Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks

About the Guest

Jared Oluwek is an accomplished athletic trainer with a passion for sports and wellness. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Jared's journey has taken him through various states and academic institutions. He pursued an undergraduate degree in exercise science, followed by a stint in personal training, and later transitioned to business. His dedication to health and fitness led him to a Master’s in Athletic Training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he was awarded the MAT Values Ambassador for exemplifying core values such as excellence and servant leadership. Following some professional setbacks at Arizona State, Jared now serves as an assistant athletic trainer for track and field at Kansas State University, where he continues to make significant strides in his field.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of Becoming UnDone®, we embark on a journey with Jared Oluwek, an athletic trainer whose life narrative defies expectations. From facing family changes to embracing new beginnings in various cities, Jared's story inspires with its testament to resilience and growth. The episode delves into the peaks and valleys of Jared’s career, his undying love for athletic training, and the redemptive chapter of his professional life at Kansas State University.

Jared openly shares his trials, starting with his formative years playing and improving in sports, which instilled in him the growth mindset that he has carried throughout his life. We witness the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including a challenging period at Arizona State and subsequent reflective times in Tempe, which fortified his resolve to excel within the collegiate athletic setting. Jared's narrative is a beacon of hope and an embodiment of perseverance, showcasing the power of bouncing back from adversity with even greater vigor.

Key Takeaways

• Jared Oluwek’s unwavering dedication to his craft in athletic training and personal growth, despite encountering professional setbacks.
• How moments of adversity, such as being put on administrative leave, can provoke both introspection and a redoubled effort to succeed.
• The importance of maintaining humility, learning from mistakes, and adhering to the rules in professional settings.
• Jared’s future aspirations, including his desire to continually improve as an athletic trainer and his passion for exploring nature and national parks.

Notable Quotes

• "Without sports and the willingness to want to improve my own game, I wouldn't be who I am today."
• "When that door shut, it was not, well, what am I going to do now? It was, how am I going to get back to where I want to be?"
• "You will achieve your soccer goals... But what you don't realize that you're doing, even though you're beating a soccer ball against the wall, they're really molding who you are going to become."
• "The experience that I have, I say to my athletes sometimes, I’ve lived many lives because just the amount of experience that I have, whether it was driving across the country to California and then back... it’s just exponential."
• "My life is not perfect, there's a lot of ups and downs, but I made the most of all of it, I turned it into a beautiful life that is the life of Jared."

Resources

• Jared’s Instagram: @jrock_café

Tune in to the full episode to experience the rich tapestry of Jared Oluwek's life and career, and discover how challenges can transform into triumphs with the right mindset. Don't forget to follow us for more stories of resilience and growth from inspiring individuals on Becoming UnDone®.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About the Guest(s):

Marshall Roberts is a former professional football player and coach, known for his electrifying performance as a punt returner and a four-year starter at Rutgers University, where he became the all-time leader in punt return yards. His professional career spanned several seasons, playing in both the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues. Roberts also has coaching experience, with notable stints in NFL Europe with the Frankfurt Galaxy and the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. Today, he serves as the Assistant Athletics Director for Alumni Engagement at Liberty University, where he works to maintain strong connections with sports alumni and oversees the Hall of Fame selection process. He's also an accomplished ultra-endurance athlete, embarking on challenges that push the limits of his athletic prowess.

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of "Becoming UnDone," host Toby Brooks invites former professional football player and ultra-endurance athlete Marshall Roberts to share the invaluable lessons he has learned throughout his dynamic career. The discussion delves into Marshall's identity beyond the sports realm, his reflective journey to becoming an athletics administrator, and the life-changing mentors he's encountered along the way.

Marshall recounts his collegiate days at Rutgers, his time as a professional athlete, and the pivotal moment he decided to transition from the field to coaching and, later on, administrative roles. A deep connection to his faith and the critical introspective question of where one's true identity lies punctuates the conversation. As Marshall navigates through the highs and lows, his growth from athletic endeavors to God's work underscores the episode. His current role as an assistant AD for alumni engagement at Liberty University showcases how he uses his athletic background to inspire and connect with others.

Key Takeaways:

• Marshall emphasizes the importance of grounding one's identity beyond sports, delving into how faith, family, and football have shaped his journey.
• The transition from athlete to coach and administrator can offer new perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the affirmation of one's path.
• Reflections on coaching methodologies highlight the merits of positivity and individualized mentorship in athlete development.
• Regular introspection and being intentional with time and relationships are key themes, especially in the context of family and career.
• The pursuit of challenging personal goals, such as completing ultra-endurance races, remains a testament to Roberts' lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think that was the biggest thing I learned through sport, was to take the highs when you have the highs and take the lows when you have the lows."
• "But when you walk away and that player tag or that coaching tag goes away, where does your identity truly lie?"
• "I don't have to coach like other people coached me. I can coach in my same personality and get my point across without using words that other people use."
• "I walked away from the game on my own terms. So as a coach, I never had that bitterness as I would help friends through their transition."
• "You are the company you keep."

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About the Guest
Ashley Adams hails from Lubbock, Texas, and has built her identity around her passion for horses and her alma mater, Texas Tech University. As a child, she aspired to become the Texas Tech Masked Rider – a goal she realized when she was selected as the prestigious 60th Masked Rider. With a background in animal sciences, she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees at Texas Tech. Ashley's experiences as Masked Rider have not only made her a prominent figure in the university community but also shaped her understanding of leadership and responsibility. Today, she balances her role as a marketing manager at Masked Rider Capital and as the owner of Ashley Adams Media, focusing on photography and brand storytelling.
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Episode Summary
Join me as I dive into the inspiring journey of Ashley Adams, whose childhood aspiration of becoming the celebrated Texas Tech Masked Rider catapulted her into an adventure of growth, challenges, and fulfillment. In this episode, Ashley shares the story behind achieving the iconic status and the profound bond she formed with Fearless Champion – the horse who guided her through the thrilling episodes of her tenure as the 60th Masked Rider.
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Discover Ashley's persistent pursuit of her dream, despite initial setbacks and the eventual rewards her dedication brought that transcended beyond football fields and into her personal growth. Encompassing a rich tapestry of emotional resilience and revelations, Ashley's narrative explores the power of steadfast ambition, behind-the-scenes insights of an iconic college tradition, and her evolution both during and after her tenure as Masked Rider.
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Key Takeaways

• Ashley Adams' dream of becoming the Texas Tech Masked Rider, despite early rejections, stands as a testament to perseverance and the power of setting goals from a young age.
• The journey to becoming the Masked Rider includes a significant behind-the-scenes commitment and the management of a full academic load alongside numerous appearances.
• Ashley underscores the emotional weight of being the Masked Rider, from handling rejection to the eventual bittersweet transition upon retiring the role.
• The episode reveals the intimate and transformative connection between a Masked Rider and their horse, showcasing Ashley's unique bond with Fearless Champion.
• Post-Masked Rider life has led Ashley to a meaningful career in marketing and media, where she continues to apply the lessons learned from her unique college experience.

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Notable Quotes

• "And then phone rang, and I just started crying."
• "But I didn't understand that I needed to grow where I even got there."
• "He [Fearless Champion] just let me fall in love with myself again."
• "I always tell people I loved one Masked Rider job for another Masked Rider job."

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About the Guest

Sandra Chu is a former collegiate rowing coach turned higher education consultant with a storied and multi-faceted career trajectory. With over 22 years of coaching experience and notable achievements, including National, Regional, and League Coach of the Year honors, Sandra transitioned into her current role at WittKieffer, seeking more alignment with her skills and the broader mission of higher education. She holds an impressive academic background with a master's from NYU and a BA from Princeton, where she was an All-Ivy athlete.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Becoming UnDone®, host Toby Brooks sits down with Sandra Chu, whose journey exemplifies the essence of transformation from a deeply invested athletic coach to a driven higher education consultant. Sandra shares her personal and professional evolution, revealing how critical life choices led her to reevaluate her identity, values, and career.

Sandra's story is nothing short of inspiring. Starting with her bold step into the world of collegiate rowing at Princeton, to her significant contributions as a rowing coach, and eventual transition into executive search, Sandra has continuously pivoted towards growth and fulfillment. This episode plunges into the narrative of someone who, despite considerable success and recognition, dared to redirect her professional compass amidst the onset of COVID-19 and personal introspection.

Key Takeaways

• Sandra Chu reflects on her decision to leave collegiate coaching to focus on family and explore her potential in higher education consultancy.
• COVID-19 played a significant role in Sandra's career transition, providing her a time of reflection and re-evaluation of her professional identity.
• The episode highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the power to overcome imposter syndrome, a common barrier Sandra assists candidates with in her current role.
• Sandra shares her perspective on the ability to view beyond job titles and recognize the worth of skills in varying contexts, drawing parallels with her own career shift.
• Mentorship and seeing potential in others, a theme pervasive in Sandra's coaching career, remains an integral part of her approach as a consultant.

