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. 1d ago

    Episode 76: Permission to Have Range:

    Why Your Identity Might Be Keeping You Stuck (and How to Unwind It) Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes open by recapping Brandon’s LA trip, including visiting the Oppenheimer Group, the Urban Lights installation, and a Venice shop where he unexpectedly met the designer of sustainable brand One Golden Thread and saw a new women’s dress called “The Infinite” modeled in many ways. They then discuss “permission to have range,” warning against tying self-worth to a single role (job, parent, athlete) and the downsides of early specialization in sports and culture. In a listener Q&A, Brandon explains that when joy disappears it may mean pressure, misalignment, or unresolved disappointment, suggesting simplification, mindset cleanup, or moving on. They explore how identities often form from survival and others’ expectations, why diversification builds resilience, how to transition compassionately when others are invested, and offer takeaways on loosening labels, building psychological flexibility, and evolving over time, plus Brandon’s coaching and newsletter links. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:09 LA Trip Highlights 00:48 Meeting the Designer 03:42 Permission to Have Range 05:17 Kids and Specialization 07:21 Question of the Week 08:16 When Joy Fades 13:28 Identity Version One 17:08 Diversify Your Buckets 20:32 Generational Shift 26:16 Psychological Flexibility 33:33 Expectations and Others 37:35 Empty Nest and Retirement 40:11 Key Takeaways 46:31 Where to Find Brandon 47:31 Closing Goodbye 🔗 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://substack.com/@brandonthielk1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

  2. Aug 10

    Episode 75: Permission to Take Risks

    When Did You Stop Taking Risks? The Hidden Cost of Playing It Safe Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes introduce Permission to Evolve with a focus on “permission to take risks,” emphasizing that the danger isn’t only failure but also staying stuck in dry, unfulfilling stability. They connect risk-taking to building self-trust by turning attention inward, detaching from shame-based stories, taking small manageable steps, and confronting discomfort to gather data and strengthen decision-making. Brandon explains how people often stop taking risks after struggle leads to security, which can become a prison, and argues for balancing certainty with needed uncertainty, variety, and renewal. Using triathlon and career examples, they discuss how once-exciting challenges can become routine, requiring new variables, neglected skills, fresh mindsets, or even new chapters. They close by encouraging reflection on future regret, choosing the right “dose” of uncertainty, and sharing ways to connect with Brandon’s coaching and content. 00:00 Welcome and Topic 00:15 Why Take Risks 01:46 Question of Week 02:08 Building Self Trust 08:48 When We Stop Risking 10:34 Stability Versus Variety 15:15 Regret and Perspective 16:34 When Risks Get Boring 18:23 Refreshing Motivation 24:32 Specific Ways to Mix It Up 25:21 Reinventing Training and Work 28:00 Identity Shifts and Chapters 33:34 Building a Runway 36:15 Avoiding the Hard Thing 39:41 Final Takeaways 43:41 Where to Find Brandon 44:32 Wrap Up and Goodbye 🔗 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://substack.com/@brandonthielk1

  3. Aug 3

    Episode 74: Permission to Find Your Flow

    The Hidden Prep Behind Peak Performance (Boise 70.3 Lessons) Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to find your flow,” sparked by Brandon supporting clients at Boise 70.3 where his client Sam won by about five minutes amid uncertainty from rough swim conditions and nearby forest fires. They contrast the practice phase (conscious skill-building and preparation) with the performance phase (getting out of your own way, surrendering overthinking, and executing from alignment). Brandon explains flow as self-alignment built through daily emotional processing, self-trust, and resolving internal conflicts like fear, shame, perfectionism, and coping patterns; he shares tools such as journaling, meditation, nature, music, cold plunges, hard workouts, and flexible routines. They note flow can distort time and emphasize addressing life stress holistically, experimenting to find a personal “recipe,” and tracking what creates peak states. Brandon shares ways to connect via brandonthielk.com, his newsletter, and social channels, and mentions booking his first trip to Kona in October. 00:00 Show Intro 00:09 Boise 70.3 Win Story 00:47 Permission to Find Flow 02:12 Race Chaos and Adaptability 05:17 Personal Flow Routine 07:39 Flow as Self Trust 10:30 Ego Protection and Perfectionism 14:16 Time Distortion in Flow 16:20 Practical Flow Practices 23:02 Work Mode vs Flow Mode 25:32 Repairing Relationship Blocks 26:13 Holistic Stress and Performance 28:06 Playfulness Unlocks Flow 29:18 Inner Confidence Under Pressure 31:07 When to Push or Quit 37:39 Identity Shifts and Alignment 40:31 Key Takeaways on Flow 43:13 Practices and Personal Recipes 48:15 Where to Find Brandon 49:19 Closing 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://substack.com/@brandonthielk1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

