Jul 27, 2025
Jonathan Fruge, a talented tenor from Lubbock, Texas, shares his journey from aspiring engineer to world-class performer on stages like Carnegie Hall. Despite his initial hesitance, he finds his calling in music, supported by mentors and a vibrant community. However, when COVID-19 impacts the arts, Jonathan faces setbacks both personally and professionally. Join Toby Brooks as he delves into Jonathan’s story of resilience, discussing the highs and lows of a career in the performing arts and the ongoing quest for purpose and fulfillment.
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Jul 27, 2025
Toby Brooks’ podcast episode features an insightful conversation with Dave Holmes, exploring the journey from near-success to personal achievement. Holmes, known for his time as an MTV VJ and his podcast “Waiting for Impact,” shares how resilience shaped his career after setbacks like losing the VJ contest to Jesse Camp. They delve into pop culture, the quest for personal growth, and the resilience required in the entertainment industry. This engaging discussion highlights perseverance in transforming life’s unpredictable turns into opportunities for growth and success.
Jul 15, 2025
Join Toby Brooks as he explores resilience and servant leadership with Branda Anderson, a former Division 1 basketball player turned Holocaust education advocate. Discover Branda’s journey from a champion athlete inspired by her mentor to a teaching and learning specialist in Seattle. Uncover how her unwavering commitment to her role and community led her to pursue a PhD in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Listen in as Branda shares insights on identity, faith, and the power of mentorship, making a case for pursuing impactful education with purpose and compassion.
Jul 12, 2025
Nancy Kincaid delves into the life, lessons, and legacy of her late husband, Coach Dick Tomey. Through heartfelt anecdotes, Nancy shares how Dick embodied humility, resilience, and compassion both on and off the field. Their story highlights Dick’s dedication to transforming challenges into opportunities and his profound impact on players and colleagues. This episode underscores themes of leadership, forgiveness, and reinvention, intertwined with insights from Nancy’s experiences as an acclaimed author and Dick’s partner. Join Toby Brooks in exploring the enduring influence of a coach who turned obstacles into triumphs.
Jul 11, 2025
Explore the transformative journey of Steve Safranek, from aspiring athlete to retail executive and finally a yoga instructor and author. In this insightful episode, Toby Brooks discusses Steve’s path from the gridiron to authoring “The Sh\*t No One Wants to Hear,” embracing life’s uncomfortable truths. Delve into Steve’s pivotal career shifts, from Target Corp to the holistic lifestyle, highlighting the role of yoga in his personal and professional metamorphosis. This story underscores resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of alignment between passion and purpose.
