Marni On The Move

Today on Marni On The Move, I’m joined by someone who has redefined what it means to be strong, resilient, and connected to community: Emily McCarthy, co-founder of GORUCK. Emily’s story is a masterclass in courage and reinvention. We dive into her rare journey from college athlete to the CIA, the lessons she learned operating in high-stakes environments, and how those same principles—leadership, grit, trust—ultimately inspired the creation of GORUCK with her husband, Jason. We get into the birth and evolution of GORUCK, from launching the very first rucks to building a global movement rooted in service, teamwork, and pushing your limits—physically and mentally. Emily shares how GORUCK helped spark the rise of rucking as a social fitness phenomenon, why it’s quietly one of the most effective forms of strength and endurance training, and the very real posture, mobility, and caloric-burn benefits people are experiencing with this accessible, low-impact sport. We talk about gear innovation, why GORUCK’s approach