Damon West is an ex-meth addict and the ex-head of an organized crime ring who was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. Today, he is a college professor at the University of Huston, an exceptional motivational speaker, and a best-selling author. His story is one of the most incredible and fascinating stories I have ever heard – do not miss this episode!
(01:56) Introduction to Damon West
- Grew up in Port Arthur, Texas with supporting parents
- A black athlete on the front page of a magazine (hate mail he had to read)
- Taking a stand and doing the right thing may mean standing alone
- Being molested by a babysitter at 9 years old introduced him to adult behaviors (started smoking, drinking, and doing drugs at 10 years old)
- High-school football in Texas
- From star athlete to a career-ending injury – identity shattered
- Going back to drugs being a functional addict
- Finished college and got a job in the US Congress and UBS
(16:20) Drug addiction and descending into criminal
- Addicts give up their goals to meet their behaviors
- Successful people give up their behaviors to meet their goals
- Everything can be an addiction
- 12-step recovery program
- Falling in love with crystal meth
- Known as "The Uptown Burglar"
(24:52) Life sentence in prison
- Arrested for his crimes (6 days of a public trial and sentenced to 65 years in prison)
- Great advice from his mother
- Mr. Jackson – a ray of sunshine in prison
- Prison is all about race and gangs
- The strongest men in prison walk alone
- The coffee bean story (the most important story of his life)
- His first day in prison (you don't have to win, just fight)
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