Comeback Stories

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker turned analyst for Fox Sports 1. Emmanuel shares how his story as a Nigerian-American shaped his childhood and his father's continuous impact as an adult.  He then explains how he was able to partner with Oprah on his book, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” as well as work with...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined virtually by Austin Ekeler, a top running back in the NFL. In the last two seasons, Austin has led all running backs and wide receivers in touchdowns and has become the most valuable player in the fantasy football community. He joins Comeback Stories to share a little about his childhood and how growing up in his household helped h...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined virtually by CC Sabathia, a former MLB pitcher, six-time All-star, Cy Young Award Winner, and 2009 World Series Champion. CC talks about how his childhood and being so young in such a big game led him to become an alcoholic. CC details his battles with losing his father, depression, alcohol dependency, and lack of identity during w...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny welcome David Nurse , a 2x best-selling author, and speaker. David is known for his expertise in player development and mental toughness, with his motivational coaching business, he has helped thousands of employees and athletes develop unshakeable mindsets.  David breaks down how he bounced back after being cut from his semi-pro team, and th...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny welcome Napheesa Collier , 2x WNBA All-Star & 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Napheesa talks about the competitive drive instilled in her at a young age, and how her determination took her to UCONN where she sharpened her skills against the best of the best. She details the mindset of being "too black for the white people, and too white for...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny welcome Branden Collinsworth , Nike Master Trainer, yoga instructor, human performance coach & compassionate humanitarian. Branden explains his journey "from the streets to the sky" drawing on life lessons learned while growing up in the projects on the East Side of Las Vegas. Brandon talks about becoming an addict at a young age, droppin...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny catch up once again with Zac Clark, star of ABC's The Bachelorette & founder of Release Recovery . Zac begins by explaining how a new year can be an opportunity to reset priorities and center yourself around areas of growth. He talks about the full spectrum of relationships, and applying principles of close connections to even people seek...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Eben Britton, a former NFL offensive lineman, health advocate, cannabis activist & host of The Eben Flow podcast. Eben describes growing up as a child of divorce, and how pressure quickly mounted to be the "alpha" of the household at a young age. Eben explains how he then found an escape in athletics, and believed that "doin...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Zion Clark, an All-American / world record-holding athlete, actor & musician. Zion talks about being born without legs (caudal regression syndrome), getting bullied and having those experiences drive him to sports & wrestling specifically. Zion says one specific coach and his family embraced his disability and gave him t...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Zay Jones, a former teammate of Darren's who now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Zay talks about his upbringing in a house with five siblings and how his parents' sacrifices paved the way for his success. He goes on to describe how injuries, unwanted criticism and an arrest in his early NFL years had his career flashing befo...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Michael Vick, 4x Pro Bowl Quarterback and the NFL's 2010 Comeback Player of the Year. Michael starts by talking about his childhood and burying the trauma of physical abuse while being raised in a rough neighborhood. He then goes on to recount how football gave him a purpose, and how the community supported his eventual journey...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Neal Brennan, a comedian, writer, producer, director & podcaster . Neal talks about his days creating, writing & producing Chappelle's Show, and how his life suddenly changed when the show came to an abrupt halt. Neal talks about achieving goals and the toll that road to success can take on a successful person's mind &am...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined once again by Mark Groves, human connection specialist, host of The Mark Groves Podcast & founder of Create the Love. Mark picks up where he left off in talking about becoming best friends with yourself and aligning your choices with your values. Mark talks about relationships, and how men can embrace feedback from their partne...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Mark Groves, human connection specialist, host of The Mark Groves Podcast & founder of Create the Love. Mark starts by recounting his childhood, and how weight & appearance issues turned him into a people pleaser. Mark says in today's world men aren't supposed to be emotional, but in fact that's exactly what men need to...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny reflect on our most impactful guest appearances of 2022, and also turn the page to set some New Years resolutions/transitions for 2023. The guys outline their biggest areas of growth in the past year, detailing their many spiritual, mental and physical advances. Donny talks about his "shift" mindset and teachings, an art of harnessing courage...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Tracy Duhs, aka "The Hydration Queen" , a wellness advocate and scientist specializing in the innovative and intelligent practice of proper hydration. Tracy talks about how her childhood surroundings led her to an unconventional path as a teenager, with the ultimate goal of helping people become healthier & happier. Tracy ta...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Michael Gervais, renowned performance psychologist and founder of Finding Mastery . Michael talks about becoming a psychologist through trying to "figure himself out", and a prolific career that followed, leading him to eventually work with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, Olympic Medalists & various musicians & artists. Mich...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Susan Borchardt, former Stanford hooper and founder of The Athlete Blueprint . Susan takes you through the devastating injuries she endured during her playing career, and how those experiences evolved into becoming a sports performance coach for the likes of Sue Bird and Kelsey Plum among others. Susan takes you inside her perfo...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Jason Redman, decorated retired Navy SEAL Lieutenant and best-selling author of The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader . Jason takes you through his 21 year Navy SEAL career and how an enemy ambush gave him an overcome mindset. Jason speaks to the many obstacles that were placed in his path, and how he used...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Dan Jameson, a close friend of Darren's and Director of Syndicate Sports Performance . Dan recounts his childhood growing up poor in the Bay Area without a father figure. He talks about self-destructive behaviors haunting him even now through adulthood, and how he's learned to become almost too comfortable living in chaos. Dan t...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Don Bergeron, a close friend and teacher of Donny's through his own personal healing process. Don starts by recounting his childhood and overcoming acute hyperactivity issues. He details days in special education with a learning disability, being told he'd never move past a certain point or go to college. Don speaks to various "...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Michael Aidala, a leading performance coach . Michael talks about how he thrived at sports as a child and felt immense pressure to meet his father's expectations. He talks about then breaking free from those expectations and utilizing unconventional tools to find his own path. Michael describes when he decided a change was neces...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, we bring your part two of Darren & Donny's wide-ranging conversation with Davidji, Author & Master of Meditation. The planet's most prolific creator of guided mediations , Davidji details a time-tested approach for staying in the present by becoming truly "still" before action. Davidji speaks about obsessing over desires, and how those thoughts get in t...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, we bring your part one of Darren & Donny's wide-ranging conversation with Davidji, Author & Master of Meditation. The planet's most prolific creator of guided mediations , Davidji starts by revealing how his love of music served as the foundational building blocks for his spiritual growth. Davidji talks about how the hustle & bustle of growing up in...

On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny head to New York City, where they are joined on stage by Zac Clark, star of ABC's The Bachelorette & founder of Release Recovery . Zac talks about growing up in a seemingly ideal household, and how his addiction patterns started forming during his time as a high school & college athlete. Zac details how his dishonesty to loved ones an...