What's The Rusch

• Making Humans More Human: The Future of Performance with Dr. Andy Walshe | EP30

  In this illuminating conversation, Rebecca reconnects with one of her most influential mentors and longtime collaborators, Dr. Andy Walshe — a pioneering performance scientist, surfer, father, and Chief Performance Officer at Liminal Collective. Known for his groundbreaking work with Red Bull, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, and elite performers across sport, military, art, and business, Andy has spent his career studying what drives human potential. Together, Rebecca and Andy explore how true performance isn’t about doing more — it’s about understanding ourselves more deeply.They dive into the paradox of progress, the intersection of technology and humanity, and why the best tools for mastery are often the simplest: movement, stillness, curiosity, and connection.In this episode, Rebecca and Andy explore:How Red Bull’s human performance program redefined the boundaries of elite trainingThe creation of Andy’s holistic Human Performance Model — integrating physiology, creativity, spirituality, and characterWhy partnership, not prescription, is the key to unlocking potentialHow discomfort and uncertainty build resilienceThe role of curiosity and purpose in sustaining long-term growthThe evolving relationship between humans and technology — and what it really means to “make humans more human”The importance of community as the ultimate performance enhancerTransformative InsightsThe Power of Purpose: Every high performer shares one trait — a purpose greater than themselves.Curiosity as a Practice: The best in any field stay in “beginner’s mind,” constantly challenging assumptions.Partnership Over Perfection: The most effective coaching is built on collaboration and curiosity, not control.Embracing the Unknown: Performance breakthroughs often come when certainty is stripped away.The Future of Performance: Technology can enhance insight, but only human connection creates meaning.Vulnerable MomentsRebecca shares the identity crisis following her concussion and how she rediscovered herself through stillness and movement.Andy opens up about leaving Red Bull and navigating his own professional transition.Together they reflect on the power of community, purpose, and humility in times of change.Andy reveals why his favorite experiments at Red Bull weren’t about numbers or metrics — but about what happens when the plan falls apart.Practical WisdomTrue mastery is not about doing more — it’s about being more aware.The most valuable recovery tools are ancient: movement, time in nature, and intentional rest.Technology should free us to connect more deeply, not distract us from it.Building resilience starts with small, consistent practices that strengthen body, mind, and spirit.Create pauses in your day — the stillness is where insight lives.Personal GrowthRebecca’s “Athlete Operating System” reframes sport as a framework for life — a daily practice of curiosity, connection, and self-awareness.Andy’s mission through Liminal Collective is to democratize human performance, bringing world-class tools to everyday people.Both explore how to carry the lessons of high performance into the rest of life — from the mountains to the boardroom to the dinner table.Helpful LinksAndy Walshe 🔗 Website 🔗

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• Why We’re Wired to Seek Challenge with Alex Hutchinson | EP29

  In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch 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 InsightsExploration 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 MomentsRebecca 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 WisdomYou 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 GrowthHow 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 Hutchinson’s websiteAlex on...

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• Rebuilding from the Inside Out with Caroline Buchanan | EP28

  Rebecca Rusch connects with two-time Olympian and eight-time world champion Caroline Buchanan for a powerful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success. From near-death recovery to landing the first-ever women’s front flip in competition, Caroline has pushed boundaries in every direction—but it was slowing down that gave her the strength to level up. Together, she and Rebecca explore what it takes to rebuild after loss, lead with authenticity, and find purpose beyond performance.Show Notes:In this episode, Rebecca and Caroline explore:How Caroline transformed a life-threatening injury into a launchpad for growthThe identity crisis that came with stepping away from racing and learning to pauseWhy slowing down can be the most powerful move you makeThe mental shift from outcome-driven goals to purpose-driven livingHer transition from BMX Olympian to freeride pioneer and broadcast commentatorThe creation of her new Ignite mentorship and education platform for athletesTransformative Insights:“Effort first” — how her parents instilled a mindset of earning progress, not expecting itWhy being “what you couldn’t see” became her lifelong missionHow a doctor’s simple prescription—gratitude, sunrise, and connection—reignited her joyThe “why” statement that became her compass for every decisionUsing tapping, meditation, and mindfulness to rewire her nervous system for confidence and calmThe difference between chasing medals and living a meaningful legacyVulnerable Moments:Caroline recounts her devastating 2017 crash that punctured her lungs and heart wallThe moment she realized she didn’t have the right people supporting her recoveryFacing depression and anxiety during two years of painful reconstructionThe courage it took to “put her learner plates back on” and start over in freerideHow slowing down forced her to find nurture, femininity, and emotional intelligencePractical Wisdom:The three healing practices that replaced medication: watch the sunrise, express gratitude, and connect with othersHow to use mantras as mental anchors in both triumph and hardship“This too shall pass”—a reminder that both pain and glory are temporaryHow to define your “why” so clearly that it becomes unshakableViewing patience as part of performance, not a pause from itPersonal Growth:Caroline’s evolution from BMX prodigy to mountain bike pioneer and mentorBuilding Ignite to guide the next generation of athletes on professionalism and purposeHow her near-death experience reshaped her definition of successLearning to lead from the bench—impact without medalsThe strength that comes from blending mind, body, and spirit into one foundationHelpful Links:Connect with Caroline Buchanan:InstagramCaroline’s WebsiteIgnite ProgramMentioned in the Episode:Nam Baldwin – High Performance CoachWolfpack by Abby WambachRed Bull RampageSupport What’s the Rusch: 💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite moment on Instagram...

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• Risk, Resilience & Partnership in the Mountains with Emily Harrington & Adrian Ballinger | EP27

  In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca sits down with one of climbing’s most accomplished couples—Emily Harrington and Adrian Ballinger. From free climbing El Capitan in a single day to summiting Everest without supplemental oxygen, they’ve each carved their own legendary paths. But beyond the bold headlines, Emily and Adrian open up about what it really takes to balance risk, ambition, partnership, and personal growth at the highest level.Together, they share the stories behind their biggest climbs, the challenges of sustaining both a relationship and two elite careers, and the deep lessons they’ve learned about resilience, love, and redefining success.In this episode, Rebecca, Emily, and Adrian discuss:Emily’s historic free climb of El Capitan’s Golden Gate route in a single dayAdrian’s no-oxygen Everest summit and why he continues to return to the HimalayaThe dynamics of being partners on the mountain and at homeWhat it means to take risks together—and where they draw the lineBuilding a life that blends adventure, purpose, and presenceHow they support each other through setbacks, injuries, and fearTransformative Insights:Growth doesn’t happen without discomfort—and sometimes failure is the best teacher.True partnership means knowing when to step up and when to step back.The stories we tell about our achievements are less important than the values they reflect.Adventure is not just about summits—it’s about the process of becoming.Vulnerable Moments:Emily opens up about the injuries that nearly derailed her career.Adrian reflects on the loneliness and pressure of leading Everest expeditions.Both share what it feels like to risk their lives in the mountains while also protecting their relationship.Rebecca and Emily connect over the challenge of balancing identity as athletes with evolving into new roles.Practical Wisdom:Why clear communication is as essential on the mountain as any technical skill.How to prepare mentally for risk and uncertainty.The role of rest, recovery, and perspective in sustaining long careers.Tips for finding presence—even in the middle of high-stakes pursuits.Personal Growth:Emily’s evolution from competition climber to bold alpinist.Adrian’s shift from chasing summits to finding deeper purpose in guiding and mentoring.Rebecca’s reflections on partnership, identity, and letting go of the need to “prove it.”The reminder that achievement without connection is never enough.Helpful Links:Emily Harrington Website“Girl Climber” - live on Jolt 10/15. Streaming everywhere in NovemberAdrian Ballinger WebsiteAlpenglow ExpeditionsRebecca Rusch WebsiteRebecca Rusch Instagram

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• Healing, Reinvention & Riding Forward with Anneke Beerten | EP26

  In this deeply personal episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca reconnects with longtime teammate and multi-time world champion Anneke Beerten. From her BMX beginnings in the Netherlands to dominating Crankworx and Enduro World Series events, Anneke has done it all on two wheels. But her greatest test came off the course—when a traumatic brain injury abruptly ended her career.Rebecca and Anneke dive into what it means to rewrite your story after the finish line, how to navigate the invisible injuries, and the power of staying in the sport—just in a different role. Now a coach, mentor, and skills instructor, Anneke is helping shape the next generation of riders, while also navigating her own ongoing recovery.This episode is about identity, purpose, healing after an injury, and what it means to keep showing up, even when the ride looks different than you planned. In this episode, Rebecca and Anneke explore:Starting BMX at age 4 and racing internationally as a teenThe evolution of a mountain bike career across disciplines—BMX, 4X, EnduroThe car accident that caused her traumatic brain injuryLetting go of a racing career before she was readyCoaching for USA Cycling and mentoring Olympic medalist Haley BattenCoaching from Crankworx to beginners, with equal joy and passionFinding peace, purpose, and a new kind of finish lineTransformative Insights:"Fun was always a non-negotiable part of my training."Brain injuries are treatable—but require advocacy and patience.Recovery is not linear, and it’s often invisible.You can still win—by helping others rise.Letting go of the comeback dream was the first step toward real healing.Vulnerable Moments:Anneke shares the fear and emotional toll of post-TBI symptomsThe grief of losing a lifelong identity in one instantFeeling isolated in a facility surrounded by stroke survivors at age 38The emotional reckoning of realizing she couldn’t race againWhat it meant to return to Crankworx—not to compete, but to close a chapter Practical Wisdom:Follow your gut: fear and intuition are both teachers“Just give me two hours to undo what you’ve been doing for 10 years”—Anneke’s coaching mantraRecord videos or journal during recovery to track invisible progressHelping others can bring the same thrill as racingYou don't need a podium to have purpose Personal Growth:From podiums to mentorship: how Anneke found joy in coachingLearning to ask for help—and accept itThe move to Bentonville as a radical act of healing and communityLetting go of plans and finding presence in the momentRedefining success through connection, not competition📚 Helpful Links:Anneke’s WebsiteCrank it Up MTB CoachingAnneke’s YouTubeBrain Storm Podcast and Resource GuideRebecca’s YT Concussion Video ResourcesSponsor:This episode is sponsored by Eternal.Eternal is redefining...

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