RIDEOUT: The Other Side of Hard

Rich Roll is a former Stanford swimmer and entertainment attorney whose life unraveled when alcoholism and unhealthy habits brought him to the brink of collapse. With two DUIs, a marriage that ended on the honeymoon, and lost friendships and family relationships, Rich finally faced enough pain to motivate change. This is the story of Rich's reinvention through sobriety, plant-based nutrition, and an almost unbelievable immersion into endurance sports—transforming himself from an out-of-shape lawyer into one of the world's fittest men. His journey is an extraordinary example of personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and the power of incremental change. Rich is now a bestselling author, leading podcaster, and wellness advocate. His numerous personal transformations, along with those of his guests on The Rich Roll Podcast, have inspired millions of people around the world. Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/rideout Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com/rideout Athletic Brewing: https://athleticbrewing.com Code "Rideout" Athletic Nicotine: https:// athleticnicotine.com/rideout Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Gratitude (00:27) Reflecting on Impact and Purpose (01:54) Discussing Hard Times and Overcoming Challenges (02:56) The Dark Days of Alcoholism (05:35) Consequences and Legal Troubles (07:30) The Turning Point and Seeking Help (10:23) Rehabilitation and Recovery Journey (11:15) Facing the Reality of Addiction (23:34) The Marriage That Wasn't Meant to Be (32:05) The Path to Sobriety (42:55) Reflecting on Life's Blessings (43:54) Gratitude and Sobriety (44:15) Helping Those Who Feel Stuck (45:15) The Reality of Alcoholism (45:49) Day-to-Day Survival in Sobriety (46:43) Building a Foundation of Sobriety (49:33) Endurance Sports as Therapy (50:36) Struggles and Triumphs in Endurance Sports (52:36) The Journey to Self-Acceptance (01:01:23) Back Surgery and Recovery (01:16:39) The Podcast Journey (01:24:26) Final Thoughts and Encouragement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/rideout Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com/rideout V14: https://v14.com/rideout Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/discount/rideout 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices