Becoming UnDone

About the Guest
Courtney Beck is a former elite gymnast and NCAA All-American at the University of Florida, where she was a part of two SEC championship teams. A high achiever in academics as well, she has earned multiple master's degrees and a PhD in sport management. In addition to her impressive athletic and academic achievements, Courtney is a corporate leader and founder of the "Plenty of Positivity" podcast. Currently, she serves as an adjunct professor and is an esteemed voice on positivity and resilience, focusing on community building and personal development.
Episode Summary
In this illuminating episode of Becoming UnDone®, host Toby Brooks engages with Dr. Courtney Beck, who shares her remarkable journey from elite gymnastics to academia and entrepreneurship. Courtney opens with her initial foray back into gymnastics after a three-year break, recalling how her resilience and determination enabled her to walk on to the University of Florida's gymnastics team. This transformative experience set the foundation for her fearless approach to life. The discussion ventures into her post-athletic career, shedding light on Courtney's struggles and eventual triumphs as she navigated identity shifts and new opportunities.
As the episode unfolds, Courtney delves into how she transitioned from a structured, perfection-driven athletic identity to master the realm of business, academia, and eventually, social entrepreneurship. She speaks candidly about the importance of continuous learning and setting intentions that align with one's inner values. Courtney introduces her concept of positivity, advocating for choosing a positive mindset every day, while acknowledging life’s challenges and setbacks. This conversation is an inspiring testament to how embracing the unseen moments of struggle and growth can lead to new beginnings that better align with one’s true self.
Key Takeaways
Fearlessness and Boldness: Emphasizing the importance of taking the first step, no matter how intimidating, can lead to valuable life lessons and personal growth.
Transitioning Identities: Successfully navigating the shift from athlete to professional requires accepting change and finding new purposes.
Building a Positive Mindset: Real, impactful positivity starts with acknowledging life's challenges and choosing how to respond to them every day.
Evolving Through Challenges: Courtney’s journey shows how vulnerability and resilience in the face of challenges can open the door to new, fulfilling paths.
Community and Connection: Creating supportive environments and networks is crucial for personal development and overcoming isolation, as demonstrated by Courtney's initiatives.
Notable Quotes
"Never be afraid to take that first step. And if it was not for her allowing me to walk onto that team, I don't quite know if I would have that sense of fearlessness."
"I'm Courtney Beck, and I am Undone."
"I was out, I was holding on to how do I still pull the quote, exercise as my form of gymnastics and sense of sport into it."
"Let go of that ego, letting go of all the titles when I would introduce myself but feeling comfortable in the unknown."
"The whole concept behind Plenty of Positivity was…every story I was reading was sheer negativity."
Resources
Courtney Beck on LinkedIn: Courtney Beck
Plenty of Positivity Podcast: Courtney's Podcast Website
Dive into this episode for a deep understanding of how Courtney Beck's story exemplifies resilience and positivity, offering insights that inspire transformation. Stay tuned for more enriching content from Becoming UnDone®.
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
Dr. Shawn Eagle is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, where he is regarded as a global expert on concussion and traumatic brain injury. With more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Eagle’s work has significantly influenced how concussion and brain injuries are understood, treated, and recovered from. His journey from a collegiate athlete suffering injuries to a prominent researcher underscores his dedication to improving athletes' lives and health outcomes through cutting-edge research.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Becoming UnDone® , Dr. Shawn Eagle joins host Toby Brooks to discuss the intricate journey from athlete to renowned concussion expert. Dr. Eagle candidly recounts his own experiences with sports injuries during his undergraduate years and how they inadvertently steered him toward a groundbreaking career in traumatic brain injury research. His story is a testament to resilience, underscoring significant themes of identity, failure, and ultimately redemption. The conversation delves into the science behind concussion and how modern treatments have evolved to provide more effective recovery pathways.
The episode also highlights the importance of understanding the long-term effects of concussions, particularly in athletes, and how early interventions can make a significant difference. This informative dialogue not only sheds light on critical advancements in concussion research but also serves as an inspiration for those grappling with personal and professional setbacks. Toby Brooks and Dr. Eagle reflect on personal growth, the power of perseverance, and the evolving landscape of sports medicine, attracting listeners interested in sports science, personal development, and medical innovation.
Key Takeaways
Personal experiences with injuries can pave the way for future professional paths, as demonstrated by Dr. Eagle’s shift from athlete to researcher.
Modern concussion treatment emphasizes immediate activity and symptom monitoring, moving away from outdated practices like prolonged rest in dark rooms.
Athletic trainers play a critical role in concussion management due to their proximity and understanding of athletes' baseline behaviors.
CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) narratives often overshadow the treatability and hope associated with concussions.
Resilience and adaptability are vital, as illustrated by Dr. Eagle's career journey and dedication to advancing science in traumatic brain injuries.
Notable Quotes
"I think this is a big part why I'm so passionate about the CTE side of things; I don't know what I would be without football."
"I want people to understand that the brain is plastic and will respond and can respond."
"Athletic trainers are kind of perfectly trained to manage concussion in the modern understanding…"
"For Sean, it wasn't just an injury. It was confusion, anxiety, a sense that something wasn't right."
"The very thing that could have been the end of his story as an athlete became the beginning of his purpose."
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 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 destination. But no matter what, if you're working through that journey and you work through those challenges, you have proven to yourself."
"If you don't see a light at the end of the tunnel, it's possible. And if that means one athlete believes in themselves again."
Resources
Follow Sarah Warren on her journey on Instagram.
Learn more about the podcast, Becoming UnDone®, at undonepodcast.com.
Listen to previous episodes featuring other high-achievers in sports and performance.
Embark on this engaging episode as Sarah Warren shares he
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
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.