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Stories and Secrets of Elite 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

Sept. 3, 2025

#90 Survival Is Not Assured (Part II): Partnerships, Loss, and the Human Cost of Bold Alpinism

Last week in Part I, we began our journey with legendary alpinist Jim Donini — exploring his surprise cancer diagnosis, his early days in Yosemite, and the philosophy that has defined his career: “Getting to the top is option...
Aug. 27, 2025

#89 Survival Is Not Assured: An 82-Year-Old Alpinist on Choosing the Hardest Lines, Why Summits Are Optional, and Why You Must Look Ahead Despite All Odds

For more than five decades, Jim Donini has defined what it means to be an alpinist. Not by chasing the tallest mountains or summit glory, but by seeking out the hardest lines in the world’s most remote ranges — places where s...
Aug. 20, 2025

#88 Whales, Bears, and the Will to Return: What Two Solo Voyages Through Alaska Taught Her About Risk, Resilience, and a Fragile Wild

At age 49, Susan Marie Conrad paddled 1,200 miles—alone—through the remote, storm-swept waters of the Alaskan Inside Passage. Twelve years later, at 61, she went back and did it again. In this powerful conversation, Susan sha...
Aug. 12, 2025

#87 Be Badass Every Day: From 1970s Skate Rebel to World Champion at 65 — How Judi Oyama Outlasts Everybody

At 65, Judi Oyama is still lining up at the start gate — not in a “Masters” category, but shoulder-to-shoulder with athletes half, or even a quarter her age. She’s a World Champion slalom skateboarder, a Hall of Fame inductee...
Aug. 6, 2025

The Movement Optimist Returns: Strong Hips, Stable Ankles, Happy Feet—Extending Performance and Moving Without Fear

Physiotherapist, coach, and lifelong climber Andy McVittie is back for the final chapter of our three-part deep dive into aging well, moving well, and living without fear of injury. If you haven’t listened to Part I ( The Mov...
July 31, 2025

#85 No Finish Line in Sight: On Pain, Joy, and the Lifelong Pursuit of What Matters Most - Best of Q2, 2025

Every few months, I pause to reflect on the conversations that left a mark—ones I keep thinking about long after the recording stops. This episode is a curated collection of those moments from Spring 2025. You’ll hear stories...

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.