Mick Unplugged: Damon West—Transforming Rock Bottom into Maximum Impact

Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Damon West
Episode Title: Damon West: Transforming Rock Bottom into Maximum Impact
Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In this powerful episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt welcomes Damon West, a remarkable individual whose journey from maximum security prison to becoming a beacon of transformation and leadership exemplifies the essence of Modern Leadership. Damon shares his compelling story of redemption, resilience, and the profound lessons learned from hitting rock bottom.

Damon’s Background and Legal Struggles (00:59 - 07:21)

The episode opens with Damon West recounting his life-altering moment in the courtroom on May 18, 2009, where he was sentenced to 65 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for engaging in organized criminal activity. Damon reflects on his past as a successful stockbroker and a former Division I college quarterback at the University of North Texas. His descent into addiction, particularly methamphetamine, led him down a dark path of crime and incarceration.

Damon West (01:00): "65 years in the state of Texas is a life sentence in the state of Texas."

Damon provides a raw and honest account of his struggle with addiction, the loss of his career due to a severe injury, and how meth became his downfall despite his initial attempts to overcome cocaine addiction.

Facing Reality and Embracing Humility (11:59 - 16:45)

After serving nearly six years, Damon was paroled in 2015. He discusses the pivotal courtroom moment that forced him to confront his actions and accept responsibility—an experience that instilled deep humility.

Damon West (11:59): "Until that day in court, I wasn't ready to accept the responsibility for my behaviors... humility found me."

Damon emphasizes the importance of humility and integrity, sharing how admitting his flaws was the first step toward genuine transformation. He recounts the challenges of maintaining trust and rebuilding relationships with his family and community.

The Coffee Bean Metaphor and Prison Transformation (16:45 - 25:20)

One of the most influential moments in Damon's life occurred during his time in prison, where he met Muhammad, a seasoned inmate who introduced him to the coffee bean metaphor. This analogy became the cornerstone of Damon's transformation.

Damon West (17:22): "If you put a coffee bean in that same pot of boiling water we call prison, you got to change the name of the water to coffee."

Muhammad explained that unlike a carrot, which becomes soft, or an egg, which hardens under pressure, a coffee bean transforms the water around it. This taught Damon that by changing his own mindset, he could influence his environment positively. Inspired by this, Damon became a leader within the prison, teaching others, promoting servant leadership, and fostering a sense of community and purpose among inmates.

Post-Prison Journey and Building Momentum (25:20 - 37:42)

Upon his release, Damon faced the daunting task of reintegrating into society and sharing his transformational story. Despite initial rejections from college football coaches, Damon's perseverance paid off when Clemson University’s football program embraced his message. This breakthrough opened doors to national recognition and collaborations with influential figures like John Gordon, co-author of the bestselling book "The Coffee Bean."

Damon West (36:08): "The world needs the coffee bean message. Let's deliver this message to the world."

Through relentless dedication, Damon co-authored "The Coffee Bean," which quickly became a global bestseller, resonating especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when people sought meaningful and uplifting messages.

The Impact of Mentorship and Servant Leadership (37:42 - 46:17)

Damon credits Muhammad and other mentors for instilling in him the principles of servant leadership. By helping others achieve their goals, Damon found purpose and fulfillment. He shares how he utilized sports as a unifying force, breaking down racial barriers within prison through basketball, ultimately earning the respect of his peers and fostering an environment of mutual support and growth.

Damon West (43:30): "Everybody deserves redemption. At some point in life, we all need redemption."

Damon also highlights his quest to honor Muhammad’s legacy by seeking out his family after Muhammad’s untimely death, demonstrating his commitment to integrity and redemption not just for himself but for others as well.

Book Launch and Future Aspirations (46:17 - 53:28)

Damon reveals his upcoming book, "Six Dimes and a Nickel," a memoir intertwined with self-help lessons derived from his life experiences. He emphasizes the importance of steadfast messaging and consistent effort in achieving meaningful impact.

Damon West (50:42): "Don't ever stop telling the story of the coffee bean. Stay on your message."

Mick Hunt and Damon discuss strategies to promote the book, including pre-orders and potential book signings, highlighting their mutual commitment to spreading the coffee bean message and inspiring others to harness their inner power.

Conclusion: Empowerment and Redemption (53:28 - End)

As the episode concludes, Damon and Mick reinforce the central theme that everyone possesses the power to transform their circumstances. Damon’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding one’s "Because"—the core driving force that fuels personal and professional growth.

Mick Hunt (53:42): "Remember your because is your superpower. Go unleash it."

Damon’s story encapsulates the essence of turning adversity into opportunity, embodying the principles of Modern Leadership by empowering others to realize their potential and seek redemption.

Notable Quotes

• Damon West (01:00): "65 years in the state of Texas is a life sentence in the state of Texas."
• Damon West (11:59): "Until that day in court, I wasn't ready to accept the responsibility for my behaviors... humility found me."
• Damon West (17:22): "If you put a coffee bean in that same pot of boiling water we call prison, you got to change the name of the water to coffee."
• Damon West (36:08): "The world needs the coffee bean message. Let's deliver this message to the world."
• Damon West (43:30): "Everybody deserves redemption. At some point in life, we all need redemption."
• Damon West (50:42): "Don't ever stop telling the story of the coffee bean. Stay on your message."
• Mick Hunt (53:42): "Remember your because is your superpower. Go unleash it."

Key Takeaways

1. Redemption and Transformation: Damon’s life underscores the possibility of profound personal change through self-awareness, humility, and dedication to serving others.
2. The Coffee Bean Metaphor: This powerful analogy illustrates how individuals can influence and transform their environment by altering their mindset, even in the most challenging circumstances.
3. Servant Leadership: By prioritizing the growth and well-being of others, Damon exemplifies how servant leadership fosters communities of support and mutual upliftment.
4. Perseverance: Damon’s relentless pursuit of his mission, despite numerous rejections, highlights the importance of persistence in achieving meaningful impact.
5. Empowerment: Recognizing and harnessing one’s internal power is essential for overcoming obstacles and driving personal and professional success.

Final Thoughts

Damon West’s story is an inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity, embracing humility, and dedicating oneself to uplifting others. His message serves as a beacon for leaders, doers, and anyone striving to make a meaningful impact, reinforcing that our deepest motivations—our “Because”—are our greatest superpowers.

For those seeking motivation and actionable strategies to transform their lives, this episode of "Mick Unplugged" offers invaluable insights and a testament to the power of resilience and intentional leadership.