In this heartfelt and illuminating episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebeccas has the JOY of talking with her friend, Mirna Valerio—known to many as The Mirnavator. Mirna is an ultra-runner, writer, skier, poet, educator, and unapologetic force of joy. Together, they trace Mirna’s journey from a Brooklyn childhood to discovering mountains and ultimately reshaping what outdoor adventure looks and feels like.Through stories of summer camp, teaching, motherhood, poetry, and being a plus-size Black woman in spaces not designed for her, Mirna reveals the power of choosing yourself, again and again. This is a conversation about joy as resistance, belonging as birthright, and the ripple effect of being exactly who you are. It’s about introducing yourself with your values, not just your profession—and letting adventure be a lifelong thread in your story.In this episode, Rebecca and Mirna explore:Finding her voice in both poetry and the outdoorsThe poem Trophic Cascade and how it mirrors life transformationNature as the ultimate teacher and refuge—“Nature is always the answer”Core values as non-negotiables, and how to lead with themWhat it means to take up space—on trails, in life, and in leadershipThe strongest people often don’t get the support they need—and how to change thatSupporting your people in non-threatening, nourishing waysHow writing, community, and curiosity became Mirna’s healing practicesTransformative Insights:Nature doesn’t just welcome us—it changes usYour presence can shift a space, even if you weren’t invited inBelonging starts with deciding you’re allowed to belongCultivating joy is a radical act of self-preservation and leadershipIntroduce yourself by your values, not just your job titleYou don’t need to reach the summit to feel the transformationVulnerable Moments:Mirna shares what it felt like to not be seen in outdoor spaces—and how she kept showing up anywayShe talks about grief, burnout, and the internal tug-of-war of performing vs. simply beingRebecca opens up about her own depression and loss of purpose during recovery from a head injuryThe two reflect on how writing became a lifeline in the darkMirna speaks to the exhaustion of being “the strong one”—and how she’s learning to ask for helpPractical Wisdom:How to identify your core values—and use them as navigational handrailsThe importance of creating judgment-free space for processing, growth, and restWhy vulnerability is a strength, not a weaknessWays to build community through action, not just intentionHow to hold space for both leadership and learningPersonal Growth:Mirna’s evolution from educator to outdoor leader to published author and DEI advocateRebecca’s journey from podiums to poetryThe ways both women are reclaiming what it means to “perform” and to “belong”Reframing the pursuit of adventure as something that starts with joy—not outcomesEmbracing a new season of life where permission comes from withinAdventure as a lifelong throughline—for Mirna and for RebeccaLifelong educator. Lifelong student. Lifelong adventurer.Helpful Links:Mirna Valerio’s website – The MirnavatorMirna on InstagramMirna’s book –
Australia