Permission to Evolve

Willingness, Wake-Up Calls, and Building a New Identity

Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to think bigger,” starting with a question about why people often need pain to become willing to change. Brandon explains that ego, emotional disconnection, and defensiveness can block feedback until a “wake-up call” like fear of loss, health scares, or consequences affecting others forces reflection, while self-awareness and humility help people adjust earlier. They then explore how past environments and shame can limit dreaming, and how bigger thinking grows through exposure to supportive rooms, mentors, and models, asking “why not me?” They emphasize taking manageable action steps, detaching from early outcomes, using experiences as feedback, and developing skills over time. Brandon describes identity shifts as a gradual bridge—embodying a new role before it feels natural—while staying realistic about timelines and commitment. He closes with encouragement to pursue authentic purpose and shares how to book a strategy session, follow his channels, and join his Lightning Report newsletter.

00:00 Show Intro

00:09 Spring Reset Energy

01:10 Question of the Week

02:26 Why Pain Creates Change

04:03 Wake Up Calls Explained

06:53 Modeling Not Fixing

11:17 Permission to Think Bigger

13:48 Expand Your Environment

16:24 Social Media and Discernment

22:24 From Vision to Action

26:08 Finding the Right Mentor

28:16 From Foundations to Refinement

28:43 Staying Humble and Persistent

30:07 Pivots and Transferable Skills

31:26 Shifting Identity in Practice

34:43 Building Belief Through Reps

37:17 Exposure and Detaching Outcomes

39:08 Realistic Timelines and Commitment

44:51 Thinking Bigger Key Takeaways

49:59 Where to Find Brandon

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to regulate,” defining regulation as balancing the nervous system by moving from fight/flight/fawn/freeze into a calm, present, parasympathetic state so reactions aren’t driven by unresolved past pain. Brandon explains dysregulation as being emotionally stuck in unprocessed experiences that create triggers, leading to outsized reactions, dissociation, catastrophizing, and distorted narratives. They illustrate this with money/financial stress (scarcity, shame, past hardship resurfacing) and relationship patterns (betrayal wounds, hypervigilance, sabotage, overusing therapy labels). The episode outlines practices to create safety in the body—breathing, grounding, journaling, meditation, exercise, state-shifting, reducing pressure, and preparing before action—plus a feedback-loop approach of “regulate before, act, then regulate after.” Brandon also describes his “Lightning Process” coaching framework to neutralize tension, depersonalize stories, update beliefs, and build freedom and alignment, and invites listeners to book a free strategy session at brandonth.com and follow him on social platforms.

00:00 Welcome and Catch Up

00:39 Why Regulation Matters

01:50 Defining Dysregulation

02:53 Nervous System Reset

05:37 Updating Old Coping

07:26 Money Trigger Spiral

10:16 Relationship Baggage

14:23 Creating Safety in Body

16:14 Regulate Before Action

20:33 Athlete Mindset Reps

21:56 Challenge the Narrative

22:35 Curiosity Over Shame

23:41 Feedback Loop Growth

24:41 Journaling And Meditation

25:50 State Change Before Action

27:54 Preparation Lowers Pressure

28:24 Lightning Coaching Framework

33:26 Depersonalize And Reframe

35:55 Neutralize Past Emotions

37:16 Key Takeaways Regulation

41:13 Alignment And Letting Go

42:36 Coaching And Where To Find

44:01 Final Sign Off

🔗 LINKS:

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

Brandon, host of Permission to Evolve, joins co-host/producer Holly Deschenes from Tucson, Arizona to discuss “permission to be uncomfortable” through his first cycling-camp experience despite not being a cyclist. Invited by a client who runs an endurance and nutrition program, Brandon attends a five-day retreat run by The Cycling House with guides, support vans, a chef, and a group ranging from high-level riders to retirees. He shares learning basics like shifting, managing physical discomfort, and tackling Mount Lemmon’s climb (including a difficult 10% grade section) before a fast descent through changing biomes. The conversation connects this supported beginner experience to personal growth: saying yes to new opportunities, asking questions, confronting fear and ego, applying lessons to tough conversations and career change, and using discomfort as a practice that builds self-trust, presence, and progress. Brandon also shares ways to connect with him via his website, newsletter, and social channels.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:09 Tucson Cycling Camp Setup

