, mentally, and emotionally—after high-stakes adventureThe value of reflection, community, and honest storytelling in the wake of challenge Memorable Moments: Jay describes the moment he realized the ITI would not go as planned, and the internal dialogue that followedReflections on the difference between “old Jay” and the wisdom that comes with experienceHonest talk about the pressure to perform, the expectations we set for ourselves, and the courage it takes to walk away Reflection Questions: When have you had to change course, even when you were deeply committed to a goal?What does it look like to honor your limits without losing your drive?How do you process disappointment and find meaning in the aftermath? Resources & Links: Part 1: Ride Forward: The Art of EnduranceJay's websiteJay's InstagramFat PursuitIditarod Trail Invitational Connect with Rebecca: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road