Damon West is an inspirational speaker, author, and college professor with an extraordinary story of redemption. A former college quarterback, Damon fell into meth addiction and organized crime, leading to a life sentence in a Texas prison. During his incarceration, he transformed his life, inspired by the metaphor of a coffee bean that changes its environment. Upon his release, Damon authored four bestselling books, including "The Change Agent" and "The Coffee Bean," which have sold over 10 million copies. Now a motivational speaker and professor at the University of Houston, Damon uses his journey from addiction and crime to inspire others to embrace personal growth and resilience. His powerful narrative is one of the most compelling stories shared on this show.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to defining a bad day with Damon West.
2:21 - The importance of making friends in challenging environments.
8:14 - Daily life as a lab experiment: The impact on personal perspective.
10:38 - Discovering hope and resilience in the chapel.
12:42 - Mental strategies for dealing with tough situations.
14:44 - Educational pursuits in constrained circumstances.
16:55 - Challenges of rural voters: A discussion on social issues.
19:13 - Planning and anticipation in weekly routines.
21:39 - Coping with uncertainty and finding personal solutions.
23:54 - Returning to routine: The process of settling back.
26:11 - Reflecting on familial bonds and personal goodbyes.
28:28 - Overcoming physical and metaphorical pursuits.
30:51 - Building relationships through formal introductions with coaches.
33:05 - Personal anecdotes of encounters with influential figures.
35:22 - Navigating the pressures of a challenging world.
37:49 - Facing fears and seizing opportunities in pitching ideas.
40:07 - The resilience gained from facing repeated rejections.
42:22 - Lessons in belief and partnership from collaborative experiences.
44:21 - The consequences of burning bridges and repairing relationships.
46:50 - The booming real estate market during the pandemic.
49:17 - Team dynamics and leadership during challenging times.
52:02 - Spiritual reflections and personal insights from John.
54:18 - The life-changing impact of correspondence with inmates.
56:34 - How a unique letter sparked a deeper engagement.
58:52 - Initiating a scholarship fund: A commitment to education.
1:01:14 - Building lasting friendships out of professional relationships.
1:03:52 - Overcoming obstacles: A metaphor from horse racing.
1:06:18 - Recounting life's most humorous and unexpected moments.
1:08:35 - Challenges in social interactions during significant events.
1:11:01 - Casual conversation about fashion and personal interests.

Sponsors:
Sandee | Bliss: Beaches

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Damon West is an inspirational speaker, author, and college professor with an extraordinary story of redemption. A former college quarterback, Damon fell into meth addiction and organized crime, leading to a life sentence in a Texas prison. During his incarceration, he transformed his life, inspired by the metaphor of a coffee bean that changes its environment. Upon his release, Damon authored four bestselling books, including "The Change Agent" and "The Coffee Bean," which have sold over 10 million copies. Now a motivational speaker and professor at the University of Houston, Damon uses his journey from addiction and crime to inspire others to embrace personal growth and resilience. His powerful narrative is one of the most compelling stories shared on this show.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and Damon West's initial experience with crystal meth
1:29 - Welcome to the podcast and Damon's background
3:03 - Damon’s family and upbringing in Port Arthur, Texas
4:14 - Childhood trauma and its impact
6:16 - Early exposure to adult behaviors
8:20 - Early substance use and athletic career
10:22 - Dealing with the aftermath of molestation
12:05 - Becoming a star athlete
14:15 - The pressures and challenges of being a star athlete
16:27 - College football and introduction to hardcore drugs
20:56 - First exposure to meth and rapid addiction
22:10 - Descent into criminal behavior
25:50 - High-functioning addicts and the dangers they face
28:14 - Becoming a criminal to fund addiction
31:06 - The first burglary and escalation of crimes
32:57 - Arrest by the SWAT team
33:07 - Initial experiences in jail and realization of the situation
35:57 - Impact on family and conversations after sentencing
41:08 - Promises to his mother about prison conduct
47:59 - Advice from Muhammad and the concept of being a "coffee bean"
51:58 - First day in prison and the decision to fight
56:39 - Earning respect through basketball
1:00:02 - Final fight and handling threats in prison

Sponsors:
Sandee | Bliss: Beaches

Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sponsors:
Sandee | Bliss: Beaches

Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dan Martell is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, coach, and motivational speaker, and he is one of the most inspiring people I've ever had on my show. He has founded five companies, successfully sold three of them, and invested in over 65 software companies. Dan is also the author of the best-selling book Buy Back Your Time, which recently became a top 20 nonfiction book globally. Additionally, he hosts the popular podcast The Growth Stacking Show. From overcoming a troubled youth, including battles with ADHD and addiction, to becoming a celebrated business leader, Dan's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of transformation. He offers some of the most profound advice I've ever heard on the show for those facing personal and professional challenges.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:48 - Dan Martell's Early Life and ADHD Diagnosis
2:34 - Dan's Family Background and Parents' Influence
4:41 - Dealing with His Mom's Alcoholism
6:48 - Anger Issues and Behavioral Problems
8:41 - First Encounters with the Law and Group Homes
12:21 - Starting Drug Use and the Consequences
15:14 - Experiences in Foster Care
20:21 - The Incident with the Roman Candles
24:51 - Life in a Group Home with Troubled Youths
28:04 - Desire for Revenge and Personal Growth
31:47 - Randall's Story of Career Setbacks and Resilience
33:06 - Working with Foster Care Systems
33:41 - Involvement with Motorcycle Gangs
37:24 - The High-Speed Chase and Arrest
42:00 - Interaction with Guard Brian and a Life-Changing Conversation

Sponsors:
Sandee | Bliss: Beaches

Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jason Derulo is a singer, songwriter, actor and author and is one of the most talented people I've ever had on my show. He has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, and joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon Five, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to have a number one single on US Pop Radio in three different decades. Jason is also one of the top 20 most followed people in the world on social media – he has more than 300 million followers across all platforms. He is also a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author of the awesome book, Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream: The Inspiring Story of Jason Derulo. He also has some of the best advice I have ever heard on the show for people starting their careers and are struggling finding traction.

Here are Jason's 15 Rules for Living Your Dream:

1. Take risks. Failure is good.
2. Unlock closed doors. But go through the open ones first.
3. You are only as good as your routine. Train repetitively for your success.
4. Success is for rent. You’ll never pay it off.
5. Stop showing off. Invite your audience to the party.
6. Obstacles are opportunities. Grab creative blessings in disguise.
7. Decide what is important to you. Then connect it to how you spend your time.
8. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, become critics.
9. Respect the hive. Your copilots are as important as the destination.
10. Trust the data. Creativity and analytics go hand in hand.
11. Collaborate, period. Choose people you can teach and learn from.
12. Reveal yourself in your best light. Ignore what works for everyone else.
13. Talent is overrated. Desire is the gift.
14. Work hardest at what comes easiest. Go from good to great.
15. Choose your competition. And keep pushing that bar higher.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
4:49 - Jason Derulo on Family and Life Perspective after Breaking His Neck
6:03 - Transition from Music to TikTok During the Pandemic
10:40 - Embracing Failures and Importance of Taking Risks
13:30 - Jason Derulo's Book: Message for Dreamers and Importance of Mindset
17:54 - Leaning Into Strengths and Viewing Competition at a Higher Level
20:21 - Work Ethic vs. Working Smarter and Value of Collaboration
24:23 - Extreme Preparation and Las Vegas Residency
27:57 - Business Ventures: Car Wash Industry and Billionaire Goal
36:12 - How Fatherhood and Philanthropy Changed Jason's Life
38:28 - Jason Derulo's Philanthropic Efforts
41:18 - New Projects in Children's Education
42:00 - Fill in the Blank Segment

Sponsors:
Sandee | Bliss: Beaches

Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jason Derulo is a singer, songwriter, actor and author and is one of the most talented people I've ever had on my show. He has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, and joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon Five, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to have a number one single on US Pop Radio in three different decades. Jason is also one of the top 20 most followed people in the world on social media – he has more than 300 million followers across all platforms. He is also a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author of the awesome book, Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream: The Inspiring Story of Jason Derulo. He also has some of the best advice I have ever heard on the show for people starting their careers and are struggling finding traction.

Here are Jason's 15 Rules for Living Your Dream:

1. Take risks. Failure is good.
2. Unlock closed doors. But go through the open ones first.
3. You are only as good as your routine. Train repetitively for your success.
4. Success is for rent. You’ll never pay it off.
5. Stop showing off. Invite your audience to the party.
6. Obstacles are opportunities. Grab creative blessings in disguise.
7. Decide what is important to you. Then connect it to how you spend your time.
8. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, become critics.
9. Respect the hive. Your copilots are as important as the destination.
10. Trust the data. Creativity and analytics go hand in hand.
11. Collaborate, period. Choose people you can teach and learn from.
12. Reveal yourself in your best light. Ignore what works for everyone else.
13. Talent is overrated. Desire is the gift.
14. Work hardest at what comes easiest. Go from good to great.
15. Choose your competition. And keep pushing that bar higher.

Timestamps:

12:32 - Jason's First Song and First Crush (Crush on You)

15:08 - Jason's Mentor and His Love of Basketball

20:05 - Writing Placements, Making Connections, and 'Whatcha Say'

23:36 - Timing on Song Releases, Tiger Woods, and David Letterman

29:01 - Getting Discovered on MySpace

31:31 - Jason's First Paycheck and Buying a Car (Betting on Himself and Forcing Financial Constraints to Make It)

34:32 - Jason's Philosophy on Money

39:44 - Sometimes Reality Isn't the Dream, Value the Process

44:45 - Jason's College Experience (Hard Work, Ramen, and Living on $1 a Day)

49:28 - Breaking His Neck and Reinventing Himself with a Daily Routine

Sponsors:
Sandee | Bliss: Beaches

Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is the incredible Mike Posner. Mike is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and poet. He has released four albums and is best known for his hit song "Cooler Than Me," which he wrote as a sophomore in college. He is also known for the smash hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza," which is one of my favorite songs of all time and, as of today, has 1.9 billion streams on Spotify. He has written songs for Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, Snoop Dogg, and many others, and has been nominated for a Grammy and various MTV Video Music Awards. As the author of the poetry book Teardrops and Balloons, he is also the only Grammy Award-nominated musician to walk across the United States on foot.

02:27 - "I Took a Pill in Ibiza"

09:08 - Reflections on Success and Struggles

13:57 - Overcoming Personal Challenges

22:50 - Walking Across America

35:05 - Rattlesnake Bite Incident

38:24 - Five Lessons from the Walk

46:53 - Mount Everest Preparation

56:35 - Meditation and Mindfulness

1:06:03 - Personal Reflections and Future Goals

Sponsors:
Sandee | Bliss: Beaches

Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is the incredible Mike Posner. Mike is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and poet. He has released four albums and is best known for his hit song "Cooler Than Me," which he wrote as a sophomore in college. He is also known for the smash hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza," which is one of my favorite songs of all time and, as of today, has 1.9 billion streams on Spotify. He has written songs for Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, Snoop Dogg, and many others, and has been nominated for a Grammy and various MTV Video Music Awards. As the author of the poetry book Teardrops and Balloons, he is also the only Grammy Award-nominated musician to walk across the United States on foot.

00:00:00 - Introduction.

00:02:57 - Lessons from family and mission-driven values.

00:05:50 - A pivotal moment of change.

00:08:45 - Entrepreneurial efforts during college.

00:11:38 - Early interests and influences.

00:14:36 - Challenges and motivational moments.

00:17:31 - Discussing patterns of depression and emotional states.

00:20:26 - Overcoming self-doubt and silly feelings.

00:23:18 - Achievements: Walking across continents and Grammy nominations.

00:26:15 - Socio-economic background and educational environment.

00:29:08 - Reflections on personal achievements.

00:32:08 - Rethinking career and life questions.

00:34:56 - Balancing career aspirations with financial realities.

00:37:56 - Academic experiences and personal capabilities.

00:40:51 - Memorable encounters with celebrities.

00:43:43 - Evaluating creative collaborations.

00:46:40 - The power of visualization and goal setting.

00:49:36 - Long-term commitment to music and personal growth.

00:52:28 - Supportive family dynamics and early creative experiences.

00:55:27 - Creative process and spontaneous songwriting.

00:58:18 - Brief moments and lasting impressions.

01:01:16 - Learning about the music business.

01:04:11 - Recognition and personal identity in the industry.

01:07:06 - Networking and spreading music through social connections.

01:10:00 - Philosophical thoughts on happiness and external circumstances.

Sponsors:
Sandee | Bliss: Beaches

Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn