What's The Rusch

• 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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• Good for a Girl: Redefining Women’s Sport with Lauren Fleshman | EP25

  In this powerful episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca welcomes Lauren Fleshman—former professional runner, coach, author of the bestselling book Good for a Girl, and one of the most influential voices in women’s sport. Together, they explore what it means to push boundaries, to question the systems we inherit, and to carve new pathways for ourselves and for future generations. From racing at the highest levels to advocating for equity in athletics, Lauren’s journey is as much about courage and vulnerability as it is about speed.This conversation dives into the deep lessons that come from showing up authentically, honoring your body, and embracing the uncomfortable process of growth.Show Notes:In this episode, Rebecca and Lauren discuss:Why redefining success beyond medals and podiums is essential for long-term fulfillmentThe importance of honoring your nervous system and holistic health in trainingHow Lauren’s book Good for a Girl challenges the systems that fail young female athletesThe transition from professional athlete to advocate, coach, and mentorWhy authenticity and vulnerability can be more powerful than achievementTransformative Insights:The cascade effect of living in alignment with your valuesHow sharing your story can help shift culture and create belongingWhy advocating for women in sport isn’t just about equity—it’s about human potentialThe critical role of joy, play, and self-compassion in performanceVulnerable Moments:Lauren shares what it was like to face injury and the loss of her athletic identityRebecca and Lauren reflect on the pressure to perform and the cost of perfectionismBoth explore how adventure and movement can be grounding forces through life transitionsPractical Wisdom:Introduce yourself with your values, not just your professionRemove decision-making burdens by leaning into core non-negotiablesRecognize that nervous system health is the foundation of performanceFind ways to support others in non-threatening, authentic waysPersonal Growth:Lauren’s evolution from chasing external validation to creating systemic changeRebecca’s recognition of adventure as a lifelong throughline—for healing, growth, and connectionThe reminder that the strongest people often need support tooWhy embracing impermanence and discomfort can lead to lasting resilienceHelpful Links:Lauren Fleshman’s Website: https://www.laurenfleshman.com/Lauren on Instagram: @fleshmanflyerLauren’s book Good for a Girl: https://www.laurenfleshman.com/bookWilder Retreats with LaurenSponsor:This episode is sponsored by Eternal.Eternal is redefining athlete health with personalized, evidence-based care. From advanced blood biomarker testing to in-depth performance assessments and concierge support, they give you the tools to train smarter, recover better, and avoid injury.Check them out at eternal.co and use promo...

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• Pushing Boundaries & Finding Balance with Michelle Parker | EP24

  In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch and freeskiing icon Michelle Parker explore what happens when your identity is deeply tied to performance—and what it takes to unravel that. From the peaks of big mountain skiing to the quiet rebuilding after injury, Michelle has redefined what success looks like in a world that often demands constant output.They dive into the power of friendship, the necessity of slowing down, and the ways fear can both guide and free us. Michelle shares how she’s evolved beyond athlete into filmmaker, advocate, and student of herself—and why letting go of who she thought she had to be helped her become who she truly is.In this episode, Rebecca and Michelle discuss:How fear and flow shape Michelle’s relationship with skiing and filmmakingThe role of friendship and community in creative and athletic longevityTransitioning from athlete to producer and redefining her “why”The emotional journey through concussions and identity shiftsFinding grounding through journaling, reflection, and intentional livingTransformative Insights:Adventure and joy can coexist with self-awareness and restInjury can be a portal to creativity, clarity, and reinventionThe stories we tell ourselves are just as powerful as the ones we tell othersBuilding a fulfilling life is not about chasing the next mountain—it’s about choosing the right oneVulnerable Moments:Michelle shares her experience with brain injury, mental fog, and relearning who she isRebecca reflects on their shared concussion journeys and the subtle healing that comes with timeThey both explore the tug-of-war between external achievement and internal peaceMichelle opens up about losing friends in the mountains—and how that changes her relationship with risk and joyPractical Wisdom:How to balance structure with spontaneity in creative and athletic pursuitsTips for staying grounded when your identity is tied to performanceWhy rest, reflection, and play are just as important as hustleStrategies for navigating transitions—on the mountain and in lifePersonal Growth:Michelle’s evolution from competition skier to filmmaker, mentor, and creative leaderThe power of saying no—and redefining success on your own termsBuilding confidence by choosing what feels right instead of what looks impressiveHow Michelle has learned to live more intentionally and embrace “enoughness”Helpful Links:Michelle Parker on InstagramMichelle’s Red Bull ProfileAlpenglow keynote speech: A shift in perspective Season 1 Episode 1 of Originate with Red BullContinuum - Michelle’s first ever Director titleSponsor: Eternal is redefining athlete health with personalized, evidence-based care. From advanced blood biomarker testing to in-depth performance assessments and concierge support, they give you the tools to train smarter, recover better, and avoid injury.Check them out at eternal.co and use

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• Risk, Mindset, and Training for Life with Kate Courtney | EP23

  In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch is joined by mountain biking phenom and SheSends founder Kate Courtney for an honest, high-vibration conversation about racing, reinvention, and rising to your own standard of success. From being the only girl on her high school team to becoming a world champion and Olympic athlete, Kate has reshaped what it means to lead with values—not just victories. Now, she’s charting a bold new course in her career: founding her own team, launching a foundation, and redefining what success means from the inside out.This conversation explores what happens when you bet on yourself—on and off the bike—and how the moments that test us can often be our greatest teachers.Show Notes: In this episode, Rebecca and Kate discuss:The founding and vision behind SheSends: a race team and a movementHer evolution from factory team rider to entrepreneur and team builderHow Leadville became her unexpected comeback after injuryCultivating intrinsic motivation in a results-driven worldThe changing landscape of women’s cycling and why it mattersLetting go of external validation to focus on values-based leadershipThe mental and physical shift that comes from playing the long gameTransformative Insights:Believing in yourself—not just the outcome—is the most powerful performance toolYou don’t have to wait to feel confident to take the leap—just “send it”Structure is the secret sauce, not sheer disciplineCuriosity is often the most powerful motivator we haveBuilding your own path can energize your performance in unexpected waysVulnerable Moments:Kate opens up about the injury that sidelined her season—and sparked a resetShe reflects on early years of being underestimated and overextendedRebecca and Kate share how they’ve both wrestled with shifting identities in sportKate talks about learning to rest, reframe, and rebuild—without losing momentumPractical Wisdom:Use values—not just metrics—to define successTreat injury or detours as data, not defeatRedefine goals through bronze/silver/gold tiers to keep perspectiveLet structure support joy, not stifle itCreate space for the “main thing”—and know when to let the rest goPersonal Growth:Kate’s shift from peak performance to purpose-driven impact through SheSendsHer approach to writing, reflection, and building mental clarity through Monday MantrasEmbracing uncertainty as a form of freedomExpanding her team from just staff and support to a mission-aligned communityHelpful Links:Kate’s Website SheSends Foundation Kate Courtney's Substack – Monday Mantras Kate on Instagram Kate’s Interview on Rich RollKate on the Second Nature PodcastSupport What’s the Rusch: 💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite moment on...

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