Becoming UnDone - podcast cover

Becoming UnDone

Toby Brookswww.undonepodcast.com

Hosted by professor, speaker, and performance & comeback scientist Dr. Toby Brooks (@tobybrooksphd), Becoming UnDone is where high-achievers come to reckon with rock bottom—and rise again. Every week, we explore what happens when life doesn’t go according to plan. Through raw stories, vulnerable insights, and powerful conversations, we dive into the pain of identity loss, the paralysis of burnout, and the transformative power of coming apart.


This isn’t just about failure. It’s about what you do next.


Whether you’re an executive questioning your purpose, an athlete facing the end, or a leader secretly unraveling, this show is your reminder: the coming apart isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of something greater. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What in the hell next?”—you’re in the right place.




https://linktr.ee/tobybrooksphd

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

096 | THE MAKING (and re-making) of LARRY JOHNSON Part 5: Reliving UNLV's Glory Days with Equipment Manager Larry Chin

About the Guest Larry Chin is the long-serving Assistant Equipment Manager at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) athletics department, working with the institution for over four decades. Starting as a student manager in 1974, Chin became a pivotal part of the equipment staff, overseeing several prominent sports, including the legendary men's basketball program under Coach Jerry Tarkanian. His career encompasses managing equipment for numerous high-profile games, including UNLV's celebrate...

Aug 22, 202438 minSeason 2Ep. 96

095 | THE MAKING (and re-making) OF LARRY JOHNSON PART 4 with Dennis Helms, Former Odessa College Head Coach and NJCAA Hall of Famer

About the Guest Dennis Helms is a distinguished figure in the world of basketball coaching, having served as the head coach at Odessa College from 1986 to 1996. A member of both the NJCAA Basketball Hall of Fame and the Upper Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame, Helms has coached ten players who went on to play in the NBA. Among these notable athletes is Larry Johnson, the most successful of his protégés. Helms's contributions to the sport and his impact on his players' careers have left a lasting legac...

Aug 16, 20241 hrSeason 2Ep. 95

094 | THE MAKING (and re-making) OF LARRY JOHNSON PART 3 with Dr. Kwame M. Brown, Neuroscientist and Former Psychology Professor

About the Guest Dr. Kwame M. Brown is a neuroscientist holding a PhD from Georgetown University and a BA in Molecular Biology from Hampton University. With an eight-year tenure as a professor of psychology at Hampton, Dr. Brown is widely recognized for his work as the "Neighborhood Neuroscientist," where he combines science, movement, and activism. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a respected scientist and a beloved educator, significantly contributing to his field and the lives of his s...

Aug 08, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 94

093 | THE MAKING (and re-making) OF LARRY JOHNSON PART 2 with JD Mayo, LJ’s Former Head Basketball Coach, Dallas Skyline High School

About the Guest JD Mayo is a legendary Texas high school basketball coach with a remarkable career that spans decades. Having played a significant role in shaping the lives of many young athletes, Coach Mayo is best known for his mentorship of former NBA star Larry Johnson during Johnson's high school years at Skyline High School. Beyond his coaching accolades, Mayo is celebrated for his holistic approach to player development, emphasizing character, academics, and life skills alongside basketba...

Aug 01, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 93

092 | THE MAKING (and re-making) OF LARRY JOHNSON PART 1 with Harold Kaufman

Harold Kaufman With over 35 years in sports, corporate, and business communications, Harold Kaufman is the founder of HK Communications, now part of Tony Fay Public Relations. He is a renowned media and communications specialist who served as the first PR representative for the Charlotte Hornets during their inaugural seasons. Kaufman also spent significant time with the New York Mets, contributing his extensive expertise in media relations and sports marketing. Episode Summary: In this engaging...

Jul 25, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 92

091 | CHANGES (w3w) with Toby Brooks

Episode Summary In this introspective episode of the Becoming UnDone® podcast, host Toby Brooks reflects on the multitude of changes he has experienced in the past few months. Transitioning from a long-term position at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to a fresh start at Baylor University, Toby candidly discusses the whirlwind of onboarding, training, and adjustments that come with a new job. His journey is marked by personal and professional milestones, including watching his childr...

