Becoming UnDone – Details, episodes & analysis

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Becoming UnDone

Toby Brooks, PhD

Education

Health & Fitness

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 161

Hosted by professor, speaker, and performance & comeback scientist Dr. Toby Brooks (@tobybrooksphd), Becoming UnDone is where high-achievers come to reckon with rock bottom—and rise again. Every week, we explore what happens when life doesn’t go according to plan. Through raw stories, vulnerable insights, and powerful conversations, we dive into the pain of identity loss, the paralysis of burnout, and the transformative power of coming apart.

This isn’t just about failure. It’s about what you do next.

Whether you’re an executive questioning your purpose, an athlete facing the end, or a leader secretly unraveling, this show is your reminder: the coming apart isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of something greater. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What in the hell next?”—you’re in the right place.

https://linktr.ee/tobybrooksphd

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141 | Ilana Golan: Turning Setbacks into Success with Strategic Career Leaps

Season 2 · Episode 141

Sunday, November 9, 2025 • Duration 58:19

About the Guest

Ilana Golan is a groundbreaking entrepreneur, tech executive, and former Israeli Air Force commander. Known for being the first woman to command an F16 training squad, Ilana's career trajectory has been far from conventional. She has made her mark in Silicon Valley, succeeded in raising significant venture capital, and established herself as a respected voice on resilience and adaptive change. Currently, she is the CEO of Leap Academy, which offers strategic guidance to individuals seeking transformative career and life transitions. Ilana's journey is a testament to grit, resilience, and the power of reinvention.

Episode Summary

Prepare for an inspiring episode of Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks as he engages with Ilana Golan, a formidable force in entrepreneurship and personal transformation. This week's conversation delves deeply into the trials and triumphs that have shaped Ilana's bold journey—from her early years training fighter pilots in the Israeli Air Force to her innovative ventures in Silicon Valley. Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, Ilana shares how setbacks have fueled her drive and commitment to aid others on their paths of reinvention.

Throughout the episode, Toby and Ilana explore pivotal moments of crisis and the clarity they can offer. The conversation touches on the concepts of resilience when facing unforeseen professional upheavals, and how Ilana has used her experiences to forge a new path with Leap Academy. This venture was born out of her tumultuous startup journey, teaching career strategy and empowering others to take charge of their professional trajectories. Offering insights into entrepreneurship, personal growth, and future directions, this episode is a rich tapestry of motivational themes interwoven with practical advice.

Key Takeaways

Resilience in Setbacks: Ilana Golan discusses how being ousted from her startup became a catalyst for future success and personal reinvention.
Power of Reflection: The significance of self-awareness and strategic planning in career transitions is highlighted as Ilana reflects on her journey.
Strategic Career Leaps: A portfolio career approach and multiple income streams are essential strategies for living with purpose and adaptability.
Phases of Life and Success: Ilana emphasizes understanding one's phase of life to redefine personal metrics of success.
Community and Support: Creating a network of like-minded individuals who are also high achievers and driven can provide invaluable support and opportunities.

Notable Quotes

"Sometimes wrong turns are the very ones that lead to the right place." – Ilana Golan
"I needed to feel that regret. That regret was something I never want to feel ever again." – Ilana Golan
"Every twist, every setback, every leap, she's redefined what it means to be resilient." – Toby Brooks
"It's not easy, but it's simple. Execution can be difficult." – Ilana Golan
"You want to be leap ready, even if you're staying there." – Ilana Golan

Resources

Leap Academy: leapacademy.com - Ilana Golan's platform offering transformative career guidance.
Ilana Golan on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
Ilana Golan on Instagram: Instagram Profile
Podcast Episodes and Updates: Becoming Undone

Tune in to this enlightening episode to fully grasp the depth of Ilana Golan’s story and the inspirational insights she offers. Stay connected with future episodes of Becoming UnDone, where compelling stories of personal transformation and growth are shared.

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.

