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

1. "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."
2. "I'm Courtney Beck, and I am Undone."
3. "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."
4. "Let go of that ego, letting go of all the titles when I would introduce myself but feeling comfortable in the unknown."
5. "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

1. "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."
2. "I want people to understand that the brain is plastic and will respond and can respond."
3. "Athletic trainers are kind of perfectly trained to manage concussion in the modern understanding…"
4. "For Sean, it wasn't just an injury. It was confusion, anxiety, a sense that something wasn't right."
5. "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

1. "I got humbled with that first ACL. It was not a typical ACL… And that it was my worst fear."
2. "The Olympic dream was very alive for four and a half years and about for a month and a half, it almost died."
3. "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."
4. "It's very easy to look at destin

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.