Notable Quotes

• "What did we learn during COVID? We learned what was important to us. And what I learned was that there were many things that I did as a coach, which at the time when that ended and I was unemployed, felt like, oh shoot, I made this terrible mistake, and this was a big part of my identity. And Covid helped me understand that the identity was the skill."
• "I like to think of myself as someone who sees possibilities, unearths or surfaces those for the folks that I work with and intersect with, whether that was students that I mentored as athletes or with clients and candidates that I work with today."

Engage with this poignant episode to uncover the depth of Sandra Chu's life lessons in career transition and seizing one's potential against the odds. Join us in learning from her fascinating story, and don't forget to stay tuned for more episodes that unravel the intricacies of personal and professional growth on Becoming UnDone®.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Becoming UnDone, Toby Brooks reflects on generational differences and stereotypes with his daughter, Brynnan Brooks. They discuss the characteristics and perceptions of their respective generations, Generation X and Generation Z. Toby shares his experience as a Gen Xer, feeling like the overlooked middle child and the resilience that comes from being part of the forgotten generation. Brynnan discusses the open-mindedness and inclusivity of her generation, as well as the challenges they face with mental health. They explore the pros and cons of each generation and the importance of intergenerational friendships and understanding.

Key Takeaways:

1. Generational stereotypes can influence outlooks and behaviors.
2. Gen Xers often feel overlooked and develop resilience from their experiences.
3. Gen Z is open-minded and inclusive, but can sometimes struggle with mental health issues.
4. Work ethic is a strength of Gen X, but it can also lead to a focus on goals over the journey.
5. Building intergenerational friendships can help bridge the gap between generations.

Quotes:

• "Behavior allowed is behavior encouraged." - Toby Brooks
• "Gen X feels like the overlooked middle child." - Toby Brooks
• "Gen Z is quick to see discrimination and injustice." - Toby Brooks
• "Gen X has an insane work ethic, but it can become goal-oriented instead of journey-oriented." - Brynnan Brooks
• "My generation is non-confrontational and quietly disagrees." - Brynnan Brooks
• "Clarity is kindness." - Brene' Brown

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summary:

In this episode, Toby Brooks continues his reflections on the 1984 classic film "The NeverEnding Story." He explores the hidden meanings and personal growth he has experienced since first watching the movie as a child. Toby discusses the challenges faced by the main character, Atreyu, as he navigates through the Sphinx gate and the Magic Mirror gate. He also delves into the concept of the "Sea of Possibilities" and the destructive force of The Nothing. Toby reflects on the importance of self-worth, humility, and staying true to one's purpose in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Sphinx gate represents the need for individuals to believe in their own worth and authenticity.
2. The Magic Mirror gate symbolizes the confrontation with one's true self, including both positive and negative aspects.
3. Unrestrained possibilities can be overwhelming and paralyzing without guidance and direction.
4. It is important to discern between opportunities that align with one's purpose and those that are merely distractions.
5. The destructive force of The Nothing grows stronger when people lose hope and forget their dreams.

Quotes:

• "Instead of polishing my armor, maybe I should be nourishing my body." - Toby Brooks
• "It isn't hubris we should seek. It is quiet, grounded, hard-earned humility." - Toby Brooks
• "No matter how sparkly or wonderful an opportunity is, if it doesn't align with your purpose, it's a distraction." - Neil Kennedy
• "The nothing that ultimately destroyed Fantasia is the emptiness that's left when life tests us, tries us, batters us, and bloodies us." - Toby Brooks

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest:

Mark de Grasse is the President of DigitalMarketer, a skills and talent development firm that has served over 100,000 students in 174 countries. He has a diverse background in various industries, including fitness, educational tech, real estate, and marketing. Mark is known for his expertise in digital marketing and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance marketing strategies.

Summary:

Mark shares his journey from experiencing a major setback in his late 20s to becoming the President of DigitalMarketer. He emphasizes the importance of failure and how it can lead to personal growth and success. Mark also discusses the role of mental health in achieving success and shares his strategies for maintaining good mental health. He explains how Digital Marketer teaches all aspects of digital marketing and leverages artificial intelligence to enhance marketing strategies. Mark believes that the journey itself is the goal and aims to help individuals achieve epic levels of success by shifting their perspective on success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Failure can lead to personal growth and success.
2. Mental health plays a crucial role in achieving success.
3. Digital Marketer teaches all aspects of digital marketing through a systematic framework.
4. Artificial intelligence can enhance marketing strategies and increase productivity.
5. The journey itself is the goal, and success should be defined by personal fulfillment rather than external achievements.

Quotes:

• "If I could help people understand that the journey part of it is the goal, like what you're doing, you're already doing it." - Mark de Grasse
• "The only thing you actually have control of is how you perceive your current situation." - Mark de Grasse
• "The journey is the goal. And if I could convince people of that, then I think I could help people break out of the cycle." - Mark de Grasse

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summary

In this episode of "Word of the 3rd," Toby Brooks reflects on the movie "The Never Ending Story" and its deeper meaning. He explores the themes of success, significance, and the search for purpose. Toby shares his personal journey of navigating the space between success and significance and how his goals now revolve around positively impacting people and leaving a lasting legacy. He discusses the importance of finding deeper meaning in life and the impact of depression and anxiety on individuals. Toby also highlights the role of connection and the need to bring something unique into the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Success is rarely satisfying in the long run.
2. The search for significance and purpose is a journey many people undertake.
3. Depression and anxiety rates have been higher than ever in recent years.
4. The movie "The Never Ending Story" explores themes of success, significance, and the search for purpose.
5. Connection and leaving a lasting legacy are important goals in life.

Quotes

• "Success is rarely satisfying, at least in the long run."
• "Maybe it's a need to bring something into the world that only you can create."
• "We've seen rates of depression and anxiety higher than ever in recorded human history in the past three years."
• "The search for significance and purpose is a journey many of us undertake."
• "Connection and leaving things better than I found them are my biggest goals in life."

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest

John Miller is a journalist, author, and baseball historian. He grew up in Belgium with American parents who were professional musicians. With a deep love for journalism and baseball, he pursued a career as a journalist and eventually landed a position with the Wall Street Journal. After leaving the Journal, he produced a PBS documentary on a mining town and is currently working on a book about legendary Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver.

Summary

John Miller, a journalist and author, shares his journey from working at the Wall Street Journal to pursuing his passion for storytelling and baseball. After leaving the Journal, he embarked on a six-month wandering period, exploring different career paths and finding clarity in his desire to continue working as a journalist. He produced a documentary on a mining town and began writing for America, a monthly magazine. He is currently working on a book about Earl Weaver, a legendary baseball manager. Through his experiences, John has learned the importance of embracing failure, adapting to change, and finding meaning in his work.

Key Takeaways

• John's passion for journalism and storytelling began at a young age, influenced by his parents' musical background and his love for reading the newspaper.
• He pursued a career in journalism and played baseball in college, combining his two passions.
• After leaving the Wall Street Journal, John went through a period of uncertainty and exploration, considering different career paths and finding clarity in his desire to continue working as a journalist.
• He produced a documentary on a mining town, highlighting the complexity and cultural impact of industries like mining.
• John's experiences have taught him the importance of embracing failure, adapting to change, and finding meaning in his work.

Quotes

• "I wanted to do something deeper about the country and for my own kind of journalistic journey." - John Miller
• "I respect the grief a lot more... I think you can't understand the politics of this country without understanding that grief." - John Miller
• "Perseverance does not make sense if you're not willing to adapt and change." - John Miller

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest
Kelli Chapman is an orthopedic surgery physician assistant. She had a successful career as a softball player, earning accolades such as All-State and Conference Player of the Year. After her playing days, she pursued a career in athletic training and eventually became a physician assistant. Kelli is passionate about helping others and continues to work in orthopedics, providing care to patients and athletes.

Summary
Kelli Chapman shares her journey from being a highly successful athlete to becoming an orthopedic surgery physician assistant. She discusses the challenges of transitioning out of sports and the emotional toll it took on her. Kelly emphasizes the importance of resilience and finding new goals to pursue. She talks about her experiences in PA school and the determination it took to finally achieve her dream. Kelli's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles.

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning out of sports can be emotionally challenging, and athletes often struggle with finding a new identity.
• It is important to focus on what you can control and set new goals for yourself.
• The path to success is not always linear, and setbacks can be opportunities for growth and learning.
• Resilience and determination are key qualities that can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

Quotes

• "Softball is not who I am. It was what I did." - Kelli Chapman
• "You have to be confident in yourself and your abilities. If you keep practicing and working hard, you can achieve your goals." - Kelli Chapman

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest

Brynnan Brooks is a performer and artist who is passionate about using her talents to connect with people and show her authentic self. She believes in the power of deep conversations and wants to be known for who she truly is, rather than presenting a sanitized image to the world. Brynnan is currently studying vocal performance and is focused on personal growth and using her art as a way to make meaningful connections with others.

Summary

Brynnan Brooks discusses the importance of being known for who you truly are and not just presenting a sanitized image to the world. She believes that setting yourself up for happiness and peace is more important than striving for worldly success. Brynnan also talks about the challenges introverts face in building their personal brand and how they can still be liked by being authentic and connecting with people on a one-on-one level. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and being true to yourself, even if it means facing criticism or misunderstanding. Brynnan and Toby also discuss the double standards that exist for men and women when it comes to vulnerability and how society's expectations can limit personal growth. They explore the keys to building a personal brand, including having a clear mission and core values, being purposeful in design choices, and utilizing platforms like websites and podcasts to showcase your authentic self.