  4. Jul 27

    Episode 73: Permission to Own What You Feel

    What Happens When You Stop Judging Your Feelings? (And Why They Keep Coming Back) In this episode of Permission to Evolve, host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes explore “permission to own what you feel,” arguing that emotions are temporary unless judged, suppressed, and “hammered” into the nervous system as limiting beliefs that shape identity and behavior. Brandon explains how unprocessed pain gets stored through survival responses, becomes reinforced by repeated stories and judgments, and can drive resentment, rigidity, burnout, and repeated life patterns until it is consciously re-experienced and updated with adult perspective. Holly shares a Lake Placid trip where her husband Aaron couldn’t race after collarbone surgery, highlighting grief over lost potential, and recounts a cold, rainy training ride that triggered fear and overwhelm tied to past and recent accidents. They emphasize short-term discomfort for long-term peace, resilience, and intentional living, and Brandon shares how to book a free strategy session and follow his content. 00:00 Welcome and Hosts 00:09 Why Own Feelings 01:32 Travel and Race Updates 01:57 Lake Placid Emotions 06:57 No Wrong Feelings 09:26 Embodiment and Patterns 12:35 Emotions in Nervous System 17:54 Unwinding Beliefs and Identity 23:59 What Blocks Feelings 30:31 Lake Placid Ride Breakdown 38:14 Safety and Overwhelm 49:02 Resilience Through Feeling 51:01 Coaching and Links 52:20 Closing Goodbye 🔗 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://substack.com/@brandonthielk1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

  5. Jul 20

    Episode 72: Permission to be Lost

    Why “Escape” Stops Working (and What Your Pain Might Still Be Teaching You) Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes return to Permission to Evolve after a week off to explore “permission to be lost” and “permission to stop pretending,” describing the uncomfortable gap that appears when you outgrow old habits, identities, and social expectations but don’t yet know what’s next. Holly shares that their annual Boulder, Colorado trip felt less like an escape, especially after her husband’s bike accident and broken collarbone, and Brandon connects this to nervous-system stability and building a life you don’t need to escape from. They discuss somatic work and recurring pain, emphasizing acceptance, refining beliefs about aging, and continuing to learn from discomfort. Brandon explains how getting lost helps shed a false self, reduce overthinking and validation-seeking, tolerate being misunderstood, and rebuild relationships with clearer boundaries, ultimately supporting more authentic, intentional living. 00:00 Welcome Back Hosts 00:17 Permission To Be Lost 01:02 Colorado Trip Recap 03:15 Life Without Escapes 05:18 Desires And Alignment 06:47 Somatic Pain Question 07:38 Pain Aging Acceptance 11:55 Getting Lost To Find Self 16:04 Stripping Ego In Gap 18:13 Being Misunderstood 20:09 Not Needing Validation 21:10 Self Focus Not Narcissism 23:54 Realign to Serve 24:56 Boundaries and Capacity 26:57 Stop Pretending 28:30 Shame and Vulnerability 31:08 Mentors and Maturity 33:17 Ego and Reality Distortion 36:57 Catalyst to Get Lost 39:19 Authenticity Self Correction 41:55 Recalibrate Relationships 43:22 Key Takeaways 46:24 Where to Find Brandon 47:41 Closing Goodbye 🔗 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://substack.com/@brandonthielk1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

