Unbound Winners for Life ™ with Lori Darley

Kevin Cone got cut four times in one season and never lost himself. The Georgia Tech engineer turned five-year NFL receiver walked on to a Division I team, planned his own exit from the game, and now helps young athletes cross the same bridge. A conversation about identity, preparation, and the transition nobody warns you about.

Kevin Cone spent five years in the NFL and one in the CFL on the edge of the roster, the guy who was "52 or 53 depending on the day." He got released four times in a single season, lived out of a suitcase, and made the Atlanta Falcons a week before preseason during the 2011 lockout. He practiced Thursday and played Saturday.

What makes his story different is what came before and after. Kevin walked on to the Georgia Tech football team as a mechanical engineering student who wanted to design Lego sets. Football was one path. It was never the only one. So when a shoulder injury and a new marriage met the writing on the wall, he left on his own terms, a choice most athletes never get.

Kevin now leads student-athlete development at Georgia Tech and is finishing a doctorate in business administration. In this conversation with Lori Darley, he unpacks the preparation behind "luck," why he learned every position on the field, and the gap almost nobody addresses: athletes are never taught the real timeline of transition, so the walls close in fast. He closes with the cold-water rule and three moves for anyone crossing over right now. Give yourself grace. Get to work.

Most high performers don’t realize that their greatest growth comes from the moments they dare to start over. Tamika Brunetti, a former NCAA Division III basketball player turned top LinkedIn strategist, reveals how her transition from student-athlete to corporate leader—and ultimately to fearless entrepreneur—was fueled by resilience, self-trust, and a big dose of self-reinvention.

In this episode, Tamika shares the tough truths behind her unexpected career pivots—from battling injuries on the basketball court to navigating layoffs and stepping into a new chapter on her own terms. Discover how her grit shaped her to become one of the world’s top sales navigator experts, and learn the importance of rebuilding confidence when the jersey comes off and the spotlight shifts to you alone. You'll hear stories of surviving knee surgeries, handling layoffs of hundreds, and turning side hustles into thriving businesses—all while emphasizing the power of relationships, authenticity, and daring to claim your next act.

We break down some of Tamika’s most valuable insights:

How former athletes can leverage their discipline and teamwork skills into entrepreneurial success

The importance of maintaining relationships and resilience during career transitions
Practical strategies to reframe setbacks as opportunities for self-discovery
The role of authenticity in building a magnetic personal brand on LinkedIn
Why diving into your identity and letting go of titles is the key to lasting growth
Stakes couldn’t be higher in a world where careers evolve faster than ever, and staying adaptable is everything. If you’re an athlete, a corporate warrior, or someone on the brink of your next transformation, Tamika’s story is your blueprint for turning adversity into advantage.

This episode is for anyone ready to rebuild from the ground up—armed with the lessons that true resilience is often born in fallowness. Perfect for those contemplating a career pivot, entrepreneurs feeling the pull to do more, or anyone craving a fresh perspective on strength and self-trust.

Join us to unlock the power of reinvention and the unshakeable confidence that comes when you realize you’re more than your titles. Tamika Brunetti proves that your greatest game is still ahead—if you’re willing to build it brick by brick.

Guest Credibility:

Tamika Brunetti is a top five global LinkedIn sales navigator expert and founder of her own consulting firm. Her unique journey from NCAA athlete to corporate leader and digital strategist exemplifies the power of resilience, reinvention, and authentic personal branding.

Content note: This conversation discusses suicide and the loss of a family member. Listen when you're in the right place for it.

College football player. Bobsledder for Team USA. High school English teacher. State lawmaker. Mickey Dollens has lived four lives, and the hinge between them wasn't talent. It was what he did with grief.

A month after his last college game, Mickey lost his younger brother Joe to suicide. Joe had wanted to watch him try out for the NFL. So Mickey channeled the loss into three months of training, walked into an NFL Pro Day as a converted linebacker, and turned a phone call he never expected into a spot pushing bobsled for Team USA. Then oil went bust, schools lost funding, and a laid-off teacher looked up his representative's voting record and decided to run. He flipped a deep-red Oklahoma seat in 2016 and has held it ever since, as an openly agnostic candidate who refused to fake faith to win.

In this episode, Mickey and host Lori Darley go into the part most people hide: the moment the crowd goes quiet and you have to ask, "If I'm not that anymore, who am I?"

In this conversation:

The deserted locker room, the VHS tapes, and the highlight reel that authored his own scholarship
Why a childhood memory about a TV remote became his whole philosophy of change
Grief as fuel, and the support network that made the risk survivable
Standing on conviction in a place that pressures you to pretend
Religious coercion in sports, and where a coach's authority crosses a line
His book, The Citizen's Guide to Political Change, and how ordinary people reclaim power
His closing advice for anyone stuck: move a muscle, change a thought
About the show Unbound: Winners for Life explores the messy middle of reinvention with athletes, performing artists, founders, and leaders in transition. Host Lori Darley is an identity architect who helps people move from a life handed to them to one they author on purpose.

Go deeper with Unbound

Unbound Identity Lab — a six-month self-guided curriculum in becoming who you choose to be

Your Second Life — an eight-week intensive of deep reflection and embodied practice

Living your own messy middle? Tell us your story. We'd love to hear it.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives

You're hardwired for survival. What you don't know is when that switch flips on, and what it takes to switch it off.

In this solo episode, Lori Darley opens the paradox at the center of her work with athletes and leaders in transition: the drive to win at any cost builds everything you have, and then has nowhere to stand the moment you lose.

She walks through three truths. You are not your thoughts. Nothing is happening outside of you the way you think it is. You are already whole, and you don't lack a thing for the fullest expression of your life. Along the way she tells the truth about her own years as a choreographer, starving for applause and crumbling without it, and the shift that set her free.

This isn't philosophy for its own sake. Everything here is built on embodied practice. The exercise is never the point. Who you're being while you do it is.

For the Unbound community and everyone stepping into their Second Act.

Most high performers don’t realize that their greatest growth comes from the moments they dare to start over. Tamika Brunetti, a former NCAA Division III basketball player turned top LinkedIn strategist, reveals how her transition from student-athlete to corporate leader—and ultimately to fearless entrepreneur—was fueled by resilience, self-trust, and a big dose of self-reinvention.

In this episode, Tamika shares the tough truths behind her unexpected career pivots—from battling injuries on the basketball court to navigating layoffs and stepping into a new chapter on her own terms. Discover how her grit shaped her to become one of the world’s top sales navigator experts, and learn the importance of rebuilding confidence when the jersey comes off and the spotlight shifts to you alone. You'll hear stories of surviving knee surgeries, handling layoffs of hundreds, and turning side hustles into thriving businesses—all while emphasizing the power of relationships, authenticity, and daring to claim your next act.

We break down some of Tamika’s most valuable insights:

How former athletes can leverage their discipline and teamwork skills into entrepreneurial success

The importance of maintaining relationships and resilience during career transitions
Practical strategies to reframe setbacks as opportunities for self-discovery
The role of authenticity in building a magnetic personal brand on LinkedIn
Why diving into your identity and letting go of titles is the key to lasting growth
Stakes couldn’t be higher in a world where careers evolve faster than ever, and staying adaptable is everything. If you’re an athlete, a corporate warrior, or someone on the brink of your next transformation, Tamika’s story is your blueprint for turning adversity into advantage.
This episode is for anyone ready to rebuild from the ground up—armed with the lessons that true resilience is often born in fallowness. Perfect for those contemplating a career pivot, entrepreneurs feeling the pull to do more, or anyone craving a fresh perspective on strength and self-trust.

Join us to unlock the power of reinvention and the unshakeable confidence that comes when you realize you’re more than your titles. Tamika Brunetti proves that your greatest game is still ahead—if you’re willing to build it brick by brick.

Guest Credibility:

Tamika Brunetti is a top five global LinkedIn sales navigator expert and founder of her own consulting firm. Her unique journey from NCAA athlete to corporate leader and digital strategist exemplifies the power of resilience, reinvention, and authentic personal branding.

Most action sports athletes are taught to leave their passion behind when they retire— but what if you could thrive in two "worlds" at once? Barrett Christy Cummins, a snowboarding legend with 30 years at the top, shares her powerful journey of holding dual callings: competing at the highest level and shaping the future of financial education. Her story is a masterclass in living fully, boldly, and intentionally across multiple passions, without sacrificing one for the other.

In this candid conversation, Barrett reveals how growing up without a blueprint in snowboarding allowed her the freedom to experiment and push boundaries, ultimately reaching Olympic heights during an era with no playbook. She discusses the mindset shifts that helped her turn risk into resilience and how her early athletic career laid the foundation for her influence in brand building and mentorship—both in sports and in finance.

Most high performers never pause to celebrate their breakthroughs — but what if recognizing these pivotal moments is the key to the next level? Delaney Taylor’s story of blowing it all up at 19 to redefine herself shows how unshackling from past identities can unlock newfound freedom and clarity.

In this raw, honest conversation, Delaney shares how her daring leap from college volleyball to forging a new path became a transformative catalyst, not just in her career but in her understanding of herself. You'll discover the power of embracing chaos as a catalyst for growth, the importance of community in navigating transition, and how altering your relationship with your past identities can expand your possibilities.

We break down the nuances of identity shifts—why they’re rarely linear and how to navigate the in-between spaces with courage and compassion. Delaney dives into her journey of listening to her body, trusting her instincts, and learning to celebrate moments of clarity that often go unnoticed in the hustle for “what’s next.” You'll explore practical strategies for grounding yourself amid uncertainty, building supportive communities, and reframing failure as the very foundation of personal evolution.