Jul 19, 202421 minSeason 2Ep. 91

090 | CHAMPION with Neil Kennedy, Author, Speaker, and Founder of FivestarMan

About the Guest Neil Kennedy is an accomplished author, speaker, and founder of the FivestarMan movement. Over the years, he has authored 14 influential books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages and circulated globally. Intriguingly, despite grappling with a speech impediment and failing grammar classes in his early years, Neil has achieved remarkable success. The FivestarMan movement, which aims to resurrect authentic manhood through the five passions of authentic manhoo...

Jul 10, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 90

089 | NO BAD DAYS with Mikayla Moore, Minor League Athletic Trainer, Milwaukee Brewers

About the Guest Mikayla Moore is a dedicated and experienced athletic trainer with a rich background in sports medicine. She holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a master's degree in Athletic Training. Her career has spanned high school, collegiate levels, and now, professional sports with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. A passionate advocate for athletes' health and well-being, Mikayla's journey reflects resilience and adaptability, as she navigated unexpected job ch...

Jun 16, 202450 minSeason 2Ep. 89

088 | RESILIENT INNOVATION with Dr. Cara Wells, Entrepreneur and Founder of EmGenisys, Inc.

About the Guest Cara Wells is an accomplished entrepreneur and PhD holder in Animal Science from Texas Tech University. She is the founder of EmGenisys, a company committed to bringing innovative technologies to the animal science sector. Despite facing significant setbacks in her career, including the dissolution of her first company and the loss of her intellectual property, Cara has demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness, earning recognition through several entrepreneurship competitions ...

Jun 13, 202458 minSeason 2Ep. 88

087 | GET UP EIGHT with Brad Brennan, Former Professional and D1 Football Player, Raken Sales Director

About the Guest Brad Brennan is a former collegiate and professional football player with a deeply rooted background in athletics. Hailing from California, Brad had a noteworthy career as a wide receiver at the University of Arizona and became one of the first Americans to play in Japan's X League of American football. Following his football career, he transitioned into corporate America, currently serving as the Director of Major Accounts for Raken, a major company in the construction software ...

Jun 03, 202454 minSeason 2Ep. 87

086 | L.U.C.K. with Dr. Lisa Garner Santa, Professor of Flute and Artist-Performer

About the Guest Dr. Lisa Garner Santa is an esteemed flutist and professor with a trajectory that has brought her experiences both locally and globally. With a musical and teaching journey that began in the small town of Colorado City, Texas, Dr. Garner Santa evolved into a world-class musician whose career has quite literally taken her around the world. She is notably acknowledged for her performances and her influential role as a professor of flute at Texas Tech University. Additionally, she h...

May 27, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 86

085 | GRIT with F Scott Feil, Professor, Learning Scientist, and Entrepreneur

About the Guest Dr. F Scott Feil is a passionate physical therapist, educator, and entrepreneur with a profound journey of perseverance and self-discovery. Holding a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, he transitioned from clinical practice to academia and then into a novel role training other educators. Dr. Feil's tenacity through personal and professional trials is matched by his drive to learn and share knowledge, whether through teaching, writing, or through his podcasts – the Healthcare Educatio...

May 25, 202442 minSeason 2Ep. 85

084 | BIG FISH with Kent Hance, Chancellor Emeritus of Texas Tech University

About the Guest Kent Hance is an influential Texas figure known for his extensive career in politics and education. Hance's professional history includes serving as a state senator, US congressman, and the third chancellor of Texas Tech University. He played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Texas Tech, leading the university to unprecedented heights during his tenure from 2006 to 2014. In addition to his political and academic contributions, Hance has also practiced law and worked...

Apr 29, 202445 minSeason 2Ep. 84

083 | SWING the BAT with Jeff Horn, Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Masked Rider Capital, and Former 2-Sport College Athlete

About the Guest Jeff Horn is a former collegiate athlete who has leveraged his passion for sports and teamwork into a successful career in entrepreneurship. With a history in banking technology and business development, Jeff took the life lesson of "swinging the bat" from his sporting days to become a business leader. He co-founded and now serves as the CEO of Masked Rider Capital, a hybrid between a private equity firm and a family office, operating in Lubbock, Texas. His journey also involves ...

