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.
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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
The Other Side of Hard, hosted by Ken Rideout — raw, gripping conversations with people who've pushed past the breaking point. Stories of resilience, redemption, and what's waiting on the other side.