RIDEOUT: The Other Side of Hard – Details, episodes & analysis

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 code RIDEOUT V14: http://v14.com/kenrideout code KENRIDEOUT 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

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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 code 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

This time I’m the guest. My friend, co-conspirator, and writer Mishka Shubaly turns the mic on me. We go deep into my past—from the years I spent hiding an opioid addiction and living a double life in pharmaceutical sales and later on Wall Street, to the moment I finally chose my family over my vices.  Mishka traces the full arc of my story: the lies I told myself, the fear of getting comfortable, and the role endurance sports played in rebuilding my identity through hard work. We talk about honesty, identity, and how running became the tool I used to leave my old self behind. This episode is a raw, honest look at addiction, accountability, endurance, and the ongoing work of becoming the person you’re trying to be. Follow the podcast on all platforms: https://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hard Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠https://ketone.com/rideout Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com code RIDEOUT Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout Athletic Brewing: https://athleticbrewing.com Code “RIDEOUT” Ken Rideout Website: https://www.theothersideofhard.com YouTube: @ken_rideout  Instagram: @ken_rideout X: https://x.com/KenRideout_ Chapters (00:00) Meeting in Person: A Year in the Making(00:15) The Goby March: A Test of Endurance(02:03) Preparation and Challenges(03:46) Race Day Realities(07:03) Mental and Physical Struggles(13:00) Reflections on Addiction and Recovery(18:42) The Drive to Keep Pushing(24:06) Comradery and Competition(34:55) Downhill Running and River Crossing(35:46) Final Race and Victory(36:50) Post-Race Reflections(38:23) Competitive Mindset and Sobriety Journey(40:01) Childhood and Athletic Drive(41:18) Struggles with Addiction(49:50) Financial Success and Imposter Syndrome(1:08:06) Adoption and Sobriety(1:14:00) The Turning Point: Quitting Pills for a New Life(1:14:39) The Struggle and Triumph of Sobriety(1:15:23) The Emotional Toll and the Path to Recovery(1:16:18) Inspiration and Motivation: Comeback Stories(1:16:48) The Mental Battle: Overcoming Addiction(1:18:50) Managing Stress and Emotions in Sobriety(1:19:34) The Role of Worry and Prayer(1:20:05) Endurance and Athletic Brewing(1:21:03) Addressing Criticism: From One Addiction to Another(1:23:02) The Bond with Dogs and Running Motivation(1:26:29) Triathlon Journey: From Novice to Competitor(1:30:57) Lessons from Endurance Sports(1:44:23) The Pursuit of Peace and Happiness(1:45:48) Final Thoughts and Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan LaMorte is a New York City stand-up comedian and ultra runner who has lived more lives by 31 than most people do in a lifetime. He started comedy at 19 after a career-ending college baseball injury. By 23, he was one of the youngest comics ever passed at the Comedy Cellar — and weighed 354 pounds. In this conversation, Dan opens up about growing up on the spectrum, battling addiction, blowing out his elbow, ballooning in weight, and the moment two car crashes and a fatty liver diagnosis forced him to change everything. He shares how running replaced drugs, how obsession can be both a curse and a superpower, and what it was like to collapse at mile 60 of a 100-mile race with chest and jaw pain — later waking up in the ICU. We also talk about relapse, divorce, grief, rebuilding after public backlash, and why he’s now moving to Leadville to chase one of the hardest races in the world. This episode isn’t about perfect discipline. It’s about resilience, identity, and what happens when you refuse to quit — even when life keeps knocking you down. Subscribe / listen on all platforms: https://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hard  Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT” Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com/ Code "RIDEOUT" Athletic Brewing: ⁠https://athleticbrewing.com/ Code "RIDEOUT" Chapters (00:00) Meet Dan LaMorte: Autism, comedy, and finding community (00:44) Instagram connections and protecting your time (05:32) Jersey upbringing, baseball, and tough-love parenting (08:56) 5AM lifts, Asperger’s, and obsessive drive (13:03) College baseball, weed bust, and Tommy John surgery (18:04) Standup as survival: injury to open mics (23:28) Comedy Cellar pressure and weight gain spiral (28:13) Life at 350 pounds: shame and daily reality (31:53) Turning point: car wrecks, fatty liver, LA hikes (35:40) Running, diet shifts, and long-term health (39:43) Ultra lessons, relapse cycles, chest pain scare (41:58) When easy pace feels off: early warning signs (43:13) Mile 40 red flags: chest and jaw pain (44:06) ER diagnosis: spontaneous pneumomediastinum (45:30) ICU aftermath and rhabdo recovery (45:59) Reframing setbacks: resilience and self-talk (50:05) 100-mile obsession and using quitting as fuel (51:35) Health scares, Europe trip, drinking relapse (53:57) Back to training and favorite mountain ultras (55:21) Trail fall, broken fibula, elevator blackout (59:00) Third hospital visit and divorce tension (01:02:24) Wife leaves, grandfather dies: grief and perspective (01:05:14) Viral heckler clip, backlash, relationship strain (01:09:17) Touring dreams, sudden loss, anger and gratitude (01:12:29) Chicago to LA alone: heartbreak and overtraining (01:15:21) Final month with Grandpa: support and momentum (01:18:34) Leadville lottery, altitude prep, crew questions (01:19:52) Family cabin signs and getting into Leadville (01:20:50) Post-divorce reset: renting in Leadville (01:23:07) Fueling long ultras: gels, Tailwind, Ketone IQ (01:23:58) Comedy vs ultra culture: ego and community (01:30:10) Online hate, Strava pressure, public triggers (01:37:23) Training consistency, injury reality, show-up mindset (01:41:49) Fixing