Key Takeaways

1. Being known for who you truly are and making meaningful connections with others is more important than striving for worldly success.
2. Introverts can still be liked by connecting with people on a one-on-one level and being authentic.
3. Vulnerability is important in building a personal brand and showing your true self, even if it means facing criticism or misunderstanding.
4. Society often has double standards when it comes to vulnerability, with men being discouraged from showing emotions and women facing limitations in certain fields.
5. Building a personal brand requires having a clear mission and core values, being purposeful in design choices, and utilizing platforms like websites and podcasts to showcase your authentic self.

Quotes

• "I want to be known in that people truly know me, they really know me and not some sort of sanitized image that I'm presenting to the world." - Brynnan Brooks
• "If your goal is just, I'm going to be the best singer, there's a lot of people, that's their goal. But setting yourself up for a lot of heartache." - Brynnan Brooks
• "Introverts using the one-on-one method, getting to know people individually or really using the energy they have in a good way." - Brynnan Brooks
• "There's always someone going to be upset about what you say, especially if you're trying to keep it real like that." - Brynnan Brooks
• "I think there's always some kind of standard and there's always something that society is saying, you can do this or you can't do this." - Brynnan Brooks

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest

Paul Fenner is the founder of TAMMA Capital and the host of the Emotional Balance Sheet podcast. He has a background in finance and accounting and has built a successful career as a financial planner. Paul is passionate about helping families navigate the emotional and financial challenges of life transitions.

Summary

Paul Fenner, founder of TAMMA Capital and host of the Emotional Balance Sheet podcast, shares his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of balancing a career and raising triplets, and how he found the courage to pursue his own business. Paul emphasizes the importance of emotional and lifestyle planning in addition to financial planning, and how he helps families navigate these complex areas. He also discusses the role of fear in both his own life and in his work with clients, and the power of storytelling in inspiring others.

Key Takeaways

• Paul Fenner's journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship was driven by his passion for finance and helping families navigate life transitions.
• Emotional and lifestyle planning are just as important as financial planning when it comes to achieving personal and financial goals.
• Fear can be a major obstacle in pursuing one's dreams, but it can also be a motivator for growth and change.
• The power of storytelling and sharing personal experiences can inspire and empower others to overcome their own challenges.

Quotes

• "I think people become paralyzed by that fear. And that's one reason why people have a hard time taking the first step with working with any financial planner, let alone me." - Paul Fenner
• "I think listening to other people's stories has really helped solidify that. And again, I take all that, and I can now see how my firm has grown and developed over the last three years with the growth and the conversations and the insights of the guests I've had on my show." - Paul Fenner

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest

John Ballenger is a former Marine Corps pilot who served as the pilot of Marine One, the helicopter that transports the President of the United States. He has a background in aviation and has overcome personal tragedies, including the loss of his daughter and multiple family suicides. John is now involved in various pursuits, including coaching and real estate development.

Summary

John Ballenger shares his journey from childhood dreams of becoming a pilot to serving in the Marine Corps and eventually piloting Marine-One. He discusses the setbacks and challenges he faced along the way, including the loss of his daughter and family suicides. John emphasizes the importance of resilience, faith, and a strong support network in overcoming adversity. He also talks about his current endeavors, including coaching and real estate development.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of recognizing and addressing mental health struggles, especially in the face of personal tragedies.
• The value of surrounding oneself with a strong support network and seeking help when needed.
• The significance of staying true to one's values and faith in navigating difficult times.
• The power of vulnerability and open communication in building meaningful connections and overcoming challenges.
• The need to prioritize and focus on the basics in order to achieve success.

Quotes

• "Failure can define you if you let it. I've been blessed to be around it, but it has not shaken me from my foundation." - John Ballenger
• "Surround yourself with people that you want to be like, and that will make all the difference." - John Ballenger
• "Life is 10% what actually happens to you, 90% what you do about it." - John Ballenger

Connect

• www.michaelandjohn.com
• John on LinkedIn

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest
Nick Hutchison is the founder of BookThinkers, a digital marketing agency that helps authors promote and market their books. He is also the author of Rise of the Reader: Strategies for Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You Learn. Nick is passionate about personal development and helping others overcome challenges through reading and learning.

Summary
Nick Hutchison shares his journey from being a competitive athlete to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. He discusses how reading books helped him overcome personal insecurities and develop confidence. Nick explains the purpose behind his book, Rise of the Reader, which provides strategies for taking action on the information learned from books. He emphasizes the importance of scheduling reading time, setting intentions for each book, and effective note-taking and reading strategies. Nick also discusses the impact of failure on his growth and the mindset shift from fearing failure to embracing it as a learning opportunity.

Key Takeaways

• Reading books can help overcome personal insecurities and develop confidence.
• Scheduling reading time and setting intentions for each book are essential for effective learning.
• Reading and note-taking should be separate activities to enhance comprehension and retention.
• Failure is a valuable teacher and should be embraced as an opportunity for growth.
• Small, consistent steps in the right direction lead to exponential progress over time.

Quotes

• "Your purpose comes from your pain." - Nick Hutchison
• "Failure is actually the best teacher, and you should be encouraged to fail as fast and as often as possible." - Nick Hutchison
• "Comparison can create joy when you compare yourself to where you were a few years ago." - Nick Hutchison

Connect

• www.bookthinkers.com
• BookThinkers on Instagram
• www.nickhutch.com

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summary
Jacob Slichter, drummer for Semisonic, shares his journey in the music industry and the lessons he has learned along the way. He discusses the band's rise to success, the challenges they faced, and the importance of gratitude and perseverance. Jacob also talks about the process of writing his book and the recent release of Semisonic's new album.

About The Guest
Jacob Slichter is the drummer for Semisonic, an American rock band known for their hit song "Closing Time." He is also an author and a professor.

Key Takeaways

• Success in the music industry is not guaranteed and can be unpredictable. It is important to be grateful for the opportunities and experiences that come your way.
• Showing up and doing the work is essential for growth and success as an artist. Persistence and compassion are key.
• Impostor syndrome is common among artists, but it is important to recognize your own worth and not let self-doubt hold you back.
• The process of creating art can be challenging, but it is important to embrace the difficulties and keep pushing forward.
• Growth as an artist is ongoing and requires continuous practice and self-reflection.

Quotes

• "Our success had actually come much earlier. And it was just merely the fact that we had an audience and that we had a band, and we were making music that really spoke for us." - Jacob Slichter
• "You've got to actually enjoy the work because that's really what you have. In the end, that's the only thing that's guaranteed, is you get to do the work." - Jacob Slichter
• "You've got to be willing to just hang in there and keep showing up and just trust in the power of showing up." - Jacob Slichter
• "Being blocked is part of the work. The difficulty that we have making things is part of the work, and we may have friends who are much more prolific than we are. That's great for them, but we have to recognize that for us, our work is to do our work." - Jacob Slichter
• "You've got to learn how to have compassion for yourself, and you've also got to learn how to... have persistence and show up." - Jacob Slichter

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guests

• Dr. Mike Galyean is a Professor and the Former Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Texas Tech University.
• Dr. Erin Justyna is the Associate Provost for Student Affairs at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
• Magie Lacambra was the Head Football Athletic Trainer at the University of Arizona and is now the Team Sports Manager for the Western United States for  Gatorade Sports Marketing.
• John Okerson is a retired First Sergeant from the 82nd Airborne Division in the U.S. Army.

Summary

Toby Brooks reflects on his podcast, Word to the Third, and shares his progress in reaching his goal of 75 episodes in the first year. He then introduces four guests who discuss their experiences and insights on leadership. Dr. Mike Galyean talks about the challenges of assessing one's own performance as a leader and the importance of communication. Dr. Erin Justyna emphasizes the value of understanding key metrics and providing meaningful communication to assess the performance of those you lead. Magie Lacambra highlights the importance of helping underperforming individuals by providing guidance and support, while also recognizing and encouraging high performers. John Okerson discusses the significance of understanding individual potential and the need for continuous learning and growth as a leader.

Key Takeaways

• Assessing one's own performance as a leader can be challenging, but feedback from those you work closely with can provide valuable insights.
• Understanding key metrics and effective communication are essential for assessing the performance of those you lead.
• Providing guidance and support can help underperforming individuals improve their performance, while recognizing and encouraging high performers can help maintain their optimal performance.
• Continuous learning and growth are crucial for effective leadership.

Quotes

• "A sense of when I was doing a good job is what I would get from talking with the people I was working with." - Dr. Michael Galyean
• "Effective communicators are almost always effective leaders." - Dr. Michael Galyean
• "As long as you keep those three essentials in mind and understand what is critical, you can effectively assess performance." - Dr. Michael Galyean
• "Acknowledging someone's effort and helping them see a different perspective can improve their performance." - Dr. Erin Justyna
• "Leadership is not something that comes easy. You always have to be willing to grow and learn." - John Okerson

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest
Phil Millan served as the Assistant Minor League Baseball Athletic Training Coordinator and Latin American Medical Coordinator with the Boston Red Sox organization. He has a background in athletic training and has worked with various professional sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and in a variety of other athletic training practice settings.

