Episode #16
Diana Nyad
The Courage to Fail
This powerful episode was recorded live at the Outside Festival in Denver, where Rebecca Rusch is joined by legendary swimmer, author, and speaker Diana Nyad. Famous for her record-breaking swim from Cuba to Florida at age 64—after four failed attempts and 35 years of persistence—Diana shares more than a story of grit. She opens up about resilience, reinvention, the importance of awe, and what it really means to live a life without regrets.
From pushing physical limits to rewriting what’s possible at any age, this conversation dives deep into the psychology of endurance, the value of failure, and the beauty of evolving with each chapter of life. Diana’s voice is clear, bold, and unflinchingly honest as she reflects on personal trauma, the pursuit of legacy, and the softening that comes with wisdom.
Whether you're staring down your next big dream or simply trying to remember that it's not too late, Diana’s story is a masterclass in finding purpose, holding onto passion, and daring to begin again.
Show Notes
Rebecca and Diana talk about:
Why true endurance is more mental than physical—and how it applies to life beyond sport
How failure, not success, built Diana’s legacy
What it takes to dream big, assemble a team, and come back after defeat
Why aging is not a limitation, but an invitation to rewrite your identity
The role of awe, nature, and connection in fueling purpose
Diana’s powerful reflections on her relationship with her mother, personal trauma, and healing
Transformative Insights:
“Courage to fail” is more valuable than a perfect track record.
The physical body may falter, but the mind’s will can carry you to the shore.
Endurance is a human quality, not an athletic one; it lives in all of us.
Sometimes the longer path is the one that leads to the deepest growth.
The goal isn’t always to win, but to show up and discover who we are.
Vulnerable Moments:
Diana reflects on her childhood sexual abuse and how it shaped her drive.
She shares the regret of not being more forgiving to her mother and the healing that came just before her passing.
She opens up about living with intensity and learning, even at 75, to soften.
Rebecca shares how a concussion changed her relationship with movement, identity, and purpose.
Practical Wisdom:
"Be in the arena.” The critic on the sidelines doesn’t count.
Learn to pause; sometimes slowing down helps you see more clearly.
Don’t buy into age limits; dreams have no expiration date.
Use awe—nature, connection, challenge—as a gateway to meaning.
Start where you are. There’s magic in beginning.
Personal Growth:
Diana’s shift from ego-driven achievement to team-centered leadership
Letting go of perfection and embracing authenticity
The never-too-late power of second (and third) acts
Being curious as you are wise—staying in the game with intention
Turning adversity into your greatest strength
Show Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by Momentous. Use the coupon code RUSCH at livemomentous.com for up to 35% off your first order!
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