The Dude Therapist

On this episode of Dude Therapist, host Eli Weinstein interviews Ricky Williams, a former NFL running back and CEO of several companies. Ricky talks about his journey of overcoming adversity and finding inner peace and how his early religious upbringing and experience as an athlete helped him to recognize the opposition within himself and to take on the challenge of overcoming it. He encourages people to be curious about their own potential and to be kind to themselves and others and emphasizes the importance of choosing the right people to keep close for your healing journey towards balanced living.

[00:00:06] Ricky Williams: Football, Cannabis, Healing, Empowerment. [00:01:54] Ricky Williams: Football to Mental Health. [00:04:00] Pursuing excellence to avoid personal issues. [00:05:48] Face dragon, overcome fear, be authentic. [00:08:11] Spiritual crisis leads to religious beliefs. [00:09:48] Facing life's difficulties to become better. [00:12:05] Combat mental health resistance: Warrior mentality, courage, vulnerability. [00:14:08] Overcome dragon, create inspiring stories. [00:16:22] Faith, stories, transformation, purpose, connection, success. [00:17:41] Athlete's journey to inner peace. [00:19:38] Finding inner peace: Know yourself, grow. [00:21:39] Common wound of man: Unmet needs, relationships, choices. [00:24:11] Healing through understanding patriarchy. [00:26:14] Healing through self-discovery. [00:28:08] Explore potential, be kind.

Ricky Williams has devoted his personal life and professional career to inspiring greatness, whether in himself, his teammates, or those around him. 

Williams founded Highsman in 2021 to empower professional and everyday athletes as well as sports enthusiasts alike through cannabis. He brings a deep knowledge of herbs, sports and wellness to the brand. His belief in the healing properties of cannabis is intertwined with a distinguished football career, and he credits smoking herb as a way of coping with the challenges associated with being a professional athlete, from social anxiety to physical injuries. 

His widely acclaimed football career began at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was named a two-time All American. Shortly after, he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints and continued an illustrious football career, known as one of the most electric running backs of the century. Most notably he played with the Miami Dolphins for the span of seven seasons. He faced two suspensions during his tenure due to the NFL’s strict marijuana policy. He finished his career with over 10,000 rushing yards and 74 total touchdowns and retired in 2011 after playing his final season with the Baltimore Ravens. Williams was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. 

No longer burdened by the NFL’s marijuana policy after retirement, Williams began his professional journey into herb and wellness. In 2018 he co founded Real Wellness, an alternative health brand after studying Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. This, along with his personal exploration of cannabis, paved the way for the launch of Highsman.