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140 | From Refugee to CEO: Quang X. Pham's Journey of Grit, Toughness, and Effort

Season 2 · Episode 140

Saturday, November 1, 2025 • Duration 57:06

About the Guest

Quang X. Pham is a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur and former United States Marine Corps aviator. Initially arriving in the United States as a 10-year-old refugee fleeing a collapsing Saigon, Pham eventually became a decorated Marine Corps aviator. He is now the CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics, a leading biotech company focused on innovative therapies. In addition to his professional endeavors, Quang Pham is a published author, capturing his incredible journey and insights in various books. His latest work, "Underdog Nation," conveys the themes of resilience and the power of seizing opportunities in America.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of "Becoming Undone," host Toby Brooks converses with Quang X. Pham, a former refugee who rose through extraordinary circumstances to serve as a US Marine Corps aviator and biotech CEO. The discussion delves into Pham's dynamic journey—from navigating life as a Vietnamese refugee in Arkansas to achieving remarkable success in the Marine Corps and the biotech sector. Highlighting themes of grit, gratitude, and transformation, Pham shares how his early life challenges molded his path and helped him rise above expectations.

Throughout the episode, Pham and Brooks examine the nuances of overcoming fear, integrating relentless action, and breaking through barriers that seem insurmountable. Pham emphasizes the significance of the ER principle—effort and result—advocating for a success mindset anchored in persistent action rather than passive aspiration. From recounting his love for baseball as a gateway to American culture to his ambitious professional ventures, Pham offers a paradigmatic illustration of the power of resilience. This episode is fully packed with discussions that encourage redefining setbacks into stepping stones and seeking out mentors across varied backgrounds.

Key Takeaways

From Refugee to Resilience: Quang X. Pham illustrates a profound transformation from navigating life as a refugee to taking decisive steps that shaped his successful career in aviation and biotechnology.
Overcoming Fear with Action: Pham emphasizes not letting fear stifle potential by focusing on action-oriented practices to achieve set goals.

131 | Nick Peck: Finding Purpose and Healing Through Storytelling and Faith

Season 2 · Episode 131

Friday, August 22, 2025 • Duration 36:37

About the Guest

Nick Peck is an accomplished author and former collegiate athlete, known for his compelling storytelling, particularly in his latest work, Only Way Out. Growing up in an abusive, alcoholic household in California, Nick faced significant trauma and adversity. He eventually found refuge in sports, earning a scholarship in football. Transitioning into journalism and authorship after retiring from athletics, Nick has made it his mission to inspire and help others through his genuine and heartfelt narratives. His works are informed by his personal experiences, motivating readers by illustrating resilience and the transformative power of storytelling.

Episode Summary

In this captivating episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks interviews author and former collegiate athlete Nick Peck, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and healing through storytelling. Nick shares his tumultuous upbringing in California, detailing how sports served as his escape from a life marred by trauma and instability. His latest book, "Only Way Out," is a compelling testament to his journey and an inspiration for others seeking solace and purpose amidst chaos.

The conversation delves into how Peck used writing as a therapeutic outlet, crafting a narrative that resonates with many. Touching on the power of family, forged in adversity, and the community found in sports, Nick offers valuable insights into how identity can be formed and reformed in the face of life's challenges. The episode also highlights Nick's journey of faith, mentorship, and the impactful role of writing in processing his past. This episode is a profound exploration into overcoming adversity and finding new purpose through creative expression.

Key Takeaways

Sports can provide structure and a surrogate family for those growing up in chaotic environments, offering a path to new beginnings and opportunities.
Writing and storytelling can serve as powerful tools for healing, allowing individuals to process trauma and speak truth from their scars.
The importance of perseverance and gratitude is emphasized, with Nick underlining the mantra of "don't quit" as key to overcoming life's challenges.

041 | LEARN with Learning Scientist and Director of Center for Teaching and Learning at A.T. Still University Dr. Quincy Conley

Season 1 · Episode 41

Wednesday, July 19, 2023 • Duration 54:17

For Dr. Quincy Conley, days spent today helping faculty improve their teaching at AT Still University have become highly rewarding and fulfilling, but they weren’t exactly always what he’d expected or planned to do with his life. Self-described as a mediocre high school student who found most of his earliest successes in sports, it wasn’t until a mentor emerged later in high school that ideas of becoming an electrical engineer took root. He found himself in snowy North Dakota nearing the end of a degree with plans to be on the beach on the sunny island of St. Thomas—that is, until the terrorist attacks of 911 closed that door. A gifted teacher, Dr. Conley is also a skilled interviewer, as you’ll hear he turned the tables on me and got me monologuing about my past as only a talented researcher can. But above all, Quincy’s story is one of never being satisfied with what you know today and to relentlessly pursue your better, no matter what direction that pursuit might take you. I hope you’ll enjoy episode 41: LEARN with my friend Dr. Quincy Conley.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

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040 | CHAMPION with Sports Chaplain and Character Coach Roger Lipe

Season 1 · Episode 40

Monday, July 17, 2023 • Duration 56:13

Roger Lipe, a longtime sports chaplain and author, shares his journey from a (his words!) mediocre high school wrestler to a successful sports chaplain and character coach. He discusses the importance of building trust and connection within teams, and how he helps athletes discover their purpose and passion. Lipe also talks about his new book, which focuses on developing the faith of elite sportspeople. Overall, his message is one of encouragement and inspiration, urging athletes and coaches to take risks and pursue their dreams.

