Unraveling Identity and Endurance with Cynthia Carson | EP42

Wild Purpose and Everyday Awe with Erin Sprague | EP45

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: 1. Erin’s evolution from Adirondack athlete to CEO of Protect Our Winters (POW) 2. How running, skiing, and biking shaped her identity and leadership style 3. The drive to turn personal passion for the outdoors into climate advocacy and community action 4. Navigating uphill challenges as a woman in sports and business 5. The power of small, everyday moments—like a walk outside or birdsong—for resilience and presence 6. Why showing up for your values matters, even when the outcome is uncertain 7. Building community and collective action through POW and industry partnerships 8. Lessons from epic adventures and why the “unlock” in life might be found in simplicity 9. The importance of getting outside, even for just 10 minutes, to reset and recharge Transformative Insights: 1. Leadership is about showing up for your values, not just your resume 2. Small moments of awe can be as transformative as big, bold adventures 3. Community and collective action are essential for meaningful change 4. Resilience is built through both epic challenges and everyday presence Vulnerable Moments: 1. Erin shares the realities of leading in the climate space when the path isn’t always clear 2. Honest reflections on balancing ambition, family, and advocacy 3. Stories of setbacks, uncertainty, and the courage to keep showing up 4. The emotional impact of connecting with nature and community in difficult times Practical Wisdom: 1. How to find meaning in both big achievements and small daily rituals 2. Tools for building resilience through movement and mindfulness 3. The value of community in advocacy, sport, and personal growth 4. Why it’s important to take action, even if it’s just a few minutes outside Personal Growth: 1. Erin’s journey from athlete to advocate, executive, and mentor 2. Rebecca’s reflections on presence, purpose, and the power of wild places 3. How both use adventure and storytelling to inspire change and connection 4. The role of honesty and vulnerability in building a purposeful life Helpful Links: 1. Protect Our Winters: protectourwinters.org [https://protectourwinters.org/] 2. POW Films: “The Hypocrite” featuring Amy Engelbretson 3. Erin’s LinkedIn: Erin Sprague [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinsprague/] 4. Instagram: @erin_sprague Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho [https://rebeccasprivateidaho.com]—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 [https://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 [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/rebeccarusch-com] Instagram [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/instagram] LinkedIn [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/linkedin] Substack [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/substack] Blood Road [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/blood-road] Become a Partner: Interested in aligning your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and growth? Contact Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com [Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit.

Everyday Excellence with Brad Stulberg | EP44

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: 1. Why excellence isn’t reserved for world champions and how everyday people can pursue their own version of greatness 2. The difference between fleeting achievement and sustainable success 3. Brad’s personal story: from academic to bestselling author, coach, and powerlifting enthusiast 4. How community, challenge, and vulnerability shape our growth 5. The science behind resilience, stress regulation, and fulfillment 6. Lessons from coaching executives, athletes, and creatives on balance and burnout 7. The core ideas from Brad’s new book, The Way of Excellence 8. How to thrive amid uncertainty using psychology, philosophy, and sports science 9. The importance of doing hard things—not for the outcome, but for the process and self-discovery Transformative Insights: 1. Excellence is a practice, not a destination—available to anyone willing to show up 2. Community and shared struggle are essential for growth and belonging 3. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, in both sport and life 4. Sustainable performance means honoring limits and building habits that last Vulnerable Moments: 1. Brad shares how powerlifting, despite not being a pro athlete, gives him meaning, connection, and humility 2. Honest reflections on facing fears, letting go of perfection, and embracing the unknown 3. Rebecca and Brad discuss the challenges of identity shifts and finding purpose beyond titles or achievements Practical Wisdom: 1. How to approach excellence as a daily practice—grounded, intentional, and adaptable 2. Tools for building resilience and regulating stress in high-pressure environments 3. The role of mentorship, both giving and receiving, in personal and professional growth 4. Why slowing down and tuning into your own values leads to deeper fulfillment Personal Growth: 1. Brad’s evolution from academic to thought leader, coach, and advocate for sustainable success 2. Rebecca’s ongoing journey to redefine achievement and embrace groundedness 3. How movement, nature, and reflection are tools for self-discovery and healing 4. The power of storytelling and honest conversation in building a meaningful life Helpful Links: 1. Brad's Website & "The Way of Excellence" (book) [https://www.bradstulberg.com/] 2. Brad Stulberg on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bradstulberg/] 3. Brad Stulberg on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-stulberg-009b168b/] 4. Podcast: Excellence, Actually [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellence-actually/id1505257676] 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 [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/rebeccarusch-com] Instagram [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/instagram] LinkedIn [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/linkedin] Substack [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/substack] Blood Road [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/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 Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com [Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com].

Presence over Noise with Boone Speed | EP43

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 [https://boonespeed.com/] 2. Boone Speed on Instagram [https://instagram.com/boonespeed] 3. Hence Creative [https://hencecreative.com/] 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-the-rusch/id1795769843] Get Connected: Website [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/rebeccarusch-com] Instagram [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/instagram] LinkedIn [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/linkedin] Substack [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/substack] Blood Road [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/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 [Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com].

