Becoming UnDone

• 136 | VISION: Kijuan Amey's Journey From Tragic Accident to Resilient Recovery

  About the Guest(s):Kijuan Amey is the Chief Motivational Officer at Amey Motivation, a company focused on inspiring individuals to overcome life's challenges. A former Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and an in-flight refueling specialist, Kijuan's life took a transformational turn following a devastating motorcycle accident that left him blind and with numerous physical injuries. Despite these challenges, Kijuan has become a motivational speaker and author, sharing his journey of resilience and purpose.Episode Summary:In this gripping episode of Becoming Undone, hosted by Toby Brooks, we delve into the emotional and inspiring journey of Kijuan Amey. Once an ambitious airman dreaming of piloting military aircraft, Kijuan's trajectory dramatically shifted after a motorcycle accident. The episode begins by painting a vivid picture of Kijuan's early dreams and ambitions in sports, engineering, and the military, before the narrative takes a dramatic turn, highlighting the incident that left him blind and changed his life's course. As Kijuan recounts the momentous day of his accident and the extensive recovery process that followed, listeners gain profound insights into the resilience and mental fortitude required to overcome life-altering challenges.Through an engaging conversation, the episode highlights themes of resilience, faith, and the power of reimagining one's identity after trauma. Kijuan discusses the mental and physical hurdles post-accident and how he has come to see his journey not as a setback, but an opportunity to inspire and motivate others. By exploring his concept of having lost sight but not vision, Kijuan sheds light on his approach to turning adversity into a platform for motivation and leadership through Amy Motivation. He shares poignant examples of how he's lived a full and adventurous life, even after blindness, leading to a powerful message of undeterred spirit and purpose-driven existence. This episode is a testament to human resilience and the capacity to grow and thrive beyond one's wildest expectations.Key Takeaways:Resilience in Adversity: Kijuan Amey's story exemplifies how resilience can transform life-altering challenges into opportunities for personal growth and leadership.Faith and Purpose: Kijuan discusses how his faith played a crucial role in reshaping his purpose, providing a sturdy foundation during his recovery.Overcoming Physical Challenges: Despite losing his eyesight, Kijuan has engaged in activities like skiing and rock climbing, proving that physical limitations do not define one's capabilities.Mental vs. Physical Vision: Kijuan emphasizes the distinction between physical sight and mental vision, maintaining that although he lost his sight, his vision and drive remain intact.Impact of Positive Influence: Through Amy Motivation, Kijuan has embraced the role of a motivational speaker, aiming to inspire others who find themselves facing their own adversities.Notable Quotes:"I lost the physical sight, but I didn't lose my mental vision." - Kijuan Amey"The purpose—the why—we have to continue to hold to it. If you forget what your why is, you forgReach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!Support the showBecoming 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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• 135 | From The Professor's Playbook: All-Nighters, Strategic Planning, & Aristotelian Generosity

  About the HostToby Brooks is an academic professional specializing in athletic training and sports medicine. Currently serving as the Director of the Academy for Teaching & Learning and a Clinical Professor at Baylor University, Toby has a rich background in athletic training, having previously worked as the head football athletic trainer at Liberty University. With a proven track record in educational settings and significant experience in content creation as a former director for RPM Magazine, Toby brings a wealth of knowledge in sports medicine and strategic planning.Episode SummaryJoin Dr. Toby Brooks in this thought-provoking episode of the Professor's Playbook, also streamed as part of his popular podcast, Becoming UnDone. Toby delves into the challenging balance of strategic planning and liberality in the realms of athletic training and sports medicine. With personal anecdotes from his blue-collar upbringing and insights into strategic planning, listeners gain a valuable understanding of the importance of balancing work ethics with smart resource management.In this episode, Toby explores the concept of liberality or generosity — not to be confused with political connotations — in the context of Aristotelian virtues. The discussion centers around strategic thinking and wise stewardship in high-performance environments, emphasizing the significance of aligning actions with values for long-lasting impact. By integrating SEO keywords such as "strategic planning," "liberality," "athletic training," and "sports performance," listeners get an enticing glimpse into Toby's insights about living responsibly while pursuing high goals.Key TakeawaysStrategic thinking is vital in athletic training and sports medicine, where aligning everyday actions with long-term goals defines success.Liberality, as an Aristotelian virtue, involves wise stewardship of resources, not limited to just financial wealth.Building and optimizing high-performance units rely heavily on effective people, process, and place synergy.Systems trump goals: Successful outcomes are achieved through well-established habits and processes rather than ambition alone.Regularly auditing and improving systems ensures sustainable and strategic resource use in professional and personal capacities.Notable Quotes"You don't rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.""Strategic thinkers don't just do more, they do better.""Liberality isn’t just about money; it's the moral orientation toward wise stewardship of all resources.""What separates good professionals from the great ones is the ability to think strategically over time.""Everybody loves to set goals, but goals are outcomes."ResourcesToby Brooks' Linktree - Connect with Toby Brooks for more insights and updates."Becoming Undone" Podcast - Explore more episodes where Toby discusses personal and professional growth strategies.RPM Magazine - An automotive publication once directed by Toby Brooks, highlighting his expertise in feature writing and magReach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!Support the showBecoming 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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• 134 | Legendary: John Lopez's Hall of Fame Journey in Athletic Training

  About the GuestJohn Lopez is a renowned figure in athletic training with a storied career that spanned over five decades. Starting as an electrical engineer major, John pivoted to the athletic training profession, emerging as a pivotal contributor and mentor to countless individuals in the field. He served in various capacities, including being the head athletic trainer for the Baltimore Colts and an assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for his resilience and mentorship skills, John Lopez was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Hall of Fame in 2012. Now retired, he continues to impact the industry with his insights and reflections on the evolving landscape of athletic training.Episode SummaryIn this episode of Becoming UnDone, host Dr. Toby Brooks delves into the extraordinary journey of John Lopez, a pioneer in athletic training who scaled the heights of the profession amid various challenges. This conversation unfolds with John sharing his unconventional path into athletic training, fueled by missteps in his early academic career and eventual redemption through perseverance. Today, he reflects on the essential role of mentorship, the evolution of the athletic training profession, and the cultural shifts needed to empower young professionals entering the field.Key TakeawaysMentorship is Critical: John Lopez underscores the irreplaceable role mentorship played in his career, advocating for increased focus on mentorship for the current generation of athletic trainers.Adapting to Change: There's an expressed need for the athletic training profession to adapt and evolve to provide better salary conditions and work-life balance.Burnout is Real: Lopez candidly discusses his experiences with burnout and the importance of having a supportive family to navigate and overcome challenging times.Professional Misalignment: Concerns about the disconnect between the number of accredited training programs and viable job opportunities highlight a pressing issue for the profession.Community Support: Building strong networks and connections within the field is essential to support athletic trainers' professional and personal growth.Notable Quotes"I crashed and burned twice big time. But thank God I had a wife who was strong enough to hold me up." – John Lopez"Our kids are far, far better educated than I was, or any of the people that were to us." – John Lopez"If you have a good support system if you have a good spouse, a good family, and they understand what you're doing, that's important." – John Lopez"In many respects, when you work for the athletics part of the organization, you're the one who basically is going to have to live by their rules." – John LopezResourcesJohn Lopez's NATA Hall of Fame BioBubs Naturals Collagen ProductsJoin the full episode for an enthralling discussion that not only serves as an inspiration but also provides actionable insights for those navigating their career paths in athletiReach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!Support the showBecoming 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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• 133 | Derrick Rose's Journey: A Lesson in Temperance and Resilience

