The itmakesenz Series Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:13:04 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570316 en-us © 2026 The itmakesenz Series yes 81eb8f2d-82fb-5813-abb7-bdc2ab8e06f3 itmakesenzfitness@gmail.com Asenso Ampim episodic false The itmakesenz Series is a narrative podcast about what happens when the identity you built your life around disappears. 


Across 40 short episodes, I share my story, from boarding school as a kid, to navigating elite institutions, to playing professional basketball overseas, to the emotional aftermath of retirement and rebuilding myself. 


This series isn’t about success stories. It’s about the invisible cost of pressure, the identities we build to survive, and the moment life forces us to become someone new. 


For anyone in transition, questioning their direction, or trying to reconnect with who they are beyond achievement. 


Start with the intro for the full journey.

If you’re looking for conversations around fitness, mindset, and movement, check out my previous podcast "Fitmakesenz: Mindset & Movement Experience."

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Asenso Ampim itmakesenzfitness@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/i8bafi998uygba62bypvqnmq2lrh?.jpg The itmakesenz Series Episode 40 (Arc 4) — The truth my story is really trying to tell you Episode 40 (Arc 4) — The truth my story is really trying to tell you This series isn’t just about me, it’s about what life does to all of us. I share the real message behind every chapter for you to realize you’re not broken, you’re becoming.

]]> This series isn’t just about me, it’s about what life does to all of us. I share the real message behind every chapter for you to realize you’re not broken, you’re becoming.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452344 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 176 full false Episode 39 (Arc 4) — How I found purpose again after losing everything I thought defined me Episode 39 (Arc 4) — How I found purpose again after losing everything I thought defined me Purpose didn’t show up in success...it showed up in silence. I break down how rebuilding revealed what i was actually meant to be: a builder of people, meaning, and identity.

]]> Purpose didn’t show up in success...it showed up in silence. I break down how rebuilding revealed what i was actually meant to be: a builder of people, meaning, and identity.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452330 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 219 full false Episode 38 (Arc 4) — The hardest internal contradiction I had to fix after sports Episode 38 (Arc 4) — The hardest internal contradiction I had to fix after sports The athlete in me knew how to survive...the man in me had to learn how to feel. I talk about integrating toughness and softness so they stop fighting each other.

]]> The athlete in me knew how to survive...the man in me had to learn how to feel. I talk about integrating toughness and softness so they stop fighting each other.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452308 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 160 full false Episode 37 (Arc 4) — How I rebuilt my confidence when basketball was gone Episode 37 (Arc 4) — How I rebuilt my confidence when basketball was gone Confidence outside sports is different. I share how I rebuilt it through new competence, humility, purpose, and becoming someone deeper than the identity I lost.

]]> Confidence outside sports is different. I share how I rebuilt it through new competence, humility, purpose, and becoming someone deeper than the identity I lost.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452285 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 207 full false Episode 36 (Arc 4)— The moment I realized my past wasn’t random — it was preparation Episode 36 (Arc 4)— The moment I realized my past wasn’t random — it was preparation My life stopped feeling chaotic when I saw the pattern. I break down how every chapter trained something in me and why pain can qualify you for purpose.

]]> My life stopped feeling chaotic when I saw the pattern. I break down how every chapter trained something in me and why pain can qualify you for purpose.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452240 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 178 full false Episode 35 (Arc 4) — What “fitmakesenz” really represents Episode 35 (Arc 4) — What “fitmakesenz” really represents Fitmakesenz is the vehicle, not just fitness. I talk about rebuilding identity through discipline, health as psychological, and why the body is the first place where people realize they’re not okay.

]]> Fitmakesenz is the vehicle, not just fitness. I talk about rebuilding identity through discipline, health as psychological, and why the body is the first place where people realize they’re not okay.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452232 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 119 full false Episode 34 (Arc 4) — How “itmakesenz” was really born Episode 34 (Arc 4) — How “itmakesenz” was really born It wasn’t a brand idea, it was a realization. I explain how the dots connected after basketball and why “itmakesenz” became meaning, not marketing.

]]> It wasn’t a brand idea, it was a realization. I explain how the dots connected after basketball and why “itmakesenz” became meaning, not marketing.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452211 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 142 full false Episode 33 (Arc 4) — How music became my outlet, anchor and healer Episode 33 (Arc 4) — How music became my outlet, anchor and healer Music found me when the noise stopped. I share how it became a safe place for expression and helped me integrate every version of myself.

]]> Music found me when the noise stopped. I share how it became a safe place for expression and helped me integrate every version of myself.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452205 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 137 full false Episode 32 (Arc 4) — The identity withdrawal nobody prepares you for Episode 32 (Arc 4) — The identity withdrawal nobody prepares you for When the routine disappears, the emptiness is real. I break down identity withdrawal, the spotlight fading, and why it’s not collapse...it’s clearing.

