The Unbound Podcast

Jaksot

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  The Messy Middle Counts 23.09.2026 7min

  No guest this week. Just Lori, a mic, and a pattern she keeps seeing in the people she interviews.Athletes, founders, and performers arrive at the same doorway. They see the story they built to survive, and then they choose what comes next. Some leave and build a new life. Some stay and bring new purpose to the ground they already hold, the way Cassidy turned her elite drive toward changing how the world sees women's sport. Some sit in the messy middle and say so out loud.Lori names where she sits too, from dancer and choreographer to the work that reaches people now.If you feel a self trying to come into focus in your own quiet, this one is for you. Seeing is the turn. Choosing is the work.Ask yourself the real question in the episode: now that I see it, what do I want to choose next?
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  You Don't Have to Pick a Lane — Cassidy Lichtman on Impact, Identity, and Trusting the Next Door 17.09.2026 44min

  Cassidy Lichtman played volleyball for the U.S. national team, then walked away with no plan. What came next reframes what "transition" even means. She didn't leave her world. She climbed to a higher place inside it: player, then league builder, now board chair of USA Volleyball.In this conversation, Cassidy makes the case for a life built on mission instead of a fixed destination. She talks about the equity work with former U.S. CTO Megan Smith that taught her the limits we live by are "made up," the anger and pride of building Athletes Unlimited's athlete-centered league, and why she keeps saying she's "just getting started" after landing on a most-powerful-women-in-sports list.Lori and Cassidy get into the tension Cassidy names in herself: her biggest impact sits inside one sport, and part of her wants to range wider. They land somewhere useful. You can be fiercely driven by a mission and still let the future stay open.In this episode:The decision keeping her up at night: pay-to-play and access in youth sportsWhy she came back to volleyball, and why it was never about the gameThe equity work that changed what she could no longer unseeBuilding a league with athletes, not just for themThe difference between staying open on purpose and driftingWhat she'd tell a 22-year-old athlete terrified she's nothing without her sportAbout Cassidy Lichtman: Board chair of USA Volleyball, head of volleyball at Athletes Unlimited, former U.S. national team player, and one of the most powerful women in sports.From Unbound: Two ways to go deeper. The Unbound Identity Lab, a monthly community to test and challenge who you're becoming. And Your Second Act, an eight-week intensive for athletes, founders, and performing artists crossing over into an identity they haven't lived yet.
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  Who Are You Without the Game? — Kai Moon on Walking Away at Her Peak 14.09.2026 47min

  Episode description (long, for site + Apple/Spotify)Kai Moon was the number one scorer in Division I women's basketball. ESPN's Pardon the Interruption said her name. Then she walked away from the game at the height of it, when nobody expected her to.This conversation is about what happens after the recognition stops. Kai grew up in Bolingbrook, graduated into 2020 with no senior season, talked her way into venture capital knowing nothing about it, and now runs player marketing for WNBA, MLB, and college athletes. A year ago she moved to New York and tore her Achilles in the same stretch. She went from a body that never sat still to months alone in an apartment, in a city built for people who walk everywhere.What she found in that stillness runs through the whole episode. Not an answer. A question. Who are you when the thing you performed is gone? Kai talks about protecting the integrity of her own journey, resisting the chorus of people telling her to be an agent, a manager, a broadcaster, and learning to trust her own voice over the shoulds. She shares the advice Roc Nation's Jay Brown gave her at 22 that she only understood years later: if you want something bad enough, you'll figure it out.If you are crossing over into an identity you can't name yet, this one is for you.In this episode (approximate chapters — re-sync after edit)The exit meeting. The moment a coach asked what Kai really wanted, and she felt like she was failing a test.Saying the goal out loud. Why naming "Player of the Year" felt more dangerous than chasing it.The undefeated run. Flow, a 27-point night she barely remembers, and the surreal moment friends saw her on ESPN.The decision to leave. Turning down the WNBA path to build a life beyond basketball.The Achilles and the stillness. Losing mobility, and the community that showed up. "If you have community, you can make it anywhere."Faith and journaling. The practices that emerged when the physical routine disappeared.Protecting the journey. Saying no to other people's shoulds. "I'm protecting the integrity of my journey."The athlete at the gym. Seeing herself in a young player, and becoming a trusted voice for families navigating pressure for the first time.Who are you without a basketball? The marketing and venture parallel: everyone's resume looks the same, so what makes you different is who you are.What she'd trust her younger self to find. The Jay Brown lesson, and why knowing the answer defeats the purpose of the adversity.What she values now. Community, faith, and the process itself over instant validation.Pull quotes"If you have community, you can make it anywhere.""People can want me to make pizza for the rest of my life. If I don't want to do it, I don't have to.""I'm protecting the integrity of my journey.""There's a lot on the other side of fear that people should experience.""You can't look at somebody else's journey and compare. That's theirs. It's not yours."About the guestKai Moon leads player marketing at the Travori Agency and Saros Partners, working with WNBA players, a newly drafted MLB client, and college athletes. She started her career in venture capital, played Division I basketball, and was once the nation's leading scorer. She lives in New York.About the showUnbound: Winners for Life explores the messy middle of identity transition. Host Lori Darley spent 26 years in leadership development after a career as a professional dancer and choreographer. She coaches athletes, performing artists, founders, and leaders through the question underneath every transition: who am I now?
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  How Volleyball Taught This Athlete About Identity When Her Dream Was Shattered 03.09.2026 49min

