Permission to Evolve

Brandon Thielk and Holly Deschenes
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We all want to grow, but sometimes we get stuck. On this podcast, we delve into the areas of our lives where we feel blocked, explore the limiting beliefs holding us back, and uncover the "old selves" we need to let go of to make way for our evolved future. Join us as we navigate the uncomfortable process of self-discovery, challenge our assumptions, and ultimately grant ourselves "permission to evolve" into the best versions of ourselves. Listen now and start your journey of personal and professional growth.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 63: Permission to Have Limits: Boundaries, Burnout, and the Role of Empathy

    In this episode of Permission to Evolve, host performance and life coach Brandon and co-host/producer Holly Dechen discuss “permission to have limits,” focusing on overextending yourself, burnout, and using reality-based self check-ins (stress load, sleep, nervous system state) to understand day-to-day capacity. Holly asks how to balance assuming people are “doing their best” versus recognizing when they’re doing what’s easiest, and Brandon explores low self-standards, learned helplessness, entitlement, accountability, and adjusting expectations to others’ capacity and willingness. They also examine empathy’s limits, arguing that helping requires maintaining clarity, avoiding getting pulled into others’ emotions, and knowing when issues are beyond your scope. Brandon distinguishes limits from boundaries: limits inform boundaries, boundaries may be temporary, and healing can dissolve them as reactions change. Brandon closes with the idea that facing limits expands them, then shares ways to connect, including a 30-minute strategy session at brandonth.com and weekly “Lightning report” prompts. 00:00 Welcome and Hosts 00:11 Why Limits Matter 01:07 Question of the Week 01:43 Best Versus Easiest 04:34 Accountability and Expectations 07:11 Segue to Personal Limits 07:49 Stress Capacity Check In 09:49 Burnout and Recovery Cycles 12:06 Trauma Patterns in Relationships 12:47 Expanding Limits Through Awareness 14:20 Empathy Needs Boundaries 16:56 Helping Without Getting Pulled Under 21:04 Empathy at Scale 23:14 Protect Your Circle 24:19 Context Over Systems 25:04 Holding Space With Care 26:40 Limits Versus Boundaries 27:50 Saying No And Consequences 30:01 Boundaries As Temporary Space 32:11 Healing Dissolves The Boundary 34:39 Karma Judgment And Lessons 37:49 Challenging People As Teachers 40:40 Expanding Limits Takeaways 44:10 How To Connect And Next Steps 🔗 LINKS: Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/ Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    46 min

  2. APR 27

    Episode 62: Permission to Be Goalless: Process, Flexibility, and Self-Trust

    Brandon ThIelk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes open with reflections on Ironman Texas, noting how fast the sport has become, difficult weather, crashes, and a tragic swim drowning. They then explore “permission to be goalless,” arguing that over-attachment to outcomes can create disappointment, burnout, and tunnel vision, while a process-first approach builds sustainable progress. In the question of the week, Brandon interprets hesitation as either unprocessed sensations from past negative experiences (reducing self-trust) or a natural response to inexperience and uncertainty. They discuss when goals help (especially mid-journey after clarity and momentum) and when looseness matters (beginners, mastery stages, and life domains like relationships and careers where timelines are uncontrollable). Brandon emphasizes energy management, honest self-accountability, adaptive expectations, joy, and preparing so opportunities can meet readiness, and closes with ways to connect via his website, strategy sessions, newsletter, and social channels. 00:00 Welcome and Hosts 00:10 Ironman Texas Recap 02:05 Permission to Be Goalless 02:55 Question of the Week 03:24 Hesitation and Trauma 04:04 Practice vs Inexperience 05:59 Why Outcomes Distract 07:11 Goals by Stage 09:21 New Year Goals Trap 10:50 Mastery and Joy 13:20 Detach From Results 17:01 Type A Flexibility Tips 18:53 Coach Trust and Dialogue 20:35 Stress Load and Burnout 22:00 Consistency and Real Rest 23:04 Rest Without Guilt 24:06 Reinvent Your Approach 24:57 Flexible Goals Mindset 26:17 Deadlines You Cant Control 28:15 Prepare While You Wait 30:15 Calendar Goals Real Life 33:51 Goals Must Be Internal 35:24 Key Takeaways Framework 41:41 Achievement And Healing 43:30 Where To Find Brandon Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/ Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    45 min

  3. APR 20

    Episode 61: Ask Me Anything: The Messy Edge, Ego Death, and High-Performer Identity (from Vegas to Ironman Texas)

