What does it take to rise from abandonment, abuse, and poverty—and become the fiercest linebacker in NFL history?
Ray Lewis wasn’t just a force on the football field—he was forged in the fire of adversity. In I Feel Like Going On, Lewis takes us deep into his story: fatherless beginnings, relentless self-discipline, a near-career-ending scandal, and a comeback story for the ages.
Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the darkness and drive behind one of football’s most feared—and revered—leaders of all time.
🏆 Why pain became Ray’s comfort zone—and the fuel for greatness
🔥 How he turned childhood scars into unmatched discipline and intensity
💪 What it means to chase demons and why some of the best are driven by their darkest wounds
🧠 How Lewis simplified the game—and life—into one relentless principle: beat the man in front of you
💡 Why leadership isn’t always about talking—it’s about showing up, even when it hurts
Ray’s story is raw, physical, emotional—and deeply human. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, you’ll walk away with lessons on identity, drive, and how to finish what you start.
🎧 Ready to redefine what toughness really means? Press play now.
Support the show by paying what you can here: https://ko-fi.com/performerspod
Listen on Spotify: Spotify
Listen on Apple: Apple
Watch & Listen on YouTube: YouTube
Buy the book: I Feel Like Going On: Life, Game, and Glory
Socials:
Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/
Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/
Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Ray Lewis's Early Life
06:04 The Impact of Abandonment and Family Dynamics
14:04 Finding Solace in Sports: The Role of Football
21:40 Mindset and Identity: The Essence of Competition
28:00 Confronting the Past: A Father's Absence
28:58 The Burden of Legacy
31:19 Channeling Anger into Motivation
33:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery
35:42 Wrestling with Identity and Experience
37:41 Cross-Training and Skill Transfer
40:03 Chasing Demons for Motivation
42:54 The Road to the State Title
44:34 The NFL Draft Journey
56:45 Trivia and Early Career Insights
57:21 The Rise of Ray Lewis
58:53 Controversy and Resilience
01:00:55 The 2000 Ravens Defense
01:02:17 Super Bowl Glory and Personal Triumph
01:04:25 Reconnecting with Family
01:06:49 Transforming Pain into Purpose
01:08:24 The Comeback Journey
01:11:15 The Power of Purpose
01:15:27 Life Lessons from Ray Lewis
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