Becoming UnDone® with Dr. Toby Brooks

About the Guest
Vineet Rajan is a former United States Marine Corps major who has seamlessly transitioned into the role of a serial entrepreneur. Not only has Vineet served his country with distinction, but he has also pursued higher education with vigor, securing a Master's in International Relations from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from Stanford. His post-military career led him to the entrepreneurial path, where he skillfully combined his leadership skills and business acumen to co-found and lead Forte, a mental wellness startup focused on providing resources to support employees in organizations.

Episode Summary
In this introspective episode of "Becoming UnDone," Toby Brooks invites Vineet Rajan to share his journey from being a decorated Marine officer to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur. Opening with a reflective dialogue on Vineet's decision to leave the military at the peak of his career, the episode delves into the lessons of leadership, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of mental well-being.

Vineet discusses the profound moment of leaving the Marines, despite all the success, to pursue a calling that directed him towards entrepreneurship. He details the birth of his mental wellness startup, Forte, born out of his own experience with identity and purpose post-service. The company aims to proactively address mental wellness in the workforce, serving as a testament to Vineet's ongoing commitment to serving others beyond the battlefield.

www.getforte.com

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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:

Mark Greene is a retired Navy SEAL, motivational speaker, and author. His remarkable journey of resilience began as a collegiate athlete at Miami University of Ohio, where an injury ended his football career. This setback paved the way for his obsession with becoming a Navy SEAL, a goal he achieved against the odds. Mark's military accolades include excelling in the SEAL qualification training and serving as an outstanding member of the elite special operations unit. Post-retirement, he pursued further education, earning two master's degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and the University of Southern California. Mark has transitioned into the corporate world, working with Dominion Energy in the security space, and recently added "author" to his list of achievements with his upcoming book release.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Becoming UnDone," host Toby Brooks welcomes Mark Greene, whose story embodies resilience and the pursuit of excellence. After an unforeseen end to a budding football career, Mark transformed his physical pain and disappointment into a relentless drive to join one of the most elite military groups: the Navy SEALs. His tale is a testament to the power of determination, mental fortitude, and the ability to turn failures into stepping stones for success.

Mark takes us through the demanding Navy SEAL training where attrition rates are staggeringly high. His narrative details the psychological and physical barriers he overcame by compartmentalizing grueling experiences into manageable timeframes. This technique proved vital in not only completing the training but also in coping with life after military service. Key SEO phrases such as "Navy SEAL transition," "overcoming setbacks," and "mental fortitude in military training" emerge as core themes in this compelling conversation.

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

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.