I’m your host Wendy Jones, Founder of Be Better Media, mom of four, storyteller, and lifelong athlete passionate about human connection. I believe that the greatest gift we can give to the next generation is our own self-awareness. The goal of this podcast is to connect us through the visions, stories, and life lessons of people rising in sports, business & life and uncover the optimism that is sometimes front and center, and other times under the surface. Throughout my journey, I have experienced many ‘What I Meant to Say’ moments, but since life doesn’t give us do-overs, I’ve created a space to reflect and tell our stories again, with a little more grace for ourselves and the hope that we can help others, and all get a little better for having listened.
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I’m your host Wendy Jones, Founder of Be Better Media, mom of four, storyteller, and lifelong athlete passionate about human connection. I believe that the greatest gift we can give to the next generation is our own self-awareness. The goal of this podcast is to connect us through the visions, stories, and life lessons of people rising in sports, business & life and uncover the optimism that is sometimes front and center, and other times under the surface. Throughout my journey, I have experienced many ‘What I Meant to Say’ moments, but since life doesn’t give us do-overs, I’ve created a space to reflect and tell our stories again, with a little more grace for ourselves and the hope that we can help others, and all get a little better for having listened.
From Peril to Purpose | Hakeem McFarlane’s Redemption Story & the Power of Choosing Yourself
What I Meant to Say
38 minutes 7 seconds
3 months ago
From Peril to Purpose | Hakeem McFarlane’s Redemption Story & the Power of Choosing Yourself
From Peril to Purpose | Hakeem McFarlane’s Redemption Story & the Power of Choosing Yourself
In this powerful episode of 'What I Meant to Say', we sit down with motivational speaker, author, and founder of the 'Choose Yourself Community', Hakeem Bourne McFarlane. A former D1 athlete turned All-American after serving time in prison, Hakeem shares his raw and real journey of redemption, resilience, and personal transformation.
Through his powerful life story, Hakeem breaks down how adversity shaped his purpose, why healing is essential for true growth, and how he's now using his voice to lead a movement of generational healing and self-empowerment.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your story, this conversation will remind you of the power you have to rewrite it—and choose yourself every step of the way.
🎧 In this episode, we cover:
* Athlete redemption stories that inspire
* Mental health, mindset, and personal growth insights
* The truth about prison, purpose, and rising again
* The mission behind the 'Choose Yourself Community'
🔗 Connect with Hakeem Bourne McFarlane:
🌐 Website: https://chooseyourself.info
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdreamhakeem/
▶️ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChooseYourselfChannel
🌴 Upcoming Costa Rica Retreat (Oct 2025): https://trovatrip.com/trip//central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-alysia-hakeem-oct-2025
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations that spark healing, truth, and transformation.
#HakeemMcFarlane #ChooseYourself #RedemptionStory #AthleteMindset #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #GenerationalHealing #WhatIMeantToSay #MotivationalPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness
What I Meant to Say
I’m your host Wendy Jones, Founder of Be Better Media, mom of four, storyteller, and lifelong athlete passionate about human connection. I believe that the greatest gift we can give to the next generation is our own self-awareness. The goal of this podcast is to connect us through the visions, stories, and life lessons of people rising in sports, business & life and uncover the optimism that is sometimes front and center, and other times under the surface. Throughout my journey, I have experienced many ‘What I Meant to Say’ moments, but since life doesn’t give us do-overs, I’ve created a space to reflect and tell our stories again, with a little more grace for ourselves and the hope that we can help others, and all get a little better for having listened.