Permission to Evolve

Brandon Thielk and Holly Deschenes

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. 4D AGO

    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
  2. MAR 2

    Episode 55: Permission to Feel It

    Regulation, Rage, and Healing Suppressed Emotions Brandon Thielk and co-host Holly Deschenes open with a disclaimer that they are not medical professionals and encourage seeking professional help when needed. They discuss “permission to feel it” through the lens of rage, arguing that unprocessed emotions and crossed boundaries can build into dysregulation and loss of control, and that regulation means fully feeling emotions, unpacking them, and neutralizing their intensity rather than suppressing them. They explore how childhood environments, shame, abuse, and cultural/religious messaging can create filters that block anger, lead to anxiety, depression, dissociation, and destructive coping mechanisms such as addiction, and perpetuate generational patterns. They emphasize processing emotions in safe, supported contexts with trusted, calm, nonjudgmental guidance. The episode closes with ways to contact Brandon, book a 30-minute strategy session at brandonthielk.com, and follow him on social platforms. 00:00 Content Disclaimer 01:13 Rage and Permission 03:21 What Regulation Means 11:34 Accessing Anger Safely 19:33 Addiction and Destructive Outlets 25:59 Generational Trauma Patterns 32:24 Shame and Purity Culture 37:54 Final Advice and Support 42:52 Work With Brandon 44:26 Closing Thoughts Free Strategy Session Newsletter Signup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    45 min
  3. FEB 23

    Episode 54: Permission to Let It Develop

    Letting Goals Develop, Trusting the Unknown, and Building Self-Trust Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to let things develop,” emphasizing that the mind relies on the past to predict the future, which can limit growth when pursuing new goals. Brandon explains that uncertainty is part of leveling up, and that trying to lock in outcomes too early can “sell ourselves short,” while presence, patience, and allowing energy and opportunities to unfold can lead to better-than-expected results. In the question of the week, they talk about how hormones can affect emotions and mindset, linking chronic stress responses (like elevated cortisol) to emotional states and beliefs, referencing Joe Dispenza’s work, and encouraging people to get in tune with emotional cycles rather than overriding or suppressing feelings. The episode explores how trauma can create a need for certainty and excessive planning, and how building self-trust increases one’s capacity for uncertainty, regulates stress, and strengthens intuition. They cover practical challenges like timelines, discomfort during change, integrating logic and emotion, and removing resistance by addressing limiting beliefs, victim mindsets, and unprocessed emotions. Brandon shares career examples about pivoting away from familiar lanes (like only working with baseball players), using skill sets creatively, and reframing trial-and-error as part of the path. They also address visibility and self-promotion as common uncomfortable next steps, encouraging listeners to find an authentic version of sharing their work without chasing a “famous” archetype. Brandon notes that vision and imagination are useful to start momentum but should be continually edited as new feedback and experience refine what someone truly wants. The episode closes with advice to leave room for the unknown, stay playful to reduce resistance, and focus on the process rather than the finish line, followed by a CTA to book a free 30-minute strategy session at thielk.com, sign up for the Monday “Lightning Report” newsletter, and follow Brandon on YouTube/Instagram (@brandonth) and TikTok (@bth); he also mentions upcoming travel to Tucson for a cycling camp. 00:00 Welcome + Theme: Give Yourself Permission to Let Things Develop 02:32 Question of the Week: How Hormones Affect Anxiety, Fear & Mindset 09:30 Uncertainty, Trauma & Self-Trust: Why Forecasting Feels Hard 18:16 Change, Emotions vs Logic, and Why Resisting Life Creates Stagnation 23:12 Practical Patience: Timelines, Discomfort, and Clearing Resistance 32:25 Real-Life Pivots: Career Paths, Trial-and-Error, and Following What Fits 37:51 The Next Uncomfortable Step: Visibility, Self-Promotion & Authentic Sharing 43:31 Vision Without Attachment: Let Your Imagination Evolve as You Go 47:19 Closing Takeaways: Playfulness, Space for the Unknown, and Your Version of Success 49:30 Where to Find Brandon + Newsletter, Coaching, and What’s Next 50:52 Wrap-Up & 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://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    51 min
  4. FEB 17

