Drugs, Robbery, A Life Sentence & Finding Redemption | Damon West

Damon West is a former Division I quarterback whose life spiraled out of control after he became addicted to drugs while working in finance. In May 2009, Damon was sentenced to 65 years in prison, which is considered a life sentence, for robberies he committed in the state of Texas. This is the story of Damon's transformation while in prison and after. It's an incredible story of resilience and redemption. Damon is now a bestselling author, college professor, philanthropist and a sought-after motivational speaker, working with Fortune 500 companies, schools and elite sports programs. Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/rideout Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com code RIDEOUT V14: http://v14.com/kenrideout code KENRIDEOUT Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/discount/rideout Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: First Day in Texas State Prison 00:04:32 Understanding Life Sentences and Prison Security Levels 00:07:18 The Heart Check: First Fight in Prison 00:11:23 Race and Gang Politics Behind Bars 00:14:20 Meeting Carlos: The First Cellmate 00:16:15 Fighting the White Gangs 00:21:42 Breaking a Mouse: Prison Manipulation Tactics 00:24:25 Learning to Fight: On-the-Job Training 00:28:13 Suicidal Thoughts and Finding Faith 00:30:01 The Basketball Court Strategy 00:37:11 Earning Respect Through Sports 00:46:07 The Blackjack Confrontation: Fight for Survival 00:48:08 The Coffee Bean Story Begins 00:54:02 Trial and Sentencing: 65 Years 00:57:37 Mohammed's Wisdom: Carrots, Eggs, and Coffee Beans 01:02:53 Clearing the Meth Haze: Early Recovery 01:09:56 Spirituality vs. Religion in Recovery 01:13:52 Judge Snipes: The Resentment That Held Me Back 01:19:42 Letting Go: The Four Absolutes 01:23:37 Finding Purpose: Teaching Inmates to Read 01:30:25 Early Life: College Football and the Fork in the Road 01:32:01 Introduction to Drugs and Addiction 01:35:58 The Uptown Burglar: Life of Crime 01:41:26 Stealing Cars and Playing Cat and Mouse 01:45:09 The Great Escape: Stealing from the Impound Lot 01:47:10 The Final Burglary: Stealing from a Gold Star Family 01:49:25 Arrest: The SWAT Team Raid 01:52:27 Making Parole: The Impossible Happens 01:57:06 Last Two Weeks: Marked Man 02:01:56 Walking Out: November 16, 2015 02:04:05 Early Freedom: Finding Service Work 02:06:31 Practicing the Presentation 02:08:04 The Night That Changed Everything: Meeting Dabo Swinney 02:11:01 Breaking Into College Football Speaking 02:12:17 The Coffee Bean Book Goes Global 02:14:20 Finding Mohammed's Family 02:17:46 Redemption: Becoming Useful 02:18:10 When Victims Reach Out 02:22:23 Forgiveness: The Ring and the Email 02:23:59 No Enemies: Freedom from Resentment 02:24:19 Final Thoughts: True Imprisonment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices