Becoming UnDone

About the Host
Toby Brooks, PhD is the host of the Becoming UnDone® podcast, a speaker, author, performance scientist, and professor. With two decades of experience in the professional and collegiate sports realms, Dr. Brooks specializes in understanding what sets high achievers apart. He serves Baylor University, although the podcast operates independently as an avenue for sharing his research and insights on the mindset necessary for achieving excellence.
Episode Summary
In this rejuvenating episode of Becoming UnDone®, Dr. Toby Brooks delves into the transformative power of consistently showing up, especially when life seems to pull you apart. As the new year brings a wave of resolutions and renewed commitments, Dr. Brooks challenges the notion that personal growth happens naturally. Instead, he emphasizes intentionality in combating entropy and reaching new levels of personal and professional achievement.
Dr. Brooks introduces the concept of Kaizen, the Japanese principle of continuous improvement, illustrating through the legacy of John Wooden how marginal yet consistent efforts lead to monumental outcomes. This episode navigates through themes of persistence, dedication, and incremental progress, particularly in challenging moments when motivation dwindles. With anecdotes from his personal life and professional journey, Toby provides listeners with actionable strategies to nurture a growth mindset, strengthen resilience, and achieve lasting transformation.
Key Takeaways
Growth Needs Intentionality: Personal development is not passive; it requires deliberate, consistent efforts to counteract disorder and decline.
Principle of Kaizen: Small, regular steps, as demonstrated by John Wooden's coaching techniques, lead to significant and sustained improvements.
The Ripple Effect: Your persistence can inspire those around you, creating positive ripple effects in your community and personal circles.
Holistic Growth: Inspired by Jesus' model of development, balance mental, physical, spiritual, and social growth.
Resilience as Leadership: Showing up consistently, even when difficult, can provide hope and courage to others. 
Notable Quotes
"The heart of kaizen is that small steps taken consistently lead to big, lasting change."
"Every time you choose to show up…you're literally readapting your brain and maintaining your momentum."
"Your persistence gives someone else hope."
"Even Jesus showed up to grow…what excuse do we have?"
"Being Undone isn't the end of your story. It might just be the start of your best chapter yet."
Resources
Visit scienceofthecomeback.com for the "Becoming Undone Coaching App," aimed at guiding high achievers through their next chapter.
Follow Toby Brooks, PhD, on social media for additional insights and content surrounding personal development and high achievement.
Explore past episodes of the podcast, such as the conversation with Brandon McCoy in Episode 146, for more discussions on personal and professional growth.
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.

About the Guest
Brandon McCoy is a distinguished custom paint artist and graphic designer based out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Known professionally as Gooch Customs, Brandon has garnered a nationwide reputation for his unique approach to car graphics, pinstriping, and mixed media art. His journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a respected name in the automotive art scene highlights his dedication and passion. With a style deeply rooted in '90s mini-truck culture, his work spans from custom vehicles to viral objects like intricately designed toilets that capture a nostalgic yet contemporary aesthetic. Brandon's expertise extends to teaching custom paint classes and his work is highly sought after by clients and advertisers alike who value his bold and authentic designs.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Becoming UnDone®, host Toby Brooks invites Brandon McCoy, the mind behind Gooch Customs, to share his enthralling journey from a small-town Kansas upbringing to an eminent name in custom automotive artistry. The episode delves into how Brandon navigated his early life challenges, transitioning from restoring cars to embracing art as a full-time career, driven by social media's transformative power. With over two decades of honing his craft, Brandon infuses an unapologetic boldness into everything he creates—from mini-trucks and bike tanks to unusual objects, like the famous painted toilets, that have made waves at renowned events such as SEMA.
Brandon offers insights into his creative process, emphasizing the significance of trusting one's style and the pursuit of authenticity over perfection. Social media's role in Brandon's rise is discussed, showcasing how it allowed him to reach a global audience and exploit unconventional ideas that captivate the masses. Highlighting themes of resilience, passion, and innovation, this episode is a testament to the power of a determined, creative spirit and the adventures of establishing oneself as a noteworthy artisan in a competitive field. Listeners will find inspiration in Brandon's story of forging a distinctive path and embracing every artistic challenge with courage and commitment.
Key Takeaways
Authenticity Over Perfection: Brandon underscores the value of authenticity in art, asserting that "it's impossible for art to be perfect, if it's perfect, it's not art."
Social Media Influence: The pivotal role of social media in expanding Brandon’s reach and client base, exemplified by his viral paint jobs on unconventional canvases like toilets.
Challenges as Catalysts: Brandon's journey emphasizes embracing obstacles, with experiences like being fired and working from a small garage fueling his drive.
Community and Relationships: The importance of community is highlighted through Brandon's connections within the mini-truck scene and his commitment to teaching upcoming artists.
Passion and Persistence: The enduring theme throughout is the relentless pursuit of passion, where art serves as both livelihood and sanctuary.
Notable Quotes
"If it's perfect, it's not art. It's as simple as that."
"As long as I can wake up and
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.

