Resilience, Leadership, and Purpose: A Deep Dive with Rudy Reyes on Power Athlete Radio

Discover how Rudy Reyes transforms challenges into triumphs and inspires others to push beyond their limits. Tune in to this powerful conversation and fuel your own journey of strength and growth.
Power Athlete Radio Ep 790 // RE-UP: Walk a Hero's Path w/ Rudy Reyes
Power Athlete Radio Ep 790 // RE-UP: Walk a Hero's Path w/ Rudy Reyes / Power Athlete

In one of my most electrifying episodes of Power Athlete Radio, I had the honor of sitting down with Rudy Reyes - former Recon Marine, actor, conservationist, and an all-around legend. If you know Rudy, you know he brings an infectious energy and authenticity that’s impossible to match. Our conversation was packed with raw insights into leadership, resilience, and personal transformation, and it reminded me just how powerful the human spirit can be.

The Fire of Resilience

Rudy’s story is one of relentless perseverance. From his early years in the Marine Corps to his work as a global advocate for environmental conservation, Rudy has never shied away from the fight, whether on the battlefield or within himself.
He spoke candidly about the aftermath of combat and how it left lasting marks on his body and mind. But what really struck me was his approach to healing. After contracting COVID-19 and suffering debilitating setbacks, Rudy didn’t just sit on the sidelines. He used his recovery as an opportunity to rediscover himself, finding a way to recondition his body and rebuild his inner strength.
Listening to Rudy describe how he battled through those moments - crawling when he couldn’t walk, pushing through shame and frustration - was a masterclass in resilience. It’s a testament to the mindset that says: You’re never down for the count unless you stay down.

Purpose-Driven Transformation

Rudy’s current chapter is no less inspiring. We dove into his role as one of the directing staff (DS) on the UK’s wildly popular show, SAS: Who Dares Wins. The show isn’t just about testing physical limits; it’s about human revelation. Rudy takes everyday civilians, many of whom have experienced unthinkable trauma, and puts them through grueling military-style selection courses.
The beauty of the show lies in its rawness. There are no retakes. It’s about character development under pressure. Hearing Rudy describe how these recruits confront their demons and push past their limits was nothing short of incredible. And he doesn’t just watch from the sidelines. Rudy leads by example, demanding the same grit and heart from himself that he asks of the recruits.

Power Athlete and Legacy

Our conversation naturally circled back to the principles that Power Athlete stands for: building strength, cultivating resilience, and owning your story. Rudy’s approach aligns perfectly with that mission. Whether he’s climbing the sand dunes in Jordan or working with Force Blue to protect marine ecosystems, everything he does is about empowering himself and others to live with purpose.
For Rudy, life is about living fully present and fighting for what matters. It’s not about fame or fortune, it’s about creating a legacy of impact.

Takeaways

If there’s one thing I learned from this episode, it’s that we all have a choice in how we respond to adversity. Rudy’s story is a reminder that the battles we fight within ourselves often lead to the most meaningful victories.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your body, mind, or spirit, this conversation with Rudy is a wake-up call to push harder, dig deeper, and live unapologetically.


Published
John Welbourn
JOHN WELBOURN

John Welbourn is Founder/CEO of Power Athlete Inc and former NFL player. John was drafted with the 97th pick in 1999 NFL Draft and went on to be a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2003, appearing in 3 NFC Championship games, and started for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2004-2007. In 2008, he played with the New England Patriots until an injury ended his season early with him retiring in 2009. Over the course of his NFL career, John started over 100 games regular season games with 10 play-off appearances. He was a four-year letterman while playing football at the University of California at Berkeley. He graduated from the college of letters and sciences with a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric in 1998. And did his Masters work at the UC Berkeley School of Education in 1999. Since retiring from the NFL, John has worked extensively with the NFL, NHL, MLB, Olympic athletes, the US Army and Naval Special Warfare. He works as a consultant and advisor for several companies focused on improving human performance through training, nutrition and fitness-based technologies. John provides daily coaching and mentorship to over 5000 athletes around the world through his Power Athlete Coaches Network and training program delivery platform. Since in 2013, John has hosted a weekly podcast, Power Athlete Radio; a podcast dedicated to improving performance and connecting with some of the smartest people on the planet. With more than 700 episodes Power Athlete Radio has proven to be on the top podcasts in the strength and conditioning realm. John travels the world lecturing on performance and nutrition for Power Athlete and as a keynote speaker. John is a married father of three and resides in Austin, Texas. You can catch up with him at his personal blog, “Talk To Me Johnnie”, at Power Athlete or on social media @johnwelbourn.