Becoming UnDone® with Dr. Toby Brooks

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.