#187 - A childhood marked by chaos. A career built on service. And a second act shaped by faith, language, and a blank page. Jake sits down with Ken Webb to trace a life that refuses to settle for mere existence—from praying his way through a turbulent home to leading across Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.

Ken opens up about how his grandparents’ steady love and a lived-in faith helped him endure abuse and instability, and how those early lessons informed three decades in the Army Reserve. We walk through his pivot from military police to intelligence, the realities of early Iraq deployments, the nuance of embassy duty in Baghdad, and the complexity of retiring when your identity is wrapped in a uniform. Ken shares why he turned down comfortable contracts, chose Miraflores in Lima, and made Spanish class and the gym his new daily discipline.

We also dig into his debut novel, Trapped in Deception, a work of fiction threaded with real messages and real emotions. The story explores gaslighting, misplaced trust, and moral courage through a protagonist who—like Ken—keeps moving forward even when life tilts sideways. Along the way, Ken reframes adventure: not cliffs and bravado, but consistent growth, honest discomfort, and choices that expand your life. If you’re wrestling with what comes after a big chapter ends, or wondering how to trade drift for direction, this conversation offers practical hope and hard-won insight.

Listen, share with a friend who needs courage today, and if the story speaks to you, leave a quick rating or review. It helps more curious, purpose-driven listeners find the show.

To learn more about Ken and his first novel check out kenwebb69.com.

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