]]> When the routine disappears, the emptiness is real. I break down identity withdrawal, the spotlight fading, and why it’s not collapse...it’s clearing.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18452196 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 162 full false Episode 31 (Arc 4) — The emotional psychology of retirement Episode 31 (Arc 4) — The emotional psychology of retirement Retirement doesn’t hit when you stop,  it hits when you realize going back would break you. I talk about identity, anger, fear, and the silence after the storm.

]]> Retirement doesn’t hit when you stop,  it hits when you realize going back would break you. I talk about identity, anger, fear, and the silence after the storm.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451806 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 160 full false Episode 30 (Arc 3) — What it feels like to be replaced on a team overseas Episode 30 (Arc 3) — What it feels like to be replaced on a team overseas Being replaced is a different kind of pain. I share the moment it finally happened to me, how humiliating it felt, and how it became a turning point.

]]> Being replaced is a different kind of pain. I share the moment it finally happened to me, how humiliating it felt, and how it became a turning point.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451797 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 213 full false Episode 29 (Arc 3) — How pro basketball affects your mental health Episode 29 (Arc 3) — How pro basketball affects your mental health The hardest part wasn’t the games, it was everything around them. I break down uncertainty, politics, isolation, doubt, and the mental loop that can break players.

]]> The hardest part wasn’t the games, it was everything around them. I break down uncertainty, politics, isolation, doubt, and the mental loop that can break players.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451789 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 125 full false Episode 28 (Arc 3) — The pressure of being watched in public 24/7 Episode 28 (Arc 3) — The pressure of being watched in public 24/7 As an import, you’re never fully "off the clock." I share a real moment that taught me how visible you are and how every move can be evaluated.

]]> As an import, you’re never fully "off the clock." I share a real moment that taught me how visible you are and how every move can be evaluated.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451783 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 163 full false Episode 27 (Arc 3) — The relationships you lose chasing a pro career Episode 27 (Arc 3) — The relationships you lose chasing a pro career Dreams cost more than people think. I break down the quiet losses...romantic, friendships, milestones and what it means to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

]]> Dreams cost more than people think. I break down the quiet losses...romantic, friendships, milestones and what it means to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451775 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 94 full false Episode 26 (Arc 3) — The emotional toll of temporary living overseas Episode 26 (Arc 3) — The emotional toll of temporary living overseas Living out of a suitcase changes you. I talk about the constant evaluation, never settling, and how fear becomes fuel.

]]> Living out of a suitcase changes you. I talk about the constant evaluation, never settling, and how fear becomes fuel.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451754 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 114 full false Episode 25 (Arc 3) — Loneliness no one sees when you play ball overseas Episode 25 (Arc 3) — Loneliness no one sees when you play ball overseas After games, the city moves on and you go home to silence. I talk about isolation, mental growth, and the nights that built me.

]]> After games, the city moves on and you go home to silence. I talk about isolation, mental growth, and the nights that built me.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451316 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 124 full false Episode 24 (Arc 3) — What overseas teams really expect from foreign players Episode 24 (Arc 3) — What overseas teams really expect from foreign players The expectations aren’t just physical, they’re psychological. I break down what it means being the “star and scapegoat” at the same time.

]]> The expectations aren’t just physical, they’re psychological. I break down what it means being the “star and scapegoat” at the same time.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451295 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 110 full false Episode 23 (Arc 3) — When one bad game almost ended my overseas basketball career Episode 23 (Arc 3) — When one bad game almost ended my overseas basketball career My first pro game went terribly and i almost got replaced instantly with another player. I share what happened next, how quickly things flip overseas, and what that taught me about survival.

]]> My first pro game went terribly and i almost got replaced instantly with another player. I share what happened next, how quickly things flip overseas, and what that taught me about survival.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451268 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 157 full false Episode 22 (Arc 3) — What it’s like being the foreigner who has to lead the team Episode 22 (Arc 3) — What it’s like being the foreigner who has to lead the team You’re the outsider but expected to lead immediately. I talk about earning trust under envy, isolation, and the kind of leadership that lasts beyond sports.

]]> You’re the outsider but expected to lead immediately. I talk about earning trust under envy, isolation, and the kind of leadership that lasts beyond sports.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451256 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 110 full false Episode 21 (Arc 3) — The truth about playing pro basketball overseas Episode 21 (Arc 3) — The truth about playing pro basketball overseas The highlight tapes don’t show the instability. I break down culture shock, pressure, politics, contracts, and how a bad stretch of games can change the course of your career. 

]]> The highlight tapes don’t show the instability. I break down culture shock, pressure, politics, contracts, and how a bad stretch of games can change the course of your career. 

