#390: Sentenced to Life, Yet Brewed for Redemption: How a Coffee Bean Freed Damon West & Changed a Prison

Personal Growth After Trauma | Grit, Grace, & Inspiration

Have you ever felt like your story was over—only to

discover it was just beginning? Damon West was sentenced to 65-years in a Texas maximum-security prison. But instead of letting that be the end of his story, he sparked a transformation—within himself and the prison around him—starting with a simple metaphor: a coffee bean.

In this gripping episode, Damon shares the life-altering moment that helped him become a force for hope, leadership, and radical redemption behind bars. His journey will leave you questioning what’s really possible in the face of adversity.

Who Is This For?

If you've ever felt:

• Trapped by your past
• Stuck in a cycle of shame, addiction, or hopelessness
• Like your life is “off track” and you’re searching for purpose

This episode will speak directly to your heart and mind. Damon’s transformation is not just his—it’s a roadmap for yours.

What’s It All About?

Kevin Lowe sits down with Damon West—once a Division I quarterback and Wall Street stockbroker, turned meth addict and convicted felon. Sentenced to 65 years in prison, Damon could have become hardened by the system. Instead, one unexpected conversation about a coffee bean unlocked his purpose and changed the entire prison culture around him.

From that moment, Damon embraced a mission: to be the change, wherever he was. Today, he’s a bestselling author, speaker, and living embodiment of redemption.

Take Note of These Key Takeaways:

• How a single metaphor—the coffee bean—became a movement of transformation
• Why hope is essential, even in the darkest environments
• How servant leadership and purpose can change not just your life, but others’

Looking for the Links?

• Listen to the custom episode theme song: “The Man Who Walks Alone” – a powerful song created for this episode and for our guest, Damon West: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!
• Visit Damon’s Website: DamonWest.org
• Follow Damon on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, & X
• Books by Damon West: The Coffee Bean, The Change Agent, and more at DamonWest.org/shop/

Press Play If You’re Ready to…

Be deeply moved by a true story of hope and second chances

Meet Damon West

Damon West is a former college quarterback turned motivational powerhouse. After receiving a life sentence for crimes committed during his addiction, he turned his incarceration into a calling. Today, he’s a bestselling author and one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world. His story and the coffee bean philosophy have inspired schools, businesses, prisons, and pro sports teams around the globe. If you've been looking for an inspiring story you've just found it!

Hey, it's Kevin!

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This podcast is designed specifically for those seeking healing from trauma, relief from anxiety, overcoming fear of the unknown, resolving isolation, rebuilding self-worth, confronting guilt and shame, personal growth after trauma, finding their life's purpose, recovering from emotional distress, conquering limiting beliefs, navigating identity shifts, building resilience, rebuilding relationships, coping with chronic pain, searching for spiritual direction, embracing inner strength, cultivating hope, overcoming self-doubt, reclaiming their future, and experiencing post-traumatic growth.