About the Host

Toby Brooks is an enthusiastic and innovative educator with a flair for integrating creative tools into his teaching methodologies. Inspired by his vibrant school days under the guidance of Ms. Mathis, a renowned PE teacher in Illinois, Toby has channeled that same passion and creativity into his own career. He currently teaches Anatomical Kinesiology at Baylor University and is recognized for his engagement with tech-savvy educational methods, including the use of podcasts as teaching supplements. Episode Summary

In this captivating episode of the Professor's Playbook, Toby Brooks delves into the transformative power of education, drawing from his own childhood experiences under the inspiring tutelage of Ms. Mathis. Though the years have passed since his youthful days of scooter soccer and parachute play, Toby strives to create equally engaging experiences for his own students. This episode shines a light on his innovative use of podcasting as a pedagogical tool, hoping to leave a lasting impact just like those memorable PE days did for him.

As Toby approaches the finale of his 30-day solo podcast challenge with David Hooper, he introduces listeners to his latest educational experiment – embedding podcast episodes into his spring 2025 Anatomical Kinesiology course at Baylor University. Designed to offer students a fresh and accessible way to interact with course material, the podcast episodes provide pre-class insights and weekly recaps. This novel approach emphasizes digital engagement, giving students flexibility in how they consume educational content. Toby is eager to evaluate the effectiveness of this method through potential research on educational outcomes influenced by podcasting.

Key Takeaways

• Toby Brooks shares nostalgic memories of impactful school days and how they influence his teaching style.
• Innovative teaching methods, such as podcasting, play a crucial role in enhancing student engagement and learning.
• Toby's 30-day podcasting challenge reflects his commitment to experimenting with educational content delivery.
• The use of podcasts offers students a flexible, portable way to access course materials and important insights.
• Toby invites listeners to consider new educational tools and to reflect on methods that best resonate with today's students.

Notable Quotes

• "They were PE days where we got to use the cool stuff. At my elementary school, we had a PE teacher by the name of Ms. Mathis."
• "My best learning experiences in life came from skilled, competent and caring educators."
• "This experiment with podcasting is more than just content creation. It's about trying to be innovative, to connect, to meet students where they are."
• "Podcasts are flexible, portable, and most importantly, accessible."
• "May every day be like scooter soccer or parachute day, but above all else, listen to your freaking professor."

Resources

• Connect with Toby Brooks: linktr.ee/tobyjbrooks
• Review episodes 25 and 28 of the Professor's Playbook for Toby's in-depth class discussions.

Tune in to the full episode of the Professor's Playbook to explore how Toby Brooks is reshaping modern education through technology and cherished learning experiences. Stay connected for more inspiring content that challenges and enlightens from the Professor's Playbook series.

About the Host

Dr. Toby Brooks is a seasoned expert in the field of anatomical kinesiology, athletic training, and strength & conditioning. With an extensive background in sports performance and rehabilitation, he brings invaluable insights to both athletes and students. Dr. Brooks is known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical, real-world applications. As the host of "The Professor's Playbook," he shares his extensive knowledge, helping listeners enhance their understanding of movement mechanics and injury prevention. Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of "The Professor's Playbook," Dr. Toby Brooks dives into the intricate workings of the neuromuscular system, offering both academic and practical guidance. Listeners are treated to a journey from understanding basic muscle terminology to the application of these concepts in sports and rehabilitation. Dr. Brooks opens with a story of a young pitcher needing to learn control over brute strength, which serves as a metaphor for the episode's deeper exploration of muscle coordination and control. This episode is filled with expert insights and practical tips aimed at improving athletic performance and minimizing injury risk.

