What's The Rusch

• The Modern Mobilizer: Maureen Kolenyo’s Path to Global Impact | EP10

  In this heartfelt episode of What’s the Rusch, host Rebecca Rusch sits down with Maureen Kolenyo, Regional Director of East Africa for World Bicycle Relief, transformational leader, and mother of five. Maureen shares her incredible journey from corporate powerhouse to purpose-driven changemaker, revealing how a simple bicycle can unlock safety, education, and opportunity for girls across Africa.Together, Maureen and Rebecca explore the deep inequities in education access, the overlooked power of community-based solutions, and what it really means to redefine success later in life. From navigating male-dominated boardrooms to rising before dawn to prioritize wellness, Maureen’s story is one of grace, grit, and lasting impact.As a powerful advocate for gender equity and rural development, Maureen is proving that leadership is not just about what you achieve, but about what you lift in others. Her voice is a rallying call to rethink our legacy, reimagine retirement, and move through life with purpose, connection, and heart.Transformative InsightsThe bicycle is a tool for mobility that is transforming access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity across rural Africa.Why Maureen left a 26-year corporate career to pursue lasting community impact.Redefining success after 50 by letting go of the pressure to win and embracing a more holistic, human-centered definition of achievement.Why relationships—not just results—are the currency of sustainable leadership.Vulnerable MomentsMaureen opens up about being unaware of rural poverty in her own country until witnessing it firsthand during COVID.She shares the emotional story of a mother whose daughter’s new bicycle meant she could finally sleep peacefully at night.Rebecca and Maureen dive into the pressure women face to choose between motherhood and ambition—and how to build a life that honors both.Maureen reflects on hitting burnout, and how learning to rest became her ultimate act of strength.Practical WisdomHow to lead with empathy, clarity, and shared purpose.Engaging men, communities, and families to champion girls’ education and create cultural change from the ground up.Wellness is a part of wholistic leadership practice including the role of movement, morning routines, and boundaries in staying grounded.Why trust and generosity are the foundation of lasting influence.Personal GrowthMaureen’s evolution from task-driven corporate leader to holistic, impact-centered changemaker.Embracing health and stillness as core values—not luxuries—in a high-demand life.Leading by example for her children, showing that failure, like not finishing a marathon, can still be a proud win.Maureen’s reflections on legacy and how she’s shaping a retirement defined by service and joy.LinksWorld Bicycle Relief Be Good Foundation – Rebecca’s NonprofitRebecca’s Kilimanjaro Ride for WBR (Video)Follow Maureen Kolenyo on LinkedInSponsors – GU Energy Labs & MomentousSupport What’s the RuschLove the show?...

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• Beyond the Lens and Into the Light with Chris Burkard | EP9

  In this deeply introspective episode of What's the Rusch, host Rebecca Rusch sits down with world-renowned photographer, explorer, and endurance athlete, Chris Burkard. Known for capturing some of the most remote and untamed places on Earth, Chris reveals the deeper motivations behind his relentless pursuit of adventure.Chris shares his journey from being a self-taught photographer living out of his car to becoming a globally recognized storyteller. But beyond the accolades, he opens up about the emotional and personal costs of chasing the extreme—from burnout to the challenges of balancing ambition with family life.The conversation takes a profound turn as Chris recounts his experiences in endurance cycling, including his grueling Tour Divide ride, the life-changing winter fat bike expedition across Iceland with Rebecca, and his recent darkness retreat, where he confronted himself in total isolation. He reflects on the lessons of stillness, the importance of asking for help, and how he's learning to embrace a new kind of adventure—one that prioritizes presence over achievement.This episode is a raw and real look at the internal and external landscapes we must navigate to find true fulfillment.Transformative InsightsHow extreme environments expose the rawest versions of ourselves.The power of endurance sports in stripping away emotional armor.Learning to let go of external validation and redefine success.The role of stillness and self-reflection in preventing burnout.Vulnerable MomentsChris opens up about his struggles with burnout and the pressure to constantly achieve.His raw reflections during the Tour Divide, where he questioned why he was racing for validation instead of presence.His unexpected realization during the darkness retreat—where he found answers to questions he hadn’t even thought to ask.The internal conflict of being both a devoted father and an explorer constantly drawn to the wild.Practical WisdomHow to embrace discomfort as a tool for growth—without losing yourself in the process.Strategies for balancing high-performance goals with personal well-being.The importance of asking for help, even when it feels unnatural.How to cultivate presence in everyday life—not just in extreme environments.Personal GrowthChris’ shift from chasing validation to finding joy in the process.The realization that the most powerful stories aren’t about conquering landscapes, but about personal transformation.Learning to replace achievement-driven identity with a sense of internal fulfillment.The ongoing challenge of balancing ambition, creativity, and family life.LinksChris Burkard - Official WebsiteChris Burkard on InstagramChris Burkard on YouTubeSky Cave Darkness RetreatSupport What's the Rusch: Love the show? Write us a review!Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsite Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast Ted Talk...

