Jake Eldridge: Life After Sports, Embracing Authenticity, and the Journey to Self-Discovery | Ep. 31

What happens when the identity you built your whole life around suddenly changes?

In Episode 31 of TURTZED, Charlie sits down with Jake, a content creator and former college football player, for an open and emotional conversation about evolving identity, breaking free from societal molds, and rediscovering passion after sports. Jake shares how his life shifted after football, how he navigated coming out publicly, and how social media became a platform for authenticity, chaos, and connection.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a version of yourself that no longer fits—or are navigating a big life transition—this conversation will remind you that reinvention is always possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Jake and Charlie dive into the emotional complexities of chasing other people’s dreams, the pressures of identity in sports, and the power of choosing authenticity over expectations. They explore how TikTok helped Jake reconnect with creativity, build community, and show up more honestly than ever before.

Key Takeaways:

Your Identity Is Allowed to Evolve – Just because you once loved something doesn’t mean you have to stay tied to it forever.

Resentment Can Be Healed Through Understanding – Working through family dynamics and finding compassion can help release old anger.

Authenticity Is More Powerful Than Perfection – Showing up as your full, messy, real self resonates more than a curated image ever could.

Social Media Can Be a Tool for Healing – Sharing openly can create connection, foster community, and even serve as a form of journaling.

Passion Isn’t Linear – You can—and should—pivot as often as you need to in order to find joy and fulfillment.

Your Story Can Help Others – Vulnerability isn’t weakness. Sharing your experiences can give others the courage to step into their own truth.

Looking for more stories on resilience, healing, and identity?

Subscribe now to the TURTZED podcast on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Connect & Contact

TURTZED: bio.site/turtzed

Charles Turtz: bio.site/turtzc

Jake Eldridge: ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | YouTube

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Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast represents the views and opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. This content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific health needs. Read our full disclaimer

00:00 The Journey of Identity and Passion

11:35 Navigating Life After Sports

18:35 Coming Out and Self-Discovery

22:16 The Connection Between Sports and Social Media

23:02 Support and Understanding from Family

25:01 Authenticity in Social Media

27:36 Self-Reflection Through Social Media

30:40 The Role of Vulnerability in Connection

34:25 Pursuing Passion and Fulfillment

35:24 Learning from Negative Feedback

40:23 The Journey of Authentic Expression