    Episode 53: Permission to Shine

    Trauma, Visibility, and Performing Under Pressure (Olympics, Rebranding, and Breakthroughs) Host Brandon Thielk (performance and life coach) and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes open the “Permission to Evolve” episode with Brandon’s recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where constant rain shifted plans from beach time to rainforest adventures (natural waterslides, rope swings, cliff diving) and prevented a bioluminescent bay kayak excursion. They then answer a listener question about rebranding, discussing why people resist change due to emotional attachment, nostalgia, and the belief that consistency equals safety. Brandon shares his year-long rebrand from “Evolved Athlete” to a personal-brand structure—Brandon as the umbrella, with Lightning Performance for corporate work and Evolved Athlete as an athlete program—so his message better matches the broader group he serves (high performers, life transitions, trauma work) and aligns with his core focus: helping people create breakthroughs by unpacking the past and releasing limiting beliefs. The main topic, “Permission to Shine,” explores why athletes (and high performers) sometimes break through and then immediately fall off when the spotlight hits. Using Winter Olympics examples—particularly a 17-year-old figure skater named Ilia Malinin who landed a quadruple axel and drew major attention before struggling afterward—Brandon explains that visibility can trigger unresolved trauma, making it feel unsafe to be seen and causing the nervous system to shut down. He relates this to his own baseball experience of performance collapse under pressure and critiques superficial performance “hacks” that don’t address deeper issues. The conversation expands to triathlon cases where champions or breakout winners struggle afterward, including Youri Keulen's season after winning in Singapore and Collin Chartier's post-breakout doping case, and also references pressure dynamics in pro sports contracts and historical steroid culture in baseball. Brandon emphasizes that peak performance requires safety, presence, relaxation, and a solid identity foundation, and that deep, gradual integration work (self-compassion, re-parenting, boundary shifts, confronting past experiences) is necessary for consistency—whether in sports, corporate promotion, content creation, or family dynamics. He advises taking manageable step-ups rather than drastic overnight changes, listening to negative emotions as signals, and building capacity through reps and reflection. Listeners can book a free 30-minute strategy session at brandonthielk.com, subscribe to Brandon’s weekly newsletter “The Lightning Report,” follow on YouTube/Instagram @brandonthielk and TikTok @Bthielk, and submit questions via DM/comments or email podcast@brandonthielk.com. 00:00 Welcome Back + Puerto Rico Trip Recap (Rainy Beach, Rainforest Adventures) 02:24 Cliff Diving & Building Water Confidence 04:03 Question for Brandon: Rebranding, Nostalgia & Resistance to Change 12:43 Permission to Shine: Olympics Spotlight, Breakthroughs & Crumbling Under Pressure 13:15 Why Trauma Makes It Feel Unsafe to Be Seen (And How It Sabotages Performance) 30:18 Triathlon & Doping Examples: When Pressure Turns Dark 34:37 Applying It to Real Life: Managing Visibility, Capacity & Imposter Syndrome 41:40 Shifting Roles at Work & Family: Promotions, Boundaries, and Gradual Change 50:34 Closing Takeaways: Make Peace With the Past to Shine 53:47 Where to Find Brandon + Free Strategy Session + Listener Questions 55:12 Sign-Off

    55 min
  5. FEB 9

    Episode 52: Ego Death & Self-Awareness | AMA

    Welcome to a special edition of 'Permission to Evolve' with your host, Brandon Thielk, performance and life coach, joined by co-host Holly Deschenes. In this milestone episode celebrating a year of the podcast, Brandon dives deep into the Ask Me Anything (AMA) session where he fields questions about his biggest influences, somatic space, and the intricate connection between physical injuries and emotional pain. Explore Brandon's journey through various mentors including Cindy Dale, Tony Robbins, and John Newton, with impactful insights into ancestral clearing and the emotional healing process. Learn about the significance of personal responsibility in developing self-awareness, and get practical tips for handling tough conversations, dealing with negativity bias, and differentiating between physical injuries and stored emotional pain. On a lighter note, get to know Brandon’s personal favorites, from shoes to favorite cities, and TV shows. Finally, Brandon delves into the complex concept of ego death, its necessity for personal growth, and the balance between ego and true self-awareness. Tune in to gain valuable insights and deepen your understanding of emotional and mental well-being in this enlightening episode. 00:00 Introduction and Anniversary Celebration 01:06 Influential Mentors and Teachers 05:30 Understanding Somatic Techniques 10:00 Distinguishing Injury from Emotional Pain 15:43 Developing Self-Awareness 19:30 Handling Negativity Bias and Resistance to Change 25:05 Navigating Tough Conversations 28:22 Navigating Reactions and Accountability 28:56 The Power of Speaking Up 29:27 Handling Confrontations and Emotional Reactions 30:13 Disarming Techniques in Communication 30:56 Lighthearted Questions: Favorite Shoes and More 32:00 Personal Preferences: Chocolate, Travel, and More 33:56 Exciting Opportunities and Ideal Clients 37:01 TV Shows and Mental Health Insights 39:24 Understanding Ego and Identity 49:49 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information 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/

