Becoming UnDone

3d ago

About the Guest Marissa Nehlsen is a renowned financial strategist, transformational coach, and motivational speaker recognized for her journey from impoverished roots to managing billions in assets. Born into generational poverty and raised in a home rife with trauma and dysfunction, she forged a path of resilience, later becoming a powerhouse in the financial industry. Beyond her role as a financial expert, Marissa is a member of the John Maxwell leadership team and an author of the book "Live Life Rich." She is passionate about empowering others through her journey of overcoming adversity to achieve success and fulfillment. Episode Summary In this compelling episode of "Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks dives into the extraordinary journey of Marissa Nehlsen, a financial strategist and transformational leader who rose from adversity to success. From enduring childhood abuse and poverty in North Dakota to becoming a mentor in the John Maxwell team, Marissa's story is not only inspiring but profoundly educational. This episode explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and overcoming challenges to find purpose and change lives. Throughout the conversation, Marissa recounts her harrowing experiences from childhood, highlighting the pivotal moments that steered her towards resilience. The episode richly showcases Marissa's transformational journey, emphasizing her belief that adversity can be a stepping stone to one's highest potential. Discover how Marissa's faith, philosophy of living victoriously, and her endeavor to redefine 'wealth' interlink across her life story. Her narrative beckons us to consider how our pasts shape us, but do not define us, and how we possess the power to rewrite our destinies starting today. Key Takeaways Resilience as a Driving Force : Marissa underscores the potency of resilience in rising above adversities and transforming obstacles into stepping stones for success. The Power of Choice : A central theme is Marissa's belief in choosing victory over victimhood, as instilled by her mother during times of hardship. Redefining Richness : Learn how Marissa redefines 'rich' beyond monetary wealth, encompassing emotional, relational, spiritual, physical, and financial richness. The Role of Forgiveness and Boundaries : Essential tools in her journey, Marissa shares how forgiveness and boundaries shaped her path to personal and professional fulfillment. The Importance of Vision : Despite losing her eyesight to Stargardt disease, Marissa illustrates the profound difference between sight and vision, advocating for a life led by purpose, not limitations. Notable Quotes "Get up, you've got to get up right now." - Marissa Nehlsen recalling a pivotal moment in her childhood that taught her resilience. "You can choose to be a victim, or you can choose to be victorious. What will you choose?" - Marissa's mother's powerful words that shaped her outlook. "Remove from me what is no longer for me." - Marissa's guiding prayer that illustrates her understanding of growth and necessary change. "People don't follow you because of your eyesight. They follow you because you're a leader. 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nov 24

About the Guest Nadalie Walsh is a seasoned former NCAA Division 1 gymnastics coach known for her servant leadership style and transformative impact on athletes and teams. With a history of coaching at various universities like the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Ball State, Utah State, and the University of Illinois, Nadalie's coaching career is distinguished by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to mental wellness. As a coach, she has won a national championship, had multiple All-Americans and Big Ten event champions, and been honored as the Region 3 co-head coach of the year in 2022. Nadalie is now the owner and CEO of Timber Ridge Ventures and Events and BeREADY, focusing on coaching, mentoring, and the development of young athletes. Episode Summary In this enriching episode of Becoming UnDone , host Toby Brooks invites Nadalie Walsh, a distinguished NCAA Division 1 gymnastics coach turned entrepreneur, to share her inspiring journey of transformation, resilience, and leadership. From her early beginnings coaching due to unforeseen circumstances to leading programs at top universities, Nadalie's story is a testament to embracing change and leveraging past challenges as stepping stones to new paths. Her insights into how personal faith, servant leadership, and unyielding dedication have shaped her professional life create a compelling narrative. The transition from a highly successful coaching career to entrepreneurship has opened new avenues for Nadalie Walsh, enabling her to pursue a calling closely aligned with her values and vision. By embedding mental wellness and identity-building at the core of her current work, Nadalie is filled with enthusiasm for the positive impact she can continue to have on individuals and organizations. This episode resonates with themes of reinvention, the importance of a growth mindset, and the vital role of mentorship in cultivating future leaders—all essential for navigating life's unexpected turns. Key Takeaways Servant Leadership: Nadalie emphasizes the importance of supporting and empowering others as a cornerstone for building trust and effective teams. Faith in Transition: Leaving a long-term role was challenging, but Nadalie’s faith provided a framework to embrace new opportunities with optimism. Championing Mental Wellness: Her commitment to mental well-being and preparedness in sports is pivotal, influencing her current business endeavors. Rejecting Bitterness: Nadalie highlights avoiding bitterness through reflection and reshaping experiences into positive growth for oneself and others. Continual Learning and Growth: Nadalie's career and personal journey exemplify dedication to lifelong learning, as seen in her current business pursuits aligning with her leadership. Notable Quotes "I wanted to make her better. So I got out of the wheelchair and I crawled and I helped choreograph on my knees." "The ceiling that I was put under, it was a slow, like, kind of death to my spirit in a lot of ways." "What the enemy means for harm, that God takes and turns around for good." "As a leader, you have the most authority, but you have tha 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nov 17

