Episodes
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined virtually by Steven Pressfield, an American author of historical fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays, for a part 2! Steven is filled with so much knowledge and continues to share all that he has learned in this journey called life. In this episode Darren, Donny, and Steven talk about how desperation saved them, making the most out of the time you have here on earth, getting uncomfortable, being selfless, and so much...
Published 04/27/23
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Steven Pressfield, an American author of historical fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays, including his 1995 novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and 2002 non-fiction book, The War of Art. The War of Art has sold over a million copies globally and has been translated into multiple languages. He joins Comeback Stories to share the process of becoming an author and the lessons he's learned along the way. Steven wrote for 27...
Published 04/20/23
On this episode of Comeback Stories, Darren & Donny are joined by Steven Pressfield, an American author of historical fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays, including his 1995 novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and 2002 non-fiction book, The War of Art. The War of Art has sold over a million copies globally and has been translated into multiple languages. He joins Comeback Stories to share the process of becoming an author and the lessons he's learned along the way. Steven wrote for 27...
Published 04/20/23
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 a mystery caller who pushed him to find his purpose as a communicator and fine-tune his...
Published 04/13/23
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 a mystery caller who pushed him to find his purpose as a communicator and fine-tune his...
Published 04/13/23
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 him develop mental toughness at an early age. Austin credits how gaining that mental toughness...
Published 04/06/23
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 him develop mental toughness at an early age. Austin credits how gaining that mental toughness...
Published 04/06/23
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 what should've been the peak of his career.   He then describes what led him to the point where he...
Published 03/30/23
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 what should've been the peak of his career.   He then describes what led him to the point where he...
Published 03/30/23
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 the impact his family had on him. He then describes how to leave the fear of other people's opinions...
Published 03/23/23
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 the impact his family had on him. He then describes how to leave the fear of other people's opinions...
Published 03/23/23
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 the black people", and how that can lead mixed-race children to become people pleasers. Napheesa...
Published 03/16/23
Napheesa Collier's Comeback Story
Published 03/16/23
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, dropping out of high school and how immersing himself in literature turned his life around. Branden dives...
Published 03/09/23
Branden Collinsworth's Comeback Story
Published 03/09/23
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 seeking autographs or selfies with him. Zac talks about being real and opening up on The Bachelorette,...
Published 03/02/23
Zac Clark's Comeback Story Pt.2
Published 03/02/23
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 "doing battle" usually solved all his problems. Eben talks about having a "thinking disease" being in...
Published 02/23/23
Eben Britton's Comeback Story
Published 02/23/23
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 the positive outlook to flip his perceived weakness into a strength. Zion talks about the success...
Published 02/16/23
Zion Clark's Comeback Story
Published 02/16/23
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 before his eyes. Zay reveals how those hardships turned into his strength and how he uses that energy...
Published 02/09/23
Zay Jones' Comeback Story
Published 02/09/23
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 through college and into the NFL. Michael talks about how his swelling arrogance as a star player...
Published 02/02/23
Michael Vick's Comeback Story
Published 02/02/23