In this raw and fearless episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch is joined by legendary snowboarder, filmmaker, and community builder Jess Kimura. Known for her gritty street style and fearless progression, Jess has redefined women’s snowboarding—both on the board and behind the scenes. Together, Jess and Rebecca unpack everything from trauma and transformation to head injuries, grief, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to succeed in male-dominated spaces.

What emerges is a conversation about healing, identity, and purpose—one where Jess reminds us that being “the uninvited” is sometimes what it takes to change the game.

In this episode, Rebecca and Jess discuss:

1. Breaking into a sport where women weren’t invited—and staying there
2. The connection between athletic ambition and grief
3. The power of mentorship and building opportunities for others
4. The creation and impact of The Uninvited film and invitational series

Transformative Insights:

1. Why “showing up uninvited” became a guiding force in Jess’s career
2. How redefining success helped Jess shift from accolades to impact
3. The evolution from performance to purpose after personal tragedy
4. Why surfing became a lifeline—and what fear in the water taught her about fear in life

Vulnerable Moments:

1. Jess opens up about the sudden loss of her partner and the grief that followed
2. She reflects on the isolation and pressure at the top of her sport
3. The long-term mental effects of head injuries and how they shape identity
4. How she pushed through being undervalued, overlooked, and underestimated
5. The raw truth about loneliness, mental health, and the need to ask for help

Practical Wisdom:

1. Navigating burnout by redefining work-life boundaries
2. Learning to build support systems—even when independence feels easier
3. Understanding how to take up space without permission
4. The importance of community, visibility, and fair investment in women’s sports

Personal Growth:

1. From snowboarder to producer and event founder, Jess charts a new course
2. Finding strength in softness—and realizing that you can lead with both
3. Developing intergenerational friendships and learning across differences
4. Building legacy not by being the best, but by helping others rise

Helpful Links:

1. The Uninvited Invitational 
2. Jess Kimura on Instagram 
3. Learning to Drown (film) 
4. Feisty Media’s Brain Health Course
5. Brain Storm Podcast with Rebecca Rusch & Selene Yeager
6. Rebecca’s Concussion Video Resources

Sponsor: Momentous

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