Brodie Talks About His Disc Golf Struggle

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[@christopherrhoten6686]

There's something comforting about listening to Uli talk. He's been through all the emotions over the years and even if he's not winning every week, you can tell he's in a good spot mentally and that he's comfortable with his place

[@devanpries9335]

Nothing wrong with admitting you’ll never be the #1 player. Enjoy the game and playing the game regardless of where you finish. There will be a day where you can’t even throw a disc or walk a course. At the end of the day, it’s just a game. Family, friends and your health will always be the most important thing. Disc golf should be fun. If it’s not fun, take a break and come back when you have that desire to play again.

[@JustDisc]

Spot on 👏

[@EarlSwigert]

Uli hit the nail on the head at the end. When you do nothing in the off-season, you're going to show up to that first tournament and get stomped. And you won't feel like you can win, and consequently, you won't feel that competitive fire.

[@kevinkingmaker7395]

The fact that he did nothing in the off-season shows that the passion is gone.

[@dennis3224]

Yeah him saying he only played 8 hours in the offseason is insane

[@FatCityComix209]

The field is too strong to not work in your game in the off season.

[@Harrysnacks]

Lots of pros take the off-season off from throwing discs. Nothing odd about it.

[@weswarren5987]

Should be able jump back and it clicks

[@beebLskeebL]

It's so funny that he doesn't realize how normal it is, which speaks to the type of life he's lived 😆you can tell Uli will make a great Dad

[@jimmyobvious1651]

"you can tell Uli will make a great Dad" Totally agree.

[@JDCfusethrow]

I don't know Brodie personally, but as someone who struggles with depression and anxiety and with self-confidence, this is what it sounds like. I believe Brodie has something outside of disc golf that he is struggling with so the sport takes a backseat in his mind. Take care of your mental health and family because everything else doesn't matter. I'll be praying for you Brodie.

[@Ivypoison23]

He is just like most people in life. He has bounced around life from goal to goal and none of those goals contribute to one another. Unfortunately it’s something a lot of us deal with. What do you want to do with the rest of your life? Mostly a little bit of everything

[@2headstalking]

As I watch this and listen to Brodie and go back in his old videos with Avery Jenkins, I think he might have a bit of attention deficit where the new shinies are what catches his attention for a bit, and if he doesn’t excel right away, he gets distracted easily by other new shinies. My brother is similar. If he doesn’t excel right away, he walks away. Brodie is a bros bro and needs those bros around to get excited with all the time. I know at one po8nr he moved to VA to be near Paul McBeth, then that situation burned to the ground. His wife got a new job in Vegas, so maybe he’s had to move again, not sure, but new digs where he has no support system with disc golf.

[@donkeykong9693]

Could be depression. I've struggled with depression most of my life. For me, the key is find the things I need to do to minimize depression. Good sleep, exercise, meditation. Sometimes I feel like I need to all those things first in the day, just to enjoy the rest of the day. I've some dark bouts of depression, sometimes lasting for years, barley hanging on but never stop hearing the voice in ur own heart saying, "life is beautiful, u can create better days, u love urself." Stay strong, Brodie. You will get through. From the ages of 34- 37 I experienced the darkest depression and felt the greatest pain. Getting sober definitely helped but for me it was mostly making amends with the ones I've hurt in the past. Also unraveling my trauma, I was pretending I didn't have any, tried to burry it in the darkest corner of my soul, it surfaced anyway and then I realized I need to face to develop strength. I'm 39 now and doing much better but Ill never be to neive to think that I never be depressed again. But now I have tools and strength to get myself through. Praying for you.

[@crawdadds]

I've always appreciated Brodie's transparency

[@ahsleywithabeard]

We appreciate your honesty! Not sure if the random support from people you don't know means much to you, but I love seeing you play, not-to-mention listening to your insights on/off the course. Disc Golf has been improved because you are a part of it!

[@damnmyeyes7950]

My advice would be to take a step back and play nothing but C and B tier MPO events for a while. Stay within 2 hours of your house and play local events. When you go play Pro tour events with the mentality that you’re not going to win you will lose interest. You never really got to enjoy the small side of disc golf. You picked up a bag and went straight to playing against guys who have been playing their whole lives. Sign up for a local tournament and just go play with the locals. Eat a burger someone’s grandma made in between rounds, laugh and cut up with no pressure attached. You’ll see a part of disc golf you never got to do for being in so much of a hurry.

[@Jase-ul5yi]

Even Ricky did that last season. Played some mixed doubles at small tournaments just to get back to the basics. Basics that Brodie never got to enjoy

[@felmare101]

This sounds more similar to what simon was talking about where he was saying that he was happiest when he was poor. When it turns into a job the passion starts to fade it seems.

[@digital0785]

thats everything across the board it's specifically why I wont do some of my hobbies for money that I rely on because eventually it just stops being fun

[@pigs6486]

Simon? Poor?

[@digital0785]

@@pigs6486 i mean yea he didn't always have a multi year multi million dollar deal lol most disc golfers even when they're winning aren't "well off"

[@subspaceanomaly]

​@@pigs6486he was talking about his past being young with zero in the bank. He wasn't going hungry living in rags

[@boom_disc_golf]

Need to finally do a practice round with you, Brodie, like we talked about in the discraft tent at usdgc. I'll light a fire for ya the best way I can. ✨️

[@pdderek]

All the other things listed Brodie was 'the best' at pretty quickly...trick shots, ultimate in college, nationals, eventually WORLD'S level the best. Gotta imagine it's a harsh reality when you pour your all into something and for the first time haven't been able to reach the peak. All of us former ultimate players are still cheering you on❤ I am personally grateful that you're out there representing DISC SPORTS still as you've always been a stellar ambassador. Keep going brotato❤

[@JasonLawrenceJones]

I bet if he didn't have money, the financial aspect would be a motivating factor.

[@Boucher702]

brodie isn't top 10

[@sparkynate91]

​@Boucher702 Except he has his own name brand at discraft so he's making good money off sales

[@mattohnona2779]

@@sparkynate91he also has been super viral well before picking up disc golf, he had well over a million subs before coming to disc golf

[@martingriggs6362]

I don't like playing tournaments as much as I used to. I play disc golf because I love watching the disc fly. Nothing is like that in any sport. Nothing.

[@Jase-ul5yi]

There sure is something about it, huh?

[@thefriesens1071]

It's a beautiful thing, especially when it's a perfect shot. It's art.

[@DiscGolfGallery71]

Very few people are in a situation where they can whine to their boss for 20 minutes how they don't care about their job anymore. He admits that he practiced for his job less than 8 hours during off season and it certainly showed in the results. In a similar situation 99% of people would be fired.

[@earthman808]

Very few people are mature enough to observe the divestment of their passion, and having that passion as the thing which is burnt out. Having that gone while trying to keep going is really hard. So. Try again.

[@oneopinion6806]

@@earthman808I think some of the acidity in the comments is from regular folk (I am completely in this boat as well) seeing someone with the possibility to earn a living at something that commenters love to do but can only do it their spare time. Yes it's true when you're being paid and there are expectations it's no longer a for-the-love-of-the-game hobby, but there are endless folks out there that have jobs simply to pay the bills. That never even have the option of both providing for their family AND doing it in something they also can find fun. And once you have kids that flexibility of following some passion even if it gets you no revenue evaporates. So yeah, there's some envy going on here, but that doesn't mean it's also not somewhat justified. And for as talented as Brodie is/was in ultimate, if he took months off and then showed up at a tournament in that sport he'd get run over as well.

[@aaronmeyer9431]

Thanks for sharing Brodie! Takes a lot of heart to be open about this💗

[@pinkmusicdude]

Something to learn from Sexton is he opts out of specific tournaments so he can spend time with his family. It's hard being away from loved ones for so long; they can be a factor for motivation.

[@Commentpeon]

Hey brody 33 year old husband and dad here. I experienced something similar to what is happening to you. Its possible that you investing in your family and wife this offseason was a great thing. Analyze your feelings about it. I think your mind and body is just trying to inform you that you actually love your family and wife more than disc golf. Thats a great thing. Disc golf takes you away from your family and i think that may be why you were just not in it this tournament. Theres something primal and instinctual that happens when u become a father or a dad. Your mind and body prepares you to succeed as a husband and a father. I think you feeling as if u feel out of love with disc golf is just your minds way of letting u know family and wife are what fulfills you now. Everyone is different. But id say you’re in the transition of being a competitor to raising competitors. Whether that be encouraging friends family or children to enjoy and love sports and enabling them to experience joy through leisure. Just my thoughts. Godspeed

[@jamesronezii983]

This was so well said. And once this realization hits, it's so much easier to either accept that you can love both and have both fill space in your life, or make the decision to move on.

[@Commentpeon]

@@jamesronezii983 good added nuance of how to apply the knowledge of priorities changing.

