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 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/

  2. 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/

  3. 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/

  4. 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/

  5. 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

  6. Jun 15

    Episode 68: Permission to Make it Up

    Everyone’s Making It Up—So What’s Stopping You? Permission to Evolve on Creativity, Ego, and Confidence In this episode of Permission to Evolve, Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes explore “permission to make it up,” arguing that many societal norms and personal habits are inherited programming that can limit creativity and fulfillment. Using the “ham ends” story and examples like Bezos, Musk, and Apple’s “Think Different,” they discuss how innovation comes from seeing beyond the handbook, risking social judgment, and treating life as trial-and-error rather than identity-driven success or failure. Brandon connects creativity to solution-mindedness, mastery, and leadership, emphasizing deprogramming, surrendering ego, and holding space for others in coaching by staying present and adaptable. They highlight reconnecting with childlike play, remodeling values and structures, and pursuing aligned desires for inner peace, then share ways to connect with Brandon via a free strategy session, newsletter, social channels, and Substack. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:11 Deprogramming Old Norms 01:50 Courage to Stand Out 05:18 Innovation and Making It Up 11:59 Solution Mindset and Mastery 17:49 Getting Started Beyond the Lines 26:22 Ego Surrender and Presence 33:51 Client Breakthrough Stories 38:29 Key Takeaways and Remodeling Life 44:57 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://substack.com/@brandonthielk1?r=8jd80n&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620 https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

  7. Jun 8

    Episode 67: Permission to Actually Try

    On Permission to Evolve, host performance and life coach Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes discuss “permission to actually try” through Holly’s recap of Unbound Gravel, a premier gravel event in Emporia, Kansas, where she and her husband Aaron completed the signature 200-mile route (about 207 miles, 11,000 feet of climbing) amid repeated severe storms, hail, lightning, heavy “peanut butter” mud conditions, steep technical descents, minimum-maintenance roads, strong headwinds, and a late-night finish just before 2:00 AM under a 3:00 AM finish-line shutdown. Holly describes staying present, doing “race math,” and never considering quitting, contrasting this calm mindset with past fear in races and a post-accident period. Brandon explains how unresolved past stress creates limiting beliefs that surface under pressure, why commitment without forcing builds self-trust, and how to distinguish intuition from escape by seeking a decision that brings peace. He shares examples from coaching a triathlete returning to racing and from his own baseball comeback attempt, and closes with where to find his coaching, newsletter, and social channels. 00:00 Podcast Introductions 00:18 Permission To Try 01:14 Unbound Gravel Overview 04:01 Training And Expectations 05:36 Stormy Start Chaos 08:10 Peanut Butter Mud Crossing 09:23 Aid Station And More Storms 11:10 Tailwind To Headwind Shift 12:40 Muddiest Middle Miles 14:35 Nightfall And Final Push 17:49 Shelter Warning And Open Range 20:12 Lights Crashes And Finish 24:02 Cutoffs and Finish Line 25:18 Staying Present to Finish 28:06 From Fear to Calm 29:14 Shadow Work for Athletes 33:51 Self Trust in Competition 37:16 Baseball Injury Wake Up 43:40 Knowing When to Stop 49:15 Greatness Needs an Event 50:48 Final Takeaways and Next Steps 53:47 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/

  8. May 25

    Episode 66: Permission to Stop Performing: Finding Your True Self and Real Confidence

    Host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes explore “permission to stop performing” and how performative identities form around earning love, validation, safety, and belonging through achievement, image, or helping others. Responding to Holly’s question—sparked by Enneagram Type 3s who feel disconnected from their true self—Brandon describes finding the true self through stillness, self-awareness, and following genuine enjoyment, peace, and excitement rather than external approval. He contrasts ego-driven striving, imposter syndrome, and constant busyness with alignment, presence, and a non-resistant state where actions feel natural and flow. They discuss how family and societal expectations reinforce performance, how midlife questioning can prompt reconnection with younger parts of self via self-acceptance and forgiveness, and key takeaways for building an integrated, authentic life. Brandon invites listeners to book a free strategy session at brandonthielk.com and follow his content on social platforms. 00:00 Welcome and Theme 00:09 Why We Perform 02:00 Question of the Week 03:14 Finding True Self Clues 04:13 Performance Mindset Origins 24:00 Alignment and Flow State 26:54 Observer vs Ego 32:13 Inner Child and Midlife Shift 39:57 Quick Recap Takeaways 43:59 Work With Brandon 45:14 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/

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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
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Permission to Evolve

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