About the Guest Morgan Detrixhe is an accomplished athletic trainer with a journey marked by resilience and personal growth. Originating from Lubbock, Texas, Morgan was heavily involved in competitive soccer, which influenced her career path into sports medicine. She has worked as an athletic trainer at FC Dallas and currently holds a position at Children's Health Andrews Institute for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in the Dallas area. Morgan is celebrated for reaching three years of sobriety and actively shares her recovery journey to inspire and offer support to others. Episode Summary In this compelling episode of Becoming UnDone , host Toby Brooks engages with Morgan Detrixhe, exploring her profound journey from a promising athletic career, through personal and professional challenges, to her inspiring recovery from addiction. Morgan candidly discusses the pressures faced as a competitive adolescent athlete, the toll that these ambitions sometimes take, and how her career in sports medicine unfolded. Her narrative offers invaluable insights into how one's identity, deeply interwoven with athletic performance, can impact mental health and lead to significant life changes. Delving deeper, Morgan shares how her experiences in professional settings such as FC Dallas influenced her understanding of work-life balance and addiction. She touches on her realization that recovery called for vulnerability, community support, and a newfound spiritual connection. Her testament to overcoming adversity and reshaping her life's purpose presents a narrative filled with courage, clarity, and redemption. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in how personal resilience can lead to newfound directions, especially in high-pressure professions like sports medicine. Key Takeaways Societal Perceptions of Addiction : The conversation underscores the importance of understanding addiction as a chronic brain disease rather than a moral failing, emphasizing the need for a supportive approach within professional circles. Navigating Identity and Pressure : Morgan's struggle with finding an identity beyond sports highlights the psychological challenges that athletes face when transitioning out of competitive environments. The Role of Community in Recovery : The episode emphasizes the critical role that community plays in recovery, highlighting the power of human connection and shared experiences in fostering healing. Spiritual Growth and Recovery : Morgan attributes a significant part of her successful recovery to finding a spiritual connection, illustrating the importance of faith in personal transformation. Redefining Success and Purpose : Through Morgan’s journey, the episode reflects on how life’s unexpected challenges can lead to a deeper, more fulfilling understanding of success and purpose. Notable Quotes "I really hit this place where I couldn't imagine my life with alcohol anymore, but I couldn't imagine not living with it." "I like to say that I recover out loud so that other people know the way out." "Let us love you until you can love yourself." "This has been a new way of 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nov 15

