Becoming UnDone

About the Guest
Sarah Warren is a U.S. Olympic speed skater who competed in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. Before embarking on her skating career, Sarah was a Division 1 soccer player at the University of Illinois. Her journey to the Olympics was marked by resilience and determination, overcoming ten surgeries, including multiple ACL surgeries. Beyond her athletic endeavors, Sarah has aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, inspired by the impact of her own medical experiences.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Becoming UnDone®, host Toby Brooks delves into the inspiring journey of U.S. Olympian Sarah Warren. Known for her exceptional speed skating prowess, Sarah's path to the pinnacle of Olympic success was set against a backdrop of considerable adversity. From her beginnings as a Division 1 soccer player to overcoming significant physical challenges, including ten surgeries, Sarah's story is a testament to resilience, community support, and finding strength amid setbacks. Sarah articulates how her journey through pain and doubt shaped her identity and spurred her toward her Olympic dreams, painting a vivid picture of personal growth and grit.
Throughout the episode, Toby and Sarah explore the importance of mindset and community in overcoming challenges. As Sarah shares candid moments from her recovery and training, listeners gain insights into the mental fortitude required to navigate high-stakes sports amid injuries. The conversation also highlights Sarah's future aspirations in orthopedic surgery, drawing a parallel between her sports achievements and her professional goals. As Toby unpacks Sarah's narrative, key themes surface around resilience, positivity, and the transformative power of adversity—making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking motivation or a deeper understanding of what it takes to triumph against the odds.
Key Takeaways
Resilience in Adversity: Sarah Warren's story underscores the power of mental toughness and persistence in overcoming physical injuries and challenges in sports.
Community Support: The role of family, friends, and community is crucial in navigating and rising above setbacks, providing a support system that contributes significantly to success.
Finding Purpose in Adversity: Challenges and setbacks can serve as opportunities for growth, shaping one's identity and future aspirations.
Mindset is Key: Approaching challenges with a positive, solution-focused mindset can lead to breakthroughs in both performance and personal development.
Career Transitions: Sarah's transition from competitive sports to her aspirations in orthopedic surgery illustrates the alignment of personal experiences with future professional goals.
Notable Quotes
"I got humbled with that first ACL. It was not a typical ACL… And that it was my worst fear."
"The Olympic dream was very alive for four and a half years and about for a month and a half, it almost died."
"It's hard. It is very tempting to not want to be a bother… But honestly, no matter what, whether you achieve the goals that you initially set out or not."
"It's very easy to look at destin
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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
Chris McCormick is a former Division 1 strength and conditioning coach who worked at Gardner-Webb University and Florida Atlantic University. Throughout his career, he played a crucial role in athlete preparation and development, initially with aspirations of ascending to an Athletic Director role. However, McCormick's journey took an unexpected turn when he transitioned from collegiate sports to full-time ministry. Today, he serves as the lead pastor at Reliant Church, passionately investing in spiritual growth and fostering community, leveraging his strengths as a coach to guide his congregation.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Becoming UnDone®, host Toby Brooks delves into the transformative journey of Chris McCormick, a former Division 1 strength and conditioning coach who transitioned into ministry. The conversation opens up with Chris's journey of how he achieved his dream job but found himself disillusioned and striving for more fulfillment. Brooks and McCormick explore how pivotal experiences, such as family commitments and community engagements, guided Chris toward a spiritual calling, eventually leading him to become the lead pastor at Reliant Church.
Throughout the episode, themes of identity and purpose take center stage. McCormick shares intimate reflections on the pressures and expectations that come with high-performance roles in sports, shining a light on burnout and the internal struggle of aligning personal values with professional aspirations. He candidly discusses the crossroads he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it steered him toward a path of church planting and community leadership. The adaptation from cultivating physical strength to nurturing spiritual growth highlights Chris's inspiring pivot and the newfound significance he finds in pastoral work.
Key Takeaways
Identity beyond profession: Chris McCormick illustrates the challenge of disentangling personal identity from professional roles, learning through his journey that he was not defined by his position as a coach.
