Damon West, a former inmate and best-selling author, shares his remarkable journey from a life sentence to redemption. After facing despair and addiction, he found sobriety and purpose in prison. Damon discusses the transformative power of mentorship, community, and the lessons learned from his struggles. He emphasizes resilience and the importance of uplifting others, illustrated through his collaboration on the bestselling book 'The Coffee Bean.' His story is a compelling master class in overcoming adversity and embracing change.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Life Sentence and Mother's Plea
Damon West was sentenced to 65 years for meth-related burglaries.
His mother told him to return from prison as the man she raised or not at all.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Path to Addiction
Damon West's substance abuse began with alcohol at 10, then marijuana at 12.
A career-ending football injury at 20 led to harder drugs, eventually meth.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Childhood Trauma
Damon West was molested at nine by a female babysitter.
He views this as an early introduction to adult behaviors, not a sole cause of his addiction.
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The Coffee Bean is an illustrated fable that follows Abe, a young man facing stress and fear, as he learns a life-changing lesson from his teacher. This lesson empowers Abe to transform his environment instead of being changed by it, leading him on an inspirational journey through various life stages. The book encourages readers to adopt a positive mindset and transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
This week's show is quite possibly the most incredible story I’ve ever heard. You are going to be riveted and you will never forget this conversation!
13 years ago to the day that we recorded this interview, my guest was sentenced to life in prison! Yes, life in prison for my guest Damon West.
Damon’s story will make you uncomfortable at times. But ultimately, his story is all about OVERCOMING EXTREME ADVERSITY, TRANSFORMATION, and REDEMPTION.
Do you want to learn how to turn your life around? This interview Is a master class!
At 20, Damon was the starting quarterback at the University of North Texas when he suffered a career-ending injury. A few years later while training to be a stockbroker, Damon got hooked on methamphetamines, and he became the mastermind of a burglary ring to support his addiction.
Eventually, he was arrested and sentenced to 65 years in a Texas maximum security prison.
In prison, Damon got SOBER, went through a SPIRITUAL AWAKENING, and started down his true life’s calling which he continued to build on after his parole more than 7 years later.
Today he is a much sought-after speaker and best-selling author including co-writing “The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change.” with JON GORDON.
Damon pulls no punches in a series of brutally HONEST stories when sharing his life and the mistakes he’s made.
You’ll hear first-hand exactly what it feels like to be found guilty of major crimes, how he fought to survive and eventually THRIVE in prison, and how Damon turned his time in prison into an OPPORTUNITY.
Be sure to listen to how he used the analogy of being like a COFFEE BEAN (yes, a coffee bean) as a critical part in changing his victim mindset to one of HOPE and redemption.
In one of my favorite parts of this episode, Damon reveals his thoughts about GRATITUDE, his mission to HELP OTHERS, and why RESILIENCE is essential to living your best life.
This week, pay attention to a man who has lived life on the edge in many ways, good and bad.
Damon’s past and present are filled with LESSONS that will make you STOP, THINK, and help you FIGURE OUT how you can lead a better life, too.
THE ED MYLETT SHOW 