What's The Rusch

Mike Aidala's work is built on one idea: we don't change our lives by reading about change, we change them by acting. In this episode, Rebecca sits down with the performance mindset coach, lifelong athlete, and Applied Positive Psychology graduate to explore how chosen physical challenges, time in wild places, play, and values-based action can lead to personal growth and human flourishing. Together, they dig into the research behind embodied challenge, the courage to be a beginner again, why adults need recess, and how to bring the willingness to sit with discomfort into the hard conversations of everyday life.
Show Notes
In this episode, Rebecca and Mike discuss:
What positive psychology is, and what Mike's master's capstone found about chosen physical challenges
The four ingredients of embodied challenge: flow, awe, narrative identity, and self-efficacy
Why nature is "the most honest place," and how wilderness rites of passage and a simple "sit spot" can help
How to move an insight from the head to the heart to the body, and why action beats information
Embracing being a beginner, resetting expectations, and swapping "should" for "want"
Languishing versus flourishing, and how your environment shapes both
The community at the start line of an ultra, and what you bring home to your family
Play, fun, and why adults need a recess of their own
The "deathbed values" exercise: building a calendar that matches what matters most
Emotional fitness, and carrying your willingness to sit with discomfort into hard conversations
Letting big seasons integrate before starting the next thing

Transformative Insights:
We change our lives through the actions that come after we read the book, not from the reading itself
A chosen, embodied challenge is a vehicle for writing a new story about who you are
Flow lives in the balance between challenge and skill: too much and you're anxious, too little and you're bored
Nature is an honest environment where your own truth has room to surface
Hard conversations are a flow event too, and emotional fitness is built the same way physical fitness is

Vulnerable Moments:
Rebecca on setting aside her power meter and metrics during post-concussion recovery because they were demotivating
Rebecca on losing her sense of play, and what it means that sport went from play to job
Mike on growing up with permission for only three emotions (happy, sad, and mad) and learning a bigger emotional vocabulary
Mike on psyching himself out of graduate school for years before finally applying
Mike on being an "aerobic baby" and walking a 16-minute mile on his first slow run

Practical Wisdom:
Pick a sit spot near home and keep returning to it, the way you'd build a relationship with a person
If something you hear sparks you, pause the podcast and go do the thing
Replace "I should" with "I want" or "I don't want," then decide on the next step
Ask whether there's evidence you deserve to be good at something yet, and adjust your expectations
Free-journal to "take out the mental trash," and use deathbed values to sort your calendar into what matters and what doesn't
Find an accountability partner and put the time on the calendar together

Personal Growth:
Mike's path from college football to Olympic weightlifting, ultra-endurance events, and world records, and then to a master's degree and mindset coaching
How writing became a new flow trigger for Mike, and his weekly Substack
Rebecca's search for new forms of play, from art to bone collecting on dog walks
Both on rotating through different physical pursuits to keep play alive
Both on the underrated skill of letting a big season integrate before moving on

Helpful Links:
The Offense, Mike's coaching company: https://www.theoffense.co/
Meaning in Motion, Mike's Substack: https://mikeaidala.substack.com/
Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike.aidala/
Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelaidala
Episode 1 of What's the Rusch: The Approval Trap with Dr. Michael Gervais: https://www.rebeccarusch.com/podcast/michael-gervais-1
Soulcraft by Bill Plotkin: https://www.animas.org/books/soulcraft/
Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman: https://peacefulwarrior.com/way-of-the-peaceful-warrior/

From the archive, and right on time. Election Day is November 3, and this conversation is a good reminder of why showing up matters. Erin Sprague, CEO of Protect Our Winters, joins Rebecca to talk about turning personal adventure into collective impact. They 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.
If you love the outdoors, take a few minutes this week to check out what POW has put together to help you make a plan to vote: protectourwinters.org/stoke-the-vote
Show Notes
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

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.

From the archive: a conversation between two women who were handed the same nickname and eventually outgrew it. Rebecca and Amelia Boone each carried the "Queen of Pain" title, and in this replay they get honest about what happens when that identity no longer fits.
Amelia's journey is about moving beyond the myth of toughness toward honesty, presence, and real resilience. 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.
Show Notes
In this episode, Rebecca and 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

Helpful Links:
Amelia Boone on Instagram
Eating disorder support: National Alliance for Eating Disorders, allianceforeatingdisorders.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.

From the archive: one of our favorite deep dives is back. Rebecca 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 Notes
In this episode, Rebecca and Alex discuss:
The science behind The Explorer's Gene and why curiosity drives human progress
The tension between exploring new frontiers and exploiting what we already know
How doing hard things gives life deeper meaning
Why we need uncertainty to grow, and how to find the right balance of risk and reward
The surprising link between exploration, play, and creativity
How sport serves as the ultimate laboratory for self-discovery
The difference between passive and active exploration in the age of algorithms

Transformative Insights:
Exploration 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 Moments:
Rebecca 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 Wisdom:
You 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 Growth:
How 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 Links
The Explorer’s Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and Blank Spots on the Map
Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance
Alex's website
Alex's Instagram
Alex's Facebook

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.

One of our most-requested conversations is back. This week we're replaying our very first guest episode: Rebecca sits down with renowned performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais for an intimate conversation about the journey from high performance to true mastery. Together, they explore how our greatest breakthroughs sometimes come not from pushing harder, but from having the courage to be still.
Show Notes
In this episode, Rebecca and Dr. Gervais discuss:
The distinction between high performance and mastery
Why the first rule of mastery is to stop worrying about what others think
The power of vulnerability in personal growth
Finding wisdom through stillness and self-examination

Transformative Insights:
The three foundational practices for meeting yourself: meditation, journaling, and conversations with people of wisdom
How trauma and hardship can be gateways to deeper understanding
Why purpose and connection are the two key variables for a fulfilled life
The difference between being thoughtful and true meditation

Vulnerable Moments:
Rebecca opens up about hiding her concussion symptoms for years
Dr. Gervais shares his journey of understanding his own drive for achievement
Rebecca discusses her mother's passing and the tools for processing grief
Both explore their ongoing work to shed perfectionism and find play

Practical Wisdom:
How to approach meditation as a practice of starting over
The importance of creating space for vulnerability in high achievement
Why awareness is fundamental to high performance
Tools for building authentic community

Personal Growth:
Dr. Gervais's ongoing journey to embrace play over intensity
Rebecca's evolution from "Queen of Pain" to embracing vulnerability
How traumatic experiences can become catalysts for transformation
The power of sharing our struggles to help others

Helpful Links:
Finding Mastery
Dr. Gervais on Instagram
Dr. Gervais on LinkedIn
Dr. Gervais on X
The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You
Finding Mastery Podcast: Explorer's Guide to Self-Discovery with Rebecca Rusch

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.