[@andrewcannon8552]

I would agree. Similar situation. Getting married and having kids and in my early 30s things aren’t as fun or exciting anymore unless it revolves around my family.

[@martyr1134]

same with me, I used to play 8-10 rounds a week in my 20's. now in my 40's I play maybe once a month. I love my family and spending time with them and still enjoy disc golf and thats what makes that 1 day I get to get out and play so much more enjoyable.

[@melvinrivera95]

Bro u just got in the game. This shit takes time u def have all the talent you need. No quitting

[@ProtobluesDG]

I watched this during its premier. I have to say Brodie, I think that time you started feeling that way was around the west coast swing. I followed your card at Shelton Springs in Washington, and you body language was all off, like you wanted to do well but you didn't have the passion. Like others have said you are multitalented and get to the higher levels in what you do pretty fast. I think that has a lot to do with your Discgolf career falling into this dip. If you tried to keep a mindset of 'I get new people to try this sport or I get to help grow the community into something I like' that passion (It's always a passion) might return. You might not be a top 20 player right now but you literally are having an impact on the sport. It's a job and it's a grind doing all this content, we get that as fans. You are awesome and thanks for doing what you do for the sport, F the haters.

[@christopherfehl7512]

I can’t listen to him cry about his entitlement to a charmed life. He sounds like spoiled man-boy. Meanwhile, Uli, with his years of relentless grinding through injuries and hardship, is patiently listening to all this.

[@joeballz25]

Jesus are you insecure or something? Sounds like he's just discussing the topic of not feeling motivated anymore, not everyone had the same upbringing or experiences as you.

[@chrissheafer]

Sounds like you don't really give a sht about anyone except yourself.

[@tylerhuttenlocher5481]

Love the vulnerability and honesty in this conversation! This is something everyone goes through at some point in their life, so it's great to hear another perspective on it.

[@fredi9204]

I just started playing disc golf, because I was burned out and I was looking for reasons to get up in the morning. I'm 39, I can't hit a wall with a disc if I threw it in a tepee and I love it. Lost my job, my marriage, my sleep. I'm fat and I'm climbing over 8 ft fences to fetch my discs because I can't afford to lose them! I love it. There are times when you grind, and times when you just need to save yourself. It's difficult to know for sure if the crisis means an ending or a break, until you try sucking at something new. ❤‍🔥 It is a privilege for me to write this. Great podcast Brodie and Paul!

[@MannyFacts]

Brodie was a star in ultimate, but that’s a team sport where your teammates can boost you up and make plays. Disc golf is a different beast , you are alone the other guys on the card are are happy to play with you but they are trying to be number one and get that check. Every sport has a slump period and it’s where most people quit

[@richardjacoby4467]

Brody improved so fast, that had to make it more fun. Now he’s got so good improvements are much harder to obtain. Grinding everyday for small incremental improvements is really hard and not nearly as fun. Especially seeing how good you have to be to stay competitive nowadays. No matter what he does, he’s brought a lot to our sport and the hope he continues to help our sport grow.

[@Remember-Death]

There are other players that are hungrier that Brody is and they are willing to outwork him on (and off) the course. If you add in the fact that Brody actually has some financial success, that financial success will become the thing that holds him back and prevents him from becoming a better player. Necessity is the mother of invention, and when you don't need the money, you no longer have the fuel to re-invent yourself and become better.

[@mattburton4392]

I don’t think many players have out-worked Brodie these past 4 years and his astonishing improvements attest to that.

[@Remember-Death]

@@mattburton4392 He's competing against guys who've been playing disc golf since they were teenagers. He hasn't put in enough work to overcome *that* deficit, and it shows. He arrived at the sport a little too late in life.

[@matthewgibbs339]

Uli you just became my favorite disc golfer. thanks so much for speaking your truth

[@Forumrida38621]

Honestly man I feel like you did this with golf too. It seems like you are very good at peaking out to a certain point. But I think you need to stop chasing being the best ever at it and accept where you're at and set goals and you will enjoy it more.

[@zenphony]

You have never changed a job once? Good grief.

[@Forumrida38621]

@zenphony I'm not dogging on him.. I think he is super talented and that's why he accels at everything so fast. But once he peaks out its like he gets bored or loses interest IMO

[@skipmaxwell6011]

Poor poor Brodie. The excuses aren't worth the time. Let's face it, he found out he wasn't going to be the best. He rarely smiles for the people.