  Most athletes fear losing their identity once the game is over — Jacquelyn Ortegon reveals how she transitioned from volleyball to neuroscience and mental health work, turning her biggest challenge into her greatest growth.After her promising volleyball career was cut short by the pandemic, Jacquelyn faced the raw question: Who am I without this? She shares how she navigated the emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty, discovering that her true strength lay in character, faith, and the relentless pursuit of internal stability. From touring Italy through visualization to working with homeless youth and mental health patients, her journey is a masterclass in resilience, self-awareness, and purpose.You'll discover how a deep dive into behavioral neuroscience reshaped her perspective on the mind, and why understanding money’s behavioral side is crucial for lasting wealth and generosity. We break down the power of character over accolades, the importance of leaving behind a sport identity to embrace who you truly are, and how faith anchors us in times of transition. Jacquelyn also shares practical insights for young athletes facing change, urging them to enjoy the journey, focus on character development, and trust that their real growth begins after the scoreboard stops.This episode is perfect for current and former athletes, young women eager to redefine success, and anyone seeking clarity amid upheaval. If you’ve ever wondered if your worth extends beyond your performance, this conversation will inspire you to see that the greatest victory is becoming the fullest version of yourself—regardless of the scoreboard.Jacquelyn Ortegon is a behavioral neuroscience graduate, mental health advocate, and now a community builder dedicated to empowering the next generation. Her story proves that the path to stability and purpose isn’t linear but rooted in inner growth, faith, and character.Reflections on faith, resilience, and self-identity make this episode a transformative listen for those ready to cross over from the game to the greatness within.Share this with a young athlete in transition or anyone seeking their true north—you’ll leave inspired, grounded, and equipped to handle life’s next serve..
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  Fired More Times Than He Can Count: Kevin Cone on the Transition Nobody Plans For 27.08.2026 43min

  Kevin Cone got cut four times in one season and never lost himself. The Georgia Tech engineer turned five-year NFL receiver walked on to a Division I team, planned his own exit from the game, and now helps young athletes cross the same bridge. A conversation about identity, preparation, and the transition nobody warns you about.Kevin Cone spent five years in the NFL and one in the CFL on the edge of the roster, the guy who was "52 or 53 depending on the day." He got released four times in a single season, lived out of a suitcase, and made the Atlanta Falcons a week before preseason during the 2011 lockout. He practiced Thursday and played Saturday.What makes his story different is what came before and after. Kevin walked on to the Georgia Tech football team as a mechanical engineering student who wanted to design Lego sets. Football was one path. It was never the only one. So when a shoulder injury and a new marriage met the writing on the wall, he left on his own terms, a choice most athletes never get.Kevin now leads student-athlete development at Georgia Tech and is finishing a doctorate in business administration. In this conversation with Lori Darley, he unpacks the preparation behind "luck," why he learned every position on the field, and the gap almost nobody addresses: athletes are never taught the real timeline of transition, so the walls close in fast. He closes with the cold-water rule and three moves for anyone crossing over right now. Give yourself grace. Get to work.
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  Why Letting Go of the Ladder Can Lead to Your Biggest Breakthroughs 27.08.2026 29min

