144. From Olympic Pressure to Mental Freedom: Jordyn Wieber Brooks on Redefining Resilience & Success

Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber Brooks knows the immense pressure of elite gymnastics—where fear-based coaching, emotional suppression, and relentless expectations shape young athletes. In this episode, she opens up about the resilience it took to unlearn those survival tactics and how retiring at just 18 forced her to redefine her identity beyond competition. Now the head coach at the University of Arkansas, Jordyn is reshaping gymnastics culture, creating a healthier environment where athletes can thrive without sacrificing their well-being. She shares her journey of healing from body image struggles, finding purpose in coaching, and preparing for motherhood. Jordyn also reflects on her experience on Special Forces, where she reached her mental and physical limits and made the powerful decision to step away for her mental health—proving that true strength lies in self-awareness, boundaries, and rewriting the rules for the next generation.(00:00:00) Introductions(00:03:34) Redefining Success in Sports: Building Resilience & Healthy Mindsets(00:13:05) Jordyn’s Olympic Journey & Navigating Life After Retirement(00:25:08) Healing Her Relationship with Food & Preparing for MotherhoodClick here for full show notesGuest Info:• Instagram: @jordyn_wieberResources:• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listenersDonate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.Producer, Bobby Goldstein.The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Ketone IQ | Visit ketone.com/TBS for 30% off your first subscription!

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Where there is darkness, there is an immense opportunity for light. The Big Silence aims to normalize conversations around mental health and empower people to turn their challenges into triumphs. Hosted by Karena Dawn – mental health advocate, wellness entrepreneur, co-founder of Tone It Up, and New York Times bestselling author – The Big Silence is creating a safe space to share our story, and for you to share yours. Like so many, Karena has experienced profound grief and trauma. Growing up with a mother diagnosed with paranoid-schizophrenia, her childhood was filled with traumatic experiences that resulted in repressed emotions of guilt, shame, depression, and eventually, a suicide attempt. Though filled with this darkness, Karena was able to find deep joy. And with The Big Silence, she's creating a space for you to find that joy, too. This podcast will feature in-depth conversations with psychologists, spiritual leaders, public figures, friends, and anyone who has been impacted by a mental health condition – either themselves, or through a family member or a friend. Suffering in silence only reinforces the stigma behind mental health issues and builds boundaries that prevent healing. Wherever you are, whatever you're going through, you have a spark of greatness inside of you. No more embarrassment, no more shame, only healing. -- A non-profit 501(c)3, The Big Silence Foundation provides resources and support to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by mental illness. 'The Big Silence' theme song was written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.