[@KC-zs6ug]

i saw him blow off a couple of kids asking for an autograph cause he was crying over a bad round. hes a doosh

[@jayschultz5049]

Gonna be honest...I've played disc golf since 2001 and ever since I got kids in 2016--play maybe 3 times a year. However, I still watch the tournaments, follow the players, and even have moments where I want to return to the scene. Life happens and your priorities change, but being involved in the disc golf scene is awesome even from the sidelines. You can make changes in your local community and impact kids lives with disc golf which is a major stepping stone in getting disc golf in the schools. Brodie--one day you will have kids or maybe you won't...imagine showing kids your cool tricks with a lid or even how far you can throw a disc. The look on their eyes is priceless...food for thought! Good luck this year!

[@user-eh6up7ke1q]

Brodie, as someone who admires you (your personality, skills, story, and genuinely just who you seem to be), I truly believe what you are going through is a mixture of things. Depression, aging, burnout, and probably a bit of an ID crisis. Either way, if you're reading this, know that you are not alone. You have support from so many people and that means a lot. If disc golf is not bringing you joy, then it needs to drop in priority, but in doing so remember that that means you now have space for other things. Those other things should bring you joy, health, growth, peace. You are not a "frisbee/disc guy". You are Brodie Smith. Water your grass brother, we all want to see you flourish and thrive. You got this.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Paul Ulibarri sitting there for 20 minutes listening to this rant like come on man, the honeymoon stage of your disc golf career is over. Now you are married to it and there will be ups and downs. Accept it and move on...Every single person in the world gets tired of there job here and there, nothing special about Brodi's feelings, we all feel that at some point.

[@charliesnipes1817]

20:11.... "It's ok" - Uli.... man hit hard... great conversation here about life in general. Appreciate the vulnerability and empathy here. Great stuff!

[@getschwiftyinhere8452]

I've been playing disc golf for 28 years and I can definitely say I enjoy it now more than ever and more and more every time I play but I can see the grind of the tour making it not as fun. Even the half dozen to dozen tournaments I play every summer can get less fun. It may be a good idea for Brodie, if he indeed isn't sure about his future in disc golf, to just continue to play casually where it is more fun. I play my buddies at least once a week for a bag tag and I look forward to it more than most things because it's still competitive but also laid back and fun. Get back to loving playing then maybe just do tournaments when you feel like you really want to. At the end of the day disc golf should be fun and enjoyable.

[@DoinBizz]

Do you play the game because you love it, or do you play it because you’re good at it. Always a difference

[@anthonyjones4043]

Sounds like he realizes he can't actually compete with the guys on tour and win like most of us already knew he couldn't....he thought he could just come in and compete immediately and he realized it just wasn't like that

[@gardenstateflatlandb]

For what it's worth, Brodie, you were an original spark in getting me stoked on Disc Golf. A couple BMX friends got me interested in it. Something I had zero blips on the radar for. After throwing my first discs, I turned to KZbin to see if there was better instruction on how to do it. You were one of the 1st dudes I came across. Your passion for it drove me to get out and practice thru some pretty severe spine pain. Spine pain that has taken me out of BMX on and off for years. It gave me something new to be stoked on, even tho I still suck at it, and I thank you. Obviously, you gotta do what feels right for Brodie. But...what would Disc Golf me without Brodie Smith? Take some time to sit back and spectate, and see if that reignites something. If not, the choice is clear. Let the pot simmer for a while tho. Can't say the pasta isn't cooking if the water isn't up to temp. Wish you the best on whichever road you travel, but, I can honestly say, it wouldn't be the same without you.

[@NJT1013]

Dosc golf will be disc golf without Brodie Smith. Disc Golf was around without Brodie Smith for a long time, and it'll be just fine if he walked away right now.

[@terryschilling5320]

I'm a Brodie fan, too. His passion was what made me a fan. Sad to see him struggling, but he'll figure it out. He's a competitor at heart.

[@KC-zs6ug]

wait until you try and get an autographed disc. I saw him blow off a couple of kids and get mad when they asked for an autograph cause he was crying over his bad round.

[@InitiallyJayKay]

Brodie finds out that hes borderline top 40 and will probably only ever be that. If it wasnt for the pre-existing massive youtube channel, he'd barely he sponsored.

[@thejoz84]

Cool story.

[@solidghus4799]

I'm glad I still like disc golf.

[@Jase-ul5yi]

If you ever find yourself not liking it as much, drive to a different well-rated course that you've never played. It reboots me. Lol

[@Improbable_Odds]

I think this is all about motivation and how Brodie gets energy from Team Sports and doesn't feel the same thing when playing an individual sport. He said it multiple times in multiple ways. Maybe just focus on Doubles Tourneys and making content with people you care about! Cheers Brotha

[@thisstrangemama1905]

You don’t have to want to win. You have to want to always get better. Sometimes it’s just about the fellowship.

[@MostlyPeacfulRiots]

Shit man im 42 , i still try to take 25yo me lines and I was so discouraged bc i cant rip 450 anymore on giant flexes over tree tops. Took me a col years to realize, 350 i could be just as good, I just needed to adjust my game. I had to focus waaaaay more on playing smart and sharpening my short game waaaay more. I also swapped all my 180ft -220ft mid range for light fairway drivers. Helped a shit ton. I love your humbling attitude. Being 35+ has alot of emotional digestion, but it also gives you an edge 90% of 35 under players dont have, patience, and better grasp of reality.

[@richardlawhorn3627]

Don’t beat yourself up. Sometimes in life this happens. Priorities change and life goes on. You have been a great influence in the sport and a role model to many. Keep your chin up and do what is best for you and your family.

[@joelhestrmann]

Hey Brodie, very thankful for all of the content you've put out there in the last few years. It's been really inspiring. Don't get down on yourself. You are a talented guy. If dg takes up too much family time, I'd reconsider as you are. Family is important. Seems like you can make money in different ways than playing disc golf. Praying for direction, but that could be the Holy Spirit gently letting you know what really counts

[@prestoncomer1446]

You should give up your elite spot for Someone more worthy.

[@CustomJs]

Uli = Goat

[@markduran2942]

Wait til your kids discover disc golf Brodie. You’ll feel the magic again 😊

[@DiscGolfHunter]

He was never in it for the love, only the fame. No wonder he’s not feeling it.

[@leastselfawarepotassium]

Don’t you think that’s objectively false? He was more famous before he started playing disc golf.

[@radroberts1877]

Whether you stop playing on the tour or not, we are thankful for what you've brought to the sport, both on and off the course. The pure joy you got when you started drove you to go out and play as much as possible. We all felt that when we started. We were learning fast, evolving fast, and improving fast. What a feeling! But we all inevitably plateau for various reasons. What separates the best, or even better, players from the rest is the willingness to put in the work to get off the plateau and move up to the next level. It's not as fun and it just takes work. Even worse, sometimes something that worked great stops working. Look at Gannon and his putting ups and downs in the past two years. Whether it's passion or joy or work ethic, it takes discipline to fight through the doldrums and get better. Also, it's OK to make a change in life. If your heart isn't in it take a break, as Uli suggests, and if you can't find the passion to come back then find something else that excites you and do that. You're a talented and driven person who will succeed in whatever path you choose.

[@DiscGolfDemastus]

I would love to see an open bag Brodie who plays whatever tournaments he wants, does his own Dark Horse Tour. Maybe disc reviews and tips. Especially for people who picked the game up late, like many of us did.

[@MrSTAYUP33]

You had one bad week, get back out there and play

[@p3tj4]

Damn! At 36 Brodie felt how work feels like for most of the people most of the time. Not bad, but I do hope he finds the joy in disc golf again.

[@GatorBrewer]

Olympus is a super hard course. It's physically and mentally grueling. I walked with the cards all three days and played the charity tourney on Monday. I'm still sore from the experience.

[@broheme8922]

It's a super hard course. But if you're actually physically sore from walking that course 4 or 5 days in a row, you're in pretty bad shape.

[@sparkynate91]

I mean mcbeth created it and he finished it +1!!! So even some of the greatest go through struggles! Simon did it too. He started getting lower and lower on the leader boards but he stuck it out and he's doing better now. EVERY SINGLE ATHLETE has rough patches in their careers.

[@statefan2013]

It's the journey and the long pain staking process of little wins that makes it fun. The drive comes and goes and there's ups and downs and sometimes you just need specific goals to give you the fire again. In other words, like anything in life it's really a mindset thing. There will always be moments of zero motivation even for what you love most.

[@bigdiscenergy]

I DJd for 20 years. I had a residency at one of the hottest, underground rave clubs in Texas for 5 years. People would KILL to have this job just for one-night...one hour even. There were SO many nights I could barely leave to make my set on time, schmooze with the fans who were there JUST to see my set and get tons of free drinks and ladies etc. I'd have felt better if I just stayed home and slept in. I just didn't have a passion to be out there every Friday. It was almost too easy. There wasnt a new challenge. After I moved to a new city, I was good. I didn't need to spin in front of another person the rest of my life. And what Uli said here happened...but with music. I saw local djs doing their thing, getting folks on the floor and playing great sets. It re-lit the flame. I revived my side hustle career, opened for some more great international DJs and played some mind-blowing sets. You need a break and a new goal when you come out of the break. You can keep your foot in the social media and still be apart or the "scene." You're still talented enough to get back into it. But if you do, do it for a reason. A new competitive goal or a personal goal. If that's not enough, move onto your next thing. Tbh, no one will care BUT you because you'll be onto your new passion. You've proven enough that you can be a pro here and in Ultimate. Ask yourself if not dg, what's next? I could see you coaching too. That doesn't require tournaments but doesn't mean you can't sign up for one.

[@loopghost]

I'd suggest building cycles into your training. Going full ham on putting practice, field work, playing rounds, putting out content - that's like trying to hit PRs in the gym every single week. You gotta train for low intensity, mediuim intensity, and then more rarely - high intensity.

[@Jase-ul5yi]

Brodie, play some damn A-tiers and B tiers bro. Luke Humphries and tall Paul look like they had a blast in Mexico and New Zealand. Make it fun, son

[@timmyspulls2436]

If you quit you will miss the conversations and interactions with youre tour buddies and you will find youre way back bro thanks tim from youre card ripping channel

[@patrickmcmahon1443]

Realizing that the young guys are are getting so good and winning is almost going to be impossible.

[@joeballz25]

okay thanks for that Patrick we all know its near impossible to win a national dg tourney

[@shredwardc656]

Mike Tyson quote. Discipline, doing what you hate like you love it.

[@wheatgoblin1137]

Hey Brodie, former NCAA swimmer here, I burned out after covid screwed my last two seasons of school, had a gf a year younger, watching the team I left a year later and other people succeed made me feel a bit bad, but that gut feeling is important trust your gut sir!

[@jayjames8026]

Brodie you are feeling this way because you are not a passionate Disc golfer. you are chasing money and fame in a growing sport. its ok that you are not the best at something. just have a good time and enjoy the ride.

[@andrewn5614]

Don't give up Brodie! We all go through this in life! I love your podcast and your take on disc golf! I think individual sports are always harder because you aren't working as a group to get a goal. Having a team it's easier to get fired up. But think of the community that supports you as your team!

[@mjwilson5555]

How can you quit something you’ve never really started?

[@nickguitarfreak17]

His midlife crisis is just how i feel every day doing everything for the last 10 years

[@martymodus7205]

Yep, haven't actually wanted to get out of bed & go to work in decades. Certainly never loved going to work, but I love my family and have to keep doing an exhausting job I don't love to pay the bills & provide a stable home life for my family. Brody, totally valid feelings, but I hope you can also appreciate what you have.

[@darrellwatson955]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the honesty ❤

[@TENGILL]

No mater what you decide to do, we got you!

[@somarleor911]

Smith is brilliant. Comes in almost last place in a tournament and more people are talking about him than AB having his first elite win on the pro tour. He definitely knows how to keep his name in the limelight.

[@davidshelton1913]

He sounds like somebody who has never had to worry about feeding their family before.

[@JustaDudeTryinToLearnPiano]

He sounds like somebody who is mentally struggling with something. Money doesn't change the ability to fight through mental hardships.

[@davidshelton1913]

@@JustaDudeTryinToLearnPiano maybe that's why he's weak minded because he's never had to worry about money. I go to work bc I love my family and have to provide for them. The people I love make me strong. I do things I don't like for them. Uli has a good perspective on it. Everything you do can't just be for yourself

[@JustaDudeTryinToLearnPiano]

@@davidshelton1913 i don't think it's weak minded to share your struggles. I also don't think Brodie would be where he is in life, if he was weak minded

[@davidshelton1913]

@JustaDudeTryinToLearnPiano we're agree to disagree. He literally only talks about himself. And you can get way further in life with money. I don't think Ultimate Frisbee gives out scholarships. Mentally weak and mental hardships/ struggles are the same exact thing. Not saying he can't get stronger and pull himself out of this.

[@jamescollins1762]

Brodie you are not hungry. Its hard to be when you have excelled so much and done so well in life. Enjoy the fruits of your labor you have earned them. Disc golf is for fun.

