On this episode of The Corelink Solution, I sit down with Pastor Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen for a candid conversation on faith, mental health and his new book “Gotta Be Da Shoes.” In my career clinic, I discuss the mid-career crisis, what are the symptoms and what can we do to grow from it.

The Multifaceted Pastor Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen

Pastor Tommy is a man of many talents. He is a pastor, author, artist, event promoter, and actor. Recently, he has taken up kayaking and paddleboarding, finding joy in the tranquility of nature. Tommy’s diverse range of talents and accomplishments are a testament to his consistency, faithfulness, and willingness to innovate. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and staying relevant, citing examples from his church and the Flavor Fest event.

Sneaker Culture and Spiritual Concepts

Pastor Tommy shared his passion for sneakers and fashion, viewing it as a form of art and a medium to connect with people and share spiritual concepts. This led to the creation of his book, “Gotta Be the Shoes,” which explores the connections between feet, shoes, and pathways in the Bible. The unique packaging of the book, designed like a pair of sneakers, has caught people’s attention and provided opportunities to connect and point them to Christ.

The Struggle with Materialism and Finding Purpose

In our conversation, Pastor Tommy and I delved into the concept of wants versus needs. He shared a personal experience of how material possessions, like clothes and shoes, didn’t fulfill him and left him with an empty heart. We discussed the importance of recognizing one’s purpose and calling, especially in a time where there is a growing sense of hopelessness and mental health issues.

Mental Health and the Pandemic

We also addressed the increase in anxiety and depression among people, especially teenagers, during the pandemic. We attributed this to the disconnection from social interactions and excessive screen time. Pastor Tommy emphasized the importance of being in community and how being disconnected goes against how God wired us.

Rewiring the Brain and Self-Care

We discussed the concept of rewiring the brain. Pastor Tommy explained that we can rewire our brains by intentionally thinking positive thoughts and surrounding ourselves with positive environments and people. We also touched on self-care for pastors and leaders, emphasizing the need for rest, exercise, clean eating, and regular check-ups.

The Role of Dopamine and the Chase for More

I brought up the concept of dopamine and how it plays a role in the never-ending chase for more. Dopamine is triggered by exciting experiences, such as receiving likes and comments on social media. However, it’s not about how much we have but about constantly seeking more.

Soul Restoration and Celebrating Individuality

Pastor Tommy and I discussed the concept of soul restoration and the importance of being thankful for and accepting the unique branding and gifts that God has given each individual. We emphasized the need to celebrate the unique branding and talents of others, even if they may not be fully understood.

Addressing Mid-Career Crises

In the Career Clinic segment, I discussed mid-career crises and the symptoms that may indicate one’s dissatisfaction or need for change in their career. I emphasized the importance of not letting the crisis consume your thoughts and suggested staying occupied with other activities to divert your mind. I also highlighted the significance of taking time off from work and exploring options within the current job.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I urged listeners to never let a good crisis go to waste. A mid-career crisis can serve as a catalyst for making decisions, taking action, and moving forward. We emphasized the importance of being informed, empowered, and accountable in order to navigate through the crisis successfully.

I hope you found this episode as enlightening as I did. Feel free to share your takeaways from the episode and ask any questions you may have. Thank you for tuning in to The Corelink Solution and see you next episode.

TIMECODE REFERENCES:

Introduction of Pastor Tommy Kyllonen (00:02:15) Speaker 1 introduces Pastor Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen and mentions his various roles and hobbies, including being an actor and enjoying kayaking.

Consistency, faithfulness, and innovation (00:05:03) Pastor Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen talks about the importance of consistency, faithfulness, and constantly innovating to thrive in different areas of life, including during the pandemic.

The Sneaker Show (00:10:15) Pastor Tommy discusses his idea of using sneakers as a way to connect with people and point them to Christ.

The Empty Closet (00:12:23) Pastor Tommy shares his personal experience of how material possessions didn’t fulfill him and the realization that there is a God-sized hole in all of us.

Customized Plan (00:16:04) Pastor Tommy encourages listeners to embrace their unique preferences and passions, assuring them that God has a customized plan for each individual.

The increase in anxiety and depression in recent years (00:19:15) Discussion on the rise of anxiety and depression, particularly among teenagers, and the impact of social disconnection and excessive screen time.

The importance of intentional rewiring of the brain (00:20:34) Exploration of how thoughts can create neurological pathways in the brain and the ability to rewire the brain by intentionally thinking different thoughts.

Self-care practices for pastors and leaders (00:23:44) Advice on self-care, including the importance of rest, healthy habits, regular exercise, and maintaining optimal health for effective leadership.

The Soul Restoration Chapter (00:29:12) This topic covers the realities of sin, Satan as the music director, and the importance of being aware of the evil in the world.

Unique Branding and Celebrating Differences (00:30:17) This topic discusses the idea of soul restoration and being thankful for the unique branding and gifts that God has given each individual, without comparison to others.

The Career Clinic (00:34:04) This topic addresses the challenges and emotions that can arise in one’s career, including unmet expectations, lack of opportunities, change in personal priorities, and a strong pull towards inner passion. It provides guidance for navigating through a mid-career crisis.

Stay occupied and get away (00:38:34) I discuss the importance of staying occupied and not fixating on career concerns. They suggest diverting the mind, getting a hobby, and taking breaks to refresh and rejuvenate.

Look for options and consult mentors (00:40:26) Exploring options for resolving career crises and making necessary tweaks. They emphasize the value of mentors in providing perspective, helping assess the current state, and defining future goals.

Never let a good crisis go to waste (00:41:21) Encouraging taking advantage of mid-career crises as a platform for making decisions, taking action, and being accountable. They invite listeners to share their takeaways and ask questions for further clarity.

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