Thierry Henry on looking for approval from his father, being saved by his kids, embracing his emotions
Oct 4, 2023
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France's legendary striker Thierry Henry opens up about family, loss, forgiveness, and acceptance. He discusses being a 'pain in the neck for the good of the cause', feeling like a stranger in his own home, and learning to be vulnerable. Clint Dempsey reflects on heartbreak and anger after losing his sister, while Charlie Davies talks about gaining perspective after a devastating car accident.
Trauma and personal struggles can shape and motivate individuals to achieve greatness, amplifying their drive and determination towards success.
Transitioning from a sports career to life beyond the field requires confronting inner demons, reevaluating priorities, and finding fulfillment in family, relationships, and personal well-being.
Deep dives
The impact of trauma on achieving greatness
The podcast episode discusses how trauma and personal struggles can shape and motivate individuals to achieve greatness. The guest speaker shares personal experiences of loss, inner demons, and acceptance, emphasizing the role that hardship plays in building champions. They discuss how trauma can amplify an individual's drive and determination, leading to success in their respective fields. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and self-forgiveness in personal growth and finding fulfillment beyond professional achievements.
Finding happiness and purpose beyond sports
Another key point explored in the podcast is the transition from a sports career to life beyond the field. The guests discuss how, after retirement, they were forced to confront their inner demons, reevaluate their priorities, and find happiness in new ways. They emphasize the importance of family, relationships, and personal well-being over professional success. The speakers express gratitude for the opportunities they've had and the life lessons they've learned, acknowledging the value of being present, embracing vulnerability, and cherishing the small moments in life.
The journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance
The podcast delves into the personal journeys of self-discovery and self-acceptance faced by the speakers. They share their experiences of learning to forgive themselves and others, and the challenges they encountered in understanding their emotional depths. The speakers discuss how traumatic events shaped their identities, but also hindered their ability to connect emotionally. Over time, they learned the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and taking the time to understand and address their inner pain. Ultimately, they found growth and peace through introspection and choosing to live authentically.
Gratitude and appreciation for life's blessings
The podcast episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of gratitude and appreciation for life's blessings. The speakers express immense gratitude for their families, personal relationships, and the experiences that have shaped them. They acknowledge the value of embracing every day, being present in the moment, and finding peace in the journey rather than solely focusing on achievements. The speakers share a sense of contentment and fulfillment in their current lives, highlighting the perspective gained through overcoming challenges and the deep appreciation for what truly matters.
Kate Abdo, Clint Dempsey and Charlie Davies continue their candid conversation with France's legendary striker Thierry Henry, hitting on themes of family, loss, forgiveness and acceptance. Thierry opens up about being a “pain in the neck for the good of the cause,” feeling like a stranger in his own home and learning to be vulnerable after years of repressing his emotions. Clint reflects on the heartbreak and anger he felt after losing his sister, and Charlie talks about the perspective he gained after his promising playing career was abruptly cut short by a devastating car accident.
Kickin’ It is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Watch Kickin’ It on the CBS Sports Golazo Network, the 24-hour soccer streaming network that is available for free on connected TV and mobile devices through the CBS Sports App and Pluto TV, and on CBSSports.com, as well as Paramount+.
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