  About the HostDr. Toby Brooks is a seasoned expert in athletic training, sports medicine, and movement science. He is well-respected in his field for his deep understanding of sports injuries, rehabilitation, and the virtues necessary for effective clinical practice. He is the host of "The Professor's Playbook" and the podcast "Becoming Undone," where he synthesizes complex sports and medical topics into actionable advice. His expertise is rooted in a thorough knowledge of biomechanics and a commitment to fostering long-term health in athletes.Episode SummaryIn this episode of Becoming UnDone: from the Professor's Playbook host Dr. Toby Brooks takes a deep dive into the concept of temperance within the context of athletic training and sports medicine, using NBA star Derrick Rose's career as a pivotal case study. At the height of his career, Rose faced a life-altering ACL injury that forced him to choose between short-term success and long-term health, a choice emblematic of temperance, which Brooks explores as a critical virtue for healthcare professionals. Through a detailed exploration of Derrick Rose's journey, Dr. Brooks weaves in the broader implications of temperance, both in decision-making processes and professional boundaries within sports medicine.Brooks discusses the pressures athletes and clinicians face to fast-track recovery to return to competition, highlighting Derrick Rose's controversial decision to undergo a full meniscus repair instead of quicker-fix surgeries. The episode further delves into the broader relevance of temperance in maintaining ethical standards, navigating professional boundaries, and fostering lasting trust between clinicians and their patients. Filled with insightful commentary, Brooks frames his discussion with philosophical and ethical perspectives, bringing in Greek philosophy and biblical teachings to ground his arguments on temperance as balance and measured action. The episode not only highlights the moral complexity of sports medicine decisions but also offers actionable guidance for restoring balance in clinical practices.Key TakeawaysDerrick Rose's journey underscores the critical importance of temperance—a virtue reflecting balance and long-term thinking in decision-making.Decision-making in sports medicine should focus on long-term health over short-term gains to ensure the well-being of athletes.Professional boundaries and ethical practices in healthcare are essential, requiring restraint and careful judgment to maintain trust.Clinicians must balance empathy with clear judgment to avoid becoming over-identified with their patients, thereby maintaining professional effectiveness.Temperance is not simply about withholding desires but making the "right" decisions that align with ethical responsibilities and patient care.Notable Quotes:"They don't come much more idiotic than Skip Bayless or Stephen A. Smith." — Toby Brooks"Temperance isn't about less; it's about right. The right measure, the right moment, the right motive." — Toby Brooks"That sweet spot. That's compassionate clarity and it's cool-headed confidence." — Toby Brooks"Temperance helps you hold thReach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!Support the showBecoming 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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• 132 | MAX OUT: Lubbock Christian Head Football Coach Chris Softley's Playbook for Life and Leadership

  About the GuestChris Softley is the head football coach and athletic director at Lubbock Christian High School in Texas. With a strong background in athletics, he played collegiate football until injuries led him to pivot towards coaching. Known for his leadership, grit, and deep faith, Coach Softley has made a significant impact in the realm of high school sports, molding young athletes into not only talented players but also well-rounded individuals. His approach focuses on leveraging sports as a platform to instill life lessons, emphasizing the importance of identity, resilience, and holistic development both on and off the field.Episode SummaryIn this inspiring episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks sits down with Chris Softley, the influential head football coach and athletic director at Lubbock Christian High School. Chris shares his journey from a promising young athlete in Nebraska with dreams of playing for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, to a transformative leader in high school athletics in Texas. Through candid reflections on his own experiences with injury, identity, and unfulfilled dreams, Chris delivers powerful insights about the pathways to personal growth, leadership, and the pursuit of meaningful impact beyond athletic achievements.Coach Softley discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the life-changing injury that redirected his path towards coaching. At Lubbock Christian, Chris is celebrated for crafting an unparalleled culture of excellence that extends beyond the weight room and playing field—all rooted in faith, integrity, and authentic relationships. His strategic focus on strength, conditioning, and character building, intertwined with a deep compassion for every student-athlete, underscores his commitment to preparing young individuals for challenges in sports and in life. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and nurturing each person’s unique talents, echoing the sentiment that true success is measured by the lives we positively impact.Key TakeawaysHolistic Approach to Leadership: Coach Softley underscores the need for an integrated approach to coaching that nurtures both the athlete and the individual grounded in core values and identity.Empathy in Coaching: Softley emphasizes the power of empathy in leadership, advocating for coaches who connect deeply with their players' experiences and challenges.Resilience and Identity: The episode highlights the importance of redefining personal success by concentrating on building resilience and maintaining a robust sense of self-identity, independent of athletic accomplishments.Legacy Beyond the Game: Through his narrative, Chris demonstrates how to leverage sports as a significant avenue for imparting life skills and enabling personal growth.Maximizing Potential: Softley advocates for continuous improvement and maximizing one's talents, whether in athletics, academics, or personal life.Notable Quotes"I felt like I was born to be a quarterback… but apparently not for very long.""We want young men and young women to leave here and say, that wasn't juReach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!Support the showBecoming 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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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