    On Permission to Evolve, host and performance/life coach Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes do an “Ask Me Anything” episode as Brandon shares recent travel (Tucson cycling camp, Las Vegas experiences like the Sphere’s Wizard of Oz and a Vegas show) and his upcoming trip to Ironman Texas to support clients while revisiting Houston. Brandon discusses how he relates to sports now (more appreciation than fandom, mostly playoff viewing), defines the “messy edge” as pushing past limits to reveal deeper beliefs and fears, and explains common high-performer blocks rooted in not feeling good enough and identity-driven striving that can lead to burnout. They cover dreams, superheroes, rapid-fire “this or that” preferences, maintaining adult friendships through low expectations and optional plans, and a deep dive on ego death, including grief, mood swings, and loosening identity to live more aligned, authentic lives. They close with where to follow Brandon and how to book a free strategy session and newsletter. 00:00 Show Intro And Setup 00:24 Travel Updates Vegas 02:28 Ironman Texas Plans 03:48 AMA Begins Favorite Sports 06:22 Messy Edge And Limits 11:11 Common Blocks In High Performers 17:45 Dreams And Subconscious 19:26 Superheroes And Favorites 20:27 This Or That Rapid Fire 23:19 Movies Vs TV Series 24:06 Parasocial Letdown 24:23 Rapid Fire Food Picks 25:14 Water Sun and Weather 26:18 Beach Mountain Coasts 27:56 Wrap This or That 28:43 Unwinding After Long Days 29:20 Adult Friendship Maintenance 33:13 Signs of Ego Death 36:58 Is Ego Death Permanent 40:03 Ego Masks and Belonging 47:26 Coaching Philosophy Recap 49:04 Where to Find Brandon 🔗 LINKS: Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/ Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    50 min

  4. APR 6

    Episode 60: Permission to Reflect: Finding the Balance Between Action and Overthinking

    Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes recap their Oceanside, California trip and introduce the episode theme, “permission to reflect,” sparked by a viral clip of Mark Andreessen saying he doesn’t self-reflect. Brandon argues reflection is essential for learning, breaking old survival patterns, and reducing negative impact on others, while also warning against getting stuck in overthinking and inaction. They discuss how wounds, guilt, shame, and family dynamics can drive people-pleasing, perfectionism, and fixation on others’ reactions, and how generational value systems (like achievement or career paths) create momentum and backlash when someone chooses a different route. Brandon describes a practical rhythm of action → feedback → reflection, emphasizing nervous-system regulation, depersonalizing experiences, and using reflection as an accelerator. They close with where to find Brandon and upcoming cycling camp plans. 00:00 Welcome Back Recap 01:09 Permission to Reflect 01:35 Reflection vs Overthinking 03:52 Question of the Week 04:36 Doing Something New 06:09 Why Self Reflection Matters 09:41 Survival Patterns and People Pleasing 13:32 Action Reflection Balance 14:58 Judgment and Childhood Conditioning 17:43 Healers Fixing Others 18:53 Reflection Owning Mistakes 19:46 Spot Patterns Not Promises 21:14 Wake Up Calls And Survival Mode 22:05 Detach From Fixing Others 23:07 Generational Achievement Pressure 25:58 Breaking Family Identity Scripts 31:43 Avoidance Greed And Numbing Out 36:38 Action Reflection Rhythm 41:08 Rebuild Strengths And Apply Everywhere 45:14 Key Takeaways On Reflection 48:15 Where To Find Brandon 🔗 LINKS: Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/ Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    50 min

  5. MAR 30

    Episode 59: Permission to Be Weird

    From Oceanside, California ahead of the Oceanside 70.3 Ironman, host performance and life coach Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes explore “permission to be weird” as the path to authenticity and standout performance. They discuss how childhood conditioning and fear of judgment keep people conforming, and why growth requires being willing to be misunderstood, overcoming self-consciousness, and shifting from rebellion and external validation to an internal, self-mastery focus. Brandon shares examples from his life—pursuing pro baseball, deep meditation, and early nervous-system work—highlighting the isolating uncertainty before breakthroughs and how healing wounds reduces the need for approval. They also cover creating spaces where others feel safe to be themselves, the ease of authenticity with strangers, and Brandon’s resources: free strategy sessions, the Monday “Lightning Report” newsletter, and social channels. 00:00 Oceanside Race Setup 00:31 Permission To Be Weird 01:40 Why We Conform 04:38 Rediscover The Child 05:41 Breaking The Mold Stories 08:05 Obsessions And Isolation 13:07 Authenticity Defined 20:49 Beyond Rebellion 24:47 Drop the Armor 26:10 Effortless Athlete Mindset 27:03 From Rivalry to Process 28:31 Phases of Self Mastery 30:27 Permission to Be Weird 32:14 Masks and Public Image 35:40 Why Strangers Feel Safer 37:33 Healing Changes Relationships 40:08 Choosing an Authentic Path 43:45 Final Takeaways and Next Steps Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/ Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

