#143 - Tom Rhodes - How He Lost 60 Pounds Without Starving

Tom Rhodes was born in Texas and has called Alberta home since the age of four. Now entering his final year of political science at the University of Alberta, he’s steadily paving a path toward law school while staying open to where life might lead him. His journey is a blend of intellectual curiosity, physical discipline, and creative self-expression. From shedding 60 pounds and cultivating a love for fitness, to finding calm in music and guitar, to navigating the complexities of politics and career choices, Tom’s story is one of growth, introspection, and self-directed change.

Tom’s fitness journey began with a major mindset shift: embracing consistency over perfection. Shedding 60 pounds wasn’t just a physical transformation—it was a mental recalibration rooted in self-discipline, personal accountability, and doing the hard things even when motivation waned. Transitioning from weightlifting to long-distance running helped him see fitness not as an obsession but as a sustainable part of his lifestyle. His advice for newcomers is simple yet powerful: start small, build confidence, and stick with what’s replicable. For Tom, the goal is longevity, not just achievement.

During stressful academic periods and personal transformation, music became Tom’s steady anchor. Picking up the guitar offered both emotional release and cognitive benefits, such as improved focus and memory. Influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd, Daft Punk, and Stevie Wonder, his musical tastes are as eclectic as they are expressive. He sees music theory as a powerful tool—much like learning a language—that enables deeper, richer self-expression. For Tom, playing guitar is not just a hobby but a meaningful extension of his inner life.

Tom’s passion for politics emerged from a natural talent for social studies and a desire to understand the world around him. Over the years, university has shifted his perspective—each year refining his views and deepening his questions. Once more assertive in his stances, Tom now values listening, humility, and the ability to admit uncertainty. While his interests in politics and law may eventually merge into a legal career, he remains grounded in his core values: making intentional, not fear-driven choices, and pursuing work that makes a real impact. Whether that’s through law, advocacy, or something else entirely, Tom is guided by purpose over pressure.

Tom Rhodes is a young man in motion—mentally, physically, and emotionally. His journey so far has been about transformation through reflection, discipline, and openness to change. Whether he’s running miles on Alberta trails, debating political theory, or strumming a guitar late at night, Tom brings thoughtfulness and authenticity to whatever he takes on. As he looks ahead to life after university, his story reminds us that clarity doesn’t always come in answers, but in the questions we’re willing to keep asking.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!