Long serving Southern Illinois University Carbondale and around the globe, his most recent move is as a Character Coach for Nations of Coaches where he helps teams connect and build trust while they compete. Now a 15-time published author, his work has been translated into countless languages and has been used around the globe. I hope you’ll enjoy episode 40: CHAMPION with my dear friend Roger Lipe.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

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039 | COMPETE with Vocalist Brynnan Brooks

Season 1 · Episode 39

Tuesday, July 4, 2023 • Duration 44:41

It is Word to the 3rd: my reflections on purpose, life, and growth. I’m Toby Brooks, and I am a speaker, author, professor, and forever student. Each week on Becoming UnDone, I bring you guests who have dared bravely, risked mightily, and grown relentlessly—high achievers who have transformed from falling apart to falling into place. But every third episode, it’s my turn to reflect, refine, and reprocess—on Word to the 3rd.

Great to be back in the studio for another episode of Becoming UnDone! Continuing our reboot of my first foray into podcasting, a fairly short-lived show called “Better Every Week” co-hosted with my daughter Brynnan Brooks, I thought it would be great to dust this episode off, recut it a bit, and reproduce it here for my show. Now--as I was listening to our conversation, I was struck by the notion that it is pretty cool that we discussed the importance of being brave, of viewing failure through the lenses of growth, and the show was a little rough around the edges. Our microphones were pretty sketchy. The refrigerator kicked on mid-conversation. I mumbled into the mic too often. But we did it anyway. The best way to get better at something is to withstand sucking at it for a while. And we did.

But after just four episodes, our good intentions were overtaken by pressures, packed calendars, and in some cases good old-fashioned excuses. But as disappointing as that may seem on the surface, there were victories. I learned how to host and post a show. I discovered some ways NOT to record and how NOT to edit. And while I’m still and forever will remain a work in progress, I got better. I persevered. And now we are closing in on our 50th episode.

The conversation was a good one, too. In this installment, then-University of Oklahoma freshman and now Junior Texas Tech University vocal performance major (and my daughter) Brynnan Brooks leads the way to talk about all the ways that competitive athletes and professional artists are different. And even more so how they are a lot alike. It’s a fun topic that I hope you’ll find informative and thought provoking. I hope you’ll enjoy episode 39: COMPETE

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

038 | REBOUND with Researcher and Professor Dr. Ram Haddas

Season 1 · Episode 38

Sunday, June 18, 2023 • Duration 01:00:42

Dr. Ram Haddas' story is one of resilience and perseverance. He emphasizes the importance of taking action towards your dreams and never stopping pushing. Comfort zones can be dangerous, and it's essential to stay motivated and be responsible for your outcomes. Ram shares a personal story of taking on a new position during COVID and not having any data to publish. Instead of waiting for his lab to open, he contacted people with existing data and taught himself how to publish in areas he wasn't comfortable with, resulting in his first systematic review papers. Ram also highlights the value of seeking feedback and learning from failures. He shares a story of getting a lower grade in class and taking responsibility for his outcome by identifying areas of improvement and working on them. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ram is a testament to the fact that it is possible to rebound from difficult situations and come out stronger on the other side. He has experience in various roles, including as an athlete, soldier, entrepreneur, researcher, and now a professor, and has learned that failure is a crucial part of the process and can teach valuable lessons.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

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037 | THE SPARTAN MINDSET with TEDx Speaker, Author, and Coach Reed Maltbie

