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What's The Rusch

What's The Rusch

Written by: Rebecca Rusch
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 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.Copyright 2026 Rebecca Rusch Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Everyday Excellence with Brad Stulberg | EP44

    Everyday Excellence with Brad Stulberg | EP44
    May 6 2026
    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-discoveryTransformative 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 lastVulnerable 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 achievementsPractical 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 fulfillmentPersonal 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 lifeHelpful Links:Brad's Website & "The Way of Excellence" (book)Brad Stulberg on InstagramBrad Stulberg on LinkedInPodcast: Excellence, ActuallySupport What’s the RuschIf 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 FollowRate, Review, and ShareGet Connected:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood RoadBecome 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 Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com.
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    1 hr
  • Presence over Noise with Boone Speed | EP43

    Presence over Noise with Boone Speed | EP43
    Apr 22 2026

    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:

    1. The early days of American sport climbing and the Utah scene
    2. How creativity and craft shaped Boone’s approach to climbing and photography
    3. The importance of mentorship and community in pushing boundaries
    4. Why Boone chooses stillness and intentionality in a world that rewards speed
    5. Building culture inside brands and lessons learned from working with athletes and founders
    6. Navigating transitions—from the crag to the ocean, from athlete to creative advisor

    Transformative Insights:

    1. The value of tuning out external noise to hear your own truth
    2. How community and creativity can be anchors through change
    3. The power of staying “allergic to the status quo”
    4. Why choosing stillness is sometimes the boldest move

    Vulnerable Moments:

    1. Boone reflects on the risks and rewards of forging a new path in climbing
    2. Rebecca and Boone share stories of feeling like outsiders and finding belonging
    3. Honest talk about transitions—letting go of old identities to make space for new growth
    4. Boone opens up about the challenges of balancing art, adventure, and personal life

    Practical Wisdom:

    1. How to approach creative work as a practice, not a performance
    2. Tools for building authentic community in any field
    3. The importance of mentorship—both giving and receiving
    4. Why slowing down can lead to deeper connection and clarity

    Personal Growth:

    1. Boone’s evolution from athlete to creative advisor and mentor
    2. Rebecca’s ongoing journey to embrace stillness and let go of perfectionism
    3. How both guests use movement and nature as tools for self-discovery
    4. The role of vulnerability in building a meaningful life

    Helpful Links:

    1. Boone Speed Portfolio
    2. Boone Speed on Instagram
    3. Hence 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 Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Unraveling Identity and Endurance with Cynthia Carson | EP42

    Unraveling Identity and Endurance with Cynthia Carson | EP42
    Apr 8 2026
    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 lifeTransformative 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 validationVulnerable 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 setbacksPractical 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 lossesPersonal 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 lifeHelpful 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_wagonSponsor: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 RuschIf 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 FollowRate, Review, and ShareBecome a Partner:Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.Connect with Rebecca:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSubstackBlood Road
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
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