Delving further, Dr. Brooks elaborates on muscle terminology, including terms like origin and insertion, and explains the importance of understanding intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. He highlights the significance of different muscle contractions— isometric, concentric, and eccentric—and their roles in movement phases. Through vivid examples, Dr. Brooks elucidates the roles of muscles such as agonists, antagonists, stabilizers, synergists, and neutralizers, painting a clear picture of how each contributes to movement harmony. Key neuromuscular principles like reciprocal inhibition, length-tension relationship, and autogenic inhibition are also explored, offering listeners a foundation to fine-tune motion and design effective training plans. Key Takeaways

• Muscles must work in coordinated harmony, each fulfilling specific roles to create smooth motor patterns.
• Types of muscle contractions— isotonic, concentric, and eccentric— are fundamental to understanding movement mechanics.
• Agonists, antagonists, synergists, and neutralizers all play critical roles in muscle movement and efficiency.
• Principles like reciprocal inhibition and length-tension relationships are crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.
• Understanding neuromuscular coordination is key to improving movement quality and reducing injury risks in both athletic and daily activities.

Notable Quotes

• "Got the horsepower, but you're not using the steering wheel."
• "Muscles are like a well-coached team. Every player has a role."
• "Understanding these principles helps us fine-tune movement and our training plans."
• "Our body will refine those actions into a smooth, coordinated motor pattern."
• "Be purposeful, be relentless, keep becoming undone and above all, listen to your freaking professor."

Resources

• Dr. Toby Brooks’ social media and contact: linktr.ee/tobyjbrooks

Listeners are encouraged to delve into this episode to fully grasp the concepts discussed and apply them in practice. Stay tuned for more enlightening insights on "The Professor's Playbook" as Dr. Toby Brooks guides you through the intricate world of kinesiology and neuromuscular dynamics.

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of "The Professor's Playbook," host Toby Brooks opens up about his journey through personal and professional failures over the past several years. With a focus on introspection and growth, Toby candidly shares three significant hurdles he's faced, offering listeners a unique insight into the challenges that have shaped him. These accounts not only highlight the ups and downs of career progression but also underline the theme of perseverance amid setbacks.

Toby delves into the intricacies of his career journey, describing an arduous job search that saw over 300 applications with minimal results, his experiences with failing a professional certification exam twice, and the faltering growth of his podcasting endeavors. Throughout the episode, Toby emphasizes the transformative power of failure, leveraging his own experiences to speak about resilience, self-improvement, and the lessons learned from rejection. His storytelling reinforces the invaluable notion that "failure is not fatal," urging listeners to embrace their own setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways

• Perseverance in Career Progression: Toby's job search experience offers insights into the persistence required to find and secure the right professional opportunities, even when faced with numerous rejections.
• Lessons from Failure: Failing the CPSS exam twice was a humbling experience that provided Toby with deeper empathy and understanding for others facing similar challenges.
• Podcasting Challenges: Launching a podcast involves sustained effort and strategic planning, as seen in Toby's struggles to maintain momentum post-launch.
• Growth Through Setbacks: Personal and professional obstacles can be stepping stones if approached with the right mindset of learning and resilience.
• Empathy and Leadership: Failure has taught Toby to be a more empathetic leader, understanding that these experiences shape one's ability to connect with and support others.

Notable Quotes

• "Truth is, it hasn't always been win after win; I've faced significant setbacks."
• "If I would have advanced in any previous job searches, I probably would have walked through the wrong door."
• "Prior to this, I'd never failed an exam; now I know the humbling side of failure."
• "I remain steadfast in the belief that if I keep going, keep getting better, eventually, I'll crack the code."
• "Even after hitting setbacks, I'm convinced that every situation is shaping me into a better leader."

Resources

• Contact Toby Brooks: Visit Toby's Linktree to access his email and social media links for further engagement.
• Podcast Platforms: Listen to "The Professor's Playbook" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeartRadio.

Tune in to the full episode to explore more about the trials and triumphs in Toby's personal and professional life. Stay connected for more insightful and inspiring content from "The Professor's Playbook," where learning from setbacks is the foundation for ongoing growth.

About the Host

Toby Brooks is the host of "The Professor's Playbook" podcast. He is an accomplished academic with over two decades of experience in higher education. Toby is a first-generation college graduate holding five degrees, including a doctorate. He has a rich background in both professional and collegiate sports, having worked as an athletic trainer and strength coach. He is also a published author and aspiring public speaker, passionate about strategic personal development. Toby's career spans across public, private, community colleges, and major universities. He is currently engaged in podcasting and writing, aiming to inspire others through his experiences and insights. Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of "The Professor's Playbook," host Toby Brooks pulls back the curtain on his own life, sharing a personal top 10 list of things he wishes his audience knew about him. Understanding the importance of connection in teaching and coaching, Toby opens up about his roots, values, and ambitions. The episode gives listeners a chance to learn about the man behind the mic, enriching the mentor-student dynamic with personal anecdotes and reflections.

Toby explores how his upbringing on a farm in Southern Illinois and his journey as a first-generation college student have shaped his worldview. He emphasizes the significance of his varied educational and professional experiences, which include decades of work in higher education and athletic training. His story is one of progress over perfection, driven by a desire for constant improvement and strategic pursuit of goals. With a touch of humor and authenticity, Toby brings to light his aspirations, such as giving a TEDx talk, and illustrates his philosophy of living with purpose and being relentless.

Key Takeaways

• Background & Education: Toby's journey from a small-town farm to earning five college degrees exemplifies progress through education and determination.
• Professional Experiences: His rich professional background spans athletic training and coaching in diverse educational settings, highlighting his versatility and expertise.
• Core Values: Emphasizing conservative values and a desire for honesty in politics, Toby offers a genuine perspective on current societal issues.
• Personal Philosophy: Toby's life mantra is "Strategic in purpose. Relentless in pursuit," showcasing his commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Aspirations & Hobbies: A drummer since childhood, Toby also aspires to be a renowned speaker and coach, blending passion with ambition.

Notable Quotes

• "Connection is a foundation of trust."
• "I've always been a night owl."
• "Progress over perfection. Setbacks are opportunities to learn."
• "I really don't think anyone has my interests at heart."
• "Be purposeful, be relentless, and reach out."

Resources

• Toby Brooks' Linktree: linktr.ee/tobyjbrooks
• Podcast Platforms: Listen to "The Professor's Playbook" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.
• Other Podcast: Toby also hosts "Becoming Undone."

Tune in to this captivating episode to uncover the layers of Toby Brooks' inspiring life journey. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies on personal development from "The Professor's Playbook."

Episode Summary

Welcome to another captivating episode of "The Professor's Playbook," hosted by Dr. Toby Brooks, focusing on the intriguing world of anatomical kinesiology. This episode is a deep dive into the foundational principles of anatomical kinesiology, a crucial discipline for anyone in the fields of sports medicine, physical therapy, and coaching. Dr. Brooks elucidates the why and how of human movement, offering listeners valuable insights into optimizing performance and preventing injuries. Through vivid storytelling, Dr. Brooks shares his own transformative educational experience, aiming to inspire his audience with both theoretical and practical knowledge.

In this episode, Dr. Brooks discusses the significance of understanding kinesiology from an interdisciplinary perspective, blending anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. This comprehensive approach sets the stage for practitioners in healthcare and sports fields to better assess and improve movement efficiency. The episode touches upon key concepts like anatomical terminology, planes of motion, and mechanical principles, emphasizing their real-world applications in enhancing athletic performance and ensuring injury prevention. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how to apply these principles in their professional practices, aligning with Dr. Brooks' mission to provide an unparalleled learning experience.

Key Takeaways

• Anatomical kinesiology is crucial for anyone involved in sports medicine, coaching, or physical education, offering insights into enhancing movement efficiency and preventing injuries.
• Understanding interdisciplinary elements like anatomy, biomechanics, and psychology can profoundly impact athletic training and rehabilitation practices.
• Key anatomical concepts such as anterior/posterior, sagittal/frontal/transverse planes, and mechanical principles are essential for effective movement analysis.
• Dr. Brooks' teaching philosophy emphasizes transparency, multimodal learning, and the integration of tools like ChatGPT to aid in education.
• The importance of continuous learning and application of anatomical kinesiology in real-world scenarios for sustained professional growth.

