Talk About It: How Trevor Ruhland Climbed Out of the Darkness

SponsorsMomentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20SummaryIn this episode, Derika interviews Trevor Ruhland, a former collegiate football player at Notre Dame, who shares his journey from a football-focused upbringing to navigating the challenges of college athletics and life after sports. Trevor discusses the significant influence of his parents, particularly his mother, who pushed him to excel in sports and academics. He reflects on the transition from high school to college football, emphasizing the importance of being a multi-sport athlete and the reality of competing at a higher level. Trevor also recounts his decision-making process when choosing Notre Dame over other schools, highlighting the importance of envisioning oneself in a program and the value of a supportive environment. In this episode, Trevor Ruhland shares his deeply personal journey through the challenges of body image and mental health as a former athlete. He discusses how the pandemic provided him with an opportunity to focus on his physical fitness, which spiraled into an obsession with weight control. Trevor reflects on the dark moments of his life when he realized he was lying to himself and others about his health, culminating in a liver biopsy that revealed no medical issues, forcing him to confront the reality of his situation. This pivotal moment led him to seek help and ultimately share his story to help others facing similar struggles.Trevor emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues, particularly among young men and athletes. He advocates for open conversations about body image and the pressures athletes face, encouraging listeners to reach out for support when needed. As he navigates life after sports, Trevor discusses finding balance in fitness, building a supportive community, and the significance of being honest with oneself. His journey has inspired him to speak to student athletes and share his experiences, aiming to make a positive impact on those who may be struggling with their own transitions.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:43 Growing Up in a Football Family03:20 The Shift to Collegiate Aspirations06:13 Advice for Young Athletes07:58 Choosing Notre Dame10:20 Evaluating College Programs12:21 First Weeks at Notre Dame15:12 The Transition After Football17:29 Final Game Reflections19:52 Life After Football and Identity Loss22:13 The Struggle for Control24:02 Realizations and Revelations27:10 Seeking Help and Finding Support32:09 Destigmatizing Mental Health in Sports34:14 Finding Balance in Life After Sports38:35 Building a New Community40:42 Goals for the Future and Sharing His StoryRelevant Links & ContactTrevor Ruhland | LinkedInTrevor Ruhland (@RuhlandTrevor) / X(3) FacebookFollow The Next Playbook www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog