Show Notes: Episode 42

About The Guest(s):

Toby Brooks is a speaker, author, professor, and forever student. He is the host of the podcast “Becoming UnDone” where he brings on guests who have transformed their lives from falling apart to falling into place. Toby is also currently taking formal grad classes and is a father to a son who is passionate about baseball.

Summary:

In this episode of “Word to the 3rd” on the “Becoming UnDone” podcast, Toby Brooks reflects on the challenges he has faced this summer and shares a personal story about his son’s journey in baseball. Toby’s son, Taye, is a talented baseball player who had to make a tough decision about his future in the sport. Despite facing setbacks and injuries, Taye showed resilience, determination, and a team-first attitude. Toby also discusses his own experiences as a youth sports coach and the lessons he has learned about the importance of character over flashy appearances.

Key Takeaways:

1. Toby’s son, Taye, faced challenges in his summer of travel baseball but remained focused and determined.
2. Taye’s abilities may not be flashy, but he excels in doing the little things well and being a team player.
3. One inch can make all the difference in sports and in life, and it’s important to embrace and crush the inches that are within our control.
4. Toby reflects on the frustrations of being a student again and calls for a change in the way teachers assign research papers and discussion board posts.
5. Despite the challenges, Toby is grateful for the time spent with his son during his recovery from surgery and looks forward to helping him get back to full strength.

Quotes:

• “The difference between a season-ending injury and a base hit, the difference between a bruise that could use some ice and a fracture that would take five pins to correct.” – Toby Brooks
• “He just kept doing what he does. His abilities don’t scream for your attention like most superstars, but if you watch him, he does the little things really, really well.” – Toby Brooks
• “The inches we need are everywhere around us. They’re in every break of the game, every minute, every second.” – Al Pacino (from “Any Given Sunday“)
• “Taking grad classes again has shown me life through the eyes of a student for the first time in a while. And I’ll be honest, it can be pretty terrible, mostly because of us. Teachers.” – Toby Brooks
• “He’s gotten older. I’ve loved the time we spend together as I’ve worked on his various ailments, he’s kind of injury-prone, and this one’s going to be no different. I will love every second of getting him back to full speed and strength.” – Toby Brooks