Episode 293

Sentenced to 65 years in a Texas prison, Damon West once had it all. He came from a great family, in a home full of God, love, support, and opportunities to reach any dream. He was college quarterback at North Texas University, a natural born leader who appeared to be the all-American kid living out his dreams.

But then everything went downhill fast and Damon ended up being sentenced to 65 years for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity for dozens of burglaries he committed while hooked on meth, prison life began with a violent baptism-by-fire. Nothing in his privileged background, working in both Washington politics and at one of the largest Wall Street banks in the world, could have prepared him for the nightmares of a Texas maximum-security prison. It would be the wisdom of an elderly convict, the love of his family, a program of recovery and his faith that guided his path.

The only athlete in the history of the NCAA to receive a life sentence and parole out of prison with enough life left to tell the story, Damon West has made the most of his second chance. As an addict in long-term recovery, with a lifetime of parole, this former college quarterback has learned from his own mistakes, and the examples of others, that his program of recovery is paramount to everything else.

Since his parole from that Texas maximum-security prison in November of 2015, he has shared his story with audiences ranging from the incarnated to students to the corporate world. His goal in every room is to reach that “one person” and find those who may be struggling with substance abuse or any other life-restricting obstacles. His story is sure to inspire and motivate those who hear it.

On this episode of the podcast, Damon shares his incredibly powerful story of having it all, and then losing it all, life in prison, getting sober, how a coffee bean analogy changed his life and how he's turned his mess into a message of caution and hope. 

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