Darren and Donny explore self-abandonment's impact on our lives and relationships, discussing familiar behaviors like people-pleasing and conflict avoidance. They share personal stories, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our self-worth and taking charge of our lives. Offering practical tips for self-care and breaking free from societal conditioning, the hosts conclude with a powerful reminder: by valuing ourselves, we can authentically pour love into others. Join this empowering conversa...
Dec 28, 2023•36 min•Season 3Ep. 22
In this episode, Darren and Donny spotlight the essence of the holiday season: prioritizing presence over presents. They advocate for cherishing moments with loved ones, emphasizing human connections over material possessions. Encouraging listeners to set boundaries and be fully engaged in relationships, the conversation urges a shift towards meaningful experiences. They delve into self-love, authenticity, and reevaluating life's pursuits, inspiring a reflective and uplifting perspective on the ...
Dec 21, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Join Darren and Donny as they sit down with Graham Mertz, the University of Florida's quarterback, in an episode filled with inspiration and resilience. Discover Graham's journey from a football-loving youngster to overcoming self-doubt and finding faith. He emphasizes the joy of serving others and the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy. Tune in as Graham shares his wisdom on goal-setting, fulfillment, and how his love for golf aligns with life and football. ► YouTube https://www.youtube....
Dec 14, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Join us for a profound exploration of self-discovery and empowerment with BC Serna on the newest episode of Comeback Stories Podcast. Darren and Donny engage in an stirring conversation with BC, uncovering the adversities he faced in his early years, his relentless pursuit of belonging, and the pivotal moments that fueled his unwavering journey towards leadership. BC's introspective journey from a nomadic lifestyle to embracing fatherhood resonates deeply, echoing profound gratitude for the chan...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Get ready to embark on an inspiring journey with our special guest, Hilary Phelps, on the Comeback Stories Podcast. Hilary, a respected advocate for addiction recovery, warmly invites us into her world filled with both triumphs and challenges, offering invaluable insights into discovering purpose and embracing genuine authenticity. Hilary's remarkable journey as a distinguished speaker, addiction recovery advocate, writer, and devoted holistic wellness coach empowering women, unfolds across 16 y...
Nov 30, 2023•42 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Join us on the Comeback Stories Podcast for an episode filled with gratitude, self-discovery, and purpose. Darren Waller and Donnie Starkins offer their perspectives on adopting gratitude as a guiding force when confronted with criticism and challenges. Learn how gratitude can redefine any moment and become a constant presence in your daily life. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw ► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/ ► Instagram...
Nov 23, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Step into the raw and unfiltered world of William "King" Hollis with hosts Darren Waller and Donnie Starkins. From the depths of despair to the heights of impact, Hollis bares his soul, recounting his journey from the darkest corners of addiction to the pinnacle of motivational speaking. This episode is a powerful reminder that, no matter how dark the past, the human spirit has the capacity to rise above adversity and leave an indelible mark on the world. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channe...
Nov 16, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Lolo Jones' unwavering determination and resilience are front and center in this episode. Join co-hosts Darren Waller and Donnie Starkins as they explore Lolo's incredible journey, offering invaluable insights into finding strength in the face of challenges and setbacks. Discover how she overcame adversity and rose to greatness, and let her journey inspire you to tackle life's challenges head-on. Tune in for a dynamic and empowering discussion that promises to ignite your determination and leave...
Nov 09, 2023•44 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Tune in to hear the raw, authentic, and powerful testimony of Sylvester McNutt III, a man who faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger than ever. Hosts Darren Waller and Donnie Starkins delve into insightful dialogue on self-awareness and the art of loving properly. Discover the keys to authentic living as Sylvester shares his career-defining journey, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and navigating life with patience. Learn how Sylvester's experience as a father, author, and ...
Nov 02, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation as former Major Leaguer turned Mental Health Advocate, Drew Robinson, who makes a triumphant return to the #ComebackStoriesPodcast. In this riveting episode, Drew shares his powerful story of overcoming tragedy and finding hope amidst the darkest moments of his life. Hosts Darren Waller and Donny Starkins lead with heart and purpose, creating a safe space for Drew to unleash a storm of raw emotion and vulnerability. As a seasoned captain i...
Oct 26, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Darren Waller and Donny Starkins invite you to join them on an incredible journey of love, resilience, and redemption in the upcoming episode, "Love Unbroken." Cybill Fox and Rob Richardson share their deeply personal story of enduring 21 years of incarceration while keeping their love and commitment alive. Beginning as high school sweethearts and enduring a tough separation through incarceration, their account highlights their enduring love and indomitable resilience. Their story embodies hope,...
Oct 19, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Get ready for a captivating exploration of self-discovery and transformation in this episode of Comeback Stories. Join your hosts, Darren Waller and Donny Starkins, along with their special guest, Zach Skow, as they uncover the incredible story of Zach's redemption, a journey profoundly shaped by the life-altering power of rescue dogs. As the co-founder of Marley's Mutts, Zach's personal experience with addiction inspired the creation of a transformative organization connecting dogs and incarcer...
Oct 11, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Step into a world of personal growth and unwavering faith as hosts Darren and Donny welcome Deborah Joy Winans. In this episode, Deborah brings her extraordinary journey to life, imparting the wisdom she gained from turning 40, surmounting life's hurdles, and uncovering the transformative force of self-love. Deborah's remarkable strength shines as she candidly discusses her personal battle to conquer a challenging pregnancy. Join us for an episode of 'Comeback Stories' that promises to enrich yo...
Oct 05, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this thought-provoking episode, we embark on a journey into the heart of leadership. Join Darren and Donny as they share their incredible stories of self-discovery and transformation. Learn how their past mistakes and moments of selfishness have become the very building blocks of their inspiring journeys as purpose-driven leaders. This conversation is a testament to the remarkable transformation that is possible when we lead with heart and purpose. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC...
Sep 28, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Co-founder of Sacred Sons Aubert Bastiat doesn't hold back when catching up with Darren and Donny. Aubert courageously revisits the night he nearly ended his life but instead started a relationship with God. He also grieves his sister, who died by suicide, and outlines how he transformed his pain into guiding others toward peace. ► YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriVmGIBt38uDKYOL3pmjkw ► iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-comeback-stories-119696372/ ► Instagram https://www.inst...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren and Donny reunite with Trent Shelton, the former NFL player who reshaped his life as a motivational speaker. Join them as they revisit Trent's upbringing in New Orleans and the transformative moments that defined his journey. Delve into 'the dark work' as Trent and Darren share their personal battles with instant gratification and self-numbing. Trent's poignant reflections on coping with the loss of his mother provide profound insights into the 'art of...
Sep 14, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Join Darren and Donny for an insightful discussion on the art of being present. In this episode, they explore the significance of using physical reminders to stay grounded in the moment, including Donny's tattoo and Darren's jersey number change. Listen as they share personal anecdotes, drawing parallels between their experiences and their strategies for managing stress and impulsive behaviors. Gain valuable insights from Darren's perspective as the "new kid" with the New York Giants and Donny's...
Sep 07, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 6
ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter calls the show while driving to the airport — a perfect glimpse into a day in the life of America's foremost football news-breaker. He takes Darren and Donny back to the beginning, explaining how he stumbled into his renowned journalism career by accident after a series of rejections. Darren is curious about how Schefter deals with pressure, and Donny gives Adam the space to honor Joe Maio, his wife's former husband who tragically died on 9/11 and is the sub...
Aug 31, 2023•33 min•Season 3Ep. 5
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau reunites with Darren after they both left the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason. Foster admits why he hasn't come on the podcast before now and how his perspective has shifted. When Foster began exploring free agency, he was focused on the frustrating tight end market, but that all changed when his visit to the Saints uncovered a rare form of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Foster walks Darren and Donny through every painful and revelatory detail, and Darren recal...
