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Episode #24

Michelle Parker

Pushing Boundaries and Finding Balance

August 27, 2025

In this episode, Rebecca and freeskiing icon Michelle Parker explore what happens when your identity is deeply tied to performance and what it takes to unravel it. From the peaks of big mountain skiing to the quiet rebuilding after injury, Michelle has redefined what success looks like in a world that often demands constant output. They dive into the power of friendship, the necessity of slowing down, and the ways fear can both guide and free us. Michelle shares how she’s evolved beyond athlete into filmmaker, advocate, and student of herself, and why letting go of who she thought she had to be helped her become who she truly is.

Michelle Parker

This episode is sponsored by Eternal


Show Notes

In this episode, Rebecca and Michelle discuss:

  • How fear and flow shape Michelle’s relationship with skiing and filmmaking

  • The role of friendship and community in creative and athletic longevity

  • Transitioning from athlete to producer and redefining her “why”

  • The emotional journey through concussions and identity shifts

  • Finding grounding through journaling, reflection, and intentional living


Transformative insights:

  • Adventure and joy can coexist with self-awareness and rest

  • Injury can be a portal to creativity, clarity, and reinvention

  • The stories we tell ourselves are just as powerful as the ones we tell others

  • Building a fulfilling life is not about chasing the next mountain; it’s about choosing the right one


Vulnerable moments:

  • Michelle shares her experiences with brain injury, mental fog, and relearning who she is

  • Rebecca reflects on their shared concussion journeys and the subtle healing that comes with time

  • They both explore the tug-of-war between external achievement and internal peace

  • Michelle opens up about losing friends in the mountains and how it changed her relationship with risk and joy


Practical wisdom:

  • How to balance structure with spontaneity in creative and athletic pursuits

  • Tips for staying grounded when your identity is tied to performance

  • Why rest, reflection, and play are just as important as hustle

  • Strategies for navigating transitions, both on the mountain and in life


Personal growth:

  • Michelle’s evolution from competition skier to filmmaker, mentor, and creative leader

  • The power of saying no and redefining success on your own terms

  • Building confidence by choosing what feels right instead of what looks impressive

  • How Michelle has learned to live more intentionally and embrace “enoughness”

Links and Resources

Show Sponsor


This episode is sponsored by Eternal, redefining athlete health with personalized, evidence-based care. From advanced blood biomarker testing to in-depth performance assessments and concierge support, they give you the tools to train smarter, recover better, and avoid injury. Use the promo code WTR for 10% off your performance physical today!



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