This episode is essential listening if you’re standing at a crossroads, feeling the pressure to perform, or simply seeking the courage to blow up your own story and start anew. Delaney’s story reminds us that transformation isn’t about the destination but about the stories we tell ourselves along the way—and the community that makes the journey possible.

Whether you’re an athlete, a creative, or navigating any kind of transition, this conversation will ignite your curiosity and inspire action. Discover how celebrating your small wins, shifting your inner dialogue, and embracing your imperfect, ever-changing self can lead to a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.

Delaney Taylor is a former Division I athlete, now dedicated to helping others find resilience and purpose through transformational community work. Her story of radical self-reinvention provides invaluable insights for anyone ready to step into their next chapter.

This episode is a celebration of human resilience, curiosity, and the limitless potential we hold when we dare to blow it all up. Are you ready to embrace your next transformation? Hit play and start rewriting your story today.

In this inspiring episode, Olivia Bergler shares her remarkable journey from a small town in Poland to the U.S., her achievements in professional and collegiate tennis, and her vision for a future driven by passion, purpose, and connection. Olivia highlights the importance of resilience, community, and staying true to your values in navigating life's transitions.

Most high performers, including ex-NBA star Stefan Johnson, grapple with who they are beyond their roles—and what happens when their spotlight fades. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Stefan and Lori peel back the layers on identity, legacy, and the transition from fame and success to a deeper, more authentic self.

Discover how Stefan’s journey through poverty, professional sports, and profound self-discovery reveals the invisible battles many face—trauma, disconnection, and the struggle to find purpose when the crowd disappears. This episode is a powerful reminder that true resilience isn’t just about achievement but about reclaiming your story and forging meaning beyond the game.

You’ll learn:

The importance of identifying who you are, not just what you do, especially when your external success ends.

How to navigate the painful transition from identity tied to achievement to one rooted in authentic purpose.

The significance of questions over statements in coaching high performers—unlocking insight by asking, rather than telling.

Why money isn’t just a resource but a symbol of energy exchange, and how shifting your relationship with it transforms your impact.

Practical tools for embracing vulnerability, building trust, and living beyond societal roles to craft a legacy that truly matters.

Why neglecting this inner work risks remaining trapped in past successes or falling into victimhood. Conversely, this episode offers a blueprint for turning upheaval into opportunity—teaching you how to find peace, clarity, and more impactful purpose amidst the chaos of transition.

Perfect for athletes, high performers, or anyone facing the end of a chapter—this conversation empowers you to boldly embrace change, understand your deeper worth, and thrive in the new chapters ahead.
Stefan Johnson is a former NBA player, known for his resilience and deep insights on identity, legacy, and transformation. Lori Darley, a leadership and transformation coach, brings 25 years of expertise in helping people navigate life’s biggest transitions.

Ready to redefine what success truly means? Hit play and step fully into your next chapter.

Most high performers never pause to celebrate their breakthroughs — but what if recognizing these pivotal moments is the key to the next level? Delaney Taylor’s story of blowing it all up at 19 to redefine herself shows how unshackling from past identities can unlock newfound freedom and clarity.

In this raw, honest conversation, Delaney shares how her daring leap from college volleyball to forging a new path became a transformative catalyst, not just in her career but in her understanding of herself. You'll discover the power of embracing chaos as a catalyst for growth, the importance of community in navigating transition, and how altering your relationship with your past identities can expand your possibilities.

We break down the nuances of identity shifts—why they’re rarely linear and how to navigate the in-between spaces with courage and compassion. Delaney dives into her journey of listening to her body, trusting her instincts, and learning to celebrate moments of clarity that often go unnoticed in the hustle for “what’s next.” You'll explore practical strategies for grounding yourself amid uncertainty, building supportive communities, and reframing failure as the very foundation of personal evolution.

This episode is essential listening if you’re standing at a crossroads, feeling the pressure to perform, or simply seeking the courage to blow up your own story and start anew. Delaney’s story reminds us that transformation isn’t about the destination but about the stories we tell ourselves along the way—and the community that makes the journey possible.

Whether you’re an athlete, a creative, or navigating any kind of transition, this conversation will ignite your curiosity and inspire action. Discover how celebrating your small wins, shifting your inner dialogue, and embracing your imperfect, ever-changing self can lead to a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.

Delaney Taylor is a former Division I athlete, now dedicated to helping others find resilience and purpose through transformational community work. Her story of radical self-reinvention provides invaluable insights for anyone ready to step into their next chapter.

This episode is a celebration of human resilience, curiosity, and the limitless potential we hold when we dare to blow it all up. Are you ready to embrace your next transformation? Hit play and start rewriting your story today.