Becoming UnDone

About the Host
Dr. Toby Brooks is the host of Becoming UnDone®, a podcast that delves into the stories of high achievers who have navigated failures and setbacks on their path to success. With a strong background in performance science, Brooks is dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their identities and develop resilience through his app, Science of the Comeback. He is also actively engaged in personal coaching and engaging keynote speaking, offering insights drawn from his own experiences and those of his podcast guests.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Becoming UnDone®, Dr. Toby Brooks shares his personal journey and deep love for the Olympics, reflecting on seminal moments such as the 1992 Olympics Triplecast and the impact sports have on shaping ambition and dreams. Drawing a parallel between the challenges faced by Olympians and personal comebacks, Brooks delves into the stories of Lindsey Vonn and Alysa Liu, two athletes whose paths to the Winter Olympics were marked by profound comebacks that offer rich insights into the nature of resilience, grit, and the motivation behind elite performance.
Amidst a narrative of personal reflection and awe, Brooks examines how individuals like Lindsey Vonn exemplify relentless determination and grit, while Alysa Liu's journey is characterized by rediscovered joy and autonomy. By weaving their stories into the broader theme of becoming undone and then choosing a path towards reinvention, Brooks challenges listeners to question their own motivations. Highlighting the psychological differences in motivation, he presents a thought-provoking discourse on how one's purpose can redefine the journey of a comeback, urging listeners to reflect on their own narratives of achievement and identity.
Key Takeaways
The Power of Grit: The episode underscores how overcoming physical and emotional hurdles requires sheer determination, as shown by athletes like Lindsey Vonn.
Embracing Autonomy: Alysa Liu’s story highlights the importance of reclaiming joy and autonomy, presenting a comeback fueled by personal choice.
Identity and Purpose: Dr. Brooks discusses how high achievers often face identity foreclosure, where self-worth becomes narrowly tied to achievement.
Purpose-Driven Motivation: The episode explores how intrinsic motivation, driven by mastery and meaning, can lead to sustainable joy.
Reflective Growth: Listeners are encouraged to question their motivations for coming back from setbacks, emphasizing growth and self-discovery over external validation.
Notable Quotes
"Being great necessitates being unbalanced. You have to be unbalanced to find every bit of energy and strength that you have to pull it off." – David Goggins
"Because the medal wasn't the comeback, the ownership and the liberty was." – Dr. Toby Brooks
"Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is driven by autonomy and mastery and meaning." – Dr. Toby Brooks
"Grit without refined purpose can pretty easily become self-destruction." – Dr. Toby Brooks
Resources
Toby Brooks' website
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
Jonathan Schwartz is a former top-tier entertainment business manager who was prominently recognized for managing the fortunes of A-list celebrity clients, including globally iconic artists like Beyonce, Alanis Morissette, and Mariah Carey. In his career pinnacle, he was deeply entrenched as a trusted advisor in rooms that many can only imagine. However, his life took a drastic turn when his gambling addiction and subsequent criminal activities resulted in a six-year federal prison sentence for embezzling millions. From that downfall, Jonathan has since rebuilt his life, becoming a marriage and family therapist specializing in addiction and trauma recovery. He aims to help others avoid the pitfalls that trapped him.
Episode Summary
In this compelling episode of Becoming UnDone®, Toby Brooks delves into the gripping and often heart-wrenching journey of Jonathan Schwartz, who once stood at the pinnacle of the entertainment business management world. Known for representing colossal talents like Alanis Morissette, Jonathan fell into the abyss of gambling and substance addiction, which led to embezzling millions from his clients and ultimately served six years in federal prison. In a barren landscape of broken trust and lost reputation, Jonathan has risen with a new mission: to aid others grappling with addiction. This poignant episode explores his descent, the salvation found in being caught, and the gradual yet profound rebuilding of his life. 
Throughout the conversation, key themes of addiction, accountability, and redemption are interwoven with Jonathan’s stark honesty about his past misdeeds and his newfound purpose. Emphasizing the importance of humility and personal accountability, Jonathan shares insights into life behind bars, the struggle with familial guilt, and his ongoing efforts to mend his strained relationships—particularly with his children. As Jonathan reflects on his past, it becomes a powerful narrative about the opportunity for transformation within adversity, brought to life through six years behind bars and leading towards a vocation driven by empathy and healing. 
Key Takeaways
Transformation from Adversity: Jonathan Schwartz’s story showcases how severe hardship can be a catalyst for profound personal change, redirecting life towards meaningful service to others.
Importance of Accountability: Jonathan emphasizes personal responsibility as a crucial element of genuine recovery and rebuilding relationships.
Gambling and Substance Addiction: The episode explores how Jonathan's unchecked gambling and substance use spiraled into major financial and personal losses but also acted as a unique opportunity for growth.
Role of Community in Healing: The significance of constructive community circles, personal support systems, and a healthy environment that fosters healing is highlighted.
Educational Pathway to Redemption: Post-incarceration, Jonathan pursued a career in therapy, focusing on addiction recovery, and underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in life.
Notable Quotes
"Ultimately, my higher power sent me a signal an
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
Idris Haroon is a former professional football player who had a noteworthy journey through college and professional sports. He played as a defensive lineman at the University of Arizona and later in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Post his athletic career, Haroon transitioned into the business world, leveraging his leadership and teamwork skills to excel in corporate America. He now serves as an executive and entrepreneur, founding DWD Moving Services, a logistics company that specializes in niche markets like research lab and college coach relocations. As an advocate for resilience and adaptability, Haroon continues to inspire with his dedication to building businesses and leading teams.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Becoming UnDone® Toby Brooks sits down with Idris Haroon to explore the transformative journey from college athlete to professional football player, and finally to a successful entrepreneur. Haroon shares his experiences at the University of Arizona, under the guidance of Coach Dick Tomey, and how Tomey's philosophies on team and leadership have continued to influence his life. Despite not making it to the NFL, Haroon's career in the CFL provided valuable life lessons that he later applied in the corporate and entrepreneurial realms. Through his company, DWD Moving Services, Haroon identifies niche opportunities and leads with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
The conversation delves deep into the life-changing moments Haroon experienced post-football, highlighting the resilience required to transition from sports to business. With insightful anecdotes, Haroon discusses the challenges of founding a logistics company, navigating personal and financial risks, and overcoming doubts. His unique approach to treating corporate America as his "NFL" showcases the importance of adaptability and the role that perseverance plays in achieving success beyond the field. Listeners will gain insight into Haroon's entrepreneurial spirit, his ability to turn setbacks into strategies, and how he champions others to redefine what it means to win.
Key Takeaways
Idris Haroon reveals how playing football taught him valuable leadership and teamwork skills which are transferable to any career, especially entrepreneurship.
The episode highlights Haroon's transition from professional sports to corporate America and his eventual step into entrepreneurship with DWD Moving Services.
Haroon underscores the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks, drawing on lessons learned under Coach Dick Tomey.
The discussion touches on the power of identifying niche markets within a saturated industry to achieve business success.
Haroon shares personal success strategies, emphasizing the significance of treating career transitions as new opportunities rather than endings.
Notable Quotes
"The beauty of having coaches in your life is you see great examples of leaders at a young age."
"Having multiple voices in your head is a healthy thing. You're not crazy."
"I'm going to treat the real world like it's my NFL."
"Once I was able to
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
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.