Unraveling Identity and Endurance with Cynthia Carson | EP42

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: 1. The evolution from racer to community builder and filmmaker 2. Why Cynthia chooses not to lead with her athletic achievements when introducing herself 3. The struggle and liberation of separating self-worth from race results 4. How ultra-distance events create space for presence and reflection 5. The making of “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back” and what Cynthia learned from two years of physical and emotional challenges 6. The importance of showing up authentically, regardless of outcome 7. Lessons from organizing gravel races and fostering community in cycling 8. The value of curiosity and humility in adventure and life Transformative Insights: 1. Identity is more than a podium finish—results are just one piece of the story 2. Presence and self-reflection are found in the quiet, difficult miles 3. Community and storytelling can be powerful tools for growth and connection 4. Confidence is built through consistent effort, not just external validation Vulnerable Moments: 1. Cynthia opens up about the pressure to define herself by results and the work it takes to move beyond that 2. Honest conversation about feeling “not enough” and learning to embrace the full spectrum of identity 3. Both guests share stories of meeting at the finish line and the mutual respect that comes from shared struggle 4. Cynthia reflects on the emotional journey behind her latest film and the lessons learned from setbacks Practical Wisdom: 1. How to introduce yourself beyond your job or achievements 2. Tools for building self-belief and showing up as your best self 3. The importance of community in endurance sports and beyond 4. Why it’s essential to separate your worth from your wins and losses Personal Growth: 1. Cynthia’s evolution from athlete to organizer, filmmaker, and mentor 2. Rebecca’s ongoing journey to find meaning and presence in adventure 3. How both use movement and storytelling as vehicles for self-discovery and connection 4. The role of vulnerability and honesty in building a meaningful life Helpful Links: 1. Cynthia’s Website: wattwagon.cc [https://www.wattwagon.cc/] 2. Cynthia’s YouTube: @wattwagon [https://www.youtube.com/@wattwagon] 3. Cynthia’s Films: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Racing the Transcontinental After Everything Fell Apar [https://youtu.be/20fPWRPT0Aw?si=1KuxYjDSIgIrFGdo]t 4. Cynthia’s Instagram: @watt_wagon [https://www.instagram.com/watt_wagon] Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho [https://app.getnoan.com/create/c/rebeccasprivateidaho.com]—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 [http://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 Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com [Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com] for sponsorship opportunities and our media kit. Connect with Rebecca: Website [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/rebeccarusch-com] Instagram [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/instagram] LinkedIn [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/linkedin] Substack [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/substack] Blood Road [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/blood-road]

Clarity Within: Vision and Healing with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum | EP41

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: 1. The difference between eyesight and true vision—and why it matters for performance, healing, and self-perception 2. How Dr. B’s personal experience with vision therapy transformed his life and purpose 3. The hidden impact of visual processing on confidence, learning, and movement 4. Why addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms—unlocks real growth 5. The shift from reactive to proactive vision care, and what it means for athletes, patients, and everyday humans 6. How our visual system is overloaded by modern screens and what we can do about it 7. The power of awareness, patience, and trust in the brain-body connection Transformative Insights 1. Vision is more than seeing clearly—it’s about how we interpret and interact with the world 2. Healing and high performance both start with understanding and retraining the visual brain 3. Our sense of safety, confidence, and potential is deeply tied to how we see ourselves and our environment 4. The brain’s plasticity means change is always possible, no matter your starting point Vulnerable Moments 1. Dr. B shares how childhood struggles with vision shaped his identity and career path 2. Rebecca reflects on her own concussion recovery and the wish to have found vision therapy sooner 3. Both discuss the emotional journey of moving from frustration and limitation to empowerment and purpose Practical Wisdom 1. How to recognize when vision—not just eyesight—may be holding you back 2. Simple strategies to reduce screen overload and support healthy visual processing 3. The importance of seeking care that addresses the whole person, not just isolated symptoms 4. Building trust in your body’s ability to adapt and heal Personal Growth 1. Dr. B’s evolution from patient to practitioner, and his commitment to changing the paradigm of vision care 2. Rebecca’s ongoing journey to integrate new tools for healing and performance 3. The ripple effect of sharing our stories—how one person’s breakthrough can inspire hope and action in others Helpful Links 1. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum’s Website: MyVision First [https://www.myvisionfirst.com/] 2. ScreenFit Program [https://rusch--screenfit.thrivecart.com/screenfit-vision-foundations/?ref=rusch-wtr] 3. Vision Performance Training [https://www.visionperformancetraining.com/] 4. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drbryceappelbaum/] 5. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bryce-appelbaum/] Sponsor Get $200 off ScreenFit™ using code RUSCH [https://rusch--screenfit.thrivecart.com/screenfit-vision-foundations/?ref=rusch-wtr] Take 10% off selected MyVisionFirst [http://myvisionfirst.com] shop products using code RUSCH Connect with Rebecca: Website [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/rebeccarusch-com] Instagram [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/instagram] LinkedIn [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/linkedin] Substack [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/substack] Blood Road [https://whats-the-rusch.captivate.fm/blood-road]