Conversations with Rich Bennett Service Dogs, Discipline & Hope with John Carter
John Carter’s life reads like a movie: teenage enforcer, shot in the head and left for dead, spiraling into addiction, and then a decade-long prison sentence. In this raw, uplifting conversation, John shares the plan that saved him, the people who didn’t give up on him, and how fitness, service dogs, and service to others rebuilt his life into one of purpose. If you need a wake-up call on grit, accountability, and second chances, this is it.
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Guest Bio:
John Carter is a personal trainer, gym owner, TEDx speaker, and author of Triggered to Change. Once entangled in organized crime and addiction—and even shot in the head—he rebuilt his life through recovery, discipline, and mentorship, founding a private training studio and advocating for mobility service dogs that transform lives.
Main Topics:
· “Triggered to Change”: what the phrase means to John and how a coma dream became a turning point.
· Addiction, arrest, and a judge’s hard sentence—why prison became the crucible for a plan.
· Training out of the wheelchair: prison gym, brotherhood, and rebuilding capacity.
· Breaking into fitness post-release, first high-ticket client, and buying the gym with $18 left.
· TEDx, the book, and sharing the story to help others stay sober.
· Service Dog Project, Great Danes “Jag” and “Turbulence,” and real-world mobility wins.
· Transformations in John’s clients—from 340+ lbs at age 22 to independent, confident living at 71+.
· The mantra: “Fail to plan, plan to fail,” and why community > old crowd.
Resources mentioned:
· John’s book: Triggered to Change
· John’s website: johncarterauthor.com
· John’s gym: titaniumhealthfitness.com (private training studio).
· Service Dog Project (Great Danes for mobility):
https://harfordcountyhealth.com
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