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• Healing Through Nature & Heartbreak with Florence Williams | EP8

  In this deeply insightful episode of What’s the Rusch, host Rebecca Rusch sits down with acclaimed science writer and nature advocate Florence Williams. Known for her groundbreaking books The Nature Fix and Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey, Florence explores the profound ways that nature heals both the body and mind.Florence opens up about her personal journey of heartbreak following the end of her 25-year marriage and how she turned to science, self-experimentation, and nature to navigate grief, trauma, and transformation. She and Rebecca dive into the neuroscience of emotional pain, the healing power of awe, and the importance of reconnecting with the natural world in our increasingly digital lives.This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, vulnerability, and self-discovery, offering practical wisdom for anyone seeking to heal, grow, and embrace life’s inevitable changes.Transformative InsightsHow nature impacts our physiology and mental healthWhy awe and beauty are essential for resilience and healingThe unexpected power of psychedelic-assisted therapy in emotional recoveryHow to embrace uncertainty and redefine personal successVulnerable MomentsFlorence’s struggle with loneliness after divorce and how it impacted her healthThe physical toll of heartbreak—how stress manifests in our bodiesHer transformative solo wilderness journey and why it didn’t lead to immediate healingLetting go of perfectionism and learning to embrace imperfection in relationships and workPractical WisdomHow micro-dosing nature can improve daily mental well-beingSimple ways to cultivate awe, even in urban environmentsThe role of authentic connection in healing and happinessWhy midlife is a powerful time for reinvention and self-discoveryPersonal GrowthFlorence’s shift from seeking control to embracing the unknownLearning to prioritize rest, play, and joy over constant achievementThe importance of accepting personal flaws and modeling that for othersLinks & ResourcesWebsite https://florencewilliams.com/Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey – Florence Williams' Website The Nature Fix – Read More HereOutside Online podcast episode with Florence & Rebecca: Support What's the Rusch: Love the show? Write us a review!Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsite Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast Ted Talk Be Good Foundation Social Media LinksInstagram Facebook LinkedIn Substack

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• Concussions, Competition, Courage with Haley Batten | EP7

  In this episode of What's the Rusch, host Rebecca Rusch sits down with Haley Batten, a world-class mountain biker and Olympic silver medalist, to explore the delicate balance between competition, joy, and resilience. Haley shares her journey from a teenage prodigy in mountain biking to navigating the highest levels of the sport while facing personal challenges, including multiple concussions that tested her patience, mindset, and ability to slow down. Together, Rebecca and Haley dive into the importance of community, the evolving culture of women’s sports, and how adversity can lead to unexpected personal growth.Haley’s story highlights the evolving culture of Women’s Sports, where fierce competition and genuine camaraderie coexist at the highest levels of racing. However, her journey hasn’t been without challenges—her battle with multiple concussions forced her to shift from pushing through pain to truly listening to her body. Through mindfulness, meditation, and journaling, she found resilience and growth, redefining success beyond podiums. As she continues to race at the elite level, Haley’s passion for education and cognitive psychology fuels her mission to inspire the next generation—on and off the bike. This conversation goes beyond racing, offering insights into finding strength in stillness, embracing setbacks, and redefining success.Transformative Insights:Genuine friendships among female competitors are shaping the future of the sport.Forced rest periods and slowing down due to injury became Haley’s biggest teachers.Lessons in self-trust come from realizing the importance of prioritizing long-term well-being.Vulnerable Moments:Haley opens up about the fear of losing her career due to repeated concussions.She shares the mental fog and frustration of long recovery periods.Rebecca and Haley discuss the hidden pressures of elite competition and the battle between ambition and acceptance.Haley reflects on stepping off a race course mid-race—a defining moment in her journey to put health first.Practical Wisdom:How to recognize and manage concussions - identifying key signs and best recovery practices for athletes.Meditation, journaling, and visualization are game-changing tools for mindfulness in high performance. Building a strong support system of coaches, family, and mentors is key in both recovery and success.Personal Growth:Haley’s evolution from pushing through at all costs to prioritizing longevity in sport and life.Learning to trust her instincts and make bold decisions, even in high-stakes moments.The realization that being present with loved ones is just as important as podium finishes.Links:Haley’s Concussion Awareness & Return to Play GuidelinesBrainstorm Podcast Series by Rebecca Rusch & Selene YeagerOutdoor Athlete Concussion Lounge VideoConnect with Haley Batten – Instagram | WebsiteSupport What's the Rusch: Love the show? Write us a review!Connect with Rebecca Rusch

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• Butterfly in a Blizzard: with Kimmy Fasani | EP6

  In this powerful episode of What’s the Rusch, host Rebecca Rusch sits down with pioneering snowboarder, entrepreneur, and mother, Kimmy Fasani. Kimmy shares her extraordinary journey from breaking boundaries in professional snowboarding to facing one of life’s most difficult challenges: an aggressive cancer diagnosis. Through candid and heartfelt storytelling, Kimmy reveals how she found resilience in the face of adversity, the lessons she learned about surrendering control, and the power of community and advocacy in women’s sports.She opens up about navigating motherhood while maintaining a professional career, redefining success on her terms, and how her latest film, Butterfly in a Blizzard, captures the raw beauty of overcoming life’s most profound struggles. Take in this inspiring conversation on resilience, reinvention, and embracing the unpredictable nature of life.Transformative InsightsHow letting go of control can open the door to unexpected strength.The importance of changing industry norms to better support women in sports.How community, movement, and self-awareness help navigate life’s biggest challenges.The power of showing up authentically, even in the hardest moments.Vulnerable MomentsKimmy’s battle with self-doubt and fear when advocating for maternity rights.Her cancer diagnosis and how it shattered her sense of identity as a professional athlete.The pain of losing her mother and how it shaped her perspective on life, loss, and motherhood.Her struggle to let go of perfection in parenting, career, and recovery.Practical WisdomHow to advocate for yourself in male-dominated spaces.Strategies for balancing ambition and self-compassion in high-performance careers.The importance of nature as a healing force through trauma and transformation.Why pivots in life don’t mean endings—they’re just new directions.Personal GrowthKimmy’s shift from proving herself to redefining success on her terms.Learning to embrace change, uncertainty, and imperfection.Finding strength in community, vulnerability, and self-trust.LinksButterfly in a Blizzard Documentary FilmKimmy Fasani - WebsiteSupport What's the Rusch: Love the show? Write us a review!Rebecca RuschWebsite Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast Ted Talk Be Good Foundation Social Media LinksInstagram Facebook LinkedIn Substack YouTube

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