About the Guest Dr. Josh Beaumont is a seasoned athletic trainer and sports scientist with a vast experience in professional sports, particularly in soccer. Over his career, Josh has transitioned from being a competitive soccer player and athletic trainer in Major League Soccer (MLS) to working as a sports scientist specializing in performance analytics. Dr. Beaumont holds a Ph.D. in a related field and has a strong interest in recovery science and data-driven performance enhancement, working at Proactive Sports Performance. Episode Summary In this episode of Becoming UnDone , host Toby Brooks engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Josh Beaumont, a professional who has successfully pivoted from athletic training in Major League Soccer to a fulfilling career in sports science. Josh shares candid insights into his personal and professional journey, highlighting the challenges of identity loss after leaving his dream job in pro sports and how he found a new path in data-driven athletic performance. Beaumont delves into the intrinsic connection between athletic training and sports science, emphasizing the critical importance of recovery and recognizing actionable patterns rather than relying solely on data. The discussion touches on Josh's ability to adapt amidst transitions, the invaluable role of gut instinct alongside scientific metrics, and the evolving landscape of both athletic training and sports science, particularly with the integration of AI and advanced performance analytics. His journey offers a compelling narrative for those at the crossroads of their careers, illustrating the power of resilience and reinvention. Key Takeaways Transitioning out of professional sports allowed Josh to realign his identity and rediscover his passion through sports science. Recovery is paramount in achieving peak athletic performance, and data should be used to guide, not decide, actions. The dynamics of athletic training have evolved, with current trends emphasizing the integration of digital analytics tools and performance science. Staying strategic and prepared when contemplating a career move can help minimize the risks associated with leaving a dream job. Understanding and adapting to the intersection of AI within sports science represents the next frontier in the industry. Notable Quotes "Whatever is good for health is good for performance." – Dr. Josh Beaumont "Recovery has always been massive. Sometimes the most powerful performance metric isn't in your spreadsheets; it's in your gut." – Dr. Josh Beaumont "It's easy to sit and complain, but you have to look within yourself and ask if you're doing what you need to do." – Dr. Josh Beaumont "Data should guide, not decide." – Dr. Josh Beaumont "Being strategic in purpose means not moving before we develop a plan and then not quitting until we execute on the plan." – Toby Brooks Resources Josh Beaumont on LinkedIn : Josh Beaumont Proactive Sports Performance : Proactive Sports Performance Contact Josh via Email : 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nov 9

About the Guest Ilana Golan is a groundbreaking entrepreneur, tech executive, and former Israeli Air Force commander. Known for being the first woman to command an F16 training squad, Ilana's career trajectory has been far from conventional. She has made her mark in Silicon Valley, succeeded in raising significant venture capital, and established herself as a respected voice on resilience and adaptive change. Currently, she is the CEO of Leap Academy, which offers strategic guidance to individuals seeking transformative career and life transitions. Ilana's journey is a testament to grit, resilience, and the power of reinvention. Episode Summary Prepare for an inspiring episode of Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks as he engages with Ilana Golan, a formidable force in entrepreneurship and personal transformation. This week's conversation delves deeply into the trials and triumphs that have shaped Ilana's bold journey—from her early years training fighter pilots in the Israeli Air Force to her innovative ventures in Silicon Valley. Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, Ilana shares how setbacks have fueled her drive and commitment to aid others on their paths of reinvention. Throughout the episode, Toby and Ilana explore pivotal moments of crisis and the clarity they can offer. The conversation touches on the concepts of resilience when facing unforeseen professional upheavals, and how Ilana has used her experiences to forge a new path with Leap Academy. This venture was born out of her tumultuous startup journey, teaching career strategy and empowering others to take charge of their professional trajectories. Offering insights into entrepreneurship, personal growth, and future directions, this episode is a rich tapestry of motivational themes interwoven with practical advice. Key Takeaways Resilience in Setbacks: Ilana Golan discusses how being ousted from her startup became a catalyst for future success and personal reinvention. Power of Reflection: The significance of self-awareness and strategic planning in career transitions is highlighted as Ilana reflects on her journey. Strategic Career Leaps: A portfolio career approach and multiple income streams are essential strategies for living with purpose and adaptability. Phases of Life and Success: Ilana emphasizes understanding one's phase of life to redefine personal metrics of success. Community and Support: Creating a network of like-minded individuals who are also high achievers and driven can provide invaluable support and opportunities. Notable Quotes "Sometimes wrong turns are the very ones that lead to the right place." – Ilana Golan "I needed to feel that regret. That regret was something I never want to feel ever again." – Ilana Golan "Every twist, every setback, every leap, she's redefined what it means to be resilient." – Toby Brooks "It's not easy, but it's simple. Execution can be difficult." – Ilana Golan "You want to be leap ready, even if you're staying there." – Ilana Golan Resources Leap Academy: leapacademy.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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nov 1

About the Guest Quang X. Pham is a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur and former United States Marine Corps aviator. Initially arriving in the United States as a 10-year-old refugee fleeing a collapsing Saigon, Pham eventually became a decorated Marine Corps aviator. He is now the CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics, a leading biotech company focused on innovative therapies. In addition to his professional endeavors, Quang Pham is a published author, capturing his incredible journey and insights in various books. His latest work, "Underdog Nation," conveys the themes of resilience and the power of seizing opportunities in America. Episode Summary In this enlightening episode of "Becoming Undone," host Toby Brooks converses with Quang X. Pham, a former refugee who rose through extraordinary circumstances to serve as a US Marine Corps aviator and biotech CEO. The discussion delves into Pham's dynamic journey—from navigating life as a Vietnamese refugee in Arkansas to achieving remarkable success in the Marine Corps and the biotech sector. Highlighting themes of grit, gratitude, and transformation, Pham shares how his early life challenges molded his path and helped him rise above expectations. Throughout the episode, Pham and Brooks examine the nuances of overcoming fear, integrating relentless action, and breaking through barriers that seem insurmountable. Pham emphasizes the significance of the ER principle—effort and result—advocating for a success mindset anchored in persistent action rather than passive aspiration. From recounting his love for baseball as a gateway to American culture to his ambitious professional ventures, Pham offers a paradigmatic illustration of the power of resilience. This episode is fully packed with discussions that encourage redefining setbacks into stepping stones and seeking out mentors across varied backgrounds. Key Takeaways From Refugee to Resilience: Quang X. Pham illustrates a profound transformation from navigating life as a refugee to taking decisive steps that shaped his successful career in aviation and biotechnology. Overcoming Fear with Action: Pham emphasizes not letting fear stifle potential by focusing on action-oriented practices to achieve set goals. Effort and Results Principle: A core theme of the episode, the principle of aligning effort with expected results is explored as a pathway to personal and professional success. Global Sports as a Connector: The role that sports played in Pham's adjustment to American culture underscores the value of community and shared experiences. Mentorship Across Boundaries: Pham advocates for learning from diverse mentors—referred to as "admirables"—to foster personal growth irrespective of racial or cultural similarities. Notable Quotes "I've never been a dreamer or a visionary. I was all about the mindset, which means taking action." "This is the number one country for underdogs. If you don't have the name, culture, or education, you could become whoever you want to become." "Learn English, learn how to speak, how to present, how to convince people. It's the greatest tool to be communicated." "Pursue your child 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Oct 26

