In this conversation, Rush Sturges, renowned kayaker, filmmaker, and musician, shares stories of facing fear and uncertainty in kayaking and filmmaking, and the risks he takes to pursue his passions. Rush opens up about turning to meditation to manage a recent uptick in anxiety he's been experiencing, and we talk about how to manage stress on and off the water. We also discuss the risks involved in kayaking, and the perspective change that can happen over time as we experience losing friends and community members. He discusses his discomfort zone in the areas of kayaking, filmmaking and creating music and how they affect and interlace with each other.

In this conversation, Rush Sturges, renowned kayaker, filmmaker, and musician, shares stories of facing fear and uncertainty in kayaking and filmmaking, and the risks he takes to pursue his passions. Rush opens up about turning to meditation to manage a recent uptick in anxiety he's been experiencing, and we talk about how to manage stress on and off the water. We also discuss the risks involved in kayaking, and the perspective change that can happen over time as we experience losing friends and community members. He discusses his discomfort zone in the areas of kayaking, filmmaking and creating music and how they affect and interlace with each other.

In this conversation, Rush Sturges, renowned kayaker, filmmaker, and musician, shares stories of facing fear and uncertainty in kayaking and filmmaking, and the risks he takes to pursue his passions. Rush opens up about turning to meditation to manage a recent uptick in anxiety he's been experiencing, and we talk about how to manage stress on and off the water. We also discuss the risks involved in kayaking, and the perspective change that can happen over time as we experience losing friends and community members. He discusses his discomfort zone in the areas of kayaking, filmmaking and creating music and how they affect and interlace with each other.

Ep #16 How Perspectives About the River and Anxiety Change With Age With Rush Sturges

Do you feel called toward something bigger — a dream, adventure, or purpose — but fear keeps holding you back?

Welcome to The Discomfort Zone — the outdoor, mindset, and leadership podcast where courage meets the edge.

Every Tuesday, host Anna Levesque — world-class whitewater kayaker, World Championship medalist, author, and mental agility coach — dives into raw, real conversations with paddlers, athletes, leaders, adventurers, and purpose-driven humans who choose growth over comfort.

From powerful stories on wild rivers and mountain trails to navigating major life transitions, these conversations explore what it truly takes to face fear, build confidence, and find your flow — on and off the water.

You'll hear:

Stories from whitewater kayakers + outdoor athletes pushing their edge

Insights from guides, coaches, and leaders creating impact in their fields

Practical mental-agility + leadership tools you can use right away

Lessons from expeditions, competition, and personal transformation

How to navigate the discomfort that fuels growth, courage, and purpose

Whether you're a paddler, outdoor enthusiast, emerging leader, or someone seeking more courage in everyday life, you'll walk away with practical tools to strengthen resilience, show up with confidence, and embrace the adventure of being alive.

If you're ready to stop playing small and start living boldly, you're in the right zone.

Sports

Education

Self-Improvement

Wilderness

Do you feel called toward something bigger — a dream, adventure, or purpose — but fear keeps holding you back? Welcome to The Discomfort Zone — the outdoor, mindset, and leadership podcast where courage meets the edge. Every Tuesday, host Anna Levesque — world-class whitewater kayaker, World Championship medalist, author, and mental agility coach — dives into raw, real conversations with paddlers, athletes, leaders, adventurers, and purpose-driven humans who choose growth over comfort. From powerful stories on wild rivers and mountain trails to navigating major life transitions, these conversations explore what it truly takes to face fear, build confidence, and find your flow — on and off the water. You'll hear: Stories from whitewater kayakers + outdoor athletes pushing their edge Insights from guides, coaches, and leaders creating impact in their fields Practical mental-agility + leadership tools you can use right away Lessons from expeditions, competition, and personal transformation How to navigate the discomfort that fuels growth, courage, and purpose Whether you're a paddler, outdoor enthusiast, emerging leader, or someone seeking more courage in everyday life, you'll walk away with practical tools to strengthen resilience, show up with confidence, and embrace the adventure of being alive. If you're ready to stop playing small and start living boldly, you're in the right zone.

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Ep #16 How Perspectives About the River and Anxiety Change With Age With Rush Sturges

Ep #16 How Perspectives About the River and Anxiety Change With Age With Rush Sturges

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