  Most high performers don’t realize that their greatest growth comes from the moments they dare to start over. Tamika Brunetti, a former NCAA Division III basketball player turned top LinkedIn strategist, reveals how her transition from student-athlete to corporate leader—and ultimately to fearless entrepreneur—was fueled by resilience, self-trust, and a big dose of self-reinvention.In this episode, Tamika shares the tough truths behind her unexpected career pivots—from battling injuries on the basketball court to navigating layoffs and stepping into a new chapter on her own terms. Discover how her grit shaped her to become one of the world’s top sales navigator experts, and learn the importance of rebuilding confidence when the jersey comes off and the spotlight shifts to you alone. You'll hear stories of surviving knee surgeries, handling layoffs of hundreds, and turning side hustles into thriving businesses—all while emphasizing the power of relationships, authenticity, and daring to claim your next act.We break down some of Tamika’s most valuable insights:How former athletes can leverage their discipline and teamwork skills into entrepreneurial successThe importance of maintaining relationships and resilience during career transitionsPractical strategies to reframe setbacks as opportunities for self-discoveryThe role of authenticity in building a magnetic personal brand on LinkedInWhy diving into your identity and letting go of titles is the key to lasting growthStakes couldn’t be higher in a world where careers evolve faster than ever, and staying adaptable is everything. If you’re an athlete, a corporate warrior, or someone on the brink of your next transformation, Tamika’s story is your blueprint for turning adversity into advantage.This episode is for anyone ready to rebuild from the ground up—armed with the lessons that true resilience is often born in fallowness. Perfect for those contemplating a career pivot, entrepreneurs feeling the pull to do more, or anyone craving a fresh perspective on strength and self-trust.Join us to unlock the power of reinvention and the unshakeable confidence that comes when you realize you’re more than your titles. Tamika Brunetti proves that your greatest game is still ahead—if you’re willing to build it brick by brick.Guest Credibility:Tamika Brunetti is a top five global LinkedIn sales navigator expert and founder of her own consulting firm. Her unique journey from NCAA athlete to corporate leader and digital strategist exemplifies the power of resilience, reinvention, and authentic personal branding.
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  Four Lives, One Person: Mickey Dollens on Grief, Reinvention, and Refusing to Fake It 20.08.2026 39min

  Content note: This conversation discusses suicide and the loss of a family member. Listen when you're in the right place for it.College football player. Bobsledder for Team USA. High school English teacher. State lawmaker. Mickey Dollens has lived four lives, and the hinge between them wasn't talent. It was what he did with grief.A month after his last college game, Mickey lost his younger brother Joe to suicide. Joe had wanted to watch him try out for the NFL. So Mickey channeled the loss into three months of training, walked into an NFL Pro Day as a converted linebacker, and turned a phone call he never expected into a spot pushing bobsled for Team USA. Then oil went bust, schools lost funding, and a laid-off teacher looked up his representative's voting record and decided to run. He flipped a deep-red Oklahoma seat in 2016 and has held it ever since, as an openly agnostic candidate who refused to fake faith to win.In this episode, Mickey and host Lori Darley go into the part most people hide: the moment the crowd goes quiet and you have to ask, "If I'm not that anymore, who am I?"In this conversation:The deserted locker room, the VHS tapes, and the highlight reel that authored his own scholarshipWhy a childhood memory about a TV remote became his whole philosophy of changeGrief as fuel, and the support network that made the risk survivableStanding on conviction in a place that pressures you to pretendReligious coercion in sports, and where a coach's authority crosses a lineHis book, The Citizen's Guide to Political Change, and how ordinary people reclaim powerHis closing advice for anyone stuck: move a muscle, change a thoughtAbout the show Unbound: Winners for Life explores the messy middle of reinvention with athletes, performing artists, founders, and leaders in transition. Host Lori Darley is an identity architect who helps people move from a life handed to them to one they author on purpose.Go deeper with UnboundUnbound Identity Lab — a six-month self-guided curriculum in becoming who you choose to beYour Second Life — an eight-week intensive of deep reflection and embodied practiceLiving your own messy middle? Tell us your story. We'd love to hear it.Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Visit our website:Oklahoma House of Representatives
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  You Are Not the Armor 14.08.2026 10min