    52 min
  6. FEB 2

    Episode 51: Permission to Dig Deeper

    In this episode of 'Permission to Evolve,' performance and life coach Brandon Thielk, along with co-host Holly Deschenes, explores the concept of giving oneself permission to dig deeper. Building on last week's theme of persistence, they discuss the importance of understanding and conquering personal barriers through introspection and emotional regulation. Brandon shares his personal journey from feeling burnt out in baseball to finding peace in his career through coaching. The conversation delves into how unresolved past traumas can hold us back in multiple life areas and emphasizes the necessity of exploring these depths to unlock our true potential. They also address how to maintain inner peace amidst external chaos, exemplifying the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in personal development. The episode concludes with insights on the continuous journey of self-improvement and a call to listeners to submit questions for the next 'Ask Me Anything' segment. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 00:26 Brandon's Baseball Journey and Lessons Learned 01:29 The Importance of Digging Deeper 03:29 Question of the Week: Staying Grounded in Chaos 05:48 The Practice of Emotional Regulation 08:45 Invitation for Listener Questions 10:04 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Core Issues 13:47 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery 20:53 Defining Depth and Self-Awareness 23:56 Healing Through Perception Shifts 24:27 Gaining Wisdom from Life Experiences 26:00 The Journey of Mastery and Depth 32:22 Understanding and Achieving Peace 40:15 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 46:32 Connecting and Engaging with the Community 🔗 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/

    48 min
  7. JAN 26

    Episode 50: Permission to Keep Going

    Navigating the Journey of Continuous Growth and Resilience In this episode of 'Permission to Evolve,' hosts Brandon Thielk, a performance and life coach, and Holly Deschenes explore the theme of perseverance. They discuss the importance of continuing forward despite challenges and the mindset needed to overcome obstacles. They elaborate on the significance of enjoying the journey rather than fixating on timelines or comparing one's progress to others. They also provide insights on recognizing when to pivot versus when to maintain course, and how to leverage personal development to achieve long-term goals. As they celebrate their 50th episode, Brandon answers listener questions about transformation and staying on track. Tune in for practical advice on how to align your mindset, stay resilient, and keep progressing in your personal and professional life. 00:00 Introduction to Permission to Evolve 00:04 The Importance of Persistence 01:14 Holly's Perspective on Persistence 01:40 Episode Milestone and Endurance 02:01 Navigating Roadblocks and Adjustments 02:57 Question for Brandon: Signs of Transformation 07:42 The Journey of Self-Discovery 16:13 The Role of Faith and Trust 22:18 Navigating Corporate Mindset and Personal Goals 23:07 Understanding Business Momentum and Startups 25:12 Evaluating Personal Progress and Expectations 26:13 Knowing When to Pivot or Continue 29:12 Seeking Help and Overcoming Roadblocks 34:34 Detaching from Timelines and Comparison 40:42 Clearing Resistance and Building Self-Belief 43:55 Connecting and Staying Updated 🔗 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/

    45 min
  8. JAN 18

    Episode 49: Permission to Be Open

    Unlocking the Power of Openness: A Journey into Self-Discovery and Quantum Physics In this episode of Permission to Evolve, host Brandon Thielk, a performance and life coach, along with co-host and producer Holly Deschenes, delve into the theme of openness to possibilities. Building on previous discussions, they explore the impact of past conditioning on our mindset and the necessity of embracing new thoughts and actions to achieve different results. The conversation touches on the profound concepts of quantum physics, the importance of clearing negative energy, and the balance between being too open or too closed off. Key takeaways include understanding that openness allows for new and positive opportunities to enter our lives, while maintaining a degree of discernment to safeguard against negative experiences. Brandon emphasizes the significance of healing past traumas, trusting oneself, and being receptive to the guidance that life offers. This episode offers a comprehensive guide on how to navigate life with a balanced and open mindset, attracting beneficial relationships and opportunities along the way. 00:00 Introduction and Common Themes 00:19 The Power of Openness and Possibility 03:10 Quantum Physics and Life Connections 04:19 Energy, Beliefs, and Attraction 06:09 The Impact of Negative Thoughts 16:37 Permission to Be Open 23:40 Overcoming Comfort Zones 25:14 The Impact of Closed-Mindedness 25:48 Decision Making in a Contracted State 28:43 The Balance of Openness 35:05 Trusting Yourself Through Experiences 41:24 Key Takeaways on Openness 46:39 Connecting with 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 Email: Podcast@Brandonthielk.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

    48 min

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.

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