Thrive After Sports w/ Taj Dashaun

Former Cal Lutheran basketball player, Andrew Atakpo went from sitting in a cubicle wondering “What am I doing with my life?” to waking up every day feeling inspired, and taking massive action to bring his vision to fruition. Andrew’s new mission is to give people access to practical, insightful information that helps them take control of their finances. Andrew’s #1 piece of advice: Whatever it is...

Don’t let the fear of being labeled a “job hopper” keep you stuck where you’re unhappy, unfulfilled, and non-productive. Trust me, it’s okay to walk away sometimes. Of course, we need to be intentional about what we’re getting ourselves into from the start, but often times, trial and error are a necessary part of our evolution. There are times when we pursue a career path (business venture, relati...

In episode 45 of The 9INE POINT Started With A Dream Podcast, Jacolby Gilliam talks with Taj Dashaun former Stony Brook University football player and now athlete transition coach about his journey and the importance of finding clarity on your career path. In this conversation, Taj walks us through his journey and how he first fell in love with the game of football. An injury his junior year gave...

Let's face it: Some of the relationships in our lives are well past their expiration dates. This doesn't necessarily mean we need to start cutting people off, but we may need to limit the amount of time we spend with them. Over the years, I’ve learned to draft people into my life the same way professional teams draft players. I want to be around people who can execute, and bring out the best in me...

This is an episode I recorded back in March 2019 with Marina Paul from WE ARE JOX. Marina no longer hosts the podcast (she's moved on to bigger and better things, but hopefully one day she'll be back!)

Unlike most of the former athletes I work with, retired pro volleyball player, Evann Slaughter walked away from her sport voluntarily. In this interview, we discuss how Evann overcame self-doubt and regret by honoring her decision to walk away from the game, and getting excited about her new career as a Physical Therapist.  Evann’s #1 piece of advice: Don’t be so hard on yourself. Give yourself ti...

Exercise isn’t about having a 6-pack, it’s about being healthy.  How many times have we complained about not sticking to our diets? How many times do we find ourselves not quite “motivated” enough to workout? Working towards a “summer body” is great, but it’s not enough to make us put those running shoes on, or hit the gym when we don’t feel like it.  What’s missing is having bigger goals. Goals t...

No one is happy 100% of the time.  Ups and downs are just part of the human experience. We’ll never be able to free ourselves from negative thoughts entirely, but we can always choose what to do with them when they come up. A great mentor once taught me to catch myself having negative thoughts, and replace them with better thoughts. It’s not about elimination, it’s about observing and replacing. I...

A great life doesn’t just happen by accident, it has to be intentionally designed. We have to look at the path we’re on and ask ourselves, “Do I like where I’m going?” Most of us have been conditioned to blindly chase money, and chasing money gets pretty old after a while. It’s enough to get us started, but not enough to keep us going when times get tough. This video is for anybody who feels stuck...

After going undrafted by the NFL, former Oregon State punter Nick Porebski went from playing on Saturdays to working construction. Like many elite athletes, Nick didn’t have a clear vision for his life after sports.  In this interview, Nick and I discuss our time working together, and how he was able to rewire his brain to become a better version of himself.  Now Nick is able to control...

I started working with retired athletes because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after football. I’ve gone back in time to become the person that I needed in my corner during my transition into life after sports. I’m on a mission to help former athletes live meaningful, fulfilling lives. Not just the find next place to collect a paycheck. I want you to be self-sufficient. I want you...