  You're hardwired for survival. What you don't know is when that switch flips on, and what it takes to switch it off.In this solo episode, Lori Darley opens the paradox at the center of her work with athletes and leaders in transition: the drive to win at any cost builds everything you have, and then has nowhere to stand the moment you lose.She walks through three truths. You are not your thoughts. Nothing is happening outside of you the way you think it is. You are already whole, and you don't lack a thing for the fullest expression of your life. Along the way she tells the truth about her own years as a choreographer, starving for applause and crumbling without it, and the shift that set her free.This isn't philosophy for its own sake. Everything here is built on embodied practice. The exercise is never the point. Who you're being while you do it is.For the Unbound community and everyone stepping into their Second Act.
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  Why Letting Go of the Ladder Can Lead to Your Biggest Breakthroughs 30.07.2026 29min

  Most high performers don’t realize that their greatest growth comes from the moments they dare to start over. Tamika Brunetti, a former NCAA Division III basketball player turned top LinkedIn strategist, reveals how her transition from student-athlete to corporate leader—and ultimately to fearless entrepreneur—was fueled by resilience, self-trust, and a big dose of self-reinvention.In this episode, Tamika shares the tough truths behind her unexpected career pivots—from battling injuries on the basketball court to navigating layoffs and stepping into a new chapter on her own terms. Discover how her grit shaped her to become one of the world’s top sales navigator experts, and learn the importance of rebuilding confidence when the jersey comes off and the spotlight shifts to you alone. You'll hear stories of surviving knee surgeries, handling layoffs of hundreds, and turning side hustles into thriving businesses—all while emphasizing the power of relationships, authenticity, and daring to claim your next act.We break down some of Tamika’s most valuable insights:How former athletes can leverage their discipline and teamwork skills into entrepreneurial successThe importance of maintaining relationships and resilience during career transitionsPractical strategies to reframe setbacks as opportunities for self-discoveryThe role of authenticity in building a magnetic personal brand on LinkedInWhy diving into your identity and letting go of titles is the key to lasting growthStakes couldn’t be higher in a world where careers evolve faster than ever, and staying adaptable is everything. If you’re an athlete, a corporate warrior, or someone on the brink of your next transformation, Tamika’s story is your blueprint for turning adversity into advantage.This episode is for anyone ready to rebuild from the ground up—armed with the lessons that true resilience is often born in fallowness. Perfect for those contemplating a career pivot, entrepreneurs feeling the pull to do more, or anyone craving a fresh perspective on strength and self-trust.Join us to unlock the power of reinvention and the unshakeable confidence that comes when you realize you’re more than your titles. Tamika Brunetti proves that your greatest game is still ahead—if you’re willing to build it brick by brick.Guest Credibility:Tamika Brunetti is a top five global LinkedIn sales navigator expert and founder of her own consulting firm. Her unique journey from NCAA athlete to corporate leader and digital strategist exemplifies the power of resilience, reinvention, and authentic personal branding.
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  The Unseen Power of Mindset in Turning Sports Success into Financial Freedom 17.07.2026 1t