Summary
Phil Millan shares his journey from being a pre-nursing major in college to working in professional sports as an athletic trainer. He discusses the challenges he faced, including burnout and mental health struggles, and how he made the decision to leave the Red Sox organization and take a job in Texas. He also talks about the importance of finding joy in the little things and the role of failure in personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways

• -Phil emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the little things and taking time to reflect on personal and professional growth.
• He highlights the role of failure in learning and growing, and the importance of not making the same mistakes twice.
• Phil discusses the challenges of working in professional sports and the need for effective communication and relationship-building skills.

Quotes

• "Finding joy in the little things has been the biggest thing for me, as well as just trying to be better about the relationships that I have, the relationships that I keep." - Phil Millan
• "Failure is going to happen. It's just a matter of how often are we going to allow it to happen and are we going to sit there and dwell on the failure itself?" - Phil Millan

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest
Ian Westmoreland is the founder of Mentoring Men and Kintsugi Heroes, two nonprofit organizations based in Australia. He is passionate about helping men overcome challenges and find purpose in their lives.

Summary
Ian Westmoreland shares his journey of self-discovery and the founding of Mentoring Men and Kintsugi Heroes. He discusses the importance of resilience and finding value in our lived experiences. Ian emphasizes the need for men to have mentors and support systems to navigate life's challenges. He also highlights the power of vulnerability and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Key Takeaways

• The metaphor of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, teaches us that our brokenness can make us more valuable and resilient.
• Men often struggle with shame and vulnerability, but finding a mentor and support system can help them navigate life's challenges.
• Success is not defined by material wealth or societal expectations, but by using our skills and experiences to positively impact the world around us.
• Sharing our stories and experiences can inspire and encourage others who may be going through similar struggles.
• It is important to redefine masculinity and create a safe space for men to express their emotions and seek help when needed.

Quotes

• "The metaphor of Kintsugi teaches us that our brokenness can make us more valuable and resilient." - Ian Westmoreland
• "A real man doesn't go and beat up women or kids. A real man shows vulnerability and empathy." - Ian Westmoreland

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest

Emma Middleton Morris is a former college basketball player who had a successful career at Lubbock Christian University and Abilene Christian University. She overcame challenges and setbacks throughout her athletic journey and has learned valuable lessons about resilience and personal growth.

Summary

Emma Middleton Morris shares her journey as a college basketball player, from struggling with confidence and self-esteem to finding success and redemption. She discusses the highs and lows of her career, including her decision to transfer schools and her experience as a super senior. Emma also reflects on the importance of identity and the lessons she has learned from failure.

Key Takeaways

• Emma's confidence was shaken when she entered college basketball, but she persevered and worked hard to improve her skills.
• Failure can teach valuable lessons, especially when it comes to personal growth and relationships.
• Emma's journey has taught her the importance of finding her worth and identity outside of basketball.
• She has learned to embrace the process of becoming undone and growing through challenges and setbacks.

Quotes

• "Failure is a term that can be taken in a couple of different ways... The most growth that I've had through failure was my failure socially and relationally." - Emma Middleton Morris
• "Your value is not in what you do... It's literally not. You can't possibly do enough good things to gain the rewards in heaven that you want." - Emma Middleton Morris

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summary: Gio Marin grew up in a Christian home but went through a period of rebellion before finding his way back to his calling in the ministry. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing truth and being honest with oneself. After hitting rock bottom, he made the decision to change his life and pursue a healthier lifestyle. He started tracking his nutrition and began weightlifting, which led to significant changes in his body composition. He believes that discipline is key to achieving one's goals and that consistency is more important than motivation. Gio shares his experience with juicing and intermittent fasting, and how these practices helped him overcome cravings and achieve his fitness goals. He also discusses the importance of finding balance and not being too strict with one's diet. Gio is now a co-host of the Built by FitBod podcast and writes on his Substack platform about life, lifting, and nutrition.

About The Guest: Gio Marin is a minister, podcaster, fitness personality, and plant-based advocate. He grew up in the South Bronx and had a calling to the ministry at a young age. After going through a period of rebellion, he eventually found his way back to his calling and pursued a career in ministry. He is passionate about fitness and nutrition and believes that physical health and spirituality go hand in hand.

Key Takeaways:

• Pursuing truth and being honest with oneself is essential for personal growth and development.
• Discipline is more important than motivation when it comes to achieving goals.
• Physical health and spirituality are interconnected, and taking care of one's body is important for overall well-being.
• Tracking nutrition and incorporating weightlifting into one's fitness routine can lead to significant changes in body composition.
• Finding one's "why" and keeping it in mind can help maintain motivation and discipline.
• Juicing and intermittent fasting can help reset cravings and improve overall health.
• It's important to find balance and not be too strict with one's diet.

Quotes:

• "Truth is paramount, no matter whether you believe in Christianity or some other religion." - Gio Marin
• "Your health doesn't care about your feelings. Your health is going to behave the way you treat it." - Gio Marin
• "Health is wealth, and everything flows out of health." - Gio Marin
• "Discipline carries the day. Motivation is needed, but discipline is what will help you achieve your goals." - Gio Marin
• "The one song, as soon as you ask that question, but it's unstoppable. I'm unstoppable. And so my song is Unstoppable by SIA, because now that I have become the man that I want to be, nothing could stop me but me." - Gio Marin

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest
Tony Wagner is the head basketball coach at Estacado High School in Lubbock, Texas. He has built a powerhouse program at Estacado, with numerous district championships, regional appearances, and a state championship title. Wagner is known for his dedication to his players and his commitment to their success both on and off the court.

Summary
Tony Wagner, head basketball coach at Estacado High School, shares his journey from being a late bloomer in basketball to becoming a successful coach. He talks about the importance of being a multi-sport athlete and how it helps develop accountability and resilience. Wagner reflects on his own experiences with academic difficulties and how it shaped him as a coach. He discusses the culture he has built at Estacado and the impact he hopes to have on his players' lives. Wagner emphasizes the importance of being present and involved in his players' lives, even after they graduate. He shares his perspective on success and the moments that truly matter to him as a coach.

Key Takeaways

• Being a multi-sport athlete helps develop accountability and resilience.
• Overcoming academic difficulties can shape you as a coach and make you more empathetic towards your players.
• Building a positive and supportive culture is crucial for the success of a team.
• The impact a coach can have on a player's life goes beyond wins and losses.
• The moments that truly matter are the ones where you see your players succeed and grow as individuals.

Quotes 

• "Kids need to be able to compete at different levels, against different circumstances, against different people."
• "You don't know how strong you can be until you have to be strong."
• "If winning the state championship is the biggest moment of their life, then they haven't lived."
• "You promote what you allow."
• "The moments that make me feel like we are really reaching our kids are when they invite me to their weddings or their children's events."

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest
Fletcher Cleaves is a motivational speaker and the founder of The Wheelchair Nomad. After a car accident left him paralyzed, Fletcher chose to respond to adversity in a positive manner and has since become an inspiration to many. He has traveled the world, sharing his story and motivating others to overcome their own challenges.

Summary
Fletcher Cleaves, also known as the Wheelchair Nomad, shares his inspiring story of resilience and determination. After a car accident left him paralyzed, Fletcher chose to respond in a positive manner and has since become a motivational speaker, traveling the world and inspiring others to overcome their own challenges. He emphasizes that it's not what happens to you that defines you, but how you respond to it. Fletcher's story is a testament to the power of a positive mindset and the ability to achieve greatness despite adversity.

Key Takeaways

• Adversity happens to everyone, but it's how you respond to it that defines you.
• Don't let your current situation dictate your future. There are no limits to what you can achieve.
• Stay positive and use competition as fuel to overcome challenges.
• Your mindset can have a significant impact on your physical healing and recovery.
• Don't let others impose limitations on your life. You have the power to achieve your dreams.

Quotes

• "It's not what happens to you that defines you, it's how you respond to it."
• "Don't let your current situation dictate your future."
• "Your mindset can have a significant impact on your physical healing and recovery."
• "Don't let others impose limitations on your life. You have the power to achieve your dreams."

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest:
Norense Odiase is a former basketball player for Texas Tech University and currently plays in the NBA G League. He is also the host of the Mind Bully podcast.

Summary:
Norense Odiase shares his journey from growing up in a Nigerian immigrant family to becoming a successful basketball player at Texas Tech University. He discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of relationships and legacy, and the impact of his faith on his life and career. Norense also talks about his experience in professional basketball and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Norense Odiase's journey from a young boy in a Nigerian immigrant family to a successful basketball player at Texas Tech University was filled with trials and challenges. Building relationships and leaving a lasting impact on others were important to Norense throughout his basketball career. Professional basketball is not just about talent; it involves politics and other factors that can affect a player's success. Norense's podcast, Mind Bully, focuses on overcoming the negative voice in one's head and inspiring others to do the same.

