Meet Corby Jackson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Corby Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Corby below.

Corby, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a deep commitment to honoring my word to myself. At the start of my weight loss journey, resilience was simply about surviving the struggle — “I didn’t die this time” became my measure of strength. But as that no longer resonated, I realized resilience was more than just making it through hard times; it meant setting new benchmarks that pushed me to take action and stay disciplined.

My resilience shifted into a mindset of unwavering commitment. I made a rule for myself: when I say I’m going to do something, I do it — no questioning, no negotiating with myself. This mindset evolved into an empowering cycle where I took action not for instant gratification, but to prove to myself that I could show up, no matter the conditions.

This journey has brought me to tangible results. I lost 435 pounds, I feel consistently healthy, and I finally know what it means to love myself. Beyond the physical transformation, my resilience is my refusal to give in to self-doubt. I’ve prioritized my worth and held onto a vision of the life I want. On days when it was cold, I still went out to Home Depot for my walk. When my ankle was sore, I found other ways to exercise. I never quit on myself because I knew that living my best life meant believing that I am enough and worthy of my own commitment every single day.

My resilience is rooted in my mindset and my actions, both grounded in a promise to honor myself and live the life I deserve.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My name is Ryan, though some know me as “FadeAwayRyan.” My journey has been one of highs and lows, but through it all, I’ve learned the power of commitment that outweighs any doubt. When I first started out, I was struggling to accept who I was, and the size I had reached felt overwhelming. Just getting through the day felt like a victory. At night, I’d remind myself, “Well, I didn’t die this time,” and that alone kept me going.

But I knew I wanted more than just survival; I wanted to thrive. So, I started setting small, consistent goals, reminding myself daily, “My consistency outweighs my doubts.” That mantra became my morning ritual, my reason to push forward. I promised myself that when I said I’d do something, I’d follow through — no questions, no excuses. Each time I kept my word, even on small commitments, I felt my confidence grow. I wasn’t just getting through the day; I was building a foundation.

That consistency helped me face some of the toughest challenges on my journey. Whether it was bad weather, an injury, or just pure fatigue, I found a way to keep moving. On cold days, I’d walk through Home Depot to get my steps in; when my ankle was sore, I’d find alternative exercises. Nothing stopped me. Eventually, I lost 435 pounds, but more than that, I gained control over my life and a deep sense of self-acceptance. I could finally look in the mirror and love the person I saw.

As I transformed, I realized that my story could help others find their own strength. I pursued my dream of becoming a licensed therapist, wanting to guide others as they worked through their own challenges. Now, I work primarily with men in the mental health community, creating spaces where they can feel seen, heard, and supported. I’m a regular on the BariMaleExperience podcast, which airs every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Central Time, where I share parts of my story and discuss what it means to push through adversity and stay consistent.

I also host a weekly workshop, Men’s Mental Health Shop Talk, every Monday at 7 p.m. Central Time. It’s a place where men can come together, talk openly about their struggles, and find strength in each other’s experiences. On top of that, I offer therapy sessions throughout the week to clients from all over — whether in Texas, Illinois, or beyond.

This path hasn’t been easy, but the commitment that got me through my own journey is what I bring to each client. I know what it feels like to struggle with self-doubt and to face setbacks, but I also know the power of showing up for yourself every day. I’m proud of where I am now, and I’m grateful for every step it took to get here. It’s been a journey of building trust in myself, pushing through obstacles, and showing others that change is possible, one steady, consistent step at a time.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

If I were to give someone advice on their own weight loss journey, I’d tell them to focus on staying consistent above all else. No matter how big or small the step, it’s consistency that will carry them through even the hardest days. I’d remind them to be deliberate in every action — every workout, every meal choice, every decision should reflect their goals. And if accountability is something they struggle with, I’d encourage them to find someone who can help hold them to their word, to remind them of their commitment when things get tough.

I’d also suggest that they write down everything they want to accomplish each day, whether it’s a specific workout, a healthy meal, or a self-care practice, and then check each task off once it’s done. This small practice builds self-trust and shows that even small, daily actions add up over time.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s essential to let yourself feel what comes up during this journey. Emotions will surface — and that’s okay. Allow your body to process those feelings, whether it’s during a workout or throughout the day. Don’t bury emotions in food or use them as an excuse to disconnect. Instead, be present with yourself. Let yourself feel, release, and then keep going. That’s how true change happens.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who’s ready to explore the deeper layers of their identity, especially if they’re struggling with what it means to be true to themselves. They might be navigating questions around self-worth or searching for clarity on who they are outside of societal expectations. I work especially well with men who feel lost or burdened by the pressures around masculinity and who want to understand what it means to show up as their authentic selves.

I also connect strongly with those who are on their own weight loss journey — not just those who are tackling the physical aspects, but those wrestling with the emotional impact as well. Many of my clients struggle with body dysmorphia, the pressure to fit a certain image, or the complex feelings that come from significant weight change. I help them recognize and reshape their self-perception in a way that goes beyond appearance.

Together, we work to dismantle the doubts and old narratives that hold them back, allowing them to build a strong, honest relationship with themselves. My ideal client is someone open to self-reflection, willing to lean into vulnerability, and ready to take consistent, meaningful steps toward the life they want to lead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifestance.com/provider/therapist/tx/dallas/corby-r-jackson/
• Instagram: Fadeawayryan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corby-jackson-ma-lcpc-lpc-28a72064?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app