Notable Quotes

• "Understanding kinesiology is essential not just for athletic performance, but also for injury risk, mitigation and recovery."
• "Anatomical kinesiology isn't just some nerdy academic study. It's practical."
• "As educators and practitioners, we have a responsibility to equip these folks with tools for success, not just on the field, but for life."
• "My goal isn't just to teach anatomical kinesiology. Specifically, it is to deliver the best learning experience you, my student, has ever had."
• "Don't shortchange the process. There are ways that you can make this easy, and you will pay for it in the long run."

Resources

• Podcast: Becoming UnDone

Give "The Professor's Playbook" episode a listen to fully engage with Dr. Toby Brooks' insights and to stay updated on the intersection of education, sports medicine, and anatomical kinesiology. Ensure you subscribe and leave a review to continue enriching your knowledge with future episodes.

Episode Summary

In this engaging episode of "The Professor's Playbook," Dr. Toby Brooks takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the intricacies of podcast production. Reflecting on an enjoyable yet formative attempt at podcasting with his daughter, Toby reveals how it sparked his dedication to mastering the craft. Through a detailed breakdown of his workflow, Toby shares that the process isn't solely about having the best equipment, but aligning tools with personal and professional goals. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights into the ideation, recording, and editing processes, showcasing the evolution from charmingly experimental beginnings to a polished production approach.

Dive deeper into the technical nuances as Toby discusses everything from ideation and scripting to mastering and promoting the podcast. Emphasizing tools like Microsoft Word for scripting, the Shure SM7B microphone for quality sound, and technological aids such as ChatGPT for optimizing workflow, Toby ensures listeners can replicate and enhance their podcasting abilities. He provides candid remarks on the results, reflecting on his growth, setbacks, and aspirations. The discussion also underlines the importance of continuous learning and adapting, from tweaking hardware setups to finding innovative software solutions, ensuring content is not only created but connects with audiences effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Learn from Toby's transformative podcasting journey from a simple setup to a sophisticated production.
• Discover the significance of aligning tools with objectives for effective and efficient podcast production.
• Gain insights into the value of continuous learning and adapting to enhance podcast production quality.
• Understand the crucial aspects of ideation, scripting, and mastering processes with technology integration.
• Explore practical advice on auditing your setup and refining workflows using AI tools for polished content.

Notable Quotes

• "We laughed. We learned. Most importantly, it gave me the itch, the undeniable pull to find a better way to produce a quality podcast."
• "It's not about having the fanciest gear…it's about having tools that align with my goals to be clear, to be efficient, to grow."
• "Reconnecting with your purpose…when burnout and frustration creeps in. Not if, when."
• "Here's your challenge for this week…audit your setup, refine your workflow, celebrate your progress, and reconnect with your purpose." Resources

• Linktr.ee Profile - Connect with Toby Brooks for more insights and updates.
• Shure SM7B Microphone - A top choice for quality podcast audio.
• Zoom Podtrak P8 - A versatile tool for multi-channel recording.
• Reaper - A robust audio editing software solution.
• Artlist - A resource for royalty-free music and sound effects.

Listen to the full episode for a detailed exploration of podcast production techniques and stay tuned for more enlightening content from "The Professor's Playbook."

Episode Summary

In this engaging episode of "The Professor's Playbook," host Toby Brooks delves into the art of achieving dreams despite setbacks, drawing inspiration from iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg's journey to success. Around 1964, Spielberg faced academic rejection yet persevered, eventually becoming the youngest director with a long-term contract at a major studio. Similarly, Brooks candidly shares his own ambitious projects, including refining his podcast, writing a book, and pursuing a TEDx talk, thereby relating the importance of grit and resilience in the face of challenges.