Key Takeaways:

• Norense Odiase's journey from a young boy in a Nigerian immigrant family to a successful basketball player at Texas Tech University was filled with trials and challenges.
• Building relationships and leaving a lasting impact on others were important to Norense throughout his basketball career.
• Professional basketball is not just about talent; it involves politics and other factors that can affect a player's success.
• Norense's podcast, Mind Bully, focuses on overcoming the negative voice in one's head and inspiring others to do the same.

Quotes:

• "When you're feeling mad and you're angry, when you feel like you're lonely, when you feel as sad as you can be, say, 'How bad could it be?'" - Norense Odiase
• "You can do way more than you think you can do. People are just people at the end of the day." - Norense Odiase
• "Don't give a damn what anybody thinks. Don't give a damn when anybody thinks about you and what you could be and your career and what path you're taking and if you look like everybody else or if you're acting like everybody else or if you have a thought that you don't want to express in a class because you think people are going to laugh or if you even just see the world differently from other people, who cares?" - Norense Odiase
• "I want to do something greater with other given traits and talents that God gave me. I got to build that. I got to grow through that. I got to fine-tune and rewire who I am and look at myself as, okay, more than just a player, more than just a basketball player." - Norense Odiase

Additional Context:
Norense Odiase discusses the impact of his podcast, MindBully, and how it focuses on overcoming the negative voice in one's head. He also talks about the importance of relationships and leaving a lasting impact on others throughout his basketball career. Norense shares his desire to be remembered for more than just his basketball achievements and his determination to build a legacy that goes beyond the game.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest
Shelby Perry is a Utah native who struggled with addiction from a young age. After seeking help and entering recovery, she founded EYEHESIVE, a community and coaching program for individuals dealing with eye and vision loss. Shelby is also a yoga instructor and uses her platform to inspire and support others on their journey to recovery and self-acceptance.

Summary
Shelby Perry shares her journey of addiction, recovery, and overcoming a life-altering accident that left her blind in one eye. She discusses the importance of sobriety and the support of the recovery community in her healing process. Shelby's experience led her to found EYEHESIVE, a community and coaching program for individuals with eye and vision loss. She emphasizes the power of self-acceptance and finding purpose in helping others.

Key Takeaways

• Sobriety and the support of the recovery community played a crucial role in Shelby's recovery from her accident.
• Shelby founded EYEHESIVE to provide support and resources for individuals with eye and vision loss.
• Self-acceptance and finding purpose can help overcome adversity and create a fulfilling life.

Quotes

• "Everything that I learned from the foundation of getting sober... has directly coexisted and helped me get through that eye loss." - Shelby Perry
• "I just thought about other people out there that might have an eye injury and not have as many people or support." - Shelby Perry
• "I can still move my body and get on the mountain today." - Shelby Perry

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About The Guest:
Pat Rigsby is a highly successful entrepreneur and business coach in the fitness industry. He has owned and operated multiple businesses, including fitness training centers and franchise organizations. Pat is known for his expertise in building successful businesses and helping others achieve their goals.

Summary:
Pat Rigsby is a former college baseball coach turned entrepreneur and business coach. He shares his journey from being a young baseball player with dreams of making it to the major leagues to becoming the youngest head college baseball coach in the country. Pat's coaching career led him to a successful business in the fitness industry, where he built and scaled multiple businesses. He eventually transitioned to coaching other business owners and helping them grow their own businesses. Pat emphasizes the importance of being adaptable, building systems, and focusing on relationships in order to achieve success.

Key Takeaways:

• Perfect is a myth, focus on progress and learning from failures.
• Building successful businesses requires being willing to deviate from the norm and approach challenges differently.
• Systems are important for success, but they should be seen as blueprints to help others succeed.
• Failure is a part of the journey and can lead to better opportunities or temporary setbacks.
• Gratitude and paying it forward are important aspects of personal and professional growth.

Quotes:

• "Perfect is a myth. Let's keep making progress and learning from failures." - Pat Rigsby
• "Being willing to deviate from the norm and approach challenges differently is key to success." - Pat Rigsby
• "Systems are blueprints to help others succeed." - Pat Rigsby
• "Failure is either a springboard to something better or a temporary setback." - Pat Rigsby
• "Gratitude and paying it forward are important in personal and professional growth." - Pat Rigsby

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summary

Dr. Garfield Bright, a founding member of the R&B group Shai, shares his journey from being a college student at Howard University to becoming a successful musician. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of his music career, emphasizes the importance of being business-savvy in the industry, and reveals his passion for continuous learning, which led him to pursue a PhD in African American Studies.

About The Guest

Dr. Garfield Bright is a founding member of the R&B group Shai. He has achieved multi-platinum success in the music industry and has also earned a PhD in African American Studies.

Key Takeaways

• Garfield's love for music and his fascination with harmony led him to join the R&B group Shai.
• The group's success was unexpected, but they quickly rose to fame with their hit song "If I Ever Fall In Love."
• Garfield's passion for learning and his inquisitive nature led him to pursue a PhD in African American Studies while still pursuing his music career.

Quotes

• "We really thought just because we had a song that was incredible to us, that should get a record deal and we should be successful in the music industry." - Garfield Bright
• "I always got something out of putting my effort into school outside of just putting effort in." - Garfield Bright
• "I always wanted to know more. I'm not satisfied with what we know now, and I still am not even with the PhD." - Garfield Bright

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summary

Dr. Phil Anton shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Michigan to becoming a renowned cancer rehabilitation researcher. He talks about his early career aspirations, the influence of his parents, and his transition from computer science to physical education. He discusses how he found his purpose in cancer rehabilitation and the impact of his cousin's battle with cancer on his career path. Dr. Anton also highlights the importance of listening to others and the power of exercise as a therapeutic tool for cancer survivors.

Dr. Anton emphasizes the significance of exercise as a therapeutic tool for cancer survivors and caregivers, both physically and psychologically. He discusses the impact of the Strong Survivors program at SIU Carbondale and the need for more accessible cancer rehabilitation programs. Dr. Anton also expresses his desire to gain support from influential figures in oncology to make cancer rehab a standard part of care.

About The Guest

Dr. Phil Anton is an Associate Professor and the Program Director for Exercise Science at SIU Carbondale. He is the director of the Strong Survivors Exercise and Nutrition Program for cancer survivors and caregivers, and he also directs the SIUC Cancer Rehabilitation Laboratory.

Key Takeaways

• Exercise is a powerful tool for enhancing the physical and psychological well-being of cancer survivors.
• The Strong Survivors program at SIU Carbondale aims to break down barriers and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.
• Dr. Anton emphasizes the importance of listening to others and seeking guidance in finding one's career path.
• He hopes to expand the reach of cancer rehabilitation programs and gain support from influential figures in oncology.

Quotes

• "Exercise is that drug. It's a psychological agent as well." - Dr. Phil Anton
• "We're helping to break down barriers because there's not a whole lot that oncologists know about exercise or quality of life." - Dr. Phil Anton
• "You have to be able to assist them through uncomfortable conversations and be prepared for the loss of some participants." - Dr. Phil Anton
• "The answers are out there, the avenues are out there, and you'll get there eventually." - Dr. Phil Anton
• "Cancer rehab is where cardiac rehab was when it was first getting started." - Dr. Phil Anton
• "Eventually, a cancer diagnosis will mean that you are funneled immediately into a cancer rehab program." - Dr. Phil Anton
• "Strong Survivors allows all three of those things to happen very easily, and they all are tied together." - Dr. Phil Anton

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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About The Guest: Deron McBee is a former American Gladiator and actor known for his role as Malibu on the hit TV show American Gladiators. He has also worked as a stuntman and has appeared in movies and TV shows such as Mortal Kombat Annihilation and Walker, Texas Ranger. Deron is now focused on ministry and helping others overcome addiction and find faith.

Summary: Deron McBee, also known as "Malibu" from American Gladiators, shares his journey of faith, resilience, and overcoming addiction. From his early days as a scrawny high school athlete to becoming a world-ranked racquetball player and a cultural icon on American Gladiators, Deron's life has been filled with highs and lows. He opens up about his struggles with addiction, the toll that the show took on his body, and the tragedies he faced with the loss of his wife and mother. Through faith and perseverance, Darren found the strength to overcome his addiction and now uses his experiences to inspire and encourage others.

Key Takeaways:

• Deron McBee is a man of faith who relentlessly follows God and seeks to be the best version of himself.
• He transformed himself from a scrawny high school athlete to a world-ranked racquetball player and a cultural icon on American Gladiators.
• The toll of the show took a physical and mental toll on Darren and his colleagues, but he persevered through injuries and challenges.
• Deron struggled with addiction after a devastating hip injury and the loss of his wife and mother, but through prayer and multiple trips to rehab, he found freedom.
• He now uses his experiences to help others overcome addiction and find faith.

Quotes:

• "Deron McBee is a man who loves God with all his heart and relentlessly follows him." - Deron McBee
• "Tough times don't last, but tough people do." - Deron McBee
• "Success is doing the job or the career that you enjoy doing or you're gifted to doing." - Deron McBee

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Toby Brooks reflects on the concept of enablers, disablers, and unablers in our journey to success. He shares his thoughts on how some people are in our corner, cheering us on no matter what, while others secretly or openly want to see us fail. Toby emphasizes the importance of not assuming that everyone is either for us or against us, as there are also people who are neutral and indifferent. He shares a personal story from his childhood to illustrate this point. Toby concludes by encouraging listeners to give people grace and not pass judgment based on their level of support.