About the Guest
Marissa Nehlsen is a renowned financial strategist, transformational coach, and motivational speaker recognized for her journey from impoverished roots to managing billions in assets. Born into generational poverty and raised in a home rife with trauma and dysfunction, she forged a path of resilience, later becoming a powerhouse in the financial industry. Beyond her role as a financial expert, Marissa is a member of the John Maxwell leadership team and an author of the book "Live Life Rich." She is passionate about empowering others through her journey of overcoming adversity to achieve success and fulfillment.
Episode Summary
In this compelling episode of Becoming UnDone®, host Toby Brooks dives into the extraordinary journey of Marissa Nehlsen, a financial strategist and transformational leader who rose from adversity to success. From enduring childhood abuse and poverty in North Dakota to becoming a mentor in the John Maxwell team, Marissa's story is not only inspiring but profoundly educational. This episode explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and overcoming challenges to find purpose and change lives.
Throughout the conversation, Marissa recounts her harrowing experiences from childhood, highlighting the pivotal moments that steered her towards resilience. The episode richly showcases Marissa's transformational journey, emphasizing her belief that adversity can be a stepping stone to one's highest potential. Discover how Marissa's faith, philosophy of living victoriously, and her endeavor to redefine 'wealth' interlink across her life story. Her narrative beckons us to consider how our pasts shape us, but do not define us, and how we possess the power to rewrite our destinies starting today.
Key Takeaways
Resilience as a Driving Force: Marissa underscores the potency of resilience in rising above adversities and transforming obstacles into stepping stones for success.
The Power of Choice: A central theme is Marissa's belief in choosing victory over victimhood, as instilled by her mother during times of hardship.
Redefining Richness: Learn how Marissa redefines 'rich' beyond monetary wealth, encompassing emotional, relational, spiritual, physical, and financial richness.
The Role of Forgiveness and Boundaries: Essential tools in her journey, Marissa shares how forgiveness and boundaries shaped her path to personal and professional fulfillment.
The Importance of Vision: Despite losing her eyesight to Stargardt disease, Marissa illustrates the profound difference between sight and vision, advocating for a life led by purpose, not limitations.
Notable Quotes
"Get up, you've got to get up right now." - Marissa Nehlsen recalling a pivotal moment in her childhood that taught her resilience.
"You can choose to be a victim, or you can choose to be victorious. What will you choose?" - Marissa's mother's powerful words that shaped her outlook.
"Remove from me what is no longer for me." - Marissa's guiding prayer that illustrates her understanding of growth and necessary change.
"People don't follow you because of your eyesight. They
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.