    49 min

  6. MAR 23

    Episode 58: Permission to Think Bigger

    Willingness, Wake-Up Calls, and Building a New Identity Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to think bigger,” starting with a question about why people often need pain to become willing to change. Brandon explains that ego, emotional disconnection, and defensiveness can block feedback until a “wake-up call” like fear of loss, health scares, or consequences affecting others forces reflection, while self-awareness and humility help people adjust earlier. They then explore how past environments and shame can limit dreaming, and how bigger thinking grows through exposure to supportive rooms, mentors, and models, asking “why not me?” They emphasize taking manageable action steps, detaching from early outcomes, using experiences as feedback, and developing skills over time. Brandon describes identity shifts as a gradual bridge—embodying a new role before it feels natural—while staying realistic about timelines and commitment. He closes with encouragement to pursue authentic purpose and shares how to book a strategy session, follow his channels, and join his Lightning Report newsletter. 00:00 Show Intro 00:09 Spring Reset Energy 01:10 Question of the Week 02:26 Why Pain Creates Change 04:03 Wake Up Calls Explained 06:53 Modeling Not Fixing 11:17 Permission to Think Bigger 13:48 Expand Your Environment 16:24 Social Media and Discernment 22:24 From Vision to Action 26:08 Finding the Right Mentor 28:16 From Foundations to Refinement 28:43 Staying Humble and Persistent 30:07 Pivots and Transferable Skills 31:26 Shifting Identity in Practice 34:43 Building Belief Through Reps 37:17 Exposure and Detaching Outcomes 39:08 Realistic Timelines and Commitment 44:51 Thinking Bigger Key Takeaways 49:59 Where to Find Brandon Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/ Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

    51 min

  7. MAR 16

    Episode 57: Permission to Regulate

    Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to regulate,” defining regulation as balancing the nervous system by moving from fight/flight/fawn/freeze into a calm, present, parasympathetic state so reactions aren’t driven by unresolved past pain. Brandon explains dysregulation as being emotionally stuck in unprocessed experiences that create triggers, leading to outsized reactions, dissociation, catastrophizing, and distorted narratives. They illustrate this with money/financial stress (scarcity, shame, past hardship resurfacing) and relationship patterns (betrayal wounds, hypervigilance, sabotage, overusing therapy labels). The episode outlines practices to create safety in the body—breathing, grounding, journaling, meditation, exercise, state-shifting, reducing pressure, and preparing before action—plus a feedback-loop approach of “regulate before, act, then regulate after.” Brandon also describes his “Lightning Process” coaching framework to neutralize tension, depersonalize stories, update beliefs, and build freedom and alignment, and invites listeners to book a free strategy session at brandonth.com and follow him on social platforms. 00:00 Welcome and Catch Up 00:39 Why Regulation Matters 01:50 Defining Dysregulation 02:53 Nervous System Reset 05:37 Updating Old Coping 07:26 Money Trigger Spiral 10:16 Relationship Baggage 14:23 Creating Safety in Body 16:14 Regulate Before Action 20:33 Athlete Mindset Reps 21:56 Challenge the Narrative 22:35 Curiosity Over Shame 23:41 Feedback Loop Growth 24:41 Journaling And Meditation 25:50 State Change Before Action 27:54 Preparation Lowers Pressure 28:24 Lightning Coaching Framework 33:26 Depersonalize And Reframe 35:55 Neutralize Past Emotions 37:16 Key Takeaways Regulation 41:13 Alignment And Letting Go 42:36 Coaching And Where To Find 44:01 Final Sign Off 🔗 LINKS: Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/ Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    44 min

  8. MAR 9

    Episode 56: Permission to Be Uncomfortable

    Brandon, host of Permission to Evolve, joins co-host/producer Holly Deschenes from Tucson, Arizona to discuss “permission to be uncomfortable” through his first cycling-camp experience despite not being a cyclist. Invited by a client who runs an endurance and nutrition program, Brandon attends a five-day retreat run by The Cycling House with guides, support vans, a chef, and a group ranging from high-level riders to retirees. He shares learning basics like shifting, managing physical discomfort, and tackling Mount Lemmon’s climb (including a difficult 10% grade section) before a fast descent through changing biomes. The conversation connects this supported beginner experience to personal growth: saying yes to new opportunities, asking questions, confronting fear and ego, applying lessons to tough conversations and career change, and using discomfort as a practice that builds self-trust, presence, and progress. Brandon also shares ways to connect with him via his website, newsletter, and social channels. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:09 Tucson Cycling Camp Setup 00:57 Permission to Be Uncomfortable 02:20 Inside the Cycling Retreat 04:28 Beginner Lessons and Support 06:48 Mount Lemmon Climb and Descent 10:45 Mindset Under Physical Stress 12:16 Saying Yes to New Things 15:22 Adventure and Self Trust 17:19 Beyond Cycling Real Life Discomfort 18:17 Speaking Up for Change 19:29 Questioning Old Patterns 21:11 Discomfort and Safety Signals 22:14 Slow Down to Grow 23:56 Beginner Mindset and Hope 26:13 Imposter Syndrome on the Bike 27:14 Desire, Practice, and Mastery 31:01 Play, Presence, and Joy 33:10 Final Takeaways on Discomfort 37:04 Where to Find Brandon Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/ Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

We all want to grow, but sometimes we get stuck. On this podcast, we delve into the areas of our lives where we feel blocked, explore the limiting beliefs holding us back, and uncover the "old selves" we need to let go of to make way for our evolved future. Join us as we navigate the uncomfortable process of self-discovery, challenge our assumptions, and ultimately grant ourselves "permission to evolve" into the best versions of ourselves. Listen now and start your journey of personal and professional growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Brandon Thielk and Holly Deschenes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Permission to Evolve

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