Key Takeaways:

1. Enablers are the people who support us and help us make our dreams happen.
2. Disablers are those who want to see us fail or contribute to our failure.
3. Unablers are neutral and indifferent, not actively supporting or sabotaging us.

Quotes:

• "Just because someone isn't my friend doesn't mean they are my enemy."
• "Some people aren't even living in a common environment. We don't register in their world."
• "I'm going to find a way to win whether you want me to or not."

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Summary:

Ron McKeefery shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a broken family to becoming a successful strength coach. He recounts how a chance encounter with a football coach as a child changed his life and set him on a path towards his dreams. Ron discusses the importance of overcoming setbacks and embracing failure as a means for growth. He also emphasizes the value of building strong relationships with athletes and the impact that coaches can have on their lives beyond the sports field.

About The Guest:

Ron McKeefery is a highly respected and sought-after strength coach in the world of athletics. He has worked as a head strength and conditioning coach at the University of Washington, as well as with professional football teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals. Ron has been recognized as a two-time collegiate Coach of the Year and is also a best-selling author and motivational speaker.

Key Takeaways:

• A chance encounter with a football coach as a child changed Ron McKeefery's life and set him on a path towards his dreams.
• Overcoming setbacks and embracing failure is a crucial part of the success journey.
• Building strong relationships with athletes and having a positive impact on their lives beyond sports is a key responsibility of coaches.

Quotes:

• "That one split second decision literally changed my life." - Ron McKeefery
• "You never know who's watching. You don't know who's going to lead to your next job or your next opportunity." - Ron McKeefery

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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About The Guest
Tim Kight is the founder and CEO of Focus 3, a company that teaches individuals and organizations how to develop a winning mindset and achieve their goals. He is a former track athlete and has worked with elite high performers in various fields, including sports and business. Tim is known for his expertise in observing and documenting the behavior patterns of high achievers.
​
Summary
Tim emphasizes the importance of developing a winning mindset and competing against the things that hold us back. He shares his personal journey of battling stage four cancer and how he approaches it as a competition for his life. Tim discusses the five decisions that high achievers make to overcome challenges and achieve breakthroughs. He also highlights the significance of taking ownership of our 20 square feet, the sphere of control where we can make decisions and choose our responses.
​
Key Takeaways

• Develop a winning mindset and compete against the things that hold you back.
• Embrace productive discomfort and use mistakes as feedback for growth.
• Defeat fear and be coachable to continuously improve.
• Take ownership of your 20 square feet, the sphere of control where you can make decisions and choose your responses.
• Focus on your response (R) to events (E) to create the desired outcomes (O).

Quotes:

• "Your job is to be the best version of you and to develop a winning mindset to live the life you want." - Tim Kight
• -"The number one person you compete against is the person you look at in the mirror." - Tim Kight
• "If it doesn't challenge you, it ain't going to change you." - Tim Kight
• "Don't let the frustration on the outside diminish the fire on the inside." - Tim Kight
• "You are responsible for your second impulse, not your first." - Tim Kight

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Toby Brooks shares his journey of discovering his purpose and aligning it with his podcast, "Becoming Undone." He reflects on the impact of Viktor Frankl's book, "Man's Search for Meaning," and how it led him to redefine his mission, vision, and core values. Toby introduces his new program, GEAR UP, which aims to help aspiring high achievers define and achieve their goals through encouragement, accountability, and connection with like-minded individuals.

Key Takeaways:

1. Toby Brooks revised his mission, vision, and core values after reading Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning."
2. His purpose in life is to help others discover and pursue their own purpose.
3. Toby plans to launch GEAR UP, a monthly cohort program that provides encouragement, accountability, and connection for individuals striving to achieve their goals.

Quotes:

• "The meaning of your life is to help others find meaning in theirs." - Viktor Frankl
• "By connecting with you and your big goals, you're actually gassing me up to get after mine." - Toby Brooks

Link:
http://www.undonepodcast.com/gear

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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In episode 43, we got to meet the fantastic Chris Carr, a seasoned NBA veteran who overcame humble beginnings in small town Missouri all the way to the NBA stage and beyond. In part 1, we got to hear Chris’s story of stolen skateboards, carried shoes, and incredible growth spurts on his way to a D1 scholarship at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he helped the team to three straight NCAA appearances before declaring for the NBA draft. W heard Chris tell his tale of draft night, of making the crowded roster with the Phoenix Suns his rookie year, and going to the finals against an 18-year old Kobe Bryant in year two, In this episode, we get gritty and discuss the end of Chris’s playing career and the start of Chris 2.0 and now 3.0, a life as a basketball business owner and eventually a coach with dreams still ahead.

I’m glad you came back to give the second half of Chris’s story a listen. Stay tuned for 

EP44: ELEVATE PART 2 with Chris Carr, NBA Veteran and SIU Saluki Basketball Legend, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Drury University

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Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Growing up in a rural southeast Missouri town as the only African American family in the community, Chris Carr’s earliest dreams formed thanks to the example of Blair Underwood and the TV show LA Law, where he expected to become a lawyer and live the good life after college. However, the appeal of the game of basketball loomed large, with several family members before him paving the way to scholarships and championships. By middle school, Chris had decided to become a pro skateboarder, however, after his prized and hard-earned Santa Cruz skateboard was confiscated by a well-meaning basketball coach, he basically had no choice but to go all-in on hoops. After a stellar high school career, he ended up at SIU Carbondale where he led the Salukis to three straight NCAA tournament appearances before being drafted in the second round with the 56th pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 1995 NBA Draft. Today a coach at Drury University, Chris is proof positive that hard work and dedication can pave the way to a lifetime of achievement. Join me in a first for the show: a two-part episode where Chris talks about his humble roots all the way to the NBA’s brightest stage in, fittingly, episode 43: ELEVATE

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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In this episode of Word to the 3rd on Becoming UnDone, I reflect on the challenges I've faced this summer and share a personal story about my son's journey in baseball. Taye is a talented baseball player who had to make a tough decision about his future in the sport. Despite facing setbacks and injuries, Taye has shown resilience, determination, and a team-first attitude. I also discuss own experiences as a youth sports coach and the lessons I've learned about the importance of character over flashy appearances.

Be sure to check out the show notes at www.undonepodcast.com/ep42 

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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For Dr. Quincy Conley, days spent today helping faculty improve their teaching at AT Still University have become highly rewarding and fulfilling, but they weren’t exactly always what he’d expected or planned to do with his life. Self-described as a mediocre high school student who found most of his earliest successes in sports, it wasn’t until a mentor emerged later in high school that ideas of becoming an electrical engineer took root. He found himself in snowy North Dakota nearing the end of a degree with plans to be on the beach on the sunny island of St. Thomas—that is, until the terrorist attacks of 911 closed that door. A gifted teacher, Dr. Conley is also a skilled interviewer, as you’ll hear he turned the tables on me and got me monologuing about my past as only a talented researcher can. But above all, Quincy’s story is one of never being satisfied with what you know today and to relentlessly pursue your better, no matter what direction that pursuit might take you. I hope you’ll enjoy episode 41: LEARN with my friend Dr. Quincy Conley.  

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Roger Lipe, a longtime sports chaplain and author, shares his journey from a (his words!) mediocre high school wrestler to a successful sports chaplain and character coach. He discusses the importance of building trust and connection within teams, and how he helps athletes discover their purpose and passion. Lipe also talks about his new book, which focuses on developing the faith of elite sportspeople. Overall, his message is one of encouragement and inspiration, urging athletes and coaches to take risks and pursue their dreams.

Long serving Southern Illinois University Carbondale and around the globe, his most recent move is as a Character Coach for Nations of Coaches where he helps teams connect and build trust while they compete. Now a 15-time published author, his work has been translated into countless languages and has been used around the globe. I hope you’ll enjoy episode 40: CHAMPION with my dear friend Roger Lipe.  

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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It is Word to the 3rd: my reflections on purpose, life, and growth. I’m Toby Brooks, and I am a speaker, author, professor, and forever student. Each week on Becoming UnDone, I bring you guests who have dared bravely, risked mightily, and grown relentlessly—high achievers who have transformed from falling apart to falling into place. But every third episode, it’s my turn to reflect, refine, and reprocess—on Word to the 3rd.

Great to be back in the studio for another episode of Becoming UnDone! Continuing our reboot of my first foray into podcasting, a fairly short-lived show called “Better Every Week” co-hosted with my daughter Brynnan Brooks, I thought it would be great to dust this episode off, recut it a bit, and reproduce it here for my show. Now--as I was listening to our conversation, I was struck by the notion that it is pretty cool that we discussed the importance of being brave, of viewing failure through the lenses of growth, and the show was a little rough around the edges. Our microphones were pretty sketchy. The refrigerator kicked on mid-conversation. I mumbled into the mic too often. But we did it anyway. The best way to get better at something is to withstand sucking at it for a while. And we did.

