Podcasts > The Mel Robbins Podcast > You Have No Idea What You’re Capable of Until You Hear This

You Have No Idea What You’re Capable of Until You Hear This

By Stitcher

In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, guest Wallace "Wallo" Peeples shares his story of personal transformation, from spending 25 years in prison to becoming a successful media figure and chief marketing officer. During his incarceration, Wallo reframed his experience as an educational opportunity, preparing himself for future success by expanding his worldview and developing new skills.

The conversation between Robbins and Wallo explores several themes central to personal growth, including the development of an empowered mindset and the importance of mental liberation. Wallo also discusses his journey of forgiving his brother's killer—a decision that helped him break free from anger and focus on celebrating his brother's life instead. Through these topics, the episode examines how mindset shifts and forgiveness can lead to profound life changes.

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You Have No Idea What You’re Capable of Until You Hear This

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You Have No Idea What You’re Capable of Until You Hear This

1-Page Summary

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose

Wallace Peeples, known as Wallow, transformed his life after spending 25 years in prison. Entering with just $1,000 and a used iPhone, he reframed his incarceration as an educational opportunity, famously saying, "I'm not in jail, I'm in Yale." Inspired by Anthony Bourdain's shows, he developed a broader worldview and prepared himself for future success. After his release, Wallow built a media empire, becoming a podcast cohost, motivational speaker with 7 million followers, best-selling author, and chief marketing officer of Reform Alliance.

Developing a Positive, Empowered Mindset

In their discussion, Wallo and Mel Robbins explore the importance of mental liberation. Wallo emphasizes that others' perceptions shouldn't define one's reality, encouraging listeners to pursue their paths regardless of criticism. The hosts stress the importance of eliminating self-doubt and taking decisive action. They advocate for personal authenticity over societal approval, suggesting that visualization and mental preparation are key to achieving success.

The Transformative Power of Forgiveness

Wallo shares his powerful journey of forgiving his brother's killer. While in prison, he learned of his brother's death in their grandmother's arms, initially experiencing intense anger and pain. However, Wallo chose forgiveness as a way to honor his brother's memory and break the cycle of violence in his community. This decision, he explains, allowed him to focus on celebrating his brother's life rather than dwelling in anger. His TED Talk on this experience has touched many lives, demonstrating how forgiveness can transform both the forgiver and their community.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Transform a personal challenge into a learning project by documenting your progress in a journal. Write down the skills you're gaining, the insights you're discovering, and how you're adapting to the situation. This could be anything from learning to cook on a tight budget to navigating a new city without a car. The act of writing reinforces the learning experience and shifts your perspective from seeing the challenge as a setback to viewing it as an opportunity for growth.
  • Create a "Worldview Expansion" playlist on a streaming service, filled with music, podcasts, and speeches from cultures different from your own. As you listen, take notes on new ideas or perspectives that resonate with you. This can be a stepping stone to adopting a broader worldview, similar to how travel shows expose viewers to different cultures, but accessible from your own home.
  • Practice daily visualization exercises where you imagine achieving a personal goal, focusing on the emotions and sensations associated with success. Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to close your eyes and vividly picture a scenario where you've accomplished a milestone, whether it's finishing a marathon, giving a successful presentation, or mastering a new language. This mental rehearsal can boost confidence and motivation, making the goal feel more attainable.

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You Have No Idea What You’re Capable of Until You Hear This

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose

Wallace Peeples, known as Wallow, has an inspiring story of overcoming adversity, using a significant period of incarceration to redefine himself and ultimately build a successful media empire.

Wallow's Journey From Incarceration to Success

After spending more than half his life in detention or prison, Wallow emerged with a resolute promise to make his life meaningful.

After 20 Years in Prison, Determined to Make Life Count

Spending 25 years behind bars, Wallow stepped back into the world with $1,000 saved from prison jobs and family support, a used iPhone, and an unshakeable determination to make his life count. Despite serving over two decades, initially sentenced at 17 to 19 and a half to 52 years in prison, he focused on the future he had envisioned for himself.

Not Defined by Past Mistakes, Used Prison Time to Educate and Prepare

Despite being incarcerated for crimes he chose as a youth, seduced by material wealth, Wallow was not willing to let his past define him. He took the life lessons from his grandmother and during his time in prison, he committed to doing "right, right." He saw prison not as a punitive space but as an educational institution, famously reframing his situation with the mindset, "I'm not in jail, I'm in Yale. I'm not in prison, I'm in Princeton." This perspective led him to read extensively and stay in "university mode," equipping himself for the future.

He saved diligently, and was influenced by Anthony Bourdain, learning that the world is much bigger than his neighborhood and that opportunities were waiting for him. This mindset is what fueled his ambition and prepared him for reentry into society, despite fears about living up to his own expectations and those of his family on the day of his release.

Leveraged Skills and Mindset to Build a Thriving Media Empire

After his release, Wallow267 wasted no time in putting to use the knowledge and philosophies he had honed in prison. ...

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Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can redefine setbacks as educational opportunities by journaling about the lessons learned from each challenge you face. For instance, if you've had a difficult day at work, write down what the experience taught you about communication, resilience, or problem-solving. This habit can transform your perspective on adversity, much like viewing prison as a university.
  • Start a "future fund" by saving a small amount of money regularly, even if it's just the change from your daily purchases. Place this money into a separate savings account or a piggy bank labeled with a goal that inspires you, such as traveling to a place you've never been or starting a small side project. This mirrors the discipline of saving while in a constrained environment and keeps you focused on future possibilities.
  • Create a personal brand narrative that highlights your journey and the val ...

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You Have No Idea What You’re Capable of Until You Hear This

Developing a Positive, Empowered Mindset

The discussions with Wallo and Mel Robbins provide insight into overcoming mental barriers and self-doubt to achieve an empowered mindset.

Freeing Yourself From Others' Opinions and Expectations

Recognizing Others' Perceptions Aren't Your Reality

Wallo explains that one's reality is unaffected by others' negative opinions. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one's journey rather than worrying about what others think.

Cultivating Courage to Pursue Your Path, Regardless of Others

Wallace Peeples shares his experience of self-assurance and conviction, highlighting the importance of pursuing one's path despite the risk of facing criticism from others.

Eliminating Self-Doubt and "Getting Out of Your Way"

Peeples promotes self-belief and the idea of getting out of one's own way. He shares strategies for overcoming self-doubt, such as mentally preparing for success and visualizing one's goals to make them a reality.


Wallo and Robbins's discussions emphasize the necessity of developing a mindset that prioritizes one's own values and beliefs over the opinions of others. They suggest that many are mentally incarcerated by their own self-doubt and the expectations of society. People need to detach from these mental barriers to become the person they're destined to be.

Wallace Peeples stresses the importance of detachment from others' perceptions, as these perceptions should not contribute to creating one's reality. This detachment is crucial as it allows an individual to act without fear of judgment or the need for acceptance.

Peeples presents the significance of introspection, asking why people are part of certain groups or follow certain ideologies without truly understanding them. This encourages individuals to discover their own beliefs and desires.

The discussion touches upon having the courage to pursue one’s path, regardless of others. Peeples developed this courage even while incarcerated, as he prepared himself for his post-prison life. He advises people to "say yes to themselves" and to embrace the di ...

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Developing a Positive, Empowered Mindset

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While it's important to not be overly concerned with others' opinions, completely disregarding them can sometimes lead to a lack of social awareness or empathy. Constructive criticism from others can be valuable for personal growth.
  • Focusing solely on one's own journey without considering the impact on others might lead to selfishness or insensitivity in interpersonal relationships.
  • Courage to pursue one's path is important, but it should be balanced with responsibility and awareness of the consequences of one's actions.
  • Overcoming self-doubt is crucial, but a certain level of self-doubt can be healthy and can prevent overconfidence or hubris.
  • Visualizing goals is a powerful tool, but without actionable steps and consistent effort, visualization alone is insufficient for achieving success.
  • While prioritizing one's own values and beliefs is important, it's also necessary to remain open to new information and perspectives that can refine or improve one's understanding of the world.
  • Detachment from others' perceptions can be liberating, but social beings are inherently influenced by social interactions, and complete detachment is neither possible nor desirable for most people.
  • Introspection is valuable, but it should be balanced with external feedback to avoid becoming too self-centered or disconnected from reality.
  • Embracing discomf ...

Actionables

  • Create a personal manifesto that outlines your core values and beliefs to guide your decisions. Write down what matters most to you, not what you think should matter according to others. This manifesto serves as a reminder of your priorities and helps you stay focused on your own path when external opinions try to sway you. For example, if you value creativity over stability, your manifesto might encourage taking risks on new projects even when others advise against it.
  • Start a 'fear-facing' journal where you document one action each day that pushes you out of your comfort zone. This could be anything from speaking up in a meeting to trying a new hobby. The act of writing it down not only holds you accountable but also helps you track your progress in embracing discomfort and acting decisively. Over time, you'll see a pattern of growth and a decrease in the power that fear of judgment holds over you.
  • Implement a 'five-minute visualization' rout ...

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You Have No Idea What You’re Capable of Until You Hear This

The Transformative Power of Forgiveness

Wallace Peeples, better known as Wallo, shares a heart-wrenching yet uplifting journey of how he forgave his brother's killer, a path that not only honored his brother but also freed Wallo himself from the chains of resentment.

Wallow's Journey to Forgive His Brother's Killer

Pain and Anger, but Realizing Resentment Only Hurts Himself

Wallow reflects on the agonizing pain following his brother's tragic death, revealing how his brother was shot and died in the arms of their grandmother at their childhood home. Initially consumed by the shock and pain of the loss, Wallo, who was in prison at the time, experienced immense anger. However, he recognized that the emotional burden of this anger overshadowed the love and cherished memories of his brother.

Forgiveness Honored His Brother's Memory and Allowed Him to Move Forward Positively

Despite the depth of his suffering, Wallo made the decision to forgive his brother’s killer. He explains how this act of forgiveness was one of the most powerful and significant things he ever did. By choosing to forgive, Wallo felt he was living positively for the sake of his brother's children and family. His intent was to break the cycle of violence within his community and to set a positive example. Forgiveness, as he saw it, was not only a tribute to his brother but also a service to his own spirit and to future generations.

Wallo candidly shares that forgiveness allowed him to breathe again and to celebrate his brother's life, rather than remaining stuck in the "dark part" that comprised the pain and anger toward the killer. This pivotal choice enabled him to focus on the happy memories of his brother's life rather than bear the weight of his rage.

Liberation and Clarity From Compassion Toward Brother's Murderer

Wallo's compassion towards his brother's murderer eventually brought him a sense of liber ...

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The Transformative Power of Forgiveness

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Create a forgiveness journal where you write letters to those who have wronged you, expressing your feelings and ultimately forgiving them. This exercise helps you process emotions constructively and can be a step towards healing without needing to confront the person directly. For example, you might write about a past conflict with a friend, detailing the hurt it caused and then declaring your forgiveness to let go of lingering resentment.
  • Develop a 'forgiveness ritual' that symbolizes letting go of anger, such as planting a tree in memory of a loved one or crafting a piece of art that represents your journey to forgiveness. This tangible act can serve as a milestone in your healing process. If you've been holding onto anger towards someone who's no longer in your life, you could paint a stone with words of forgiveness and release it into a river or the sea.
  • Volunteer for community initiatives that promote peace and r ...

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