Season 1 · Episode 37

Sunday, May 28, 2023 • Duration 01:01:42

Words matter. The choices we make the words we choose to speak and to write send powerful signals to the people we are trying to lead or inspire can make all the difference between a powerful connection or a missed opportunity. For San Diego, California transplant Reed Maltbie, decades of experience as an athlete, a coach, and as a speaker had taught him the importance of the perfect word applied at the appropriate time for the proper audience. But it wasn’t until a trusted advisor and those closest to him inspired him to stop talking about the idea and to put them to work. His newest book, just released in April 2023, The Spartan Mindset: Mastering the Language of Excellence shares powerful and personal insights that are supported by science. Hear Reed share his own story of battling through dark times and finding victory through persistence, will, and the love and support of his family in Episode 37: THE SPARTAN MINDSET.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

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036 | TOXIC MOTIVATION (W3W) with Vocalist Brynnan Brooks

Season 1 · Episode 36

Saturday, May 27, 2023 • Duration 34:43

This week was hard. It was a wake-up call for me. I was told that several people had been asking why I hated my job. I was dumbfounded. Hate my job? I love my job. I so appreciate the opportunities I get to try to inspire and teach others. In fact, it aligns directly with my purpose to help others discover and pursue THEIR purpose. However, I’ve probably been too transparent about my ambitions. I have goals and plans to multiply my influence and inspiring on a larger platform. And after hearing that hard truth that people think I am unhappy in the now, it made me realize two things.

First of all, not everyone in your circle is in your corner. If someone really has concerns about you, why would they talk to someone else without talking to you? Brene’ Brown talks about how the person who puts themselves in the arena shouldn’t concern themselves with the critics in the stands.

I get that. I do. But secondly, I also understand that I have a role in this, too. There’s a fine line between being transparent for the sake of trying to inspire someone and the flip side of coming across like you are disrespecting your current place in life.

I just got Kobe Bryant’s book, the Mamba Mentality, in the mail yesterday. I am looking forward to reading it, but Kobe is arguably one of the best examples of extracting every ounce of ability out of life through a borderline maniacal work ethic and commitment to excellence. But when Kobe was in high school at Lower Merion with dreams of NBA stardom, did people think he hated his high school? Did critics question his drive to reach the top? I doubt it.

My goals and my aspirations are to become the absolute best version of myself that I can. I’m working on a new degree. I am being mentored by people I respect and trust. I am mentoring others who also aspire to become THEIR best. I am doing my absolute best to be healthy and fit, productive, and impactful in my world. That’s the message I’d hoped the example of my life was SENDING out into the world.

And yet somehow apparently the message that was received was that I hated my job.

I missed the mark.

This show is my latest attempt at podcasting, but it’s not my first. That would be Better Every Week, a show my daughter Brynnan and I launched during her freshman year of college. I loved it, but it was hard for us to keep to a schedule. We ended up recording and producing just four episodes. I thought it would be fun to go back and perhaps re-release or repurpose some of the content here on my show now. And wouldn’t you know it: the first episode, we talked about how off-putting my drive and ambition has been even to my own family.That said, I hope you’ll enjoy this look back to a show my daughter Brynnan and I recorded during the first semester of her freshman year of college when she was at the University of Oklahoma.And I am also happy to say that she and her friends are working on a new show of their own, hopefully launching soon. So while Better Every Week was a well-intentioned but fairly short-lived effort, we don’t view it as a failure. It was simply a step on the path toward success. I hope you’ll enjoy episode 36: TOXIC MOTIVATION

035 | CHANGE UP with Stacie Salazar, Athletic Trainer, Crossfitter, and Former Collegiate Athlete

Season 1 · Episode 35

Sunday, May 14, 2023 • Duration 40:07

Sometimes, life can throw us curveballs that, in retrospect, can set us off in new directions. For California native Stacie Salazar, it was a series of chance happenings and encounters centered mostly around softball early in her formative years that started her toward a life in sport. When her father was diagnosed with cancer early in her childhood, he set out to spend as much time with his family as possible, she started playing catch with him in the backyard. From there, her love of softball grew through rec leagues and early experiences on the diamond. However, when she wasn’t picked for her 12U all-star team, she decided to get serious about the sport and that pursuit eventually led to elite travel ball teams, specialized coaching, and college scholarship opportunities. Along the way, she realized that the field of athletic training was a great fit for her love of sport and medicine, eventually leading her to Texas to pursue a graduate degree and a series of jobs that have provided not just a career but a purpose. Listen in to Episode 35 with Stacie Salazar: CHANGE UP

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

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Becoming UnDone – Details, episodes & analysis

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Becoming UnDone – Details, episodes & analysis

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