Episode Summary In this episode of the Professor's Playbook/Becoming UnDone, Toby Brooks shares his transformative journey from discontentment and frustration to fulfillment and gratitude. Relaying his personal experiences of being passed over for a desired job in Lubbock, Toby opens up about the emotional turmoil and ultimately finding peace in unexpected changes. As time progressed, an opportunity at Baylor University emerged, aligning perfectly with his professional aspirations and family needs. This narrative artfully illustrates the podcast's theme: waiting for "something more" to come, as Toby strategically aligned his career goals with his core values. Listeners will gain insight into Toby's perseverance and the role truthfulness played throughout his journey. Through self-reflection and deliberate action, Toby demonstrates the importance of living an 'unconcealed' life—known as 'alethea' in Greek—and how this virtue underpins effective leadership, integrity in data management, and authentic relationships. The discussion further delves into how truthfulness bridges gaps between spoken ideals and practiced realities, ensuring that personal and professional lives are deeply rooted in accuracy and integrity. Key Takeaways Embrace Change : Sometimes, life's unforeseen circumstances lead to greater opportunities, as seen in Toby's journey from Lubbock to Baylor. Truthfulness as a Virtue : Living an unconcealed life is vital, aligning words, actions, and intentions with reality. Balance in Leadership : Authenticity, feedback with care, and courageous advocacy define effective leadership and team culture. Integrity in Data Practices : Accurate data collection and reporting build trust and inform sound decision-making in healthcare professions. Personal Growth : Waiting periods often serve as preparation stages for more significant outcomes, emphasizing patience and faith. Notable Quotes "I have every confidence that this was the something more that was coming, that all the while I was too impatient to wait for." "Truthfulness isn't about what we say. It's about who we are." "Sometimes we just need to wait. If I'd had my way, I would have rushed to any of a hundred jobs just to make my ego feel better." "In the Greek, the word for truthfulness is alethea, which literally means unconcealed—Not just being honest, but living unhidden." "Truthfulness in our systems equals trustworthiness in our leadership." Resources Connect with Toby Brooks on Linktree Explore more episodes of Professor's Playbook and Becoming Undone on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Professor's Playbook to understand the power of truthfulness and patience in personal and professional spheres. Discover more inspiring content and stay ahead in your journey of continuous learning and growth. 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Oct 5

About the Guest Jonathan Shorten is a highly successful car salesman recognized as one of the top auto salesmen in the country. Emerging from a challenging past, Jonathan navigated through various adversities to carve out a prosperous career in the auto industry. At 28, he now leverages his life experiences, including a background in athletics and his innate resilience, to connect with a diverse clientele, including high-profile college athletes benefitting from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. His journey reflects a compelling story of redemption, faith, and the pursuit of excellence. Episode Summary In this engaging episode of Becoming UnDone , host Toby Brooks introduces Jonathan Shorten, a standout figure in the auto sales industry who has transformed personal adversities into professional triumphs. From a promising high school athlete faced with challenges, including a failed drug test and a disqualifying transfer delaying his sports career, Jonathan's journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Anchored in faith and supported by a serendipitous intervention by a mysterious figure at a pivotal moment, Jonathan shares his transition from despair to remarkable success in car sales. Throughout this inspiring conversation, Jonathan delves into the ups and downs of his life, from navigating legal challenges to mastering social media for business growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. His insightful reflections highlight significant themes like perseverance, community, and the importance of authentic relationships. Jonathan emphasizes the role of faith, recounting impactful moments, including the life-altering guidance of his father and crucial advice from mentors. Delivered with candor and clarity, this episode touches upon the essence of redemption and finding purpose in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Key Takeaways Resilience in Adversity : Jonathan's story is a testament to the essential role resilience plays in overcoming life's challenges. The Power of Reinvention : Through strategic use of social media, Jonathan successfully pivoted his career during the pandemic, showcasing the importance of adaptability. Faith and Redemption : Jonathan's experience underscores the power of faith and spirituality in personal growth and finding purpose. Authenticity and Connection : His success in the auto industry highlights the value of building genuine relationships and staying true to oneself. Learning from Failure : Jonathan's journey emphasizes embracing failures as learning opportunities and the stepping stones to future success. Notable Quotes "I went from hero to zero overnight." "To my knowledge, I'm the first person I know that really utilized Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to sell cars." "The fall is harder the higher you are." "You need to learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable." "I was just as vulnerable as everyone else, and I didn't know that." Resources: Jonathan Shorten on social media: @jshor10 Follow Jonathan on Facebook for updates: 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.