  Most action sports athletes are taught to leave their passion behind when they retire— but what if you could thrive in two "worlds" at once? Barrett Christy Cummins, a snowboarding legend with 30 years at the top, shares her powerful journey of holding dual callings: competing at the highest level and shaping the future of financial education. Her story is a masterclass in living fully, boldly, and intentionally across multiple passions, without sacrificing one for the other.In this candid conversation, Barrett reveals how growing up without a blueprint in snowboarding allowed her the freedom to experiment and push boundaries, ultimately reaching Olympic heights during an era with no playbook. She discusses the mindset shifts that helped her turn risk into resilience and how her early athletic career laid the foundation for her influence in brand building and mentorship—both in sports and in finance.
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  The Surprising Power of Blowing It All Up to Discover Who You Truly Are 10.07.2026 51min

  Most high performers never pause to celebrate their breakthroughs — but what if recognizing these pivotal moments is the key to the next level? Delaney Taylor’s story of blowing it all up at 19 to redefine herself shows how unshackling from past identities can unlock newfound freedom and clarity.In this raw, honest conversation, Delaney shares how her daring leap from college volleyball to forging a new path became a transformative catalyst, not just in her career but in her understanding of herself. You'll discover the power of embracing chaos as a catalyst for growth, the importance of community in navigating transition, and how altering your relationship with your past identities can expand your possibilities.We break down the nuances of identity shifts—why they’re rarely linear and how to navigate the in-between spaces with courage and compassion. Delaney dives into her journey of listening to her body, trusting her instincts, and learning to celebrate moments of clarity that often go unnoticed in the hustle for “what’s next.” You'll explore practical strategies for grounding yourself amid uncertainty, building supportive communities, and reframing failure as the very foundation of personal evolution.This episode is essential listening if you’re standing at a crossroads, feeling the pressure to perform, or simply seeking the courage to blow up your own story and start anew. Delaney’s story reminds us that transformation isn’t about the destination but about the stories we tell ourselves along the way—and the community that makes the journey possible.Whether you’re an athlete, a creative, or navigating any kind of transition, this conversation will ignite your curiosity and inspire action. Discover how celebrating your small wins, shifting your inner dialogue, and embracing your imperfect, ever-changing self can lead to a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.Delaney Taylor is a former Division I athlete, now dedicated to helping others find resilience and purpose through transformational community work. Her story of radical self-reinvention provides invaluable insights for anyone ready to step into their next chapter.This episode is a celebration of human resilience, curiosity, and the limitless potential we hold when we dare to blow it all up. Are you ready to embrace your next transformation? Hit play and start rewriting your story today.
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  The Unexpected Lessons Tennis Taught a Prodigy About Life and Self-Worth 10.07.2026 40min

  In this inspiring episode, Olivia Bergler shares her remarkable journey from a small town in Poland to the U.S., her achievements in professional and collegiate tennis, and her vision for a future driven by passion, purpose, and connection. Olivia highlights the importance of resilience, community, and staying true to your values in navigating life's transitions.
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  Steffond Johnson Beyond the Game 08.07.2026 49min

  Most high performers, including ex-NBA star Stefan Johnson, grapple with who they are beyond their roles—and what happens when their spotlight fades. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Stefan and Lori peel back the layers on identity, legacy, and the transition from fame and success to a deeper, more authentic self.Discover how Stefan’s journey through poverty, professional sports, and profound self-discovery reveals the invisible battles many face—trauma, disconnection, and the struggle to find purpose when the crowd disappears. This episode is a powerful reminder that true resilience isn’t just about achievement but about reclaiming your story and forging meaning beyond the game.You’ll learn:The importance of identifying who you are, not just what you do, especially when your external success ends.How to navigate the painful transition from identity tied to achievement to one rooted in authentic purpose.The significance of questions over statements in coaching high performers—unlocking insight by asking, rather than telling.Why money isn’t just a resource but a symbol of energy exchange, and how shifting your relationship with it transforms your impact.Practical tools for embracing vulnerability, building trust, and living beyond societal roles to craft a legacy that truly matters.Why neglecting this inner work risks remaining trapped in past successes or falling into victimhood. Conversely, this episode offers a blueprint for turning upheaval into opportunity—teaching you how to find peace, clarity, and more impactful purpose amidst the chaos of transition.Perfect for athletes, high performers, or anyone facing the end of a chapter—this conversation empowers you to boldly embrace change, understand your deeper worth, and thrive in the new chapters ahead.Stefan Johnson is a former NBA player, known for his resilience and deep insights on identity, legacy, and transformation. Lori Darley, a leadership and transformation coach, brings 25 years of expertise in helping people navigate life’s biggest transitions.Ready to redefine what success truly means? Hit play and step fully into your next chapter.
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  The Surprising Power of Blowing It All Up to Discover Who You Truly Are 30.06.2026 51min

