What's The Rusch

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

Connect with Rebecca:
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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

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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

In this second episode of our special birthday series, Rebecca Rusch explores the theme of redefining success and identity. Over the past year, What’s the Rusch has become a space for honest conversations about what it means to grow, change, and find purpose beyond the finish line. This episode features stories from athletes and leaders who have reimagined what achievement looks like, let go of old expectations, and found new meaning in their journeys.
Featured Guests & Clips:
Caroline Buchanan
Caroline opens up about building her identity both on and off the bike, navigating reinvention, and learning to define success on her own terms. She shares how she’s found purpose beyond podiums by mentoring others and embracing new challenges.
Kate Courtney
Kate reflects on what it means to define success beyond the podium. She shares how she’s learned to measure achievement by effort and growth, not just results, and how her work with the She Sends Foundation is helping to expand opportunities and redefine what winning looks like for herself and the next generation.
Allen Lim
Allen shares how growing up as part of an immigrant family in Los Angeles shaped his sense of identity and belonging. He reflects on how the bicycle, the Olympic movement, and the power of community helped him redefine what success means—not just as winning, but as connection, dignity, and inspiring others.
Alexandera Houchin
Alexandera talks about how her identity has evolved and so has her sense of responsibility. She shares how her early drive to right past injustices and give voice to her family story has shifted toward embracing her own presence and authenticity, and creating space for others to do the same.
Key Themes:
Redefining what it means to succeed
Letting go of old expectations and embracing new identities
The power of community, mentorship, and giving back
Finding purpose and meaning beyond traditional measures of achievement

Join the Conversation:
How has your definition of success changed? What does identity mean to you? 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.
Connect with Rebecca:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Substack
Blood Road

Episode Summary:
To celebrate one year of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch brings together some of the most honest and courageous moments from the past year. This special episode is all about embracing vulnerability, slowing down, letting go, and sharing the real stories behind the highlight reels. Rebecca introduces and reflects on powerful clips from four guests who have opened up about their struggles, growth, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Featured Guests & Clips:
Stacy Sims
Stacy shares her experience of moving to New Zealand, facing postpartum depression, and reaching a breaking point that led to a suicide attempt. She talks about the importance of support systems, rebuilding, and the need to reach out for help—even when you feel you have to be stoic.
Jess Kimura
Jess opens up about the loss of her partner, the overwhelming grief that followed, and how she found herself again through surfing and allowing herself to be vulnerable. She discusses the pressure to appear tough in her sport and the relief of finally letting herself be seen.
Rush Sturges
Rush recounts a harrowing experience in Nepal, surviving a massive earthquake while on a river expedition. He describes the trauma and PTSD that followed, the physical symptoms he endured, and the long journey of healing through therapy, mindfulness, and learning to listen to his nervous system.
Chris Burkard
Chris reflects on a transformative darkness retreat and the power of being vulnerable with others. He shares how opening up to a stranger after the retreat changed his perspective, and how he’s learning to bring more honesty and connection into his everyday life—not just during extreme adventures.
Key Themes:
The strength in sharing what’s real, even when it’s uncomfortable
Navigating grief, trauma, and mental health challenges
The importance of support, community, and self-compassion
Redefining what it means to be strong and successful

Connect with Rebecca:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Substack
Blood Road
Brain Storm Podcast
Join the Conversation:
What does vulnerability mean to you? How have you learned to let go or ask for help? 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.