What's The Rusch

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 Yosemite
Meeting Rebecca through a Five Ten ad campaign and the first Stone Nudes shoot
Why performance, not posing, is what actually makes a photograph work
Reading someone's mindset in a first conversation, and what separates good from elite
Trying to go commercial in fashion and advertising, and why it never fit
The phone call from Lynn Hill that pulled Dean back into climbing photography
Being present for Dean Potter through his hardest periods without judgment
What it took to finally grieve Potter years after his death, once The Dark Wizard forced him to look back
Archiving Glen Denny's work and keeping Yosemite's climbing history alive
Slowing 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 athletics
Trust gets built by being embedded in a community, not by observing it from outside
Grief that gets shoved down doesn't disappear. It waits
Keeping 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 death
Second guessing his own actions during a physical altercation with Potter in China
Rebecca on her own body image struggles going into her first Stone Nudes shoot
Dean 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 there
Reading passion and mindset in someone within a first conversation
Why staying broke by choice can be what keeps your art honest
Processing 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 historian
Rebecca's reflection on how the same photograph that once terrified her gave her confidence
Both on what it means to keep learning from younger generations instead of just teaching them
The throughline between what healed Dean as a teenager and what still fuels him now

Helpful Links:
Stone Nudes: stonenudes.com
Dean's Instagram: @pictures_of_fidelman
Fidelman: A Body of Work: gripped.com feature
The 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.
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Blood Road
Become 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.

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 medicine
How a “work hard to survive” mindset shaped her approach to sport
Navigating recovery and trauma therapy after a major crash
The role of sponsors and community in supporting her comeback
Discovering new mental strengths through adversity
Launching the Rosie Up Initiative to empower women in gravel racing
Balancing ambition with self-compassion and honest reflection
The importance of representation and advocacy in sport
Recent highlights: Unbound Gravel podium, Lifetime Grand Prix success

Transformative Insights
Setbacks can unlock unexpected strengths and new directions
Community support is essential for resilience and recovery
Starting late can be a superpower, bringing fresh perspective
Advocacy and visibility create pathways for others
Growth is found in both vulnerability and determination

Vulnerable Moments
Paige’s candid account of trauma therapy and identity shifts
The pressure to return to racing—and the courage to heal first
Admitting the ongoing impact of injury and mental health challenges
Sharing the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated sport

Practical Wisdom
How to turn adversity into opportunity
Building a support network and asking for help
Balancing high achievement with self-care
Encouragement for women and late bloomers to pursue their goals

Personal Growth
Paige’s evolution from ER professional to gravel champion and advocate
Rebecca’s reflections on the value of unconventional journeys
The power of storytelling to break barriers and build community
Both guests’ dedication to using their voices for positive change

Links & Resources
Paige Onweller: Instagram | Website
The White Line Project: thewhiteline.org

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 Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com 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” nickname
Navigating eating disorders and OCD as an elite athlete
The pressure to appear tough versus the reality of emotional struggle
The process and risk of going public with mental health challenges
Balancing a demanding legal career with high-level competition
Redefining resilience and toughness in sport and life
Using her platform to advocate for mental health and authenticity
The shift from achievement-driven identity to living with greater presence

Transformative Insights
True resilience is about honesty and emotional openness, not just endurance
Letting go of old identities can create space for real growth
Aligning your inner and outer worlds is a powerful act of self-respect
Vulnerability can be a source of strength and connection

Vulnerable Moments
Amelia’s decision to share her eating disorder and OCD publicly
The fear of judgment and the relief of finally being honest
Admitting that toughness isn’t about hiding emotion, but embracing it
The ongoing challenge of recovery and self-acceptance

Practical Wisdom
How to recognize when an identity no longer serves you
Tools for navigating recovery and building new routines
The importance of community and honest conversation in healing
Why presence matters more than performance

Personal Growth
Amelia’s evolution from world champion to advocate for mental health
Rebecca’s reflections on the value of showing up as your real self
The role of storytelling and open dialogue in breaking stigma
Both guests’ commitment to using their platforms for collective good

Links & Resources
Amelia Boone: Instagram
Eating Disorder Recovery: NEDA

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.

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 Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com 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 style
The drive to turn personal passion for the outdoors into climate advocacy and community action
Navigating uphill challenges as a woman in sports and business
The power of small, everyday moments—like a walk outside or birdsong—for resilience and presence
Why showing up for your values matters, even when the outcome is uncertain
Building community and collective action through POW and industry partnerships
Lessons from epic adventures and why the “unlock” in life might be found in simplicity
The 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 resume
Small moments of awe can be as transformative as big, bold adventures
Community and collective action are essential for meaningful change
Resilience 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 clear
Honest reflections on balancing ambition, family, and advocacy
Stories of setbacks, uncertainty, and the courage to keep showing up
The emotional impact of connecting with nature and community in difficult times

Practical Wisdom:
How to find meaning in both big achievements and small daily rituals
Tools for building resilience through movement and mindfulness
The value of community in advocacy, sport, and personal growth
Why 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 mentor
Rebecca’s reflections on presence, purpose, and the power of wild places
How both use adventure and storytelling to inspire change and connection
The role of honesty and vulnerability in building a purposeful life

Helpful Links:
Protect Our Winters: protectourwinters.org
POW Films: “The Hypocrite” featuring Amy Engelbretson
Erin’s LinkedIn: Erin Sprague
Instagram: @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 Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com 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 greatness
The difference between fleeting achievement and sustainable success
Brad’s personal story: from academic to bestselling author, coach, and powerlifting enthusiast
How community, challenge, and vulnerability shape our growth
The science behind resilience, stress regulation, and fulfillment
Lessons from coaching executives, athletes, and creatives on balance and burnout
The core ideas from Brad’s new book, The Way of Excellence
How to thrive amid uncertainty using psychology, philosophy, and sports science
The 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 up
Community and shared struggle are essential for growth and belonging
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, in both sport and life
Sustainable 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 humility
Honest reflections on facing fears, letting go of perfection, and embracing the unknown
Rebecca 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 adaptable
Tools for building resilience and regulating stress in high-pressure environments
The role of mentorship, both giving and receiving, in personal and professional growth
Why 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 success
Rebecca’s ongoing journey to redefine achievement and embrace groundedness
How movement, nature, and reflection are tools for self-discovery and healing
The power of storytelling and honest conversation in building a meaningful life

Helpful Links:
Brad's Website & "The Way of Excellence" (book)
Brad Stulberg on Instagram
Brad Stulberg on LinkedIn
Podcast: 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 Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com.