On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and co-author of The Coffee Bean Damon West for a raw and inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss. Damon shares the remarkable journey that took him from a 65-year prison sentence to bestselling books and national speaking stages, revealing the real-life lessons behind his newest book, Six Dimes and a Nickel. We explore the Coffee Bean message that sparked Damon’s transformation, his experiences navigating life on parole, and the principles of resilience, faith, and service that continue to shape his life. Together, we dive into the power of forgiveness, the importance of paying it forward, and the pivotal moments that led to Damon building a new life and giving back to his family. If you love stories of redemption, practical wisdom, and the kind of mindset shifts that lead to true change, this episode is a must-listen!

Pre-Order his newest book Six Dimes and a Nickel here!

About Damon,

Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker, 3x Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former crime boss in Dallas, who was sentenced to Life in prison for Organized Crime.

USA Today calls him the “modern day Shawshank Redemption and the most in-demand speaker in America.”

At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career ending injury and turned to hardcore drugs to cope with disappointments of life.

After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress and trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS).

One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.

After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man.

On parole in Texas until 2073, his story is one of hope, redemption, grit and the resilience of the Human spirit.

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