Living Your Legacy: Corey Rich on Storytelling, Purpose, and Community | EP12

What's The Rusch

In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch connects with her longtime friend, world-renowned photographer and filmmaker Corey Rich. Known for hanging off cliffs with a camera in one hand and a story in the other, Corey reflects on a life built around capturing raw, authentic moments—in sport, in nature, and in the human spirit.

Their conversation is a journey through decades of friendship and creative partnerships from adventure races in the jungles of Borneo to documenting Rebecca’s earliest endurance cycling records. But it’s also a reflection on how we build something that lasts— a creative business and a meaningful legacy through work, family, and community.

Corey opens up about the evolution of his career, the pressure of running a production company, and the deeper questions that come with success: What are we really building? Who are we building it for? And how do we stay aligned with our values along the way?

This is a conversation about how we evolve, how storytelling changes us, and how slowing down can illuminate what really matters. Corey shares intimate reflections on burnout, parenthood, vulnerability, and why showing up with curiosity and care might be the most radical act of all.

Whether you’re a creative, an entrepreneur, an athlete, or someone navigating your next chapter, this episode will leave you thinking differently about presence, pressure, and purpose.

Transformative Insights:

1. Authenticity Over Aesthetics: Why Corey values honest, photojournalistic images that capture real emotion over curated perfection.
2. Evolving the Craft: From dirtbag climber to commercial director, Corey shares how staying curious and committed to his values has shaped his path.
3. Presence Is the Point: “We design our lives”—Corey discusses how meaningful moments often emerge when we stop chasing and start savoring.
4. Legacy Through Story: From his daughter to his community park project, Corey explores what it means to create impact beyond accolades.

Vulnerable Moments:

1. Corey opens up about questioning his purpose during high-pressure projects and dreams of simpler lives during times of stress.
2. He talks about showing his photos to his mom as a personal litmus test for emotional truth—and the rarity of images that truly “move the needle.”
3. Rebecca and Corey reflect on aging out of peak performance and how identity shifts can feel both liberating and confusing.

Practical Wisdom:

1. “Work really hard. Be easy to work with.” Corey’s no-nonsense creative philosophy for success in high-stakes environments.
2. The Importance of Community: Building a local bouldering park and bar wasn't just a lifestyle choice—it was about building culture and connection.
3. Storytelling as a Family Practice: How nightly story circles at the dinner table are shaping the next generation of creators.
4. Business with Heart: Why mission-driven brands and intentional culture matter more now than ever in creative work.

Personal Growth:

1. Corey discusses designing a life rooted in curiosity, play, and contribution—not just productivity.
2. His shift from documenting others’ stories to helping the next generation shape their own.
3. Letting go of external validation to find satisfaction in impact, intimacy, and shared experience.

Links:

1. Corey Rich | Website
2. The Story Behind the Images | Book
3. Novus Select | Production Company
4. YEA! Camps
5. WHY Short Film
6. Corey’s Episode on Finding Mastery

Sponsor: Momentous

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