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123 | Part 11: Discovering Leadership Lessons from Coach Dick Tomey’s Legacy with 1998 Arizona Football Co-Captain Barrett Baker
Barrett Baker: From Walk-On to Leader for Life
In this inspiring episode of Becoming Undone, host Toby Brooks sits down with Barrett Baker—former walk-on turned team captain of the legendary 1998 Arizona Wildcats. Barrett shares the unlikely and unforgettable journey that took him from the bottom of the depth chart to the heart of one of the most successful teams in school history.
But this story goes far beyond football.
Now a decorated Assistant Fire Chief for the Tucson Fire Department, Barrett reflects on the leadership, integrity, and unwavering belief instilled by Coach Dick Tomey—lessons that still shape his life on the front lines and at home. With stories of handwritten notes, hard-earned respect, and quiet conviction, Barrett shows how a culture of belief can transform lives—and how one leader’s values can echo across generations.
This isn’t just a sports story. It’s a story about grit, mentorship, and becoming the kind of person others can count on—on any field, in any season.
undonepodcast.com/ep123
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.
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005 | Mike Meyer’s Journey: From Baseball Prodigy to Coaching Success
In this episode of “Becoming UnDone,” host Toby Brooks, amid personal challenges, explores powerful stories from the life and legacy of Coach Dick Tomey. Featuring insights from Brent Brennan, Arizona Wildcats head coach, the episode delves into career-defining moments shaped by Tomey’s leadership style. Through compelling narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of Tomey’s impact on players and coaches, emphasizing relationships, integrity, and personal growth. As Brent shares memories, lessons, and aspirations, listeners uncover the enduring influence of Tomey’s mentorship on modern coaching and personal development.
004 | Brad Arnett: Journey From College Setback to Strength Coach Success
In this episode of “Becoming UnDone,” host Toby Brooks, amid personal challenges, explores powerful stories from the life and legacy of Coach Dick Tomey. Featuring insights from Brent Brennan, Arizona Wildcats head coach, the episode delves into career-defining moments shaped by Tomey’s leadership style. Through compelling narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of Tomey’s impact on players and coaches, emphasizing relationships, integrity, and personal growth. As Brent shares memories, lessons, and aspirations, listeners uncover the enduring influence of Tomey’s mentorship on modern coaching and personal development.
002 | Kara Fry Meyer’s Journey: From Team USA Gymnastics and University of Arizona Gymnastics Star to Life Mentor
In this episode of “Becoming UnDone,” host Toby Brooks, amid personal challenges, explores powerful stories from the life and legacy of Coach Dick Tomey. Featuring insights from Brent Brennan, Arizona Wildcats head coach, the episode delves into career-defining moments shaped by Tomey’s leadership style. Through compelling narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of Tomey’s impact on players and coaches, emphasizing relationships, integrity, and personal growth. As Brent shares memories, lessons, and aspirations, listeners uncover the enduring influence of Tomey’s mentorship on modern coaching and personal development.
001 | From Wall Street Dreams to Addiction Recovery Advocate: Hazelden Betty Ford Executive Joseph Skrajewski’s Journey
In this episode of “Becoming UnDone,” host Toby Brooks, amid personal challenges, explores powerful stories from the life and legacy of Coach Dick Tomey. Featuring insights from Brent Brennan, Arizona Wildcats head coach, the episode delves into career-defining moments shaped by Tomey’s leadership style. Through compelling narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of Tomey’s impact on players and coaches, emphasizing relationships, integrity, and personal growth. As Brent shares memories, lessons, and aspirations, listeners uncover the enduring influence of Tomey’s mentorship on modern coaching and personal development.
122 | The Science of the Comeback: Rebuild with Purpose and Clarity
Toby Brooks: The Science of the Comeback
What happens when you finally reach the goal you’ve worked toward your entire life—only to feel more lost than ever?
In this vulnerable and insightful solo episode of Becoming Undone, host Toby Brooks turns the spotlight inward, sharing his personal journey from academic triumph to existential turmoil. After achieving the coveted milestone of tenure, Toby found himself confronting a question that haunts high achievers everywhere: Now what?
Drawing from years of lived experience and study, he introduces “The Science of the Comeback,” a practical, powerful framework built on three pivotal steps: Reflect, Realign, and Rebuild. It’s not about bouncing back. It’s about becoming different, stronger, and more aligned with who you’re meant to be.
Whether you’re navigating burnout, redefining success, or staring down the silence that follows achievement, this episode offers clarity, courage, and a roadmap forward.
Listen in—and discover how becoming undone might just be the beginning.
undonepodcast.com/ep122
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 currently a professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. My life’s purpose is to help others discover and pursue theirs. 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 have an AS from Southeastern Illinois College, a BS from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and both an MA and PhD from the University of Arizona. 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.