Navigating career transitions: The episode explores the emotional and spiritual journey of pivoting from a career in collegiate sports to pursuing full-time ministry, driven by a deeper purpose.
The impact of burnout: Reflecting on his path, McCormick discusses how burnout and pressures in his former roles demanded careful evaluation and ultimately, a career shift.
The essence of adaptability: Chris's journey highlights adaptability and resilience, showing how skills accrued in one profession can fuel success in another.
Purposeful living: Emphasizing his faith journey, McCormick inspires listeners with the message that profound change is possible when following a higher calling.
Notable Quotes
"Gardner-Webb was like everything I ever wanted in a job. And it was like it wasn't what I wanted it to be."
"Pressure is going to essentially expose what's forming you. And once we figure that out, it might be a good thing or a bad thing."
"There was such an excitement about this new venture jumping out."
"If you don't love every single thing about it, you will get swallow
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
Matt Sayman is the head boys basketball coach at Midway High School in Waco, Texas, and a former professional basketball player in Iceland. Previously, he played collegiate basketball at Baylor University during one of its most tumultuous periods, amidst a major scandal. He is the author of "The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond," which chronicles his experiences during this challenging period. Additionally, Sayman was a Division 1 athlete who played a significant role in the challenging 2003-2004 Baylor basketball season.
Episode Summary
Join Toby Brooks in this episode of Becoming UnDone® as he sits down with Matt Sayman, a former Baylor University basketball player, who shares his journey through adversity, basketball, and faith. Matt recounts his experiences at Baylor during the 2003 basketball scandal, capturing the trials and tribulations that unfolded when his dream almost fell apart. Alongside his personal narrative, Matt reflects on the profound influence of Coach Scott Drew, who took over the Baylor program amidst chaos and laid the foundation for future success, leading the team to a national championship in 2021.
Delving into Matt's personal transformation, this episode explores his struggles with identity, the temptations of a partying lifestyle during his senior year, and the pivotal moments that prompted a shift towards a more purposeful and faith-guided path. Sayman candidly discusses his transition from a collegiate athlete to professional sports, the challenges encountered along the way, and the eventual pivot to a coaching career. This episode not only highlights Sayman’s resilience but also underscores the role of unwavering faith and supportive relationships in navigating life's tumultuous seasons. As listeners follow his remarkable journey, they are encouraged to reflect on their own moments of becoming undone and rebuilding stronger.
Key Takeaways
Matt Sayman recounts how his family's decision to move to Texas significantly impacted his path to becoming a Division 1 basketball player at Baylor University.
The 2003-2004 Baylor basketball season was plagued by turmoil, including a murder scandal and NCAA sanctions, which tested Sayman's identity and resilience.
Coach Scott Drew's positive culture and belief in a championship future had a significant impact on the Baylor basketball program despite initial skepticism.
Sayman's post-basketball struggles with identity and faith are depicted, illustrating how he overcame personal challenges and rediscovered his purpose.
The episode underscores the importance of perseverance, faith, and support systems in overcoming life's adversities and laying the foundation for future success.
Notable Quotes
"I just really wanted, I think, to go somewhere that I was wanted." – Matt Sayman reflects on choosing Baylor University.
"Wanted to get out of there. Matt Saman here. And I am undone." – Matt Sayman on feeling lost after the scandal rocked Baylor.
"You know, it is March Madness time… it's still a special, it's the most special sporting event to me." – Matt Sayman sharing his passion for March Madness.
"We love stories about
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
Roger Lipe is a seasoned sports chaplain and ministry leader with over 30 years of experience, primarily working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale. Throughout his career, he has dedicated his life to providing pastoral care and guidance to athletes, coaches, and sports teams, assisting them through both triumphs and challenges. Recently, after a series of personal trials and the passing of his wife, Sharon, Roger has stepped into a new chapter of his life, focusing on mentoring and supporting leaders in the sports and sports ministry landscape.