[@joeyb.8613]

Brodie, you are the sole reason I discovered disc golf and will always be my favorite player, podcaster, KZbin guy, etc... Highs and lows are a part of any career and life. I have been in my chosen profession (which I love) for 29 years....... Most years are great, and I am completely motivated and happy. But there are weeks, months, and even longer periods where it is just different. Life does get in the way or become a distraction at times. (Wife, kids, pets, mortgage, economy, etc) Sometimes I feel like I am just treading water, phoning it in, whatever.......... but that doesn't mean I am over it and done. Those feelings always go away and I find myself re-energized and back where I was. (usually even more motivated and appreciate my career even more!) I'm here in Dallas, let's do lunch! Ha! As a fan, whatever you do in disc golf-wise I will still be a fan...... Best wishes and continued success.

[@tokiburoak7457]

Disc golf is such a psychological sport. I'd say it's at least 75% mental.

[@neptun3189]

"patience takess blah blagh blah"" that was pretty good ngl

[@gwsmallwood]

I’ve grown to love the PD/Invictus/Phantom sword as my main forehand control driver. So good. Need to try a Roman.

[@annanimity3440]

Classic Burnout, we all get/got it. I was 37 when I got my world title so hope that helps! I also took 2 months off when burnout hit. Makes getting back out there with a whole new perspective. If I don't win at playing Bingo for a few weeks, then I'll take a break until I feel like it again. You can still have FUN out there without winning. Hang in there!

[@xxpinghead7xx]

Brodie just needs some tough love. He loved ultimate because he was a top player and relevant. He liked ball golf because he was relevant with the Social media world but would never ever make it on tour. There were tens of thousands of players who would whoop him in golf. Truth is he wouldnt make a top D1 golf team. You were not going to make it on any tour in golf. So then he switches to disc golf which makes complete sense. Fell in love with the game, support from same company that makes his frisbee discs, instruction from McBeth, and had power so he didn’t have to overcome distance obstacle. Due to his social media backing, he came in loved by fans and pros as his presense helped grow the game. The problem here is Brodie is not a top player or being referred to as a top player. This is where his burn out happens. He will look to playing something else that he can be relevant at. I truly hope he stays with disc golf cause the game needs him more than he needs the game. He is good for the tour and able to help it reach new heights.

[@Dabl197]

Common misconception. You have to love what you do at all times.

[@mikep-9995]

Uli said what I was thinking before he started talking. I had been weight lifting for 8 years without a break I would miss 3-4 workouts a year. At least 5 days and sometimes 6. I had near term and long term goals. I'd think about my goals occassionally.. Like when I was creating a new routine. But not intensiley focused on gaols When I met all of my goals, I was surprised that I got very bored very quickly. Set some goals. The thing with most sports is you never fully master it. There's always something to work on.

[@JustaDudeTryinToLearnPiano]

Same thing with lifting. Lifted for 10 years religiously, then picked up a disc in 2021, and I couldn't be less interested in lifting ever since. It's just boring now 😢

[@JasonLancaster]

One of the best, most genuine interview I've ever seen.

[@Abcd124-g2v]

Just enjoy the game, can't wait to see yall in Waco... hopefully my hotel room is above Paul's like last time.. definitely booking a different hotel this time.. Uli knows what im talking about 😂😂😂

[@almdude9139]

We want to see you come up and be a contender. And see the passion again

[@kevinsmith5202]

Brodie, I went through a very similar situation early on in my life. So, I went to college to be a professional musician (drums & percussion). My high school years and leading up to college, I was so extremely passionate with it. I couldn’t wait to graduate high school and go to college where I’d be doing nothing but music & drumming all the time. Well, upon graduating college the flame & passion for it was completely gone. All those years of endless grinding just completely burnt me out. I wanted nothing to do with it by the time I graduated. Well, 20 years later I realized what exactly happened during that time. I ended up getting into the trades and doing construction work on the side during my summer & winter vacations in college. As time went on I found myself yearning to get back to work and get out of college for the semester. I found what my true calling was and what was a real passion project for me. I’m a professional carpenter now and have been in the trades for 23 years now and I absolutely LOVE what I do for work! The music thing was just a phase. Working with my hands, building things, doing carpentry & woodworking was my real calling in life. Bottom line, follow your heart! Do what makes you happy and spend the time you have doing the things you love most. There’s no shame in valuing uour wife & family above all. I actually find that very admirable and wish society would take a page from your book, tbh. You’re a success story, disc golf or not. 🍻, bud!

[@goodnerarts1206]

Every big major sport has a few high-profile athletes on the periphery of competition. 25-40 year old dudes who could still play and have a fan base, but do promotion, podcasts, etc. Brodie not playing, but being a huge part of disc sports, could be a win-win. Let him do fun engaging videos that he finds interesting, while still moving plastic and expanding the game.

