What's The Rusch

Making Humans More Human: The Future of Performance with Dr. Andy Walshe | EP30


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In this illuminating conversation, Rebecca reconnects with one of her most influential mentors and longtime collaborators, Dr. Andy Walshe — a pioneering performance scientist, surfer, father, and Chief Performance Officer at Liminal Collective. Known for his groundbreaking work with Red Bull, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, and elite performers across sport, military, art, and business, Andy has spent his career studying what drives human potential. Together, Rebecca and Andy explore how true performance isn’t about doing more — it’s about understanding ourselves more deeply.

They dive into the paradox of progress, the intersection of technology and humanity, and why the best tools for mastery are often the simplest: movement, stillness, curiosity, and connection.

In this episode, Rebecca and Andy explore:

  1. How Red Bull’s human performance program redefined the boundaries of elite training
  2. The creation of Andy’s holistic Human Performance Model — integrating physiology, creativity, spirituality, and character
  3. Why partnership, not prescription, is the key to unlocking potential
  4. How discomfort and uncertainty build resilience
  5. The role of curiosity and purpose in sustaining long-term growth
  6. The evolving relationship between humans and technology — and what it really means to “make humans more human”
  7. The importance of community as the ultimate performance enhancer


Transformative Insights

  1. The Power of Purpose: Every high performer shares one trait — a purpose greater than themselves.
  2. Curiosity as a Practice: The best in any field stay in “beginner’s mind,” constantly challenging assumptions.
  3. Partnership Over Perfection: The most effective coaching is built on collaboration and curiosity, not control.
  4. Embracing the Unknown: Performance breakthroughs often come when certainty is stripped away.
  5. The Future of Performance: Technology can enhance insight, but only human connection creates meaning.


Vulnerable Moments

  1. Rebecca shares the identity crisis following her concussion and how she rediscovered herself through stillness and movement.
  2. Andy opens up about leaving Red Bull and navigating his own professional transition.
  3. Together they reflect on the power of community, purpose, and humility in times of change.
  4. Andy reveals why his favorite experiments at Red Bull weren’t about numbers or metrics — but about what happens when the plan falls apart.


Practical Wisdom

  1. True mastery is not about doing more — it’s about being more aware.
  2. The most valuable recovery tools are ancient: movement, time in nature, and intentional rest.
  3. Technology should free us to connect more deeply, not distract us from it.
  4. Building resilience starts with small, consistent practices that strengthen body, mind, and spirit.
  5. Create pauses in your day — the stillness is where insight lives.


Personal Growth

  1. Rebecca’s “Athlete Operating System” reframes sport as a framework for life — a daily practice of curiosity, connection, and self-awareness.
  2. Andy’s mission through Liminal Collective is to democratize human performance, bringing world-class tools to everyday people.
  3. Both explore how to carry the lessons of high performance into the rest of life — from the mountains to the boardroom to the dinner table.


Helpful Links

Andy Walshe

🔗 Website

🔗 Liminal Collective

🔗 LinkedIn


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What's The RuschBy Rebecca Rusch

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