Episode
872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
1:36:52
Published: Wed Nov 06 2019
Description
PLAY THE LONG GAME. The cover of a book never tells the entire story. People often assume that successful people have had an easy life. Many, though, have persevered through extremely painful life events. Sometimes it takes accepting your reality in order to move forward. Sometimes it takes forgiveness. You will face setbacks and some of those setbacks might be tragic. Preparation and process can get you far. But sometimes you need to dig even deeper and release yourself from trauma in order to truly move forward. You will be tested. But keep going. Face your reality, follow your dreams and live with purpose. On today’s episode of The School of Greatness, I talk about turning tragedy into triumph and living out your rock star dreams with an NFL superstar and elite magician: Jon Dorenbos. Jon Dorenbos is a former NFL long snapper football player. He played for the Buffalo Bills, the Tennessee Titans, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He also has a successful career as a magician. He has appeared on America’s Got Talent and on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Jon is open about the difficult situations he faced in his life. But by choosing happiness, he has come out on top and is living his ‘Rock Star’ life. So get ready to learn about forgiveness choosing happiness on Episode 872. Some Questions I Ask: Can you tell us about your emotional and powerful life story? (8:35) Have you spoken to your father since the tragic incident? (24:40) When did you find peace and forgiveness? (41:00) What was the biggest lesson you learned from your dad? (50:20) What was your goal at that point in your career? (01:08:00) How did you find out that you needed open-heart surgery? (01:14:45) In This Episode You Will Learn: How an alter-ego will help you get through challenging times. (4:25) About the power of finding peace during a difficult time. (20:00) How to practice forgiveness. (41:00) Why you need to make smarter decisions when you have a family. (50:20) How to set goals that help you plan your life. (01:08:00) Why you need to avoid self-pity. (01:19:00) If you enjoyed this episode, check out the video, show notes and more at www.lewishowes.com/872 and follow at instagram.com/lewishowes
Chapters
This podcast episode features an inspiring interview with a former NFL player who overcame extreme trauma through his love for magic and football.
00:00 - 05:24 (05:24)
Summary
This podcast episode features an inspiring interview with a former NFL player who overcame extreme trauma through his love for magic and football. He shares his journey of healing and success, which has led to a fulfilling life and career.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
A journalist describes the challenges of covering training camp while maintaining a full-time job.
05:24 - 07:02 (01:38)
Summary
A journalist describes the challenges of covering training camp while maintaining a full-time job.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
A former NFL long snapper discusses how he idolized Jerry Rice's precision on the field and how pitchers have a similar alter ego mentality.
07:02 - 09:02 (01:59)
Summary
A former NFL long snapper discusses how he idolized Jerry Rice's precision on the field and how pitchers have a similar alter ego mentality.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
In this podcast episode, the speaker shares their personal experience of dealing with self-doubt in sports and the importance of not limiting oneself to a single identity.
09:02 - 11:08 (02:06)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the speaker shares their personal experience of dealing with self-doubt in sports and the importance of not limiting oneself to a single identity.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The feelings and emotions we evoke in others are often the most memorable aspect of our interactions with them, surpassing the specific details of what was said or done.
11:08 - 14:07 (02:59)
Summary
The feelings and emotions we evoke in others are often the most memorable aspect of our interactions with them, surpassing the specific details of what was said or done.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker speculates on the state of mind of a criminal who attempted to commit a second degree murder, which had a maximum sentence of 13 years in the state of Washington, and wonders if the criminal thought they could avoid first degree murder charges by fleeing.
14:07 - 15:46 (01:38)
Summary
The speaker speculates on the state of mind of a criminal who attempted to commit a second degree murder, which had a maximum sentence of 13 years in the state of Washington, and wonders if the criminal thought they could avoid first degree murder charges by fleeing.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker talks about reflecting on the life decisions made by their parents and other family members while thinking about the changes that occur when a person enters a different phase in their life.
15:46 - 20:00 (04:14)
Summary
The speaker talks about reflecting on the life decisions made by their parents and other family members while thinking about the changes that occur when a person enters a different phase in their life.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The experience of visiting a loved one in prison can be overwhelming and surreal, as every aspect of the environment is magnified and heightened, reminding you that it's not a dream.
20:00 - 21:57 (01:56)
Summary
The experience of visiting a loved one in prison can be overwhelming and surreal, as every aspect of the environment is magnified and heightened, reminding you that it's not a dream.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
A speaker reflects on his memories of parenthood, specifically a moment when a doctor came to visit while he was caring for his children.
21:58 - 24:56 (02:57)
Summary
A speaker reflects on his memories of parenthood, specifically a moment when a doctor came to visit while he was caring for his children.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
Former player recounts his mental state before playing against the Seahawks, describing it as curiosity rather than intimidation.
24:56 - 28:24 (03:27)
Summary
Former player recounts his mental state before playing against the Seahawks, describing it as curiosity rather than intimidation.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker shares his personal experience of reconnecting with his father after being separated for years and how the arrival of his own daughter brought a wave of emotions and the desire to connect with his dad.
28:25 - 31:32 (03:07)
Summary
The speaker shares his personal experience of reconnecting with his father after being separated for years and how the arrival of his own daughter brought a wave of emotions and the desire to connect with his dad.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker shares a personal strategy for coping with rejection: talking to himself like he's his own coach and reminding himself that rejection doesn't define his worth, and advises others to keep waiting for the right opportunity.
31:32 - 33:32 (01:59)
Summary
The speaker shares a personal strategy for coping with rejection: talking to himself like he's his own coach and reminding himself that rejection doesn't define his worth, and advises others to keep waiting for the right opportunity.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
A man reunites with his father who has been imprisoned for 26 years after killing his mother, but the reunion goes surprisingly well.
33:32 - 35:56 (02:23)
Summary
A man reunites with his father who has been imprisoned for 26 years after killing his mother, but the reunion goes surprisingly well.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
In this podcast episode, a survivor recounts his journey of confronting his abuser and the trauma he endured.
35:56 - 38:07 (02:11)
Summary
In this podcast episode, a survivor recounts his journey of confronting his abuser and the trauma he endured. He discusses the process of healing and how it's possible to move forward from a difficult experience.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker discusses their desire to understand a traumatic event despite the potential difficulties and emotional toll it may take on them.
38:08 - 41:12 (03:03)
Summary
The speaker discusses their desire to understand a traumatic event despite the potential difficulties and emotional toll it may take on them.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
A person shares their experience of immense pain and guilt over losing a loved one and feeling like they had to choose between the person who passed away and the people who are still in their lives.
41:12 - 44:50 (03:38)
Summary
A person shares their experience of immense pain and guilt over losing a loved one and feeling like they had to choose between the person who passed away and the people who are still in their lives.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker discusses his efforts to connect with his father who had been in prison, but ultimately realized that he needed to let go of his bitterness and move on with his own life.
44:50 - 49:47 (04:56)
Summary
The speaker discusses his efforts to connect with his father who had been in prison, but ultimately realized that he needed to let go of his bitterness and move on with his own life.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker discusses the importance of acceptance and forgiveness, emphasizing that the sooner one can come to terms with their own reality, the sooner they can make positive changes in their life.
49:47 - 52:02 (02:14)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of acceptance and forgiveness, emphasizing that the sooner one can come to terms with their own reality, the sooner they can make positive changes in their life.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker discusses the challenge of balancing fatherhood with a busy career, but acknowledges the support of his partner who he believes will be an amazing mom.
52:02 - 55:54 (03:52)
Summary
The speaker discusses the challenge of balancing fatherhood with a busy career, but acknowledges the support of his partner who he believes will be an amazing mom.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker reflects on the lessons he learned from playing for Bill Simpson and how important it is to treat people well, as you never know who you will come across.
55:54 - 59:17 (03:22)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the lessons he learned from playing for Bill Simpson and how important it is to treat people well, as you never know who you will come across.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
In this podcast episode, a professional football player shares his experience of being a camp body for a team during the preseason.
