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About the Guest

Dr. Brittany Bankhead is an accomplished trauma surgeon known for her resilience and determination. She is a double board-certified academic trauma surgeon with an impressive history that includes transforming setbacks into stepping stones for success. Despite early challenges in her academic journey, including starting in an international medical program, Dr. Bankhead went on to complete her residency at prestigious institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin and a fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Beyond her medical expertise, she is an educator, researcher, entrepreneur, and a social media influencer who advocates for authenticity and balance in professional and personal life. Currently, she is a part of the Medical University of South Carolina.

Episode Summary

In this riveting episode of "Becoming UnDone," Dr. Toby Brooks interviews Dr. Brittany Bankhead, who shares her inspiring journey from struggling undergrad student to a double board-certified trauma surgeon. The episode sheds light on Dr. Bankhead's fortitude and willpower as she navigates the trials of medical school in the Caribbean, eventually securing a fellowship at Harvard. Her story is a testament to perseverance, evidenced by the uplifting message she later shared publicly, challenging naysayers who doubted her potential. Throughout her journey, Dr. Bankhead has embraced vulnerability and authenticity, carving a path that inspires budding medical professionals and beyond.

Moreover, the conversation delves into the personal aspects of Dr. Bankhead’s life, including her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic as an ICU fellow in Boston. Her candid recounting of the profound personal and professional challenges faced during that time underscores the importance of mental health support in high-stakes environments. She discusses her journey of self-discovery and resilience that led to a rekindled marriage. By openly sharing these impactful experiences, Dr. Bankhead emerges as a beacon of hope and strength, advocating for authenticity and balance in multifaceted roles as a mother, surgeon, and emerging entrepreneur.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Brittany Bankhead's journey from international medical school to Ivy League fellowship is a story of perseverance and determination against the odds.
• The importance of authenticity and embracing one's true self in professional settings is highlighted as a key to feeling a sense of belonging and maintaining mental well-being.
• Dr. Bankhead's experience during COVID-19 emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to have access to mental health resources, considering the high stress and emotional challenges they face.
• A testament to second chances, Dr. Bankhead's remarriage to her husband illustrates personal growth and the importance of self-awareness in nurturing relationships.

Notable Quotes

1. "It's a pretty story on the other side, because now I can sit here and say, oof, that gave me grit. Oof, that gave me resilience."
2. "It turned out that once I started being me, then I felt like I belonged a lot more."

Resources

• Dr. Brittany Bankhead on Twitter and

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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Episode Summary

Join Dr. Toby Brooks in this introspective episode of "Becoming UnDone" as he dives into the complex and riveting life story of Mike Tyson. Known for embracing failure, setbacks, and adversity, the podcast delves into how Tyson's early life of chaos and subsequent rise to become the youngest heavyweight boxing champion encapsulates resilience and redemption. Through Tyson's turbulent career, Brooks reflects on the lessons one can extract from his journey, creating a narrative filled with redemption, vulnerability, and growth.

In the episode, Brooks emphasizes the duality of Tyson's life as both a story of unprecedented success and formidable downfall. With a history marred by personal struggles, Tyson's raw tenacity the episode highlights, serves as a powerful example of how pain, if channeled effectively, can be turned into a pressing force for good. Tyson's evolution, from facing incarceration to rediscovering his identity beyond the ring, represents an extraordinary tale of the human spirit's ability to reintegrate and reinvent itself. Through Tyson's journey, listeners can identify key life lessons applicable to their own experiences, solidifying this episode as both a profound analysis and motivational discourse.

Key Takeaways

• Pain as Power: Discover how personal pain, when harnessed effectively, can transform into a source of power and drive.
• Support Systems Matter: Examine the critical role that support systems play in sustaining success and dealing with pressure.
• Redemption Journey: Embrace the belief that it's never too late to change and redefine your narrative, as exemplified by Tyson's transformation.
• Grounding Necessity: Understand the importance of staying grounded, especially when faced with rapid success, to prevent eventual collapse.
• Self-Reflection and Growth: Gain insight into the necessity for self-reflection and confronting personal demons as a pathway to personal growth and reinvention.

Notable Quotes

• "I'm not the guy I used to be. I've learned that pain is just part of the process and that you don't grow without it." – Mike Tyson
• "Your pain can be your power." – Toby Brooks
• "Success without grounding is fragile." – Toby Brooks
• "Redemption is always possible." – Toby Brooks
• "Who's your Cuss? Who's keeping you grounded?" – Toby Brooks

Resources

• Referenced People: DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Lewis Howes, Joe Rogan
• Events Mentioned: Fight with Buster Douglas, Bite fight with Evander Holyfield

Encouraging listeners to explore these themes further, this episode of "Becoming Undone" is a testament to the resilience found through the human spirit. Tune in to gain more profound insights into using life's raw materials for personal transformation and growth. Subscribe and listen to past episodes to continue your journey of self-discovery and empowerment with Toby Brooks.

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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Episode Summary

In this episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks dives into the core idea that traditional paths to success are not always the best or only options. Drawing from personal experiences and anecdotes, Toby explores the notion that real growth and fulfillment often lie in daring to carve your own path and questioning societal norms. This episode challenges listeners to step away from outdated blueprints of success and find their true selves through authenticity and self-discipline.

Throughout the episode, Toby emphasizes the importance of discipline over motivation, arguing that routine commitment and setting personal goals are essential for achieving true satisfaction in life. The episode also highlights stories of individuals who have dared to pursue their own dreams and defy the expectation of conformity, including references to the inspiring film "Rudy." Brooks encourages listeners to engage with his community, share their experiences, and support one another in forging individualized paths to growth and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• Challenge Conventional Paths: Real success often requires stepping away from societal norms and creating a unique path that aligns with personal values and aspirations.
• The Power of Discipline: Unlike fleeting motivation, discipline fuels sustained commitment toward goals and dreams, even when external results are not immediately visible.
• Growth Beyond Rules: True growth involves questioning the status quo and being willing to rewrite the rules, especially when conventional wisdom does not resonate personally.
• Authenticity Over Conformity: Building a life that fits one's own passions and dreams, rather than conforming to societal expectations, leads to deeper fulfillment and success.
• Community Support: Engaging with supportive communities can enhance accountability and encouragement as individuals pursue unique and fulfilling paths.

Notable Quotes

• "Disciplined commitment to your own path can reveal a success that's fulfilling and uniquely yours."
• "Zigging when the world is zagging takes guts."
• "Motivation is a mirage; what you need is discipline."
• "Life is too short to follow instructions that don’t align with your soul."
• "Success isn't just about hard work. It’s about building a path that feels right, even if no one else understands it."

Resources

• Visit the Undone Facebook Group to share your experiences with the community: TheUnDone

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation on breaking free from the norm to achieve personal success. Don't miss upcoming episodes as Toby continues to explore transformative stories and insights on Becoming UnDone.

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 TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.