What's The Rusch

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.

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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

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Blood Road

This is Part 2 of Rebecca’s conversation with Jay Petervary, recorded just days after his 13th attempt at the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) in Alaska. If you haven’t listened to Part 1: Ride Forward: The Art of Endurance, go back and catch the pregame episode for the full story and context. In this follow-up, Jay is fresh off the trail, still in Alaska, reflecting on what it means to show up for a race with big goals only to have the weather and trail conditions force a different outcome. He shares honestly about the decision to stop short of the 1,000-mile finish, the mental and physical toll of pushing against nature, and the humility required to accept when the trail has other plans. Jay and Rebecca explore the tension between relentless drive and deep listening, the wisdom that comes from decades of endurance, and how letting go can sometimes be the bravest move of all.
Key Topics:
The reality of facing unpredictable conditions on the ITI and making the call to stop before the finish
How Jay’s mindset has evolved after years of racing, and what it means to listen to the trail and your own limits
The emotional aftermath of a race that doesn’t go as planned, and the lessons found in disappointment
The ongoing process of recovery—physically, mentally, and emotionally—after high-stakes adventure
The value of reflection, community, and honest storytelling in the wake of challenge

Memorable Moments:
Jay describes the moment he realized the ITI would not go as planned, and the internal dialogue that followed
Reflections on the difference between “old Jay” and the wisdom that comes with experience
Honest talk about the pressure to perform, the expectations we set for ourselves, and the courage it takes to walk away

Reflection Questions:
When have you had to change course, even when you were deeply committed to a goal?
What does it look like to honor your limits without losing your drive?
How do you process disappointment and find meaning in the aftermath?

Resources & Links:
Part 1: Ride Forward: The Art of Endurance
Jay's website
Jay's Instagram
Fat Pursuit
Iditarod Trail Invitational

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Blood Road

In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch welcomes ultra-endurance cycling legend Jay Petervary for a conversation that moves far beyond finish lines and records. Jay, known for pioneering bikepacking, setting iconic records on the Tour Divide and Iditarod Trail Invitational, and founding events like Fat Pursuit, opens up about the deeper motivations that drive his journey. Together, Rebecca and Jay explore the art of embracing uncertainty, the quiet power of simplicity, and the importance of community in endurance sports. Jay’s story is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the freedom found in letting go of perfection.
Show Notes:
In this episode, Rebecca and Jay explore:
The evolution from adventure racing to redefining ultra-endurance cycling
How Jay’s “Ride Forward” philosophy shapes his approach to life, sport, and mentorship
The role of adaptability and continuous learning in both racing and personal growth
Why building community and sharing knowledge matter more than medals
The mental and emotional challenges of self-supported racing—and the lessons found in solitude
Gear innovation: how tinkering and necessity led Jay to revolutionize bikepacking equipment
The origins and spirit behind the Fat Pursuit and Gravel Pursuit events
Navigating setbacks, uncertainty, and the unexpected with curiosity and grace

Transformative Insights:
The value of “perfect is good enough” in high-stakes environments
How letting go of rigid expectations opens space for discovery and joy
The importance of mentorship and inviting others into the wild unknown
Why the most meaningful achievements are often the ones shared with community

Vulnerable Moments:
Jay reflects on the discomfort of public recognition and the challenge of self-definition
Rebecca and Jay discuss the tension between solitude and connection in endurance pursuits
Honest stories about failure, recalibration, and the courage to keep moving forward

Practical Wisdom:
Approaching adversity as an opportunity for growth, not just a hurdle to overcome
Simple practices for staying grounded during long, uncertain journeys
The power of curiosity and play in sustaining motivation

Personal Growth:
Jay’s ongoing journey to balance ambition with presence
Rebecca’s reflections on learning from Jay’s mentorship and friendship
How both have found meaning in letting go of what no longer serves them

Helpful Links:
Jay Petervary’s Website: https://www.jaypetervary.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_petervary/
Fat Pursuit: https://www.fatpursuit.com/
Gravel Pursuit: https://www.gravelpursuit.com/
Iditarod Trail Invitational

Sponsor:
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Blood Road

In the final episode of our birthday series, Rebecca Rusch explores how timeless wisdom and cutting-edge science come together to help us grow, heal, and perform at our best. Through conversations with world-class thinkers, athletes, and teachers, this episode dives into the practices, mindsets, and research that bridge the old and the new—reminding us that the most powerful tools for transformation are often found where tradition and innovation meet.
Featured Guests & Clips:
Andy Walshe
Andy shares stories from the world of elite performance, describing how uncertainty, mindset, and ancient selection rituals are used alongside modern data to push athletes beyond their limits. He reflects on the importance of learning, shifting expectations, and the untapped frontier of the mind.
Florence Williams
Florence discusses her research into awe, resilience, and the healing power of nature. She explains how ancient practices of noticing beauty and connecting to the natural world are now being validated by science—and why we need both the data and the reminders to seek out what our ancestors knew intuitively.
Teddi Dean
Teddi, a former pro skateboarder turned mindfulness teacher, explores how meditation and Buddhist philosophy help us build a relationship with our minds and bodies. He shares practical wisdom on sitting with discomfort, tuning into our emotions, and using heart-centered practices to transform daily life.
Michael Gervais
Michael, high-performance psychologist and host of Finding Mastery, reflects on the path from high performance to true mastery. He discusses how ancient insights and modern psychology both point us toward self-knowledge, purpose, and connection as the foundation for a meaningful life.
Key Themes:
The intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science in personal growth and performance
Mindset, uncertainty, and the power of learning
The healing and transformative potential of nature, awe, and mindfulness
The importance of self-knowledge, purpose, and community

Join the Conversation:
How do you blend ancient wisdom and modern science in your own life? What practices or research have helped you grow? Share your thoughts with Rebecca on social or by leaving a review.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for celebrating a year of meaningful conversations with us. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to What’s the Rusch wherever you listen to podcasts.
Click the links below to listen to the full episodes mentioned in today's podcast:
Andy Walshe on the Future of Performance
Florence Williams on Healing through Nature and Heartbreak
Teddi Dean on Identity, Meditation, and Purposeful Pacing
Michael Gervais on the Dark Side of Success

Connect with Rebecca:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Substack
Blood Road