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451234 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 108 full false Episode 20 (Arc 3) — What my college coach put me through and what it taught me about resilience Episode 20 (Arc 3) — What my college coach put me through and what it taught me about resilience My college coach tried to break me before he ever tried to build me. I talk about the difference between leadership and insecurity, and how resilience is choosing integrity under pressure.

]]> My college coach tried to break me before he ever tried to build me. I talk about the difference between leadership and insecurity, and how resilience is choosing integrity under pressure.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451228 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 154 full false Episode 19 (Arc 2) — How ambition is really built in private schools Episode 19 (Arc 2) — How ambition is really built in private schools Ambition isn’t taught...it’s built under pressure. I break down how survival, expectations, and being “one mistake away” creates discipline most people misunderstand.

]]> Ambition isn’t taught...it’s built under pressure. I break down how survival, expectations, and being “one mistake away” creates discipline most people misunderstand.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451217 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 133 full false Episode 18 (Arc 2) — The outsider advantage Episode 18 (Arc 2) — The outsider advantage What felt like a disadvantage becomes awareness most people never develop. I explain how being the outsider builds emotional intelligence, presence, and clarity.

]]> What felt like a disadvantage becomes awareness most people never develop. I explain how being the outsider builds emotional intelligence, presence, and clarity.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451207 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 113 full false Episode 17 (Arc 2) — How top institutions distort friendships Episode 17 (Arc 2) — How top institutions distort friendships In elite environments, friendships can become social strategy. I talk about image-based connection, being chosen for what you represent, and what it does to trust.

]]> In elite environments, friendships can become social strategy. I talk about image-based connection, being chosen for what you represent, and what it does to trust.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451195 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 81 full false Episode 16 (Arc 2) — How class & privilege shape kids differently Episode 16 (Arc 2) — How class & privilege shape kids differently Same school, completely different realities. I break down how wealth creates access, comfort, and momentum...and how outsiders learn to earn everything.

]]> Same school, completely different realities. I break down how wealth creates access, comfort, and momentum...and how outsiders learn to earn everything.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451184 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 113 full false Episode 15 (Arc 2) — The emotional cost of being the “success story” Episode 15 (Arc 2) — The emotional cost of being the “success story” Being the "success story" can become a cage. I explain the pressure of being symbolic proof that “the system works” and how it steals your freedom to be human.

]]> Being the "success story" can become a cage. I explain the pressure of being symbolic proof that “the system works” and how it steals your freedom to be human.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451165 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 107 full false Episode 14 (Arc 2) — The politics inside high-ranking schools nobody talks about Episode 14 (Arc 2) — The politics inside high-ranking schools nobody talks about Elite schools function like miniature political systems. I talk about invisible power, hierarchy, favorites, and how being the outsider trains you to read rooms early.

]]> Elite schools function like miniature political systems. I talk about invisible power, hierarchy, favorites, and how being the outsider trains you to read rooms early.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451158 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 121 full false Episode 13 (Arc 1) — Truth about “prestigious education” that nobody wants to admit Episode 13 (Arc 1) — Truth about “prestigious education” that nobody wants to admit Elite systems reward performance over personhood. I break down the hidden emotional tax of prestige and what it does to self-worth, rest, intimacy, and identity.

]]> Elite systems reward performance over personhood. I break down the hidden emotional tax of prestige and what it does to self-worth, rest, intimacy, and identity.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451128 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 95 full false Episode 12 (Arc 1) — How growing up away from home makes you feel homeless everywhere Episode 12 (Arc 1) — How growing up away from home makes you feel homeless everywhere Growing up between cultures creates "rootlessness." I talk about never fully belonging anywhere and the real definition of home: where your nervous system relaxes.

]]> Growing up between cultures creates "rootlessness." I talk about never fully belonging anywhere and the real definition of home: where your nervous system relaxes.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18451041 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 105 full false Episode 11 (Arc 1) — What “tough love” really does to a kid’s mind Episode 11 (Arc 1) — What “tough love” really does to a kid’s mind Tough love can build discipline but it can also build fear. I break down conditional love, perfectionism, and what it does to a child’s nervous system over time.

]]> Tough love can build discipline but it can also build fear. I break down conditional love, perfectionism, and what it does to a child’s nervous system over time.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450920 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 109 full false Episode 10 (Arc 1) — What the absence of a parent actually does to a child Episode 10 (Arc 1) — What the absence of a parent actually does to a child When a parent isn’t there, you don’t just “adjust.” You build a personality around the gap. I explain the long-term imprint and what it takes to unlearn it.