59:17 - 1:02:12 (02:54)
Summary
In this podcast episode, a professional football player shares his experience of being a camp body for a team during the preseason.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker reflects on the importance of making the person who gave him an opportunity proud and how this motivated him to win.
1:02:12 - 1:04:57 (02:44)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the importance of making the person who gave him an opportunity proud and how this motivated him to win.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker discusses his experience playing with Drew Bledsoe during a pro day for receivers and his desire to make those who gave him opportunities proud.
1:04:57 - 1:07:00 (02:02)
Summary
The speaker discusses his experience playing with Drew Bledsoe during a pro day for receivers and his desire to make those who gave him opportunities proud.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
A story about setting the wedge during a special teams meeting.
1:07:00 - 1:09:05 (02:05)
Summary
A story about setting the wedge during a special teams meeting.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The use of fines in sports teams is a tactic that can be used to motivate players to adhere to rules and regulations.
1:09:05 - 1:10:40 (01:34)
Summary
The use of fines in sports teams is a tactic that can be used to motivate players to adhere to rules and regulations. It can result in a positive impact on the team's performance and overall success.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
A professional football player discusses the pressure of being on the active roster and the reality of potential roster cuts.
1:10:40 - 1:13:15 (02:34)
Summary
A professional football player discusses the pressure of being on the active roster and the reality of potential roster cuts.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker expressed how coaches and football teammates tend to respect those who can handle pressure the best, and how he wanted to earn that respect.
1:13:15 - 1:17:08 (03:53)
Summary
The speaker expressed how coaches and football teammates tend to respect those who can handle pressure the best, and how he wanted to earn that respect. The presence of Big Red, the university mascot, gave him the feeling of validation and pride.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker discusses being faced with a trade from their GM, and shares a text they sent to a friend about an amazing record.
1:17:08 - 1:18:57 (01:48)
Summary
The speaker discusses being faced with a trade from their GM, and shares a text they sent to a friend about an amazing record.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
In moments of crisis, it's important to let go of the need to be right and to release our ego for the greater good.
1:18:57 - 1:20:20 (01:23)
Summary
In moments of crisis, it's important to let go of the need to be right and to release our ego for the greater good.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
A fast-paced magician talks about how his self-consciousness about his hands led him to become a quicker performer, and the importance of overcoming self-consciousness in general.
1:20:20 - 1:22:27 (02:06)
Summary
A fast-paced magician talks about how his self-consciousness about his hands led him to become a quicker performer, and the importance of overcoming self-consciousness in general.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The speaker talks about their near-death experience due to severely leaky valves causing a potential rupture and how the doctors told them that they were just one hit away from dying.
1:22:27 - 1:24:31 (02:03)
Summary
The speaker talks about their near-death experience due to severely leaky valves causing a potential rupture and how the doctors told them that they were just one hit away from dying.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
The way you talk to yourself is the same way you view and talk to the world, so be careful with your words.
1:24:31 - 1:28:36 (04:05)
Summary
The way you talk to yourself is the same way you view and talk to the world, so be careful with your words. Three important lessons to leave behind to your loved ones are important to focus on.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
In a moment of stress, the speaker recalls advice from football coach Andy Reed about the importance of staying calm as a leader.
1:28:37 - 1:32:39 (04:02)
Summary
In a moment of stress, the speaker recalls advice from football coach Andy Reed about the importance of staying calm as a leader.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
Learn how to find forgiveness, lessons, and acceptance in life's toughest challenges to heal yourself and impact those around you.
1:32:39 - 1:35:45 (03:06)
Summary
Learn how to find forgiveness, lessons, and acceptance in life's toughest challenges to heal yourself and impact those around you.
Episode872 Jon Dorenbos on Forgiveness and Choosing Happiness
PodcastThe School of Greatness
This episode focuses on the importance of forgiveness and self-acceptance, especially in difficult moments or experiences.
1:35:45 - 1:36:27 (00:42)
Summary
This episode focuses on the importance of forgiveness and self-acceptance, especially in difficult moments or experiences. The host encourages listeners to learn to forgive themselves and others, while supporting them through the process.