Aug 24, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Uncover the untold story of rapper Armani White’s journey from West Philly to the center stage as he shatters misconceptions of instant success with his hit “Billie Eilish.” Join hosts Darren and Donny as they delve into Armani's resilience in the face of adversity - overcoming house fires, relentless house fires, relentless gun violence, his father's battle with cancer, and discovering how Armani, through vulnerability, learned to embrace bravery, celebrating small victories while embracing the...
Aug 17, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Co-Founder of Inflection Point Entertainment and esteemed sports journalist Michael Smith takes Darren and Donny on a deeply personal journey, sharing stories from his days as a church kid in New Orleans to becoming a trailblazing sports host and analyst. Michael reveals how he overcame professional obstacles, navigated change, and ultimately found empowerment in launching a production company and The Inflection Network. Michael’s “comeback” story is one of passion, persistence, and proper persp...
Aug 10, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Comeback Stories hosted by New York Giants tight end Darren Waller and mental health and mindfulness coach Donny Starkins is back! And we’re proud to announce we’re part of Michael Smith’s Inflection Point Entertainment's new podcast network family! On this episode entitled, “Back Like We Never Left,” Darren and Donny come back together after a summer full of change. After a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Giants, Darren shares how he's adapting to his new surroundings while mai...
Aug 03, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 1
“Comeback Stories,” hosted by New York Giants tight end Darren Waller and mental health and mindfulness coach Donny Starkins, joins Michael Smith’s Inflection Point Entertainment's new podcast network with the debut of a new third season. The show will continue to spotlight real-life tales of resiliency including insight into the hosts’ ongoing recovery journeys and interviews with guests whose stories illustrate a broad spectrum of “comeback” stories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...
Jul 27, 2023•2 min
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined virtually by Steven Pressfield, an American author of historical fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays, for a part 2! Steven is filled with so much knowledge and continues to share all that he has learned in this journey called life. In this episode Darren, Donny, and Steven talk about how desperation saved them, making the most out of the time you have here on earth, getting uncomfortable, being selfless, and so much more! Follo...
Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 2 min
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Steven Pressfield, an American author of historical fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays, including his 1995 novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance , and 2002 non-fiction book, The War of Art . The War of Art has sold over a million copies globally and has been translated into multiple languages. He joins Comeback Stories to share the process of becoming an author and the lessons he's learned along the way. Steven wrote for 27 yea...
Apr 20, 2023•42 min
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker turned analyst for Fox Sports 1. Emmanuel shares how his story as a Nigerian-American shaped his childhood and his father's continuous impact as an adult. He then explains how he was able to partner with Oprah on his book, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” as well as work with a mystery caller who pushed him to find his purpose as a communicator and fine-tune his revelations ...
Apr 13, 2023•39 min
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined virtually by Austin Ekeler, a top running back in the NFL. In the last two seasons, Austin has led all running backs and wide receivers in touchdowns and has become the most valuable player in the fantasy football community. He joins Comeback Stories to share a little about his childhood and how growing up in his household helped him develop mental toughness at an early age. Austin credits how gaining that mental toughness early ...
Apr 06, 2023•41 min
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined virtually by CC Sabathia, a former MLB pitcher, six-time All-star, Cy Young Award Winner, and 2009 World Series Champion. CC talks about how his childhood and being so young in such a big game led him to become an alcoholic. CC details his battles with losing his father, depression, alcohol dependency, and lack of identity during what should've been the peak of his career. He then describes what led him to the point where he was ...
Mar 30, 2023•55 min
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny welcome David Nurse , a 2x best-selling author, and speaker. David is known for his expertise in player development and mental toughness, with his motivational coaching business, he has helped thousands of employees and athletes develop unshakeable mindsets. David breaks down how he bounced back after being cut from his semi-pro team, and the impact his family had on him. He then describes how to leave the fear of other people's opinions of...
Mar 23, 2023•54 min
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny welcome Napheesa Collier , 2x WNBA All-Star & 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Napheesa talks about the competitive drive instilled in her at a young age, and how her determination took her to UCONN where she sharpened her skills against the best of the best. She details the mindset of being "too black for the white people, and too white for the black people", and how that can lead mixed-race children to become people pleasers. Napheesa ex...
Mar 16, 2023•47 min