[@ludwigcabinets2010]

Brodie, it may be a good idea to get your blood work taken and check your T levels and a CMP. Your body changes dramatically in your mid 30s. Take it from a 46yo, dialing in your diet and lifestyle to keep your mind and body where you want is of utmost importance. Good luck!

[@boogerdawson25boogerdawson61]

Brodie keep you head up brother. Think of the positives and not focus on the negatives. Life is too short and I think you just need to take a break for a minute.

[@Hyzerguy]

Probably not the words his sponsor wants to hear.

[@1980chardison]

When it comes down to disc golf, it’s you by yourself on a course, hobbies and jobs that are pretty much solo bound are not fun. It’s fun when you’re playing with other people like you’re ultimate frisbee or on a team like bowling I’ve had the same thing in pretty much every single hobby, that I’ve ever been in.

[@kallevehkapera3078]

Picking tournaments is good also for raw physical performance standpoint. If you are playing competitive every single weekend you cant peak up speed/strength for those competitions. Discgolf is mostly skill sport, but physical performance is major thing at big courses (portland open etc) 📈

[@davesage4931]

A line from Gordon Lightfoot seems fitting for Brodie. “I don’t know what went wrong, but the feelings gone and I just can’t get it back”. Follow your heart dude, and everything will be alright.

[@mbschu]

I'm a happily married family man and am also 36. My wife and I are active and have done everything together since we started dating (17 years ago). We now have 2 kids under age 3. I know how I'd feel if I had to leave each week due to business trips... I'd be finding another job. For me, leading my family is the most important and fulfilling part of my life now. Kids really change your perspective and are a blessing.

[@jimmyblundell7600]

I think if Brodie places top 5 here instead, it still may be a different outlook now. Burnout is real, but especially so when you aren't performing well.

[@modgmodg6987]

I agree. If he does well I don’t think we hear this. Burn out is real. And so are excuses for playing poorly. Brodie, you can be an ambassador for the sport. You have such an audience. Go do what makes you happy. Good luck Brodie.

[@CaliWilderness]

Same thing happened with me with disc golf.. and then backpacking.. now onto other stuff. It happens Brodie! Go with the flow!

[@susiepittman601]

He struggles because he isn't beating everybody. Poor baby.

[@jimmy8693]

its called growing up

[@cup_and_cone]

Brodie just needs to hold out a few more years until he gets to MP40...

[@mrsuomipeluri]

great start

[@jaminschmitt]

This is classic burnout. My strategy has always been to shift my priorities and in the end the passion cycles back. So I’m in a constant loop of shifting priorities.

[@Mr_Ace_Run3000]

Brodie has a point, i am passionate about work but if I had a chance and enough wealth to quit and play disc golf all the time I would have a hard time showing up to work.

[@danielkiuru-ribar2863]

I just ran across this phrase: 'What do I feel inspired to explore more deeply at this point in my life?'

[@rudy9067]

Brodie, you seem like a social guy. Maybe disc golf is missing that team aspect that ultimate had. It doesn’t have the glory, but maybe you can get into tournament doubles, or coaching, or maybe back into Ultimate Frisbee as a coach. Anyway, you made lots of content over the years I loved, way before DG, thanks and keep on being you.

[@MorimoZoro44]

Uli with the greatest motivational dg speech of all time! Paul will alway be the goat

[@InspGadgt]

We all have times of burn out and a lot of time it is external factors that can cause it. I'm just coming out of a bit of burn out now where stress at work was making it to where I just didn't want to do anything including disc golf. On top of that my lack of practice was affecting my game negatively and making me want to play it less. It may or may not come back at some point. As for the competitive drive...that is needed, but it doesn't necessarily need to be the drive to win. I raced RC cars competitively for many years and I new my chances of ever winning a major race were pretty much nil. But I always challenged myself to do better than my last outing. That kept the passion longer because I rarely if ever got the depression over not winning. I've carried that over to disc golf as well. As a 54 year old guy only playing for 2 years now I know I'm not going to be competitive against the 20 and 30 somethings I play against regularly. But as long as I'm improving even slightly, I'm happy. And people now notice when I do good, which surprised me a lot. In my last couple competitions I've had people who I didn't play with and are in a completely different division came up to me and commented they noticed I had a great game that day and had improved a lot. So that competitiveness can be channeled differently. You can still have the desire and drive to win and practice like that...but not be so depressed when you don't.