Begin Again: Teddi Dean on Identity, Meditation & the Slowing Down | EP21

In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch shares an expansive and grounding conversation with former professional skateboarder turned artist/mindfulness teacher, Teddi Dean. From a countercultural childhood in 1970s Huntington Beach to riding for the legendary Bones Brigade and eventually embracing Buddhist vows, Teddi’s path is a journey of reinvention and self-discovery. Together, Rebecca and Teddi unpack what it means to pause, to look inward, and to reclaim your identity—beyond titles, accolades, or roles.This episode explores the transformation that happens when we stop running and start listening. Through personal stories, Buddhist wisdom, and practical tools, Teddi reminds us that stillness isn’t the absence of momentum—it’s the beginning of something deeper. Whether you're in transition, chasing purpose, or simply curious about meditation, this conversation is an invitation to begin again.In this episode, Rebecca and Teddi explore:How Teddi went from pro skateboarder to mindfulness teacherIdentity, reinvention, and the chapters of a lifetimeWhy community is essential for transformationThe importance of pausing in a hyper-productive cultureNavigating midlife transitions with grace and curiosityHow MEA (Modern Elder Academy) supports mindful agingTransformative Insights:Identity is fluid; we live many lives within a lifetimeMeditation helps us observe and reset—not escapeThe antidotes to suffering (loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity) are tools for realignmentVulnerability is strength—it builds authentic relationships and internal peaceYou don’t have to “fix” yourself to start healing; just beginVulnerable Moments:Rebecca shares how she’s learning to sit still after decades of “moving meditation” as an athleteTeddi reflects on his struggles with addiction, identity loss, and rediscovery through mindfulnessThey both explore the discomfort—and necessity—of letting go of former versions of ourselvesPractical Wisdom:Why meditation is not about stopping your thoughtsHow to apply “beginner’s mind” to aging, creativity, and careerCreating space for discomfort as a doorway to changeThe role of ritual and daily practice in emotional hygieneWhy we must learn to forgive ourselves firstPersonal Growth:Teddi’s evolution from a skateboarding icon to MEA’s Head of MindfulnessRebecca’s journey from “Queen of Pain” to explorer of the inner landscapeHow community and storytelling accelerate healingLearning to be a “kook” again—embracing the beginner withinHelpful Links:Teddi Dean’s WebsiteBook Recommendation: Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to AwakeningMEA (Modern Elder Academy)Teddi on InstagramSponsor: MomentousFuel your performance from the inside out. Use code RUSCH for 35% off at Live Momentous.Support What’s the Rusch Love the show? Leave a review, share it with a friend, or tag @rebeccarusch on social.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsite Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast Ted Talk Be Good Foundation Social Media LinksInstagram Facebook LinkedIn Substack YouTube