Rebecca Rusch is an Emmy-winning athlete, known around the world as “The Queen of Pain”, not because she seeks struggle, but because she refuses to let it stop her. This week, Mercedes and Anastasia sit down with Rebecca Rusch for a powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and the beauty of pushing past your limits. From racing through jungles and deserts to healing after a brain injury, Rebecca shares her journey of grit, growth, and how adventure has shaped who she is - plus, hacks for how anyone can build more grit and fearlessness into daily life.
In this episode:
- Rebecca's unexpected transition from adventure racing to cycling, and how she stayed true to her purpose.
- Hacks for building grit, fearlessness, & fighting the urge to quit, in daily life. - Real advice for stepping outside your comfort zone and finding your version of adventure.
- Rebecca's experience with stepping away from a persona + stepping into vulnerability.
- Inspiration to restart + reset at any time in your life.
- Funny and wild adventure stories!
Whether you’re navigating change, recovering from a setback, or just craving a little more meaning and momentum in your life, this episode shares with you the tools to personal growth and adventure.
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Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with World Champion Adventure Racer, Robyn Benincasa. In this episode, Robyn unveils her advice for turning setbacks into comebacks, hacks for perseverance, and how to work well under pressure. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VBjshSyYDy92TCJeZBLsH?si=tcvp6AsoT0ShbxoZ0XqqTA
(00:00) Intro
(02:12) Rebecca's Journey (Up To This Point)
(03:03) The 'Queen of Pain' - What Drives Rebecca To NOT Quit?
(08:12) Mercedes & Anastasia's Experience With Sports
(09:50) Rebecca's Top Three Tips
(13:27) Purposeful Play
(14:05) How Can I 'Play' More In Daily Life?
(15:20) How Can I Find More Adventure?
(19:37) The Importance of Giving Yourself Grace
(20:53) Rebecca On Changing Sports
(27:30) Advice For Taking Opportunities As They Come
(29:16) Rebecca's Latest Adventure...
(33:08) How Can I Step Outside of My Comfort Zone?
(37:54) Here's WHY You Should Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
(42:21) A Memorable (& Unexpected!) Story From Rebecca's Adventures!
(49:28) Stepping Away From A Persona + Stepping Into Vulnerability
(55:54) Rebecca To Her Teen Self
(58:00) What Brings Rebecca A Small Bit of Happiness?
(59:02) Find Rebecca Here!
(59:50) Key Takeaways