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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Permission to Evolve

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