Episode Summary
In this poignant episode of Becoming UnDone®, host Toby Brooks welcomes back Roger Lipe, marking him as the first repeat guest on the show. Roger opens up about a life-changing text message that set into motion a whirlwind of events, including his wife's battle with cancer, his decision to retire early, and their subsequent move to be closer to family. Roger shares deeply personal insights into how these events reshaped his perspective on life, faith, and his identity beyond his career. With his characteristic humility and faithfulness, Roger reflects on themes of surrender, purpose, and the transformative power of love in the face of trials.
Throughout the episode, key topics include resilience, caregiving, and the journey from loss to finding new purpose. Roger Lipe speaks candidly about the vulnerability of feeling inadequate in caregiving roles, the importance of processing grief authentically, and the redefinition of intimacy and love in marriage. As he navigates through a season of immense change, he looks forward to his new mission of supporting and mentoring sports leaders. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and consider the courageous steps they can take when life becomes undone.
Key Takeaways
The Power of a Single Moment: A text message can alter life profoundly, setting one on an unforeseen path that tests resilience and faith.
Importance of Authentic Grief Processing: Avoiding the rush to return to normalcy and allowing oneself to fully grieve can lead to deeper healing and understanding.
Love and Caregiving: True love is embodied in selfless caregiving and maintaining dignity for loved ones during difficult times.
Identity beyond Career: Embracing one's identity in faith rather than career achievements can provide a steady foundation during life's upheavals.
Mentorship and Legacy: Transitioning into mentorship roles can help bridge the gap left by retiring leaders, preserving organizational values and history.
Notable Quotes
"The moment that changed everything and set the course of our lives was that text message."
"I can't control anything about this process. She doesn't need me to control it. So what can I do to serve my wife well?"
"Sharon had nothing to give, so it required me to give selflessly, to love extravagantly."
"I am always pleasing to him because of who Christ is in me. That's a big deal."
"True healing involves fully dealing with grief and all its challenges."
Resources
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 Host
Dr. Toby Brooks is a renowned professor, author, speaker, and performance scientist. With over two decades of experience working with elite athletes and high achievers, he specializes in performance psychology and resilience training. Dr. Brooks is the creator of the Science of the Comeback, an approach designed to help individuals navigate transitions and rebuild their identities after setbacks. He also hosts the podcast Becoming UnDone®, where he delves into the stories of individuals who have faced and overcome significant challenges.
Episode Summary
In this engaging episode of Becoming UnDone®, Dr. Toby Brooks reflects on the theme of Destination Addiction—the continual chase for the next milestone while missing the significance of the present. He shares a personal anecdote from a visit to an In N Out Burger, where he unexpectedly encountered the Lubbock Christian boys basketball team, involving a poignant moment of realization about enjoying the present. This story sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how we often tie our happiness to future achievements, neglecting the value of the current moment.
Dr. Brooks draws from his extensive experience with high achievers and athletes to underscore the universal tendency to focus on future accolades and achievements at the cost of missing the joy inherent in our current experiences. He articulates the dangers of defining one's identity based on outcomes and the importance of practicing last-night awareness to fully appreciate life's fleeting moments. Through the lens of performance science and personal anecdotes, this episode uncovers practical strategies to combat Destination Addiction and fosters a mindset that cherishes the journey as much as the destination.
Key Takeaways
Destination Addiction Defined: The episode explores the concept of Destination Addiction—pursuing future goals at the cost of appreciating the present.
The Value of Presence: Highlighting the importance of savoring current experiences instead of rushing toward the next big goal.
Rituals of Arrival: Dr. Brooks suggests creating 'arrival rituals' to adequately honor and celebrate achievements before moving forward.
Identity Beyond Outcomes: It's crucial to separate one's identity from successes or failures, focusing instead on consistent qualities like effort and integrity.
Practical Strategies: Implementing practical methods such as last-night awareness to ensure fully experiencing and valuing the present moment.
Notable Quotes
"Those are the moments that define us, not by just the collapse, but by what comes next."
"The weird thing is now I'm exactly where I want to be… I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them."
"If your first instinct after a win is to chase the next thing, you might be addicted to destinations."
"Ambition isn't the enemy, neither are growth or high performance. But when our peace is always postponed, trust me, that’s a problem."
"Resilience isn’t just about rising after we fall. It’s about not outrunning our own life in the first place."
Resources

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.