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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!

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Recent Episodes

You’re Aging Faster Than You Think — The Scientist Who Plans to Live Forever | Dr. Bill Andrews, 74
June 17, 2026

You’re Aging Faster Than You Think — The Scientist Who Plans to Live Forever | Dr. Bill Andrews, 74

Most of us think aging happens slowly in the background. Dr. Bill Andrews thinks we may be aging faster than we need to. Bill is a molecular biologist, founder of Sierra Sciences, and a longtime researcher in telomere and tel...
The Uncomfortable Skill Most People Avoid — The One That Sets You Free | Beth Rodden
June 10, 2026

The Uncomfortable Skill Most People Avoid — The One That Sets You Free | Beth Rodden

Beth Rodden is one of the most influential climbers of her generation—known for major Yosemite free climbing, multiple free ascents on El Capitan, and routes that helped push standards forward. I came into this conversation e...
Anti Decline Mindset — Playbook to Stay Capable | Mike Wardian, 52
June 3, 2026

Anti Decline Mindset — Playbook to Stay Capable | Mike Wardian, 52

Some guests make you want to train harder. Mike Wardian makes you want to live wider — and stop postponing the things that matter. Mike is 52, a runner, adventurer, and lifelong “yes” person. What stood out here wasn’t a race...
Seven Things 70-Year-Old Athletes Understand That Most of Us Learn Too Late
May 27, 2026

Seven Things 70-Year-Old Athletes Understand That Most of Us Learn Too Late

A few weeks ago, I attended Vitalist Bay in Berkeley, surrounded by scientists, doctors, founders, and researchers exploring the future of longevity. A few days later, I was in the Eastern Sierra, recovering from ankle surger...
You Start Losing Muscle After 50 — Stop Making These Mistakes | Joe Friel, 82
May 20, 2026

You Start Losing Muscle After 50 — Stop Making These Mistakes | Joe Friel, 82

Joe Friel is 82, still training, and still paying attention. In the last five years, he felt the shift—power fading on climbs, muscle disappearing even with a lifetime of lifting—and he’s not sugarcoating what that feels like...
Stop Numbing Out — Awe, Presence, and Feeling Alive Again | Caroline Paul
May 13, 2026

Stop Numbing Out — Awe, Presence, and Feeling Alive Again | Caroline Paul

Astronauts come back from space describing the same strange shift: a sudden connection to humanity, compassion for living things, and this visceral understanding of how fragile Earth really is. They call it the overview effec...

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.