Freedom isn’t just about escaping—it’s about rising.

In life, we sometimes face moments that push us to the edge—moments where the future feels uncertain, and fear overwhelms us. But even in those dark times, there’s a quiet strength within us that rises. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that we are called to trust, to believe that God is guiding us, even when the way seems unclear.

Pushing through fear requires resilience and faith in something greater than the circumstances around us. The truth is, we all have the power to rise, no matter what we’ve faced or where we’ve come from. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, to build, and to become more than we were before.

So, when life gets tough, and fear of the unknown begins to creep in, remember: you have everything it takes to rise above it.

The generations before us laid the foundation. Now, it’s our turn. What legacy will you leave? Keep moving. Keep believing. You’ve got everything it takes to rise.

In this episode, I take a moment to honor Black History Month by recognizing not only the well-known figures but also the everyday heroes who have shaped our lives and communities. This episode is deeply personal as I reflect on the legacy of my beloved grandmother, Delia Burgess—affectionately known as Big Mama—who recently passed away just shy of her 95th birthday. I share a 2013 recording of Big Mama’s journey from sharecropping to freedom. Tune in for this inspiring conversation on faith, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of those who came before us.

"I’ve lived a good life. If I were to go today, I would be fine. But I’m going to do everything I can with every day that God has given me until He calls me home." - Delia Burrgess

Topics Covered:

(00:00:37) The Black History Month

(00:01:56) A Tribute to Big Mama

(00:04:33) To put God first

(00:06:00) Giving

(00:08:00) The lesson of resiliency

(00:11:08) Delia burgess: The Unsung Hero

(00:11:39) Big Mama’s Family Background

(00:17:38) Debt and the frustration of never escaping it

(00:18:36) The cruel treatment by plantation bosses

(00:19:51) The risk of seeking help

(00:21:29) A slave mentality

(00:24:16) The night of the escape

(00:26:35) Finally, freedom!

(00:28:58) Never going back

(00:30:15) How civil rights were delayed in certain areas.

(00:31:24) Carrying on the legacy of Charlie and Delia Burgess

Key Takeaways:

"Black history is American history, and Black history is not something that should just be celebrated in February, but throughout the year."

"Always willing to uplift someone else around her no matter what she had going on in her personal life."

"Do what you can and let God handle the rest."

"Never give up on God because He will never give up on you."

"It doesn’t always have to be money, but using whatever you’ve been blessed with to try to help other people."

"Many times with Black history, we don’t have as much written history, but the role of verbal history has been huge in our family."

"Children can be what they want to. This generation can. It's a big difference for them."

"Every generation does a little better. Be an example for them."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Starting the year with a focus on mental health and wellness can set the tone for the months ahead. The holiday season often brings its own set of challenges—stress, travel, and the pressure to be everything to everyone. By the time the new year rolls around, many of us are in need of a reset. But instead of rushing into resolutions, which are often abandoned by the end of January, it’s better to approach change with intention and mindfulness.

Real wellness doesn’t come from external pressures or empty promises. It starts within, with self-awareness and a willingness to give ourselves grace. Mental health is about recognizing where we are, being kind to ourselves, and taking manageable steps toward progress. It’s okay to not have everything figured out at once. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to your well-being. You deserve to show up for yourself in a way that nurtures your mind and spirit.

In this episode, we explore mental health and wellness as we kick off the year with intention. You'll hear practical advice on setting meaningful goals, managing stress, and staying grounded through challenges. With insights from past guests, you'll learn practical tips for embracing authenticity, giving yourself grace, and staying on track—no matter where you are in your journey.

"Trust your gut, if you know that you're not feeling your best. Nobody knows you better than you."

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Focusing on mental health and wellness

(00:00:26) Why resolutions fail

(00:03:07) Self-worth from within

(00:04:09) Embracing authenticity over perfection

(00:05:17) Staying grounded through accountability

(00:06:05) Trust your instincts

(00:07:10) Mental health impacts every area of your life

(00:07:30) Growth through unfamiliar environments

(00:08:16) Doing the work for lasting change

Key Takeaways:

"If you're going to make a change, you should make that change when you become aware of it."

"Everyone is on the other side of fear because fear stops us from doing so many things. So if you can get past or on the other side of that fear, you can achieve absolutely anything."

"Evaluate what's important to you and then make small steps to work towards that."

"Everybody needs somebody to hold them accountable no matter what it is in your life, or your job, in your relationship."

"Seek help when you need it, because there are a lot of mental health issues and addictions that get dismissed or pushed away because people don't want to deal with needing therapy."

"If you are not mentally healthy, you're not going to perform at your best."

"If the athlete is not willing to do the hard work of rehab, he’s going to remain stiff, weak, and unable to perform to the top of his ability."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

In life, success is about playing the long game. Whether you're an athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone just starting out, preparation and persistence are essential. The best time to secure your financial and personal future is now—while you're young, healthy, and ready to build. A policy or plan put in place today guarantees long-term protection and growth, ensuring you're covered when your earning potential skyrockets. You'll never be younger or healthier than you are right now, so why delay?

At the same time, setbacks are part of the process. Every loss—whether in sports, business, or life—is a chance to learn and grow. It's not about swinging for the fences every time; it's about consistently hitting base hits and moving forward. Resilience means staying in the game, even when things don’t go as planned, and using every resource, relationship, and lesson to build a stronger future.

By combining preparation with resilience, you can turn obstacles into opportunities. Protect your future today, embrace the lessons along the way, and remember: the path to success is built one step, one swing, and one win at a time.

In this episode, we reflect on the start of 2025, live from Times Square in New York City. We explore health equity and justice, the impact of systemic barriers on healthcare, the importance of disability insurance for young professionals, and the mindset needed for success in both sports and entrepreneurship. Tune in for inspiration to kickstart your 2025!

"Even though I may lose the game, I haven’t lost the season." - D'Andre Mostella

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:00:34) Welcome to TimeOut with the SportsDr. Podcast

(00:01:01) Health Equity vs. Health Justice

(00:04:14) Why secure disability insurance?

(00:06:00) Winning by losing

(00:07:01) Everyday is a game

(00:08:52) The hardest part of retiring from sports

(00:10:31) You gotta find you

(00:12:19) Life, Sports, and Medicine

Key Takeaways:

"Seeing patients is not enough. The charge that we have is really to be able to take care of our community." - Dr. Derrick Burgess

"Secure your good health now while you're young and healthy." - Donald Kelly

"If you consistently get base hits, you can win a game." - D'Andre Mostella

"As athletes, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves, and when things go wrong, we can find ourselves in a dark space. Sometimes, it's hard to fight our way out of it."- D'Andre Mostella

"If you make it to the league, you’ve made it. But if you don’t, who are you, and what will you become?" - D'Andre Mostella

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.