But after just four episodes, our good intentions were overtaken by pressures, packed calendars, and in some cases good old-fashioned excuses. But as disappointing as that may seem on the surface, there were victories. I learned how to host and post a show. I discovered some ways NOT to record and how NOT to edit. And while I’m still and forever will remain a work in progress, I got better. I persevered. And now we are closing in on our 50th episode.

The conversation was a good one, too. In this installment, then-University of Oklahoma freshman and now Junior Texas Tech University vocal performance major (and my daughter) Brynnan Brooks leads the way to talk about all the ways that competitive athletes and professional artists are different. And even more so how they are a lot alike. It’s a fun topic that I hope you’ll find informative and thought provoking.  I hope you’ll enjoy episode 39: COMPETE 

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Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Dr. Ram Haddas' story is one of resilience and perseverance. He emphasizes the importance of taking action towards your dreams and never stopping pushing. Comfort zones can be dangerous, and it's essential to stay motivated and be responsible for your outcomes. Ram shares a personal story of taking on a new position during COVID and not having any data to publish. Instead of waiting for his lab to open, he contacted people with existing data and taught himself how to publish in areas he wasn't comfortable with, resulting in his first systematic review papers. Ram also highlights the value of seeking feedback and learning from failures. He shares a story of getting a lower grade in class and taking responsibility for his outcome by identifying areas of improvement and working on them. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ram is a testament to the fact that it is possible to rebound from difficult situations and come out stronger on the other side. He has experience in various roles, including as an athlete, soldier, entrepreneur, researcher, and now a professor, and has learned that failure is a crucial part of the process and can teach valuable lessons.

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Words matter. The choices we make the words we choose to speak and to write send powerful signals to the people we are trying to lead or inspire can make all the difference between a powerful connection or a missed opportunity. For San Diego, California transplant Reed Maltbie, decades of experience as an athlete, a coach, and as a speaker had taught him the importance of the perfect word applied at the appropriate time for the proper audience. But it wasn’t until a trusted advisor and those closest to him inspired him to stop talking about the idea and to put them to work. His newest book, just released in April 2023, The Spartan Mindset: Mastering the Language of Excellence shares powerful and personal insights that are supported by science. Hear Reed share his own story of battling through dark times and finding victory through persistence, will, and the love and support of his family in Episode 37: THE SPARTAN MINDSET.

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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This week was hard. It was a wake-up call for me. I was told that several people had been asking why I hated my job. I was dumbfounded. Hate my job? I love my job. I so appreciate the opportunities I get to try to inspire and teach others. In fact, it aligns directly with my purpose to help others discover and pursue THEIR purpose. However, I’ve probably been too transparent about my ambitions. I have goals and plans to multiply my influence and inspiring on a larger platform. And after hearing that hard truth that people think I am unhappy in the now, it made me realize two things.

First of all, not everyone in your circle is in your corner. If someone really has concerns about you, why would they talk to someone else without talking to you? Brene’ Brown talks about how the person who puts themselves in the arena shouldn’t concern themselves with the critics in the stands.

I get that. I do. But secondly, I also understand that I have a role in this, too. There’s a fine line between being transparent for the sake of trying to inspire someone and the flip side of coming across like you are disrespecting your current place in life.

I just got Kobe Bryant’s book, the Mamba Mentality, in the mail yesterday. I am looking forward to reading it, but Kobe is arguably one of the best examples of extracting every ounce of ability out of life through a borderline maniacal work ethic and commitment to excellence. But when Kobe was in high school at Lower Merion with dreams of NBA stardom, did people think he hated his high school? Did critics question his drive to reach the top? I doubt it.

My goals and my aspirations are to become the absolute best version of myself that I can. I’m working on a new degree. I am being mentored by people I respect and trust. I am mentoring others who also aspire to become THEIR best. I am doing my absolute best to be healthy and fit, productive, and impactful in my world. That’s the message I’d hoped the example of my life was SENDING out into the world.

And yet somehow apparently the message that was received was that I hated my job.

I missed the mark.

This show is my latest attempt at podcasting, but it’s not my first. That would be Better Every Week, a show my daughter Brynnan and I launched during her freshman year of college. I loved it, but it was hard for us to keep to a schedule. We ended up recording and producing just four episodes. I thought it would be fun to go back and perhaps re-release or repurpose some of the content here on my show now. And wouldn’t you know it: the first episode, we talked about how off-putting my drive and ambition has been even to my own family.

That said, I hope you’ll enjoy this look back to a show my daughter Brynnan and I recorded during the first semester of her freshman year of college when she was at the University of Oklahoma.

And I am also happy to say that she and her friends are working on a new show of their own, hopefully launching soon. So while Better Every Week was a well-intentioned but fairly short-lived effort, we don’t view it as a failure. It was simply a step on the path toward success. 

I hope you’ll enjoy episode 36: TOXIC MOTIVATION

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Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Sometimes, life can throw us curveballs that, in retrospect, can set us off in new directions. For California native Stacie Salazar, it was a series of chance happenings and encounters centered mostly around softball early in her formative years that started her toward a life in sport. When her father was diagnosed with cancer early in her childhood, he set out to spend as much time with his family as possible, she started playing catch with him in the backyard. From there, her love of softball grew through rec leagues and early experiences on the diamond. However, when she wasn’t picked for her 12U all-star team, she decided to get serious about the sport and that pursuit eventually led to elite travel ball teams, specialized coaching, and college scholarship opportunities. Along the way, she realized that the field of athletic training was a great fit for her love of sport and medicine, eventually leading her to Texas to pursue a graduate degree and a series of jobs that have provided not just a career but a purpose. Listen in to Episode 35 with Stacie Salazar: CHANGE UP 

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Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Dr. Julie Partridge is a well-respected Professor and Sport Psychologist at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Growing up in rural Kansas, her earliest dreams were to become a classically trained professional musician as a violinist. However, over time, those dreams made way for sports where she found success as a softball and a volleyball player. With her playing days done after two years of college, she felt drawn toward a career as a sport psychologist, ultimately earning both a masters and doctoral degree in the field. Today, she serves as a graduate program director and professor of sport and exercise psychology, but in 2019, she unexpectedly found herself in an emergency room with a diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism that could have cost her her life. Since then, she’s combined her skills as a speaker and researcher along with her experiences as a patient to raise awareness through work as an advocate of the National Blood Clot Alliance in Episode 34: PROFESSOR GEN X

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Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Just.

In some contexts, we want things to be just. If I’m taking a test or standing in front of a judge, I want everything to be just. Just is fair. Just is unbiased. Just is something to strive for.

But when it comes to comparisons, just is a thief. What a disappointment it is to just get to talk for a few minutes. How sad it is if just a few people tune in. How discouraging it is to feel like your work is just making a little impact.

Speaking of impact, the inspiration of this show, Dave Holmes and his show, Waiting for Impact…out of the blue emailed me this week. Dave Holmes is a celebrity. He was a real-live MTV VJ in the late 90s and early 2000s and he is now involved with several great shows over all types of media. He also was the guest of Episode 16: IMPACT.  So out of nowhere, Dave emails me just to encourage me, ask how things were going, and offer up assistance if I needed it.

I reached out to Dave as a bit of a hail Mary via social media way back in October, not thinking he’d ever bother to return my message. After all, I was JUST some random guy in Texas with a dream to build a show. No episodes. No idea what I was doing. Literally JUST a guy and a dream.

Not only was Dave kind enough to respond, he went beyond and sat for an interview. And now he’s continuing to reach out.

That’s the kind of human I aspire to be. These aren’t JUST guests. You aren’t JUST listeners. Like Dave, I want to be the type of person who helps breathe life into people’s dreams. I want to inspire my friends and beyond to try bold things, not let either fear or failure get in the way, and to always remember what it was like to be starting out.

So for the 60 or so of you I was referring to when I told my wife that it was JUST how many ever, I am deeply sorry. I am thankful and appreciative of every single one of you.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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For McKinney High School Athletic Trainer Dustin Emery, it started as a life of athletic success. A member of the 2007 Texas 5A State Champion Euless Trinity Trojan football team, Dustin was a 4-sport athlete in high school. A torn ACL and a life-threatening blood clot nearly derailed his career, but he was given the opportunity to continue playing at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene Texas. From there, our paths crossed when he decided to hang up his cleats and go to grad school, where he moved to Lubbock to study athletic training at Texas Tech. Today, he serves as a critical member of a McKinney High athletics program that consistently churns out Division 1 athletes like few places in the world.

But for many of his athletes, he’s just Coach Emery. They don’t realize that he’s been there and done that. He’s not just the jacked CrossFit guy patrolling their sidelines with his trademark cap on backwards and sunglasses on. He’s not even the TikTok star they’ve love to watch in their spare time.

He’s a driven, committed, and caring professional who doesn’t just HOPE his patients get better. He’s lived it. And he’s better for it. Join me for Episode 32: REMEMBER THE NAME with Dustin Emery 

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Mike Pinto III is a man of many talents, and a series of careers as diverse as they are cool, he’s been everything from a high producing real estate agent, a highly sought-after motivational speaker, a championship-winning minor league baseball manager, and now a professional musician. Through it all, he’s shown how being more prepared than the competition can pave the way to opportunity, how being your best means connecting with people, and how some seasons, no matter how hard we try, have to come to an end. But in the process of seeing one door close, others inevitably open. Join me as Coach Pinto tells me about his life on the diamond, in the dugout, and now behind the drums in Episode 31: PLAY. 

