Episode #9
Chris Burkard
Behind the Lens and Into the Light
In this deeply introspective episode, Rebecca sits down with world-renowned photographer, explorer, and endurance athlete Chris Burkard. Known for capturing some of the most remote and untamed places on Earth, Chris reveals the deeper motivations behind his relentless pursuit of adventure.
Chris shares his journey from being a self-taught photographer living out of his car to becoming a globally recognized storyteller, but he also goes beyond the accolades and opens up about the emotional and personal costs of chasing the extreme—from burnout to the challenges of balancing ambition with family life.
The conversation takes a profound turn as Chris recounts his experiences in endurance cycling, including his grueling Tour Divide ride, the life-changing winter fat bike expedition across Iceland with Rebecca, and his recent darkness retreat, where he confronted himself in total isolation. He reflects on the lessons of stillness, the importance of asking for help, and how he's learning to embrace a new kind of adventure—one that prioritizes presence over achievement.
This episode is a raw and real look at the internal and external landscapes we must navigate to find true fulfillment.
Show Notes
Transformative Insights
How extreme environments expose the rawest versions of ourselves
The power of endurance sports in stripping away emotional armor
Learning to let go of external validation and redefine success
The role of stillness and self-reflection in preventing burnout
Vulnerable Moments
Chris opens up about his struggles with burnout and the pressure to constantly achieve.
His raw reflections during the Tour Divide, where he questioned why he was racing for validation instead of presence
His unexpected realization during the darkness retreat, where he found answers to questions he hadn’t even thought to ask
The internal conflict of being both a devoted father and an explorer constantly drawn to the wild
Practical Wisdom
How to embrace discomfort as a tool for growth without losing yourself in the process
Strategies for balancing high-performance goals with personal well-being
The importance of asking for help, even when it feels unnatural
How to cultivate presence in everyday life, not just in extreme environments
Personal Growth
Chris’s shift from chasing validation to finding joy in the process
The realization that the most powerful stories aren’t about conquering landscapes, but about personal transformation
Learning to replace achievement-driven identity with a sense of internal fulfillment
The ongoing challenge of balancing ambition, creativity, and family life
Show Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by GU Energy Labs. If you're always on the move, GU Energy Labs has got you covered with their range of products designed to boost your energy, keep you hydrated, and aid in recovery. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just love staying active, GU Energy Labs has everything to feed your need to move. Get 20% off any order $49+ using the promo code RUSCH20 (valid for one order until May 14, 2025).
This episode is also sponsored by Momentous. As a special thanks for listening, they're offering 35% off your first subscription order with the coupon code RUSCH. Click here to order!
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