Apr 27, 202456 minEp. 83

082 | UNCOMMON with Isaac Lee, Marine Aviator (Ret.) and Author of Hangar 4

About the Guest Isaac Lee is a former United States Marine Corps officer and aviator who served with distinction and achieved the rank of Captain. His military career was notably marked by deployments and combat experience in the Pacific, as well as engagements in high-risk environments globally. As a testament to his leadership and tactical expertise, he was promoted to Captain on September 1, 2001, just days before the tragic events of 9/11 which significantly altered the course of his service...

Apr 21, 202459 minSeason 2Ep. 82

081 | THE JOURNEY with Patrick Holcomb, Marine, Endurance Athlete, and Author of Where the Seams Meet

About the Guest Patrick Holcomb is a former member of the US Marine Corps with a distinguished 20-year career. After retiring in October 2021, Patrick embarked on a personal and ambitious challenge known as the "7 & 7" - running a marathon and climbing the highest mountain on each of the world's seven continents. Despite facing physical setbacks that halted his mountaineering quest, Patrick redirected his passion and resilience into authorship. His forthcoming book, "Where the Seams Meet," w...

Apr 18, 202452 minSeason 2Ep. 81

080 | PRINCESS of POWER with Jodi Dolo, Fitness Influencer and Co-Host of Mindful Muscle Podcast

About the Guest Jodi Dolo is a transformative figure in the realm of health and fitness. Having faced a personal health scare related to high blood pressure and obesity seven years prior, Jodi's journey from fear to empowerment has been both inspiring and impactful. This pivotal moment led her to lose weight and significantly improve her health, creating a ripple effect that touched her family life as well. Today, Jodi is a fitness influencer and former graphic designer. She actively shares her ...

Apr 14, 202433 minSeason 2Ep. 80

079 | SOAR with Charles Austin, Olympic Gold Medalist, Entrepreneur, Author and Coach

About the Guest Charles Austin is an American high jump legend best remembered for his extraordinary athletic achievements. He won the gold medal in the high jump at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, setting an Olympic record and securing his place in sports history. Not only is he a world champion, but his jump is ranked as the fifth highest in recorded human history. Apart from his track and field success, Austin has successfully transitioned from sport to entrepreneurship. He owns and oper...

Mar 24, 20241 hr 25 minSeason 2Ep. 79

078 | Vineet Rajan, CEO & Co-Founder of Forte, Stanford MBA, and former US Marine Corps Major

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...

Mar 07, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 78

077 | MISSION with Mark Greene, US Navy SEAL (ret.), Author, and Former D1 Athlete

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-retire...

Feb 24, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 2Ep. 77

076 | GIVER with Jared Oluwek, Assistant Athletic Trainer, Kansas State University

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 ...

Feb 17, 202454 minEp. 76

075 | F. I. O. with Marshall Roberts, Assistant AD, Liberty University, Ultramarathoner and Former Pro and D1 Football Coach and Player

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...

Feb 11, 202447 minSeason 2Ep. 75

074 | FEARLESS with Ashley Adams, 60th Texas Tech Masked Rider and Marketing Coordinator, Masked Rider Capital

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 universit...

Jan 27, 202459 minSeason 2Ep. 74

073 | RENAISSANCE with Sandra Chu, Executive Search Consultant and former NCAA Rowing Coach and All-Ivy League Student Athlete

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 ...

Jan 20, 202450 minSeason 2Ep. 73

072 | GENERATIONS (w3w) with Brynnan Brooks

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 challe...

Jan 02, 202434 minSeason 2Ep. 72

071 | UnDONE and NEVERENDING (The Nothing Part 2)(w3w) with Toby Brooks

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...

Dec 23, 202318 minSeason 2Ep. 71

070 | RESET with Mark de Grasse, Entrepreneur and President of DigitalMarketer

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 th...

Dec 22, 202328 minSeason 2Ep. 70

069 | THE NOTHING (Part 1) (w3w) With Toby Brooks

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 ind...

Dec 21, 202316 minSeason 2Ep. 69

068 | ONE WORD at a TIME with John Miller, Author, Documentarian, and Former Correspondent of the Wall Street Journal

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 auth...

Dec 19, 202346 minSeason 2Ep. 68

067 | CONTROL with Kelli (Henderson) Chapman, Orthopedic Physician Assistant and Former Conference MVP D1 Athlete

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 ...

Dec 16, 202352 minSeason 2Ep. 67
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android