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Toby Brooks is a speaker, author, professor, and forever student who hosts the podcast Becoming Undone. On the third episode of the podcast each week, Toby reflects on purpose, life, and growth. He recently realized that he had not been able to stick to his goal of three episodes a week since the start of the show, and that he had taken a week off for spring break. Toby admits to being off track for his vision of 150 episodes in the first year, but is determined to get back on track and continue exploring the topics of purpose, life, and growth.

The speaker talked about all the long overdue stuff they got done around the house such as setting up the new studio space, getting the daily driver car squared away, and cleaning the shop. Despite all this, they did not manage to get any shows done and thus, they missed their audience. The speaker then discussed their lack of patience and how they are terrible with names, sports, and are insecure. To further illustrate their lack of patience, they discussed how they won't even wait in lines and if they have to go to the doctor, they resent the fact that they have to wait and the mere existence of a room dedicated to waiting.

This conversation discusses the difference between health care for athletes and for the general public. The athlete is often given priority and seen much faster than the average person, such as having an MRI done that same night or surgery done in the early morning hours. The speaker is frustrated with their lack of success in applying for jobs and speaking engagements in the past three years, despite their qualifications and drive to get better. They have applied for jobs at the Olympic Training Center nine times, with no response. They urge the center to improve its culture.

The speaker is feeling frustrated because they are not getting the results they want and feel like they are stuck in a waiting room. In order to move forward, they decide to take a step back and reflect on the positives of their situation. They use the basketball analogy of bricks and buckets to describe their highs and lows of the week. The speaker's bucket for the week was getting accepted to present at the 2023 Digital Teaching Symposium, and two other colleagues from their department also got accepted to present their work. The speaker is excited for the new paths of leadership and scholarship that are opening up for them.

TIMESTAMPS 

0:00:00   Reflecting on Purpose, Life, and Growth: Becoming Undone with Toby Brooks - Episode 3

0:01:41   Reflection on Long Overdue Tasks and Patience

0:02:55   Reflection on Impatience and Professional Pursuits in Athletics

0:06:06   Bricks and Buckets: Reflecting on the Highs and Lows of the Week

0:08:27   Word to the Third: Health Care Teaching and Education

HIGHLIGHTS 

It's amazing to me just how antiquated health care teaching and education can be across our country. I'm thankful and grateful to work with great people who take their roles as educators seriously and are constantly honing their craft.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my career as an AT educator these past two decades, but it is exciting for me to see new paths of leadership and scholarship start to show up in my world.

Each week on Becoming Undone I reflect back on the highs and lows of my week in Bricks and Buckets. Bricks are attempts that miss the mark, while buckets sail through the net clean and true.

As I was thinking about this, it occurred to me, I'm a health care professional too, but working in athletics has just fed the flames of my impatience. We once had a football student athlete who needed to see a neurologist so that he could get a form signed from the NCAA that would let him play with a tinted eye shield in his helmet.

Back in

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Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Competing at the highest levels requires a rare combination of ambition, ability, drive, and opportunity. For highly decorated pitcher Katie Burkhart Gooch, she can recall authoring and signing mission and vision statements for herself before she’d even become a teenager. Ambition: check. 

Early successes on the softball field led to a steady stream of newer and greater opportunities as an athlete. Grand visions of Olympic victory might have seemed far-fetched at such a young age, but Katie believed that she had both the resolve and the talent to make them a reality. Ability and drive: check and check.

Eventually, she found herself at Arizona State where, as a senior, she helped lead the Sun Devils to a 66-5 record and a National Championship in 2008. Awarded College World Series MVP honors, Katie was soon drafted first overall in the National Pro Fastpitch league where she remained dominant, posting 13 wins and a sparkling 1.87 ERA in route to NFP Player of the Year honors as a rookie. Opportunity: check.

After wrapping up a successful professional career in the US and abroad, she moved on, dabbling in coaching and other pursuits. It was a fairytale story of athletic success.

Except it wasn’t, exactly.

There had been signs along the way. Behind a steel exterior and a crafted persona as a dominant and hungry competitor, Katie wrestled with doubts and with feelings of being an imposter. Tragically, as a freshman in college, she found herself picking up the pieces following a date rape, wondering if she would even continue to play. Struggles with alcohol had crept in over the years, and by 2017, she found herself at what she would describe as her rock bottom.

From the pain and anguish, a new Katie emerged. Surrounded by those she loves and with new creative pursuits that allow her to express a different side than the dominant former pro athlete, she’s found herself in the unlikely but satisfying space between thrash and Zen; Limp Bizkit and meditation; diamonds drawn in chalk and those set in gold.

And she’s not done yet.

Join me for the inspiring story of Katie Burkhart Gooch in Episode 29: DIAMONDS  

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Whether in business, sports, the arts, or almost anywhere in between, the ability to assemble and grow a high- functioning team can be the difference between success and failure. And in some elite teams like the US military’s Special Ops, such can literally be the difference between life and death. Growing up in a pre-internet age with Cold War rhetoric and a steady stream of staples of my youth like GI Joe, the lure and appeal of groups like the Army Rangers and the Navy SEALs made them stuff of legend. They were real-life superheroes surrounded by mystique and trained unlike any others. At the same time, if you were like me and my friends, you didn’t know much about them like how to get in, how they trained, or what they did once they were admitted into their elite ranks.

And you couldn’t just Google it at the time, either.

Early in life, Rich Diviney wanted to fly. The appeal of being a pilot and serving his country was tremendous, and he found himself growing up in Connecticut with a dream to take to the skies. At the same time, Rich was also influenced by James Bond films and the U.S. Special Operations Forces, so the idea to pursue a career as a Navy SEAL took root, eventually leading him to Purdue University where he joined the Navy ROTC program.  Upon graduation, Rich was able to complete BUD/S training and serve for over 20 years as a Navy SEAL Officer. During his career he held several leadership positions, to include the officer in charge of training for a specialized SEAL Command - where he focused on defining and refining the ways in which the cadre could successfully identify the candidates who would be best suited to serve in the Navy’s most elite and storied unit. As a result, the Attributes emerged, ultimately leading Rich to write and publish his highly informative and pragmatic book that can help leaders identify the aspects of specific team members that can help improve the way units train and operate.

Listen in as Rich explains his journey from young aspiring pilot to Navy SEAL, from Navy SEAL to military team and leadership expert, and eventually to author, speaker, and influencer in Episode 28:  PRECISION AGGRESSION 

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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This past week, we had family in town and Taye started his baseball season for junior year, so I chose to take a break from the show for a minute and enjoy this season. Guilt-free. 

And as I reflected back on my last two guests Bridgette Borzillo of CaZo Dance and Bill Benjamin of the Last 8% Academy, I realized that that was the right decision. In both interviews, the thing that resonated with me the most was the idea of being present and being brave in the face of big transitions in life.

For Bridgette, it was stepping into entrepreneurship and founding her own dance company after a career as a college athlete and then as a dancer in other companies. For Bill, it was a similar decision to move from the safety of a good-paying job in the computer software industry to the possibilities of making a bigger impact in the world with the transformational teaching of lifelong friend JP Paliew-Frye. In both cases, the “safe” solution would have been to push forward in a career path that was predictable. But for both, the call and the potential of a deeper purpose became too much to ignore.

So they pivoted. And they went all in in a new direction. Fully present.

Taye’s head football coach and Athletic Director Chris Softley has several great coachisms, but a personal favorite of mine has become his encouragement to his players to “be where your feet are.” It took me a second the first time I heard it to really “get” what he meant by it, but it is more important today than it has ever been in my lifetime. See, in today’s world, it is easier than ever to be distracted by our technology or our thoughts. 

I’ve spent more time than I care to admit being physically present at important events but mentally somewhere else. Whether a wandering mind or a device that—ironically—connects me to the outside world while making me absent from the one I’m actually in, if my mind isn’t focused on the moment where my feet are, I miss out.

Sometimes being where our feet are requires real discipline. As Bill talked about in his episode, our emotional regulation through the limbic system serves as a reward system that can be hard to shake. Dopamine release is a motivator no different than many other forms of addiction. If you don’t believe me, see what it would feel like to consider how it would feel if you accidentally left your phone at home for a day. 

Being where our feet are allows us to respect the past, but to savor the present. Understanding that distractions can pull our focus and realizing that goals and dreams—as helpful and motivating as they may be—can rob us of the joy of the moment, we need to pay attention both when and where we are. 

For so many of my guests, the real tendency for the high achiever is to plow forward after both successes and failures alike and be on to the next challenge is on one hand admirable. And on the other hand a missed opportunity. We never know when or even IF we will get a chance to come this way again.

So my takeaway this week is to pay attention. Respect the past. Aim for the future. But relish the present and be all-in for the season in which we find ourselves. 

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming UnDone® is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyBrooksPhD. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.