What's The Rusch

From the archive, and right on time. Election Day is November 3, and this conversation is a good reminder of why showing up matters. Erin Sprague, CEO of Protect Our Winters, joins Rebecca to talk about turning personal adventure into collective impact. They 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.If you love the outdoors, take a few minutes this week to check out what POW has put together to help you make a plan to vote: protectourwinters.org/stoke-the-voteShow NotesIn 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 rechargeTransformative 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 presenceVulnerable 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 timesPractical 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 outsidePersonal 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 lifeHelpful Links:Protect Our Winters: protectourwinters.orgPOW Films: “The Hypocrite” featuring Amy EngelbretsonErin’s LinkedIn: Erin SpragueInstagram: @erin_spragueSupport 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 ShareGet Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood RoadBecome 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: 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 NotesIn 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 presenceTransformative 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 connectionVulnerable 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-acceptancePractical 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 performancePersonal 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 goodHelpful Links:Amelia Boone on InstagramEating disorder support: National Alliance for Eating Disorders, allianceforeatingdisorders.comSupport 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 ShareGet Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood RoadBecome 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 NotesIn 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 algorithmsTransformative 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 LinksThe Explorer’s Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and Blank Spots on the MapEndure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human PerformanceAlex's websiteAlex's InstagramAlex's FacebookSponsor: 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 ShareGet Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood RoadBecome 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 NotesIn 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-examinationTransformative 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 meditationVulnerable 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 playPractical 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 communityPersonal 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 othersHelpful 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 RuschSponsor: 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 ShareGet Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood RoadBecome 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 NotesIn 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 rebuildTransformative 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 rebuildVulnerable 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 eventPractical 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 partPersonal 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 careersHelpful 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 GoldbergSponsor: 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 ShareGet Connected: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Substack | Blood RoadBecome 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.