Pressure | #59

For years, I thought pressure was a reason to dip.

A stressful day. A big moment. A tough loss. A hard conversation. Pressure always seemed to provide another excuse.

This week, I found myself reflecting on my son's high school baseball career as it came to an end. Last season, he pitched a complete game in the state championship, allowing zero earned runs in a heartbreaking 1-0 loss. This year, he carried the expectations that come with being the ace of a championship-caliber staff and took the ball whenever his team needed him most.

As I watched the final chapter unfold, I realized something: not once did I think about nicotine.

In this episode, I share the emotions of watching a young man grow up, the pressure that comes with high expectations, and the realization that quitting tobacco didn't just help me survive life's biggest moments—it allowed me to be fully present for them.

Whether you're a parent, an athlete, or simply someone learning to navigate life's pressures without nicotine, I hope this story resonates with you.

Stay strong. Stay quit.

Recorded June 4th, 2026

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
01:41 Pressure
02:35 Last Year's State Championship Run
03:37 The Weight of Expectations
04:59 107 Pitches
06:02 Five Days Later
07:30 Thinking About Pressure
08:57 Not Once Did I Think About Nicotine
09:56 Gratitude
11:00 Stay Strong. Stay Quit.

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