DiscoverRIDEOUT: The Other Side of HardDrugs, Robbery, A Life Sentence & Finding Redemption | Damon West
Drugs, Robbery, A Life Sentence & Finding Redemption | Damon West

Drugs, Robbery, A Life Sentence & Finding Redemption | Damon West

Update: 2025-11-19
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Description

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

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Drugs, Robbery, A Life Sentence & Finding Redemption | Damon West

Drugs, Robbery, A Life Sentence & Finding Redemption | Damon West

Ken Rideout