The Professor's Playbook

The Professor's Playbook

The Professor's Playbook is your go-to podcast for insights at the intersection of sports science, education, and motivation. Hosted by Dr. Toby Brooks, this show dives deep into lessons from the classroom, the field, and beyond. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about the world of sports science, each episode offers practical takeaways, personal reflections, and expert advice. Tune in to explore the strategies, stories, and skills that shape successful careers and resilient mindsets. Welcome to The Professor's Playbook—where education meets experience!

Episodes

August 20, 2025 9 mins

About the Host

Toby Brooks is an engaging speaker and experienced professional in the fields of leadership, education, and athletic training. Known for his thought-provoking insights and storytelling approach, Toby integrates ethics, courage, and professional values into his teachings. As the host of The Professor's Playbook, he is devoted to nurturing professionals worth following, informing audiences about the crossroads of pr...

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Episode Summary

In this episode, Toby Brooks delves into the profound impact of reaching career milestones and the subsequent existential challenges that can follow. Reflecting on his personal journey, Toby describes the moment when achieving tenure, a lifelong academic goal, ironically ushered in a period of stagnation and introspection, leading to a deep existential crisis. This realization of "now what?" profoundly shap...

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In this captivating episode of "The Professor's Playbook," hosted by Dr. Toby Brooks, we journey back to the summer of 1999 to revisit the story of NBA star Larry Johnson and his career-altering back injury. This episode delves into the devastating impact that five herniated discs had on one of the NBA's brightest stars. Dr. Brooks sets the scene by recounting Johnson's dynamic presence on the c...

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In this episode of "Professor's Playbook," Dr. Toby Brooks takes basketball enthusiasts and sports science aficionados on a compelling journey into the world of ankle health through the lens of NBA legend Grant Hill's career. This episode underscores the significance of foot and ankle anatomy, infusing Dr. Brooks' vast knowledge with real-world applications to help listeners understand and appre...

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Dive into the critical world of athletic training and sports medicine with Dr. Toby Brooks as he recounts a climactic game night under the lights of Williams Stadium in Virginia. In this episode of "The Professor's Playbook," Dr. Brooks narrates the chilling experience of managing acute sports injuries on the field, highlighting the unpredictability of athletic endeavors. Transitioning from a vivid real...

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In this captivating episode of "The Professor's Playbook," Dr. Toby Brooks takes listeners on an enlightening journey into the world of the hip joint and pelvic girdle, using the iconic story of Bo Jackson as an entry point. The episode explores the intricacies of hip anatomy, delving into how structure influences movement and athletic performance. Dr. Brooks skillfully decodes the interactions between ...

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This episode of "The Professor's Playbook" presents an engrossing story of Rick Ankiel, whose promising pitching career took a sudden turn due to a loss of control during a crucial MLB playoff game. Dr. Toby Brooks explores Ankiel's journey and unravels the intricacies behind athletic performance issues, making connections to the broader themes of sports science and biomechanics.

Dr. Brooks dives dee...

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In this episode of "The Professor's Playbook," host Dr. Toby Brooks delves into the intricate and often overlooked world of wrist and hand anatomy. Using a personal anecdote, Dr. Brooks highlights the importance of grip strength not just for a firm handshake but as a foundational element in numerous athletic and everyday functions. From explaining the anatomy of the wrist's bones to unraveling the dynamics of muscles...

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In this engaging installment of "The Professor's Playbook," Dr. Toby Brooks takes listeners through the intricacies of elbow anatomy and its significant role in movement science. Drawing from his personal experiences as an athletic trainer at the University of Arizona, Dr. Brooks recounts a pivotal incident that highlighted the importance of understanding the complexities and vulnerabilities of the elbow joint in ath...

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In this engaging episode of the Professor's Playbook, Dr. Toby Brooks offers listeners a memorable recount of a UTEP football game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, highlighting the challenges faced both on and off the field. Involved in a dramatic shoulder dislocation incident, Dr. Brooks provides an insider's perspective on the realities of sports medicine. Transitioning from storytelling to education, Dr...

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In this engaging episode of "The Professor's Playbook," host Toby Brooks highlights a seemingly inconsequential encounter that led to a compelling lesson about the importance of connection. Reflecting on his transition to a new role at Baylor University, Brooks emphasizes the value of recognizing and appreciating every individual, especially those often overlooked, such as custodial staff and security guards. The epi...

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In this engaging episode of "The Professor's Playbook," Toby Brooks dives into the intricacies of the shoulder girdle, shedding light on its pivotal role in athletic performance and injury prevention. With a blend of technical insight and accessible explanation, Toby demystifies commonly misunderstood aspects of shoulder anatomy and mechanics, drawing a clear line between shoulder separation and disloca...

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In this enlightening episode of "The Professor's Playbook," Dr. Toby Brooks explores the fascinating world of physics and biomechanics, weaving personal anecdotes with educational insights. He recounts a childhood spent splitting wood with his family, using it as a metaphor to elucidate principles of mass, momentum, and leverage. Through this vivid storytelling, Brooks sets the stage for a deep dive in...

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In this thought-provoking episode of "The Professor's Playbook," host Toby Brooks prompts listeners to reflect on their legacies. Using the transformational story of Alfred Nobel as a catalyst, Toby encourages introspection on how one's life choices and impact can shape the memories left behind. He draws from personal experiences, such as his innovative "legacy block" tradition with stude...

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About the Host

Toby Brooks is an enthusiastic and innovative educator with a flair for integrating creative tools into his teaching methodologies. Inspired by his vibrant school days under the guidance of Ms. Mathis, a renowned PE teacher in Illinois, Toby has channeled that same passion and creativity into his own career. He currently teaches Anatomical Kinesiology at Baylor University and is recognized for his engagement with tec...

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About the Host

Dr. Toby Brooks is a seasoned expert in the field of anatomical kinesiology, athletic training, and strength & conditioning. With an extensive background in sports performance and rehabilitation, he brings invaluable insights to both athletes and students. Dr. Brooks is known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical, real-world applications. As the host of "The Professor's ...

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In this compelling episode of "The Professor's Playbook," host Toby Brooks opens up about his journey through personal and professional failures over the past several years. With a focus on introspection and growth, Toby candidly shares three significant hurdles he's faced, offering listeners a unique insight into the challenges that have shaped him. These accounts not only highlight the ups and do...

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About the Host

Toby Brooks is the host of "The Professor's Playbook" podcast. He is an accomplished academic with over two decades of experience in higher education. Toby is a first-generation college graduate holding five degrees, including a doctorate. He has a rich background in both professional and collegiate sports, having worked as an athletic trainer and strength coach. He is also a pub...

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Welcome to another captivating episode of "The Professor's Playbook," hosted by Dr. Toby Brooks, focusing on the intriguing world of anatomical kinesiology. This episode is a deep dive into the foundational principles of anatomical kinesiology, a crucial discipline for anyone in the fields of sports medicine, physical therapy, and coaching. Dr. Brooks elucidates the why and how of human movement, offer...

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In this engaging episode of "The Professor's Playbook," Dr. Toby Brooks takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the intricacies of podcast production. Reflecting on an enjoyable yet formative attempt at podcasting with his daughter, Toby reveals how it sparked his dedication to mastering the craft. Through a detailed breakdown of his workflow, Toby shares that the process isn't solely ab...

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