newest episode
126 | The Impact of a Purpose Storm: Transforming Loss into New Beginnings
In this episode, Toby Brooks discusses the profound identity shifts individuals face when moving from one life phase to another. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from high achievers, including military veterans and Olympic athletes, Toby introduces the concept of “purpose storms” and emphasizes the importance of evolving rather than clinging to past identities. Discover Toby’s UN.D.O.N.E. Method ™ for rebuilding life with intention amidst change. Tune in for a preview of his upcoming conversation with Nanci Kincaid about legacy and the transformative journey beyond life’s significant endings.
You. Aren’t. Done.YET.
Becoming UnDone: Where High Achievers Turn Setbacks into Comebacks. Join Dr. Toby Brooks as he guides you through the art of transforming unfinished goals into unstoppable growth, one inspiring story at a time.
Achievers aim high, but to fall short is fundamentally human. Sometimes we fail. Sometimes we simply run out of time. Either way, it is what we do with the end of one chapter that can make all the difference in the next. Do we fall apart at the seams, coming undone to be forever branded as someone who lost? Or do we see the fuller picture, recognizing that the task remains unfinished and understanding that the end of a chapter isn’t the same as the end of the story. Becoming UnDone is the podcast for those who dare bravely, try mightily, and grow relentlessly. Join author, speaker, and host Dr. Toby Brooks as he invites a new guest each episode to examine how high achievers can transform from falling apart to falling into place.
recent episodes
recent show notes
041 | Dr. Quincy Conley’s Journey From Struggling Student to Educational Leader
Quincy Conley, Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at A.T. Still University, shares his non-linear journey from struggling high school student to academic leader. In a conversation with Toby Brooks, Quincy reflects on the pivotal moments, including his shift from aspiring electrical engineer to instructional designer. He highlights his experiences with corporate instability, his pursuit of advanced degrees, and his passion for improving educational practices. Quincy’s story embodies resilience and the relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth, offering insights into embracing change and continuously learning.
022 | Krickett Carpenter Pappas’ Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph and Heartbreak
Former gymnast Krickitt Pappas faced intense trials, from a career-ending injury to a devastating car accident that erased memories of her husband. Over years, she navigated recovery, relearned their love story, and penned a bestselling book, “The Vow,” inspiring a Hollywood adaptation. But in 2018, further challenges arose when her marriage ended. Now, Krickitt shares her journey of resilience, faith, and starting anew. Join host Toby Brooks as they delve into her story of survival and rediscovery, emphasizing that sometimes things must fall apart to come together.
130 | Jacyln Emery: Navigating Identity and Resilience Beyond College Basketball’s End
Jaclyn Emery shares her journey from a high-achieving college athlete to an empathic high school athletic trainer. Facing unexpected challenges after a coaching change, Jaclyn navigated the emotional struggle of a difficult breakup with basketball. Through resilience and determination, she found her calling in helping young athletes deal with their own struggles. Hosted by Toby Brooks, this episode offers insights into identity, resilience, and the unexpected twists that lead to personal growth. Discover how Jaclyn transitioned from the court to become a mentor and champion for the next generation of athletes.
129 | Part 15: Celebrating Coach Dick Tomey’s Legacy of Leadership and Love
Toby Brooks reflects on the life and legacy of coaching legend Dick Tomey in the final installment of his docu-series. Uncover powerful lessons from leadership to loyalty, drawn from conversations with guests like Lance Tominaga, Mike Flores, and Brent Brennan. Explore Tomey’s impact on countless lives, emphasizing belonging, culture, and long-lasting influence over accolades. This episode delves into Tomey’s transformative approach to mentoring, his unwavering loyalty, and how he built leaders both on and off the field—offering insights applicable beyond sports to all walks of life.
032 | From Athlete to Athletic Trainer: Dustin Emery’s Journey of Resilience
Join Toby Brooks as he explores the journey of Dustin Emery, a four-sport athlete and state champion turned athletic trainer. Facing setbacks including a torn ACL and life-threatening blood clot, Dustin’s experiences guide his career in sports medicine. Now serving at McKinney High School, Dustin shares insights on balancing personal ambitions, adversity, and his deep-rooted faith. Discover how his past shaped his professional path, as he inspires others to push through challenges, sharing lessons learned from his own struggles and triumphs.
Your Host
toby brooks
Strategic in purpose. Relentless in pursuit. Better Every Day.
My life’s purpose is to help others discover and pursue theirs.
I’m Toby. I’m a dreamer, a learner, and a doer. I’m an author, speaker, podcaster, and performance scientist. I’m also the Director of the Academy for Teaching & Learning and a Full Clinical Professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. I’ve published more than 20 books, 30 peer-reviewed articles, and 200+ magazine articles in a diverse career as an athletic trainer, professor, and automotive journalist.
I’m a first-generation college student currently working on my sixth degree, with AS from Southeastern Illinois College, a BS from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, both an MA and PhD from the University of Arizona, an MBA from LSU Shreveport, and another MS in Exercise Physiology in progress at Baylor. As a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist, I have worked with the likes of the Las Vegas Raiders, USA Baseball, Arena football, and minor league baseball in pro sports, several colleges and universities, and nearly a dozen different high schools in a career that has spanned two decades.
I’m a proud dad, husband, author, and speaker and I relentlessly pursue better every day.
