In the latest episode of the Gnar Stool Podcast, host Shannon O'Grady welcomed a remarkable guest, Tanqueray “Tango” Towns. A former football player at the University of Utah, firefighter, EMT, and performance coach, Tanqueray's journey is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the power of believing in oneself.
A Journey Rooted in Adversity
Tanqueray hails from South Central Los Angeles, specifically the Crenshaw District, where he faced significant challenges from a young age. Growing up largely on his own since the age of 14, he navigated the streets while discovering his passion for football. Despite the odds stacked against him, he excelled in the sport, eventually earning a scholarship to play at the University of Utah.
His story is not just about sports; it’s about finding a way out of a difficult environment. Football became his outlet, allowing him to channel his aggression positively and providing a sense of peace amidst chaos. Tanqueray's journey underscores the importance of mentorship, as he credits both gang members and coaches for guiding him toward a better path. The gang members, often seen as negative influences, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue football instead of a life of crime.
The Role of Mentorship
Mentorship played a crucial role in Tanqueray's development. He spoke about how his early mentors, including coaches like Coach Miller and Coach Shaw, helped him navigate life both on and off the field. They instilled in him the importance of strategy, teaching him to play "chess instead of checkers" in life. This analogy emphasizes the need for foresight and planning rather than being reactive to circumstances.
Tanqueray's experience highlights that mentors can come from unexpected places. While many think of mentorship as a formal relationship, he learned valuable lessons from those who had lived through similar struggles. Their guidance helped him understand the importance of making conscious choices and striving for a better future.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Transitioning from football to firefighting was another significant step in Tanqueray's life. Despite being an honor student and excelling academically, he initially doubted his ability to succeed in the Fire Academy. However, he realized that self-belief was key to overcoming these doubts. After a rocky start, he shifted his mindset from fearing failure to embracing the challenge. This change in perspective allowed him to excel in his tests and ultimately graduate from the academy.
Tanqueray's story serves as a powerful reminder that failure is not the end but rather a stepping stone to success. He emphasizes that failure is merely feedback, a lesson learned that can lead to growth and improvement. This mindset is something he actively teaches to the young athletes he coaches, encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn from their experiences.
Coaching for Empowerment
As a performance coach, Tanqueray's mission is to empower his clients to believe in their potential. He instills the idea that they deserve whatever they want in life, as long as they are willing to put in the effort. His coaching philosophy revolves around the concept that how you do one thing is how you do everything. By fostering a strong work ethic and encouraging clients to set ambitious goals, he helps them realize their capabilities.
Tanqueray's approach to coaching is rooted in education and understanding the "why" behind actions. He believes that when individuals grasp the importance of their goals and the steps needed to achieve them, they are more likely to commit to the process. This holistic approach not only focuses on physical fitness but also on mental resilience and emotional intelligence.
Conclusion
Tanqueray Towns' journey from the streets of Los Angeles to becoming a firefighter and performance coach is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a powerful testament to the impact of mentorship, the importance of self-belief, and the transformative power of resilience. As he continues to guide others on their paths, Tanqueray exemplifies the idea that with determination and the right support, anyone can overcome their circumstances and achieve greatness.
Tune in to the full episode of the Gnar Stool podcast to hear more about Tanqueray's incredible journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.
