From Life Sentence to Life’s Purpose with Damon West

Are You Living in a Prison Without Bars? Some of the most locked-up people aren’t behind steel bars—they’re trapped in their own minds. My guest today, my friend Damon West, knows this better than anyone. Once a promising college quarterback, he spiraled into addiction and crime, ultimately sentenced to life in prison. But Damon didn't just survive—he transformed. He found a way to change his environment from the inside out, becoming what he calls a "coffee bean"—a force for change rather than a victim of his surroundings. Damon’s story is unreal. He was sentenced to life but earned his way out by changing himself first. Today, he’s one of the most sought-after speakers in the world, sharing the same message that saved him. He went from practicing speeches in his parents’ spare bedroom to standing in front of NFL teams, Fortune 500 companies, and thousands of students. He’s proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rewrite your story. This conversation is filled with raw truth and real strategies. We break down what it takes to overcome mental prisons, fear, and limiting beliefs. Damon shares how he got his first big break by refusing to take “no” for an answer and the lessons he’s learned from some of the world’s greatest leaders. And in a moment that will stay with you, he reveals a forgiveness letter from one of his victims—proof that redemption is possible. This episode is about hope. It’s about getting back up when life knocks you down. And it’s about understanding that your past doesn’t define you—your decisions do. Key Takeaways ✅ The coffee bean mindset—how to change your environment instead of letting it change you ✅ How Damon went from seven years in maximum security to becoming a top speaker ✅ Why you must ask the question—and how one bold move got him in front of Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney ✅ The power of gratitude and giving—how a simple keychain changed his entire life ✅ The life-changing impact of forgiveness—including the letter that changed everything If Damon West can rebuild his life from a prison cell to flying private, what’s stopping you from making a change today? This is your wake-up call. Let’s go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices