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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

Recent Episodes

March 18, 2025

#65 The Movement Optimist: Knees, Shoulders, Elbows, Hips, Bulletproof Yourself! Never Late to Get Strong (and Why Most People Quit Too Soon)

Physiotherapist, coach, and lifelong climber Andy McVittie challenge the myths about aging and physical decline. Andy brings decades of hands-on experience, working with outdoor athletes and everyday movers who want to stay a...
March 11, 2025

#64 The Ultimate Comeback: At 46, Tara Tulley Transformed Her Life, Lost 130 lbs, Overcame Illness, and, Conquered a 140 Mile Ultra Run

Tara Tulley’s story is an ode to the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief. At 45 years old, she stood at the start line of a grueling 140-mile ultra-marathon—not as a runner, but as a spectator. Weighing over 2...
March 4, 2025

#63 Beyond Two Guinness Records: How Shawn Dollar Overcame Traumatic Brain Injury—and Why You Must Advocate for Your Own Health

“Fear doesn’t have to destroy you—it can become rocket fuel if you learn to harness it. That mindset carried me through big waves and even bigger challenges on land.” In this episode, we dive deep with Shawn Dollar , a big-wa...
Feb. 25, 2025

#62 One Mile at a Time: The Healing Power of Movement and How Adventure Can Fight Alzheimer’s

“Get people outside. Let them walk, let them move. And if they can’t, do it in a wheelchair. Fresh air and movement—at any level—still have the power to bring joy, connection, and even a little bit of who they once were.” ​ I...
Feb. 18, 2025

#61 Chris Bertish Is All In: Paddling the Atlantic Solo, and Fear, Failure & Finding Strength in the Unknown

At 50, Chris Bertish has built his life on pushing the boundaries of human endurance. From conquering Mavericks with no sleep and borrowed gear to paddling 4,600 miles across the Atlantic solo , his story is proof that commit...
Feb. 11, 2025

#60 Lisa Smith-Batchen, The Peaceful Warrior: How to Break Through Self-Imposed Limits, Use Aging to Your Advantage, and How Purpose Can Transform You

"We can be younger by tomorrow—it’s not about reversing time, but about how we choose to move, think, and approach life with intention. Every day is an opportunity to grow stronger, more resilient, and more connected to what ...

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.