About the Guest
Nadalie Walsh is a seasoned former NCAA Division 1 gymnastics coach known for her servant leadership style and transformative impact on athletes and teams. With a history of coaching at various universities like the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Ball State, Utah State, and the University of Illinois, Nadalie's coaching career is distinguished by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to mental wellness. As a coach, she has won a national championship, had multiple All-Americans and Big Ten event champions, and been honored as the Region 3 co-head coach of the year in 2022. Nadalie is now the owner and CEO of Timber Ridge Ventures and Events and BeREADY, focusing on coaching, mentoring, and the development of young athletes.
Episode Summary
In this enriching episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks invites Nadalie Walsh, a distinguished NCAA Division 1 gymnastics coach turned entrepreneur, to share her inspiring journey of transformation, resilience, and leadership. From her early beginnings coaching due to unforeseen circumstances to leading programs at top universities, Nadalie's story is a testament to embracing change and leveraging past challenges as stepping stones to new paths. Her insights into how personal faith, servant leadership, and unyielding dedication have shaped her professional life create a compelling narrative.
The transition from a highly successful coaching career to entrepreneurship has opened new avenues for Nadalie Walsh, enabling her to pursue a calling closely aligned with her values and vision. By embedding mental wellness and identity-building at the core of her current work, Nadalie is filled with enthusiasm for the positive impact she can continue to have on individuals and organizations. This episode resonates with themes of reinvention, the importance of a growth mindset, and the vital role of mentorship in cultivating future leaders—all essential for navigating life's unexpected turns.
Key Takeaways
Servant Leadership: Nadalie emphasizes the importance of supporting and empowering others as a cornerstone for building trust and effective teams.
Faith in Transition: Leaving a long-term role was challenging, but Nadalie’s faith provided a framework to embrace new opportunities with optimism.
Championing Mental Wellness: Her commitment to mental well-being and preparedness in sports is pivotal, influencing her current business endeavors.
Rejecting Bitterness: Nadalie highlights avoiding bitterness through reflection and reshaping experiences into positive growth for oneself and others.
Continual Learning and Growth: Nadalie's career and personal journey exemplify dedication to lifelong learning, as seen in her current business pursuits aligning with her leadership.
Notable Quotes
"I wanted to make her better. So I got out of the wheelchair and I crawled and I helped choreograph on my knees."
"The ceiling that I was put under, it was a slow, like, kind of death to my spirit in a lot of ways."
"What the enemy means for harm, that God takes and turns around for good."
"As a leader, you have the most authorit
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.

About the Guest
Morgan Detrixhe is an accomplished athletic trainer with a journey marked by resilience and personal growth. Originating from Lubbock, Texas, Morgan was heavily involved in competitive soccer, which influenced her career path into sports medicine. She has worked as an athletic trainer at FC Dallas and currently holds a position at Children's Health Andrews Institute for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in the Dallas area. Morgan is celebrated for reaching three years of sobriety and actively shares her recovery journey to inspire and offer support to others.
Episode Summary
In this compelling episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks engages with Morgan Detrixhe, exploring her profound journey from a promising athletic career, through personal and professional challenges, to her inspiring recovery from addiction. Morgan candidly discusses the pressures faced as a competitive adolescent athlete, the toll that these ambitions sometimes take, and how her career in sports medicine unfolded. Her narrative offers invaluable insights into how one's identity, deeply interwoven with athletic performance, can impact mental health and lead to significant life changes.
Delving deeper, Morgan shares how her experiences in professional settings such as FC Dallas influenced her understanding of work-life balance and addiction. She touches on her realization that recovery called for vulnerability, community support, and a newfound spiritual connection. Her testament to overcoming adversity and reshaping her life's purpose presents a narrative filled with courage, clarity, and redemption. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in how personal resilience can lead to newfound directions, especially in high-pressure professions like sports medicine.
Key Takeaways
Societal Perceptions of Addiction: The conversation underscores the importance of understanding addiction as a chronic brain disease rather than a moral failing, emphasizing the need for a supportive approach within professional circles.
Navigating Identity and Pressure: Morgan's struggle with finding an identity beyond sports highlights the psychological challenges that athletes face when transitioning out of competitive environments.
The Role of Community in Recovery: The episode emphasizes the critical role that community plays in recovery, highlighting the power of human connection and shared experiences in fostering healing.
Spiritual Growth and Recovery: Morgan attributes a significant part of her successful recovery to finding a spiritual connection, illustrating the importance of faith in personal transformation.
Redefining Success and Purpose: Through Morgan’s journey, the episode reflects on how life’s unexpected challenges can lead to a deeper, more fulfilling understanding of success and purpose.
Notable Quotes
"I really hit this place where I couldn't imagine my life with alcohol anymore, but I couldn't imagine not living with it."
"I like to say that I recover out loud so that other people know the way out."
"Let us love you until you can love yourself."
"This has been
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.