00:57 Permission to Be Uncomfortable

02:20 Inside the Cycling Retreat

04:28 Beginner Lessons and Support

06:48 Mount Lemmon Climb and Descent

10:45 Mindset Under Physical Stress

12:16 Saying Yes to New Things

15:22 Adventure and Self Trust

17:19 Beyond Cycling Real Life Discomfort

18:17 Speaking Up for Change

19:29 Questioning Old Patterns

21:11 Discomfort and Safety Signals

22:14 Slow Down to Grow

23:56 Beginner Mindset and Hope

26:13 Imposter Syndrome on the Bike

27:14 Desire, Practice, and Mastery

31:01 Play, Presence, and Joy

33:10 Final Takeaways on Discomfort

37:04 Where to Find Brandon

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

Regulation, Rage, and Healing Suppressed Emotions

Brandon Thielk and co-host Holly Deschenes open with a disclaimer that they are not medical professionals and encourage seeking professional help when needed. They discuss “permission to feel it” through the lens of rage, arguing that unprocessed emotions and crossed boundaries can build into dysregulation and loss of control, and that regulation means fully feeling emotions, unpacking them, and neutralizing their intensity rather than suppressing them. They explore how childhood environments, shame, abuse, and cultural/religious messaging can create filters that block anger, lead to anxiety, depression, dissociation, and destructive coping mechanisms such as addiction, and perpetuate generational patterns. They emphasize processing emotions in safe, supported contexts with trusted, calm, nonjudgmental guidance. The episode closes with ways to contact Brandon, book a 30-minute strategy session at brandonthielk.com, and follow him on social platforms.

00:00 Content Disclaimer

01:13 Rage and Permission

03:21 What Regulation Means

11:34 Accessing Anger Safely

19:33 Addiction and Destructive Outlets

25:59 Generational Trauma Patterns

32:24 Shame and Purity Culture

37:54 Final Advice and Support

42:52 Work With Brandon

44:26 Closing Thoughts

Free Strategy Session

Newsletter Signup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

Letting Goals Develop, Trusting the Unknown, and Building Self-Trust

Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to let things develop,” emphasizing that the mind relies on the past to predict the future, which can limit growth when pursuing new goals. Brandon explains that uncertainty is part of leveling up, and that trying to lock in outcomes too early can “sell ourselves short,” while presence, patience, and allowing energy and opportunities to unfold can lead to better-than-expected results. In the question of the week, they talk about how hormones can affect emotions and mindset, linking chronic stress responses (like elevated cortisol) to emotional states and beliefs, referencing Joe Dispenza’s work, and encouraging people to get in tune with emotional cycles rather than overriding or suppressing feelings. The episode explores how trauma can create a need for certainty and excessive planning, and how building self-trust increases one’s capacity for uncertainty, regulates stress, and strengthens intuition. They cover practical challenges like timelines, discomfort during change, integrating logic and emotion, and removing resistance by addressing limiting beliefs, victim mindsets, and unprocessed emotions. Brandon shares career examples about pivoting away from familiar lanes (like only working with baseball players), using skill sets creatively, and reframing trial-and-error as part of the path. They also address visibility and self-promotion as common uncomfortable next steps, encouraging listeners to find an authentic version of sharing their work without chasing a “famous” archetype. Brandon notes that vision and imagination are useful to start momentum but should be continually edited as new feedback and experience refine what someone truly wants. The episode closes with advice to leave room for the unknown, stay playful to reduce resistance, and focus on the process rather than the finish line, followed by a CTA to book a free 30-minute strategy session at thielk.com, sign up for the Monday “Lightning Report” newsletter, and follow Brandon on YouTube/Instagram (@brandonth) and TikTok (@bth); he also mentions upcoming travel to Tucson for a cycling camp.

00:00 Welcome + Theme: Give Yourself Permission to Let Things Develop

02:32 Question of the Week: How Hormones Affect Anxiety, Fear & Mindset

09:30 Uncertainty, Trauma & Self-Trust: Why Forecasting Feels Hard

18:16 Change, Emotions vs Logic, and Why Resisting Life Creates Stagnation

23:12 Practical Patience: Timelines, Discomfort, and Clearing Resistance

32:25 Real-Life Pivots: Career Paths, Trial-and-Error, and Following What Fits

37:51 The Next Uncomfortable Step: Visibility, Self-Promotion & Authentic Sharing

43:31 Vision Without Attachment: Let Your Imagination Evolve as You Go

47:19 Closing Takeaways: Playfulness, Space for the Unknown, and Your Version of Success

49:30 Where to Find Brandon + Newsletter, Coaching, and What’s Next

50:52 Wrap-Up & Sign-Off

🔗 LINKS:

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620

https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

Trauma, Visibility, and Performing Under Pressure (Olympics, Rebranding, and Breakthroughs)

