The Uninvited: Grief, Grit, and Giving Back with Jess Kimura | EP20

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:Breaking into a sport where women weren’t invited—and staying thereThe connection between athletic ambition and griefThe power of mentorship and building opportunities for othersThe creation and impact of The Uninvited film and invitational seriesTransformative Insights:Why “showing up uninvited” became a guiding force in Jess’s careerHow redefining success helped Jess shift from accolades to impactThe evolution from performance to purpose after personal tragedyWhy surfing became a lifeline—and what fear in the water taught her about fear in lifeVulnerable Moments:Jess opens up about the sudden loss of her partner and the grief that followedShe reflects on the isolation and pressure at the top of her sportThe long-term mental effects of head injuries and how they shape identityHow she pushed through being undervalued, overlooked, and underestimatedThe raw truth about loneliness, mental health, and the need to ask for helpPractical Wisdom:Navigating burnout by redefining work-life boundariesLearning to build support systems—even when independence feels easierUnderstanding how to take up space without permissionThe importance of community, visibility, and fair investment in women’s sportsPersonal Growth:From snowboarder to producer and event founder, Jess charts a new courseFinding strength in softness—and realizing that you can lead with bothDeveloping intergenerational friendships and learning across differencesBuilding legacy not by being the best, but by helping others riseHelpful Links:The Uninvited Invitational Jess Kimura on Instagram Learning to Drown (film) Feisty Media’s Brain Health CourseBrain Storm Podcast with Rebecca Rusch & Selene YeagerRebecca’s Concussion Video ResourcesSponsor: MomentousSupport What’s the Rusch Love the show? Share it, review it, or text it to a friend who needs it.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsite Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast Ted Talk Be Good Foundation Social Media LinksInstagram Facebook LinkedIn Substack YouTube