Jake Eldridge: Life After Sports, Embracing Authenticity, and the Journey to Self-Discovery | Ep. 31
What happens when the identity you built your whole life around suddenly changes?
In Episode 31 of TURTZED, Charlie sits down with Jake, a content creator and former college football player, for an open and emotional conversation about evolving identity, breaking free from societal molds, and rediscovering passion after sports. Jake shares how his life shifted after football, how he navigated coming out publicly, and how social media became a platform for authenticity, chaos, and connection.
If you’ve ever felt trapped in a version of yourself that no longer fits—or are navigating a big life transition—this conversation will remind you that reinvention is always possible.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Jake and Charlie dive into the emotional complexities of chasing other people’s dreams, the pressures of identity in sports, and the power of choosing authenticity over expectations. They explore how TikTok helped Jake reconnect with creativity, build community, and show up more honestly than ever before.
Key Takeaways:
Your Identity Is Allowed to Evolve – Just because you once loved something doesn’t mean you have to stay tied to it forever.
Resentment Can Be Healed Through Understanding – Working through family dynamics and finding compassion can help release old anger.
Authenticity Is More Powerful Than Perfection – Showing up as your full, messy, real self resonates more than a curated image ever could.
Social Media Can Be a Tool for Healing – Sharing openly can create connection, foster community, and even serve as a form of journaling.
Passion Isn’t Linear – You can—and should—pivot as often as you need to in order to find joy and fulfillment.
Your Story Can Help Others – Vulnerability isn’t weakness. Sharing your experiences can give others the courage to step into their own truth.
Looking for more stories on resilience, healing, and identity?
Subscribe now to the TURTZED podcast on your favorite platform:
Connect & Contact
TURTZED: bio.site/turtzed
Charles Turtz: bio.site/turtzc
Jake Eldridge: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube
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