Host Brandon Thielk (performance and life coach) and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes open the “Permission to Evolve” episode with Brandon’s recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where constant rain shifted plans from beach time to rainforest adventures (natural waterslides, rope swings, cliff diving) and prevented a bioluminescent bay kayak excursion. They then answer a listener question about rebranding, discussing why people resist change due to emotional attachment, nostalgia, and the belief that consistency equals safety. Brandon shares his year-long rebrand from “Evolved Athlete” to a personal-brand structure—Brandon as the umbrella, with Lightning Performance for corporate work and Evolved Athlete as an athlete program—so his message better matches the broader group he serves (high performers, life transitions, trauma work) and aligns with his core focus: helping people create breakthroughs by unpacking the past and releasing limiting beliefs.

The main topic, “Permission to Shine,” explores why athletes (and high performers) sometimes break through and then immediately fall off when the spotlight hits. Using Winter Olympics examples—particularly a 17-year-old figure skater named Ilia Malinin who landed a quadruple axel and drew major attention before struggling afterward—Brandon explains that visibility can trigger unresolved trauma, making it feel unsafe to be seen and causing the nervous system to shut down. He relates this to his own baseball experience of performance collapse under pressure and critiques superficial performance “hacks” that don’t address deeper issues. The conversation expands to triathlon cases where champions or breakout winners struggle afterward, including Youri Keulen's season after winning in Singapore and Collin Chartier's post-breakout doping case, and also references pressure dynamics in pro sports contracts and historical steroid culture in baseball.

Brandon emphasizes that peak performance requires safety, presence, relaxation, and a solid identity foundation, and that deep, gradual integration work (self-compassion, re-parenting, boundary shifts, confronting past experiences) is necessary for consistency—whether in sports, corporate promotion, content creation, or family dynamics. He advises taking manageable step-ups rather than drastic overnight changes, listening to negative emotions as signals, and building capacity through reps and reflection. Listeners can book a free 30-minute strategy session at brandonthielk.com, subscribe to Brandon’s weekly newsletter “The Lightning Report,” follow on YouTube/Instagram @brandonthielk and TikTok @Bthielk, and submit questions via DM/comments or email p[email protected].

00:00 Welcome Back + Puerto Rico Trip Recap (Rainy Beach, Rainforest Adventures)

02:24 Cliff Diving & Building Water Confidence

04:03 Question for Brandon: Rebranding, Nostalgia & Resistance to Change

12:43 Permission to Shine: Olympics Spotlight, Breakthroughs & Crumbling Under Pressure

13:15 Why Trauma Makes It Feel Unsafe to Be Seen (And How It Sabotages Performance)

30:18 Triathlon & Doping Examples: When Pressure Turns Dark

34:37 Applying It to Real Life: Managing Visibility, Capacity & Imposter Syndrome

41:40 Shifting Roles at Work & Family: Promotions, Boundaries, and Gradual Change

50:34 Closing Takeaways: Make Peace With the Past to Shine

53:47 Where to Find Brandon + Free Strategy Session + Listener Questions

55:12 Sign-Off

Welcome to a special edition of 'Permission to Evolve' with your host, Brandon Thielk, performance and life coach, joined by co-host Holly Deschenes. In this milestone episode celebrating a year of the podcast, Brandon dives deep into the Ask Me Anything (AMA) session where he fields questions about his biggest influences, somatic space, and the intricate connection between physical injuries and emotional pain. Explore Brandon's journey through various mentors including Cindy Dale, Tony Robbins, and John Newton, with impactful insights into ancestral clearing and the emotional healing process. Learn about the significance of personal responsibility in developing self-awareness, and get practical tips for handling tough conversations, dealing with negativity bias, and differentiating between physical injuries and stored emotional pain. On a lighter note, get to know Brandon’s personal favorites, from shoes to favorite cities, and TV shows. Finally, Brandon delves into the complex concept of ego death, its necessity for personal growth, and the balance between ego and true self-awareness. Tune in to gain valuable insights and deepen your understanding of emotional and mental well-being in this enlightening episode.

