From dominating the wrestling mat to navigating life-altering injuries, Brandon Betancourt’s journey is a testament to resilience, discipline, and reinvention. In this episode of Tea with D, we dive deep into the triumphs and setbacks that shaped him—from unexpected losses and career-ending injuries to finding new purpose in firefighting and stepping into the world of MMA.

Brandon opens up about:
✅ The mental battles behind every comeback
✅ How wrestling shaped his work ethic beyond the sport
✅ The identity struggles athletes face after leaving competition
✅ Finding purpose again through new challenges
✅ The mindset shift that helped him rebuild after loss

Whether you're an athlete, someone navigating setbacks, or looking for motivation to keep pushing forward, this episode is packed with insights on perseverance, growth, and the power of never giving up.

Key Topics We Cover:
🔥 The Foundation of Grit – How wrestling built his mindset and discipline
⚡ Overcoming Injury & Unexpected Detours – Losing nationals, Fresno State cutting its program, and finding a new path
🥊 Firefighting & MMA – Training under pressure, staying mentally tough, and the parallels between his careers
🧠 Mental Health & Identity – The struggle of transitioning out of sports and advice for those feeling stuck
🚀 What’s Next? – Going pro in MMA and what keeps him pushing forward

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about grit, reinvention, and never backing down from a challenge.

Follow Brandon's Journey: Instagram

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Instagram: diane.christine.ocanto