  Most high performers never pause to celebrate their breakthroughs — but what if recognizing these pivotal moments is the key to the next level? Delaney Taylor’s story of blowing it all up at 19 to redefine herself shows how unshackling from past identities can unlock newfound freedom and clarity.In this raw, honest conversation, Delaney shares how her daring leap from college volleyball to forging a new path became a transformative catalyst, not just in her career but in her understanding of herself. You'll discover the power of embracing chaos as a catalyst for growth, the importance of community in navigating transition, and how altering your relationship with your past identities can expand your possibilities.We break down the nuances of identity shifts—why they’re rarely linear and how to navigate the in-between spaces with courage and compassion. Delaney dives into her journey of listening to her body, trusting her instincts, and learning to celebrate moments of clarity that often go unnoticed in the hustle for “what’s next.” You'll explore practical strategies for grounding yourself amid uncertainty, building supportive communities, and reframing failure as the very foundation of personal evolution.This episode is essential listening if you’re standing at a crossroads, feeling the pressure to perform, or simply seeking the courage to blow up your own story and start anew. Delaney’s story reminds us that transformation isn’t about the destination but about the stories we tell ourselves along the way—and the community that makes the journey possible.Whether you’re an athlete, a creative, or navigating any kind of transition, this conversation will ignite your curiosity and inspire action. Discover how celebrating your small wins, shifting your inner dialogue, and embracing your imperfect, ever-changing self can lead to a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.Delaney Taylor is a former Division I athlete, now dedicated to helping others find resilience and purpose through transformational community work. Her story of radical self-reinvention provides invaluable insights for anyone ready to step into their next chapter.This episode is a celebration of human resilience, curiosity, and the limitless potential we hold when we dare to blow it all up. Are you ready to embrace your next transformation? Hit play and start rewriting your story today.
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  My story 19.06.2026 12min

  Most people are living from the neck up — strategizing, analyzing, and controlling their identities. But the real transformation happens in the body, in embodied leadership that unlocks your true potential. Lori Darley, a former professional dancer turned coach, shares how she uncovered the secret that allows you to break free from outdated roles and step into a fluid, limitless sense of self.At just 43, Lori’s life changed forever when she fell during a dance rehearsal—a fall that forced her to confront the core question: who am I without dance? Through that pain, she discovered that nothing is wasted; every failure, detour, and wound becomes the foundation for a more authentic, powerful self. Her journey from ballet slippers to coaching leadership reveals a transformative truth: change is physical, felt, and embodied, not just cognitive.You’ll discover: how the body holds your history and beliefs—and why thoughts alone aren’t enough to create lasting shifts. Lori breaks down her signature framework, Unbound Identity, a three-phase journey of seeing, breaking free, and consciously creating your next chapter. She shares practical tools—from embodied practices and breathwork to community rituals—that help you experiment with new ways of being beyond old stories and roles.This episode is essential if you’re navigating identity after a career pivot, a trauma, or a big life transition. Because in today’s age, where AI and automation excel at execution, your greatest edge lies in your ability to imagine, create, and connect vulnerably—capacities only accessible when you’re truly free to be who you are in your body.Join Lori as she reveals how to unlock your identity freedom—the key to adapting, leading, and creating boldly in an unpredictable world. Perfect for athletes, founders, artists, and leaders ready to discover the game beyond the score. Your next chapter isn’t out there; it’s inside you, waiting for you to step into it.