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Episode #3

Stacy Sims

The Science of Support: Dr. Stacey Sims on Community, Crisis, and Her Own Survival

March 5, 2025

In this powerful and intimate conversation, Rebecca Rusch sits down with renowned scientist and women's performance expert Dr. Stacy Sims. Together they explore the intersection of science, athletics, mental health, and what it means to be a woman pushing boundaries in male-dominated fields. From childhood curiosity to professional triumphs and personal struggles, this conversation dives deep into the reality behind public personas and the importance of vulnerability and support systems.

Stacy Sims

This episode is sponsored by Momentous

Momentous logo

Show Notes

Key Topics & Timestamps

  • 00:04 - Introduction and mutual admiration between Rebecca and Stacy 

  • 01:52 - Discussion of public personas versus private realities 

  • 02:54 - Early life influences: The convergence of science and athletics 

  • 04:30 - Brain-body connection and the importance of hypothalamic function 

  • 07:11 - Breaking barriers in women's health research and COVID's impact on sex-based medicine 

  • 10:22 - Personal story of challenging gender norms in military careers 

  • 15:32 - Mental health struggles and rebuilding after crisis 

  • 24:52 - Creating a new path in academia and entrepreneurship 

  • 35:27 - Evolution from competitive athlete to advocate for purposeful movement 

  • 49:54 - Current challenges with international travel and work-life balance 

  • 53:18 - New project announcement: NextGen course focusing on puberty education


Notable Quotes

  • "We put on this thing to get through stuff, but the real person's behind it." - Dr. Stacy Sims

  • “Do you think that growth has to come from these really deep, dark places? Like, do we have to get to that point?” - Dr. Stacy Sims 

  • “Because we are expected to put on a front and take everything stoically, people I don't think realize that we are actually human.” -Dr. Stacy Sims 

  • "By the nature of being human, we're not designed to be alone. And we're not designed to build the burden and hold that burden for everyone else." - Dr. Stacy Sims

  • "If I'm going to get in the ocean and do a swim, I want to do it because it's fun and relaxing, not because someone's trying to swim over me and get out first." - Dr. Stacy Sims


Key Takeaways

  • The importance of support systems in both professional and personal success

  • How mental health challenges can lead to transformative growth

  • The evolution from competitive athletics to purposeful movement

  • Breaking down barriers in women's health research and education

  • The value of vulnerability in leadership and advocacy

Links and Resources


Connect with Dr. Stacy Sims

Connect with Rebecca Rusch

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Show Sponsor

Thank you so much to our sponsor, Momentous! As a special thanks for listening, you can take 20% off your first order when you use the coupon code RUSCH20. Click here to order!


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