the foot: insoles, lifting, calf work (01:48:08) Mishka, memoir writing, and wrap-up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Truett Hanes is the kind of athlete who makes people uncomfortable, not because he’s loud, but because he’s willing to commit in public. He says the goal out loud. He posts the work. He shows the misses. And he keeps moving anyway. This episode isn’t about a highlight reel. It’s about the part most people avoid: what happens when you swing big and come up short, in front of everyone. Truett talks about learning humility the hard way, taking the hit, and choosing to return to the work instead of protecting his image. We also get into the stuff that reveals who he is when nobody’s clapping: why he runs races in jeans, how he’s used that attention to support a mission bigger than himself, and how he tries to respond to hate without becoming the same thing he’s fighting. Then we zoom out. The real thread running through all of it is simple: Truett is obsessed with one question: “What am I actually capable of if I stop negotiating with myself?” That question is taking him into the deep end of marathon training, and it’s the same question that’s shaped his whole life: discipline, faith, restraint, and a willingness to be the underdog as long as it takes. Subscribe / listen on all platforms: https://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hard  Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠https://ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT” Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com Code "RIDEOUT" Athletic Nicotine: ⁠ https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout Code "RIDEOUT" Chapters (00:00) Welcome Truett Hanes (01:36) Running in Jeans for Charity: The Miracle Foundation Story (04:18) Host Comeback: Sobriety, Triathlons & Marathon Lessons (09:08) Handling Online Hate: Turning Criticism into Fuel (12:58) Redemption: From Pull-Up Failure to World Record (16:48) Olympic Trials Mindset: Volume, Consistency & Tuning Out Noise (18:50) Truett’s Start: Forced Running, Marathon at 13 & Burnout (21:09) Parenting & Pressure: Letting Kids Choose Their Path (27:56) A Father’s Shadow: From Local Fame to Rogan (30:28) Sponsors & Sacrifice: Chasing Big Marathon Goals (34:50) The Underdog Edge: Winning Without Feeling Fulfilled (36:54) When Winning Isn’t Enough: Identity & Presence at Home (37:57) The 1:06 Half: Utah Breakthrough & First Major Win (39:33) Big Wins & Malibu Drama with an Olympic-Level Rival (42:41) Competitive Fire: Aggression, Insecurity & Race-Day Mindset (46:04) Olympic Trials Debate: Doubters, Coaching & Proving 2:29 (50:02) Training Levers: Weight, Marathons, Diet & Sleep (52:39) Data vs Instinct: When Metrics Help—or Hurt (54:17) Race Blow-Ups: Berlin Crash, CIM Stomach Issues & Fueling Lessons (59:18) Gear & Recovery: Heat, Sauna, Cold Plunge & Wearables (01:03:28) NY Masters Win, Boston Regrets & Marathon Chaos (01:05:39) Final Message: Pull-Ups, Patience & Gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode is with Trey Hardee, a two-time World Champion in the decathlon and Olympic silver medalist. Trey opens up about one of the most defining moments of his career: failing publicly on the Olympic stage, the shame that followed, and the surgery and rehab that forced him to confront whether he was really finished. We talk about what it takes to sit with failure instead of running from it — and how that process ultimately led him back to the podium. This is a conversation about discipline, patience, and doing the work when no one’s watching — and what’s possible on the other side of hard. Subscribe to the podcast on other platforms: http://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hard Trey Hardee Instagram: @treyhardee X: @treyhardee Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠ https://ketone.com/rideout Athletic Brewing: https://athleticbrewing.com⁠ Code "Rideout" V14: ⁠http://v14.com/kenrideout Code "KENRIDEOUT" Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:02) The Best Athlete in the World (00:37) Catching Up and Personal Reflections (02:16) The High School Basketball Cut (06:20) Transition to Pole Vaulting (07:09) College Journey and Challenges (14:37) Decathlon Beginnings (23:38) The Grind and Consistency (26:58) Overcoming Personal Challenges (29:00) Mississippi State to Olympic Trials (33:22) The Struggles of Early Athletic Career (33:42) Transitioning to a New Coach and College (34:18) Choosing Texas and Meeting Future Wife (37:37) Parental Guidance and Personal Growth (40:55) Training and Competing at Texas (45:44) Injuries and Setbacks (58:29) Turning Professional and Facing Challenges (01:05:35) Embracing the Pressure and Enjoying the Journey (01:05:51) Building Relationships and Offering Guidance (01:06:36) The Role of Coaches in Major Competitions (01:07:19) Facing Defeat and Overcoming Embarrassment (01:08:37) Learning from Failure and Growing Stronger (01:13:02) The Path to Becoming a World Champion (01:17:02) Applying the Champion Mindset to Everyday Life (01:20:44) The Road to the Olympics and Overcoming Injury (01:30:14) Life After Competition and New Challenges (01:35:40) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Kelley was a Texas high school football standout whose life was wrecked at 18 when he was wrongfully convicted of super aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced to 25 years with no possibility of parole. After years in some of the hardest Texas state prisons, a flawed investigation was exposed, his case was reopened by the Texas Rangers, and in 2019 he was fully exonerated by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Today he’s a husband, former Division I safety at Eastern Michigan, ultra runner, and founder of the Vindication Foundation, helping others fighting wrongful convictions. Subscribe to the podcast on other platforms: http://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hard Greg Kelley Website: https://thevindicationfoundation.com Instagram: @grkelley2 Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/rideