Bryan Danielson: Wrestling, Retirement, and Realizations

This week, Bryan is back on the show to cohost with Brie! Brie and Bryan sit down to talk about his upcoming match against Swerve Strickland at AEW: All In. It’s a Title vs. Career match for Bryan, which means it could be his LAST MATCH ever. That’s a lot to take in for Bryan. And even Brie. Bryan reflects on his wrestling journey, the impact one teacher had on him that encouraged him to chase his dreams in the ring, his gratitude for everything that wrestling has brought into his life, some huge moments in his career, and his feeling the pull to spend more time with Birdie and Buddy and make memories with them on their terms. AEW: All In has put him at a difficult crossroads. Bryan also touches on his relationship with William Regal and his passion for learning more about physics and gravity, an obsession he’s used to help steer away from depressive spirals. Then it’s it’s time for Bryan to answer some unique questions from Birdie and Buddy including embarrassing moments, fashion staples, bananas, favorite years of his life, and much more. Bryan Likes Books! Bryan also runs down the list of books he’s been reading lately, including: *From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks *Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg *The Code of the Extraordinary Mind: 10 Unconventional Laws to Redefine Your Life and Succeed on Your Own Terms by Vishen Lakhiani *The Bear by Andrew Krivak *Bewilderment by Richard Powers *The Complete Poppy War Trilogy: The Poppy War, The Dragon Republic, The Burning God by R.F. Kuang *The Broken Earth Trilogy: The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin The episode closes out with Bryan’s latest selection for Inspiration & Aspiration, which centers around chasing dreams and being authentic about what you’re enthusiastic about in your life.