]]> When a parent isn’t there, you don’t just “adjust.” You build a personality around the gap. I explain the long-term imprint and what it takes to unlearn it.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450899 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 90 full false Episode 09 (Arc 1) — Do I resent my parents for sending me away so young? Episode 09 (Arc 1) — Do I resent my parents for sending me away so young? People always ask this. The answer is complicated. I break down cultural context, attachment disruption, and how two things can be true: intention and impact.

]]> People always ask this. The answer is complicated. I break down cultural context, attachment disruption, and how two things can be true: intention and impact.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450894 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 148 full false Episode 08 (Arc 1) — Truth about what adults really do in elite schools Episode 08 (Arc 1) — Truth about what adults really do in elite schools Some adults don’t teach character, they hide behind it. I talk about what i witnessed behind the reputation of elite institutions and what it taught me about authority.

]]> Some adults don’t teach character, they hide behind it. I talk about what i witnessed behind the reputation of elite institutions and what it taught me about authority.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450875 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 76 full false Episode 07 (Arc 1) — How being the outsider rewires your trust forever Episode 07 (Arc 1) — How being the outsider rewires your trust forever Being the outsider teaches you to read people before you trust them. I explain how that rewires your nervous system and what real safety feels like once you finally find it.

]]> Being the outsider teaches you to read people before you trust them. I explain how that rewires your nervous system and what real safety feels like once you finally find it.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450857 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 93 full false Episode 06 (Arc 1) — How kids learn emotional independence the wrong way Episode 06 (Arc 1) — How kids learn emotional independence the wrong way Emotional independence can be an overcorrection. I talk about what happens when comfort isn’t available and why receiving love later can feel foreign, even when it’s safe.

]]> Emotional independence can be an overcorrection. I talk about what happens when comfort isn’t available and why receiving love later can feel foreign, even when it’s safe.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450727 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 76 full false Episode 05 (Arc 1) — The hidden cost of becoming independent too young Episode 05 (Arc 1) — The hidden cost of becoming independent too young People praise independence, but nobody talks about the version you didn’t choose. In this episode, i break down how forced self-sufficiency can turn into emotional shutdown later in life.

]]> People praise independence, but nobody talks about the version you didn’t choose. In this episode, i break down how forced self-sufficiency can turn into emotional shutdown later in life.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450701 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 84 full false Episode 04 (Arc 1) — Growing up around privilege changes you in ways you don’t expect Episode 04 (Arc 1) — Growing up around privilege changes you in ways you don’t expect Privilege teaches hierarchy before anyone explains it. I talk about how being surrounded by wealth and status can make you driven...but also guarded.

]]> Privilege teaches hierarchy before anyone explains it. I talk about how being surrounded by wealth and status can make you driven...but also guarded.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450694 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 95 full false Episode 03 (Arc 1) — What parents don’t realize about high-ranking schools Episode 03 (Arc 1) — What parents don’t realize about high-ranking schools Parents see prestige...kids feel pressure. I explain the emotional cost elite institutions can quietly charge, and how it forces children to grow up way too early.

]]> Parents see prestige...kids feel pressure. I explain the emotional cost elite institutions can quietly charge, and how it forces children to grow up way too early.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450680 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 115 full false Episode 02 (Arc 1) — What being an African kid in an all-white school really does to you Episode 02 (Arc 1) — What being an African kid in an all-white school really does to you When you’re “different,” you’re not necessarily celebrated...you’re studied. I talk about the subtle racism, the pressure to blend in, and how you become a chameleon just to survive.

]]> When you’re “different,” you’re not necessarily celebrated...you’re studied. I talk about the subtle racism, the pressure to blend in, and how you become a chameleon just to survive.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450666 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 81 full false Episode 01 (Arc 1) — What being sent to boarding school at 7 really does to a kid’s mind Episode 01 (Arc 1) — What being sent to boarding school at 7 really does to a kid’s mind Being sent away to boarding school that young teaches you to confuse silence with strength. In this episode, i break down what it does to a child’s identity, emotional wiring, and the survival habits that can follow you into adulthood.

]]> Being sent away to boarding school that young teaches you to confuse silence with strength. In this episode, i break down what it does to a child’s identity, emotional wiring, and the survival habits that can follow you into adulthood.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450650 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 80 full false Intro Intro Most people only see what you show in the present, not the story that built it. In this intro, i explain why i’m releasing The itmakesenz Series and what this 40-episode journey is really about: childhood, identity, elite systems, pro basketball overseas, rebuilding, music, and purpose. This is the story behind the story.

]]> Most people only see what you show in the present, not the story that built it. In this intro, i explain why i’m releasing The itmakesenz Series and what this 40-episode journey is really about: childhood, identity, elite systems, pro basketball overseas, rebuilding, music, and purpose. This is the story behind the story.

]]> Asenso Buzzsprout-18450613 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 75 full false