  6. Jul 6

    Episode 71: Permission to Be Independent

    Independence vs. Hyper-Independence: When Freedom Quietly Becomes a Prison In this episode of Permission to Evolve, host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to be independent” after the Fourth of July, clarifying the difference between healthy independence and hyper-independence. Brandon explains independence as living authentically in alignment with values, while hyper-independence often comes from wounds like betrayal, instability, or feeling misunderstood, leading to control, distrust, loneliness, micromanagement, and limited growth in business and relationships. They explore trade-offs between freedom and responsibility, how group validation can create codependence, and how interdependence—people staying in their strengths—requires humility and inner work. Brandon shares practical steps: identify what isn’t working, reconnect with what excites you, tolerate disappointing others, spend time alone (e.g., meditation), and curate supportive inputs and communities. He closes with ways to connect via his website and social channels. 00:00 Welcome and Theme 00:59 Independence vs Hyper 06:19 Scaling Needs Trust 09:41 Wounds Behind It 13:27 Groupthink and Freedom 18:59 Control and Vulnerability 20:14 Interdependence Explained 27:31 Freedom Means Responsibility 31:36 Redefining Freedom Over Time 36:22 Steps to Healthy Independence 44:00 Internal Freedom and Feelings 47:26 Where to Find Brandon 48:29 Closing Goodbye 🔗 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/

  7. Jun 29

    Episode 70: Ask Me Anything: What’s Actually “Yours” in Conflict and Why Every Epiphany Creates a New Rut

    In episode 70 of Permission to Evolve, host performance and life coach Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes do an Ask Me Anything where Brandon answers questions on ownership versus other people’s issues, explaining that triggers are “your work” and the goal is returning to neutral detachment, sometimes with space, inner processing, and occasional courageous conversations. He discusses how challenging relationships can reveal unresolved wounds linked to caregivers, how self-abandonment stems from seeking approval and avoiding guilt/shame, and why healthier dynamics require honoring yourself and letting others carry the weight of their expectations. Brandon unpacks the idea that each epiphany creates a new “rut” via expansion–contraction and mental reorganization, then explains non-duality as integrating opposites into heart-centered balance. He also shares travel plans to New York, evolving long-term plans, his favorite Miami restaurant, and how awakening felt like a gradual stripping away into presence and trust. 00:00 Welcome and AMA Setup 00:58 Owning Your Stuff 10:14 Epiphanies and Ruts 12:49 Non Duality Explained 18:57 Travel Plans New York 20:41 Living in New York 22:21 Why We Self Abandon 28:48 First Awakening Moments 41:17 Favorite Restaurant Story 43:24 Where to Find Brandon 45:06 Final Wrap Up 🔗 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://substack.com/@brandonthielk1 https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

  8. Jun 22

    Episode 69: Permission to Be Happy Now

    Why the “Other Shoe” Fear Keeps You Stuck (and How to Break It) In this episode of Permission to Evolve, host performance and life coach Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes explore “permission to be happy now,” especially for driven people who delay happiness until goals are achieved. Brandon explains how gratitude, presence, and process-oriented thinking reduce resistance and help reframe challenges as growth, while automatic protective “programs” and unresolved past wounds fuel negativity, inflated expectations, and the anxiety that “the other shoe will drop.” Holly asks about memento mori, and Brandon says remembering death can broaden perspective, build courage, and counter a “someday” mindset. They discuss emotional maturity as stable emotions (contentment rather than dramatic highs/lows), using setbacks as data, detaching worth from outcomes, and healing past experiences through perspective shifts. Brandon shares how to connect via brandonthielk.com for a free strategy session, his newsletter, and social channels. 00:00 Welcome and Hosts 00:10 Permission to Be Happy 02:24 Memento Mori Mindset 04:51 Gratitude and Alignment 08:34 Best Is Now 10:35 Desires and Wounds 12:29 Challenges as Growth 18:28 Other Shoe Anxiety 29:29 Expectations and Reality 38:49 Stable Happiness Defined 42:50 Healing Past Emotions 47:27 Key Takeaways 50:37 Where to Find Brandon 51:47 Closing Goodbye 🔗 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/ https://substack.com/@brandonthielk1

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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
    77
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Permission to Evolve

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