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Stories and Secrets of Elite Adventure Athletes

Uncensored and deep conversations with extraordinary rock climbers, runners, surfers, alpinists, kayakers and skiers et al. Tap into their journey to peak performance, revealing stories, hidden strategies, and the mindset that defies aging and other limits.

Get educated and inspired to chase your own dreams. Come for the stories, leave with tools, tips, and motivation!

Reviews

This is the one!

"Listening to Ageless Athlete is like having a series of intimate conversations with the world's most interesting athletes. If you’re active and want to gain insight and tips during your drives, this …"

digitalpodcaster | May 25, 2024

A must listen!!

"In the crowded world of sports podcasts, "Ageless Athlete" stands out, largely thanks to its host, Kush Khandelwal. What sets this podcast apart is the fascinating guests from adventure sports and Ku…"

Arnold Former Athlete | March 28, 2024

Dkemdidjxnana

"In my 20s, I could do whatever I wanted, life was limitless. In my 30s, I am matured, found peak performance and kept growing in my 40s now, I am injured, distracted and unsure if I will meet my goal…"

CrestedSoul | March 26, 2024

Worth listening to…

"Kush! The conversations and interviews of the athletes are inspirational and fun! I like the ideas, preparations and open mindedness of these ageless athletes focus on life and happiness- looking for…"

Halfhagsibd | March 23, 2024

Inspiring conversations

"A great podcast for any one who wants to learn how to continue to be active and move throughout life. The diversity of guests provides varied ideas and concepts for how to stave off the ever present …"

1966Felix | March 17, 2024

Keep more episodes coming..

"I am approaching 40 myself and love staying active. This podcast really resonates with me. It addresses various struggles I experience, such as finding time to heal, maintaining endurance, managing e…"

Soloconquerer | March 14, 2024

Squeezing the last drops of juice out of the lemon

"After my 30th birthday, I noticed my joints were a bit less flexible, my muscles tired more easily, and excess weight would stay on a bit longer if I didn't prioritize diet and exercise. As this is t…"

lmoochler | March 11, 2024

Inspired to be an ageless athlete

"The interview, storytelling and fun rapport between them made this listen both highly enjoyable and inspiring – feel pumped to take my training to the next level in this new year. Thanks Kush!"

Michaeliño | Jan. 14, 2024

Inspiring Show !

"Thanks for having me on the show Kush… Inspired by the people you’re interviewing and the thought provoking questions… Looking forward to the new episodes. Let’s climb in Yosemite soon. Keep followin…"

NMartinez21 | June 14, 2024

Impressive

"A wonderful listen; a unique idea, great topics, and insightful interviews that capture one’s attention and imagination. The run art episode is my favorite. Super well done ✅"

JsmnBp | July 23, 2024

A truly life changing podcast

"The podcast has truly transformed my life by pushing me out of my comfort zone. It has inspired me to try difficult things and get out in nature while doing so. Hearing stories of people in their 40s…"

Ritu | Aug. 7, 2024
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Recent Episodes

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#84 The Deep End: What Cold Oceans, Swollen Throats, and the Edge of the Map Reveal About Endurance, Identity, and the Mind’s Breaking Point
July 24, 2025

#84 The Deep End: What Cold Oceans, Swollen Throats, and the Edge of the Map Reveal About Endurance, Identity, and the Mind’s Breaking Point

In Part II of our deep conversation, Andy Donaldson takes us into the heart of open water swimming—where the body aches, the mind wanders, and sometimes… things go wrong. We pick up the story after his return to the sport. Bu...
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#83 The Comeback: A Former Accountant’s Journey Back to The Water- And to The Pinnacle of the World of Open Water Swimming
July 18, 2025

#83 The Comeback: A Former Accountant’s Journey Back to The Water- And to The Pinnacle of the World of Open Water Swimming

What does it take to walk away from something you’ve trained for your entire life… and then find your way back — stronger, wiser, and with a whole new purpose? In this two-part conversation, we sit down with world-record-hold...
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#82 Climbing the World’s Hardest Big Wall by Sailboat — How Living Your Values Elevates the Goal, and Why the Right Partner Makes It Possible
July 10, 2025

#82 Climbing the World’s Hardest Big Wall by Sailboat — How Living Your Values Elevates the Goal, and Why the Right Partner Makes It Possible

Seb Berthe isn't your average elite climber. He doesn’t just send 5.14s—he sails to them. Literally. When he set his sights on the Dawn Wall—the hardest big wall climb in the world—he refused to fly, instead making three ocean crossings by sailboat, living simply and training creatively along the w…
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#81 How a World Champion Found New Strength—And the Habits That Help Jamie Whitmore Stay Fast, Focused, and Fired Up at 49
July 4, 2025

#81 How a World Champion Found New Strength—And the Habits That Help Jamie Whitmore Stay Fast, Focused, and Fired Up at 49

What happens when your life as an elite athlete is stripped away—and you’re forced to rebuild, not just your body, but your identity? In this powerful and personal episode, we sit down with Jamie Whitmore —a world-class endur...
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#80 Lexicon, Boldness, and the Long Game: Training Smarter, Climbing Harder, Peaking Late—Because Age Doesn’t Matter
June 25, 2025

#80 Lexicon, Boldness, and the Long Game: Training Smarter, Climbing Harder, Peaking Late—Because Age Doesn’t Matter

What does it take to climb your hardest route at 50—and then hold the rope while someone else pushes that same line even further? For Neil Gresham, that moment came on Lexicon , a bold and beautiful E11 route he bolted and cl...
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From Olympian to Freeskiing Pioneer to DJ: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Identity—and What It Reveals About Inner Strength, Transformation, and Living with Wonder
June 18, 2025

From Olympian to Freeskiing Pioneer to DJ: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Identity—and What It Reveals About Inner Strength, Transformation, and Living with Wonder

Wendy Fisher was once one of the fastest women on skis. A U.S. Ski Team racer and 1992 Olympian, she seemed destined for a long career in elite competition. But by her early 20s, she was burned out, struggling with identity a...
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About the Host

Kush Khandelwal Profile Photo

Kush Khandelwal

Kush Khandelwal is a lifelong explorer on a mission to uncover the secrets of ageless athletes. Fueled by a childhood spent exploring the Indian Himalayas, his passion for adventure led him to embrace climbing and surfing in the United States and beyond.

Inspired by the enduring spirit of these peak performers, Kush created the Ageless Athlete podcast. Through intimate conversations, he taps into the training, recovery, and mental approaches, uncovering the secrets to lifelong athleticism. More than just a host, Kush is a relatable guide, sharing his own journey and vulnerabilities along the way.