00:00 Introduction and Anniversary Celebration

01:06 Influential Mentors and Teachers

05:30 Understanding Somatic Techniques

10:00 Distinguishing Injury from Emotional Pain

15:43 Developing Self-Awareness

19:30 Handling Negativity Bias and Resistance to Change

25:05 Navigating Tough Conversations

28:22 Navigating Reactions and Accountability

28:56 The Power of Speaking Up

29:27 Handling Confrontations and Emotional Reactions

30:13 Disarming Techniques in Communication

30:56 Lighthearted Questions: Favorite Shoes and More

32:00 Personal Preferences: Chocolate, Travel, and More

33:56 Exciting Opportunities and Ideal Clients

37:01 TV Shows and Mental Health Insights

39:24 Understanding Ego and Identity

49:49 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

In this episode of 'Permission to Evolve,' performance and life coach Brandon Thielk, along with co-host Holly Deschenes, explores the concept of giving oneself permission to dig deeper. Building on last week's theme of persistence, they discuss the importance of understanding and conquering personal barriers through introspection and emotional regulation. Brandon shares his personal journey from feeling burnt out in baseball to finding peace in his career through coaching. The conversation delves into how unresolved past traumas can hold us back in multiple life areas and emphasizes the necessity of exploring these depths to unlock our true potential. They also address how to maintain inner peace amidst external chaos, exemplifying the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in personal development. The episode concludes with insights on the continuous journey of self-improvement and a call to listeners to submit questions for the next 'Ask Me Anything' segment.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic

00:26 Brandon's Baseball Journey and Lessons Learned

01:29 The Importance of Digging Deeper

03:29 Question of the Week: Staying Grounded in Chaos

05:48 The Practice of Emotional Regulation

08:45 Invitation for Listener Questions

10:04 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Core Issues

13:47 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

20:53 Defining Depth and Self-Awareness

23:56 Healing Through Perception Shifts

24:27 Gaining Wisdom from Life Experiences

26:00 The Journey of Mastery and Depth

32:22 Understanding and Achieving Peace

40:15 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

46:32 Connecting and Engaging with the Community

🔗 LINKS:

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

Navigating the Journey of Continuous Growth and Resilience

In this episode of 'Permission to Evolve,' hosts Brandon Thielk, a performance and life coach, and Holly Deschenes explore the theme of perseverance. They discuss the importance of continuing forward despite challenges and the mindset needed to overcome obstacles. They elaborate on the significance of enjoying the journey rather than fixating on timelines or comparing one's progress to others. They also provide insights on recognizing when to pivot versus when to maintain course, and how to leverage personal development to achieve long-term goals. As they celebrate their 50th episode, Brandon answers listener questions about transformation and staying on track. Tune in for practical advice on how to align your mindset, stay resilient, and keep progressing in your personal and professional life.

00:00 Introduction to Permission to Evolve

00:04 The Importance of Persistence

01:14 Holly's Perspective on Persistence

01:40 Episode Milestone and Endurance

02:01 Navigating Roadblocks and Adjustments

02:57 Question for Brandon: Signs of Transformation

07:42 The Journey of Self-Discovery

16:13 The Role of Faith and Trust

22:18 Navigating Corporate Mindset and Personal Goals

23:07 Understanding Business Momentum and Startups

25:12 Evaluating Personal Progress and Expectations

26:13 Knowing When to Pivot or Continue

29:12 Seeking Help and Overcoming Roadblocks

34:34 Detaching from Timelines and Comparison

40:42 Clearing Resistance and Building Self-Belief

43:55 Connecting and Staying Updated

🔗 LINKS:

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620

https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

Unlocking the Power of Openness: A Journey into Self-Discovery and Quantum Physics

In this episode of Permission to Evolve, host Brandon Thielk, a performance and life coach, along with co-host and producer Holly Deschenes, delve into the theme of openness to possibilities. Building on previous discussions, they explore the impact of past conditioning on our mindset and the necessity of embracing new thoughts and actions to achieve different results. The conversation touches on the profound concepts of quantum physics, the importance of clearing negative energy, and the balance between being too open or too closed off. Key takeaways include understanding that openness allows for new and positive opportunities to enter our lives, while maintaining a degree of discernment to safeguard against negative experiences. Brandon emphasizes the significance of healing past traumas, trusting oneself, and being receptive to the guidance that life offers. This episode offers a comprehensive guide on how to navigate life with a balanced and open mindset, attracting beneficial relationships and opportunities along the way.

00:00 Introduction and Common Themes

00:19 The Power of Openness and Possibility

03:10 Quantum Physics and Life Connections

04:19 Energy, Beliefs, and Attraction

06:09 The Impact of Negative Thoughts

16:37 Permission to Be Open

23:40 Overcoming Comfort Zones

25:14 The Impact of Closed-Mindedness

25:48 Decision Making in a Contracted State

28:43 The Balance of Openness

35:05 Trusting Yourself Through Experiences

41:24 Key Takeaways on Openness

46:39 Connecting with Brandon

LINKS:

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

Email: [email protected]

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620

https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/