What's The Rusch

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:
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LinkedIn
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Blood Road

Become 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.

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 [email protected].

Boone Speed’s story is one of stripping away the noise to find what’s real. In this episode, Rebecca explores Boone’s evolution from pioneering American sport climber to creative force in photography and design. Together, they reflect on how movement, art, and community can help us shed what no longer serves us and discover a deeper sense of belonging, wherever we land.
Show notes:
In this episode, Rebecca and Boone discuss:
The early days of American sport climbing and the Utah scene
How creativity and craft shaped Boone’s approach to climbing and photography
The importance of mentorship and community in pushing boundaries
Why Boone chooses stillness and intentionality in a world that rewards speed
Building culture inside brands and lessons learned from working with athletes and founders
Navigating transitions—from the crag to the ocean, from athlete to creative advisor

Transformative Insights:
The value of tuning out external noise to hear your own truth
How community and creativity can be anchors through change
The power of staying “allergic to the status quo”
Why choosing stillness is sometimes the boldest move

Vulnerable Moments:
Boone reflects on the risks and rewards of forging a new path in climbing
Rebecca and Boone share stories of feeling like outsiders and finding belonging
Honest talk about transitions—letting go of old identities to make space for new growth
Boone opens up about the challenges of balancing art, adventure, and personal life

Practical Wisdom:
How to approach creative work as a practice, not a performance
Tools for building authentic community in any field
The importance of mentorship—both giving and receiving
Why slowing down can lead to deeper connection and clarity

Personal Growth:
Boone’s evolution from athlete to creative advisor and mentor
Rebecca’s ongoing journey to embrace stillness and let go of perfectionism
How both guests use movement and nature as tools for self-discovery
The role of vulnerability in building a meaningful life

Helpful Links:
Boone Speed Portfolio
Boone Speed on Instagram
Hence Creative

Support What’s the Rusch
If this episode moved you, please share it with someone, leave a review, send it to a training partner, or post your favorite takeaway on social media. All of these help us continue to bring you these inspiring conversations!
Subscribe and Follow
Rate, Review, and Share
Get Connected:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Substack
Blood Road
Become a Partner:
Interested in reaching an engaged audience of leaders, athletes, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals? What’s the Rusch is the place to align your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and personal growth. For sponsorship inquiries and media kit information, please contact [email protected].

Cynthia Carson’s journey is about discovering who you are beyond the results. In this episode, Rebecca and Cynthia dig into the realities of ultra-endurance cycling, the challenge of separating identity from outcome, and the courage it takes to show up as your full self, on and off the bike. The conversation is especially meaningful as Rebecca and Cynthia recently met at the finish line of the Atlas Mountain Race, where Cynthia took the women’s win. Together, they explore how adventure, storytelling, and community can help us find presence in the hardest moments and redefine what it means to succeed.
Show notes:
In this episode, Rebecca and Cynthia discuss:
The evolution from racer to community builder and filmmaker
Why Cynthia chooses not to lead with her athletic achievements when introducing herself
The struggle and liberation of separating self-worth from race results
How ultra-distance events create space for presence and reflection
The making of “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back” and what Cynthia learned from two years of physical and emotional challenges
The importance of showing up authentically, regardless of outcome
Lessons from organizing gravel races and fostering community in cycling
The value of curiosity and humility in adventure and life

Transformative Insights:
Identity is more than a podium finish—results are just one piece of the story
Presence and self-reflection are found in the quiet, difficult miles
Community and storytelling can be powerful tools for growth and connection
Confidence is built through consistent effort, not just external validation

Vulnerable Moments:
Cynthia opens up about the pressure to define herself by results and the work it takes to move beyond that
Honest conversation about feeling “not enough” and learning to embrace the full spectrum of identity
Both guests share stories of meeting at the finish line and the mutual respect that comes from shared struggle
Cynthia reflects on the emotional journey behind her latest film and the lessons learned from setbacks

Practical Wisdom:
How to introduce yourself beyond your job or achievements
Tools for building self-belief and showing up as your best self
The importance of community in endurance sports and beyond
Why it’s essential to separate your worth from your wins and losses

Personal Growth:
Cynthia’s evolution from athlete to organizer, filmmaker, and mentor
Rebecca’s ongoing journey to find meaning and presence in adventure
How both use movement and storytelling as vehicles for self-discovery and connection
The role of vulnerability and honesty in building a meaningful life

Helpful Links:
Cynthia’s Website: wattwagon.cc
Cynthia’s YouTube: @wattwagon
Cynthia’s Films: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Racing the Transcontinental After Everything Fell Apart
Cynthia’s Instagram: @watt_wagon

Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by Rebecca’s Private Idaho—an event that’s all about showing up as your full self, finding community in the wild, and discovering what you’re capable of beyond the finish line. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just want to ride with purpose, RPI is where adventure and connection meet. Join us in Sun Valley for an unforgettable experience on and off the bike. Registration is open now 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

Become 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.

Connect with Rebecca:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Substack
Blood Road

Rebecca Rusch welcomes Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a visionary in neuro-optometry and founder of MyVision First, Vision Performance Training, and ScreenFit. This episode unpacks how the way we see, literally and figuratively, shapes our sense of safety, healing, and performance. Dr. B’s journey began with his own childhood vision struggles, fueling a mission to help others retrain their visual brains after injury, overload, or simply the demands of modern life. Together, Rebecca and Dr. B explore the intersection of vision, resilience, and the courage to reimagine what’s possible when we address the root causes that limit our potential.
In This Episode, Rebecca and Dr. B Explore:
The difference between eyesight and true vision—and why it matters for performance, healing, and self-perception
How Dr. B’s personal experience with vision therapy transformed his life and purpose
The hidden impact of visual processing on confidence, learning, and movement
Why addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms—unlocks real growth
The shift from reactive to proactive vision care, and what it means for athletes, patients, and everyday humans
How our visual system is overloaded by modern screens and what we can do about it
The power of awareness, patience, and trust in the brain-body connection

Transformative Insights
Vision is more than seeing clearly—it’s about how we interpret and interact with the world
Healing and high performance both start with understanding and retraining the visual brain
Our sense of safety, confidence, and potential is deeply tied to how we see ourselves and our environment
The brain’s plasticity means change is always possible, no matter your starting point

Vulnerable Moments
Dr. B shares how childhood struggles with vision shaped his identity and career path
Rebecca reflects on her own concussion recovery and the wish to have found vision therapy sooner
Both discuss the emotional journey of moving from frustration and limitation to empowerment and purpose

Practical Wisdom
How to recognize when vision—not just eyesight—may be holding you back
Simple strategies to reduce screen overload and support healthy visual processing
The importance of seeking care that addresses the whole person, not just isolated symptoms
Building trust in your body’s ability to adapt and heal

Personal Growth
Dr. B’s evolution from patient to practitioner, and his commitment to changing the paradigm of vision care
Rebecca’s ongoing journey to integrate new tools for healing and performance
The ripple effect of sharing our stories—how one person’s breakthrough can inspire hope and action in others

Helpful Links
Dr. Bryce Appelbaum’s Website: MyVision First
ScreenFit Program
Vision Performance Training
Dr. Bryce Appelbaum on Instagram
Dr. Bryce Appelbaum on LinkedIn

Sponsor
Get $200 off ScreenFit™ using code RUSCH
Take 10% off selected MyVisionFirst shop products using code RUSCH

Connect with Rebecca:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Substack
Blood Road