With an insightful focus on personal growth, Brooks reflects on his current endeavors, including the 30-day solo podcast challenge spearheaded by David Hooper, and engaging in a 28-day AI challenge. Addressing themes of branding and self-improvement, he discusses refining workflows, creating engaging content, and clarifying messaging for broader impact. Brooks encourages listeners to audit their processes, recognize small wins, and reconnect with their deeper purpose, all while fostering personal efficiency and creativity. This episode is a guide for anyone juggling multiple projects and seeking to streamline their path to success.

Key Takeaways

• Perseverance in the Face of Rejection: Drawing parallels to Steven Spielberg's story, the episode highlights how persistence is crucial in overcoming initial setbacks to achieve success.
• Continual Learning and Growth: Brooks emphasizes the importance of continual self-improvement through challenges like the podcast and AI courses, which promote skill enhancement.
• Efficiency and Workflow Optimization: Streamlining workflows can create space for creativity and impact, turning tedious tasks into efficient processes that benefit others.
• Branding and Messaging: Brooks underscores the need for refined branding and cohesive messaging across various platforms to enhance personal and influential success.
• Purpose Reconnection: Identifying and reconnecting with one's 'why' is essential for staying motivated and aligned with personal and professional goals.

• "In 1964, an ambitious young guy… had a decision to make: Take his lumps and settle for Plan B or bet on himself and find a different path to make Plan A work."

Notable Quotes

• "Growth, real growth, doesn't come without friction."
• "Streamlining your workflow might not sound real sexy, but it's a game changer."
• "Each of these goals presents its own unique set of hurdles."
• "Reconnect with your purpose by writing down a sentence or two that reminds you of what's driving you."

Resources

• Linktree for Toby J. Brooks: linktr.ee/tobyjbrooks
• David Hooper, host of "Big Podcast"
• Podcast "Becoming UnDone" and insights from high achievers like Carl Banks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Discover more about navigating professional and personal growth by tuning into the full episode, and stay inspired for more enlightening content from "The Professor's Playbook."

Episode Summary

In this revealing episode of "The Professor's Playbook," host Toby Brooks recounts a recent personal mishap during a sought-after interview with NFL veteran and business mogul Carl Banks. Despite technological preparations, a simple error in calculating time zones leads to an unexpected blunder that jeopardized the conversation. This episode delves into themes of error, accountability, and redemption, resonating with anyone who has faced setbacks in their professional journey. Brooks candidly uses his own experience to explore the practical life lessons that arise from even the most avoidable mistakes.

Brooks relays the story of his encounter with Carl Banks, a formidable force both on the football field and in entrepreneurial ventures. As he navigates through the aftermath of miscalculated time zones, Brooks underscores the importance of preparation and the subtle aspects that can derail plans. With visually engaging anecdotes, he ties these learnings back to broader contexts relatable to his audience of professionals, educators, and leaders. Consistent with the show's essence, this episode is a learning hub—inviting listeners to reflect on their own missteps and emphasizing the value of learning, adapting, and moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation in any endeavor involves both significant and minor details, which can equally impact outcomes.
• Accountability and owning up to mistakes pave the way for growth and improved future performance.
• Time zone calculations are a vital consideration when scheduling across different geographic locations.
• Quick thinking and adaptability are crucial when unexpected situations arise, such as technical difficulties.
• Learning from mistakes prevents them from defining one's professional journey, hence the importance of resilience.

Notable Quotes

• "Carl Banks is perfect. Perfect coverage."
• "I felt like I fumbled it at the goal line."
• "Mistakes don't have to define us unless we let them."
• "Double check everything. I mean, everything that involves timing."
• "Be purposeful, be relentless, triple check your time zone math."

Resources

• Becoming Undone Podcast - undonepodcast.com/ep109
• Professor's Playbook Podcast - Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio

Dive into this episode for an authentic narrative on managing imperfections and extracting wisdom from every setback. As Toby Brooks shares his raw encounter with one of the football greats, he opens the floor for all to learn, adjust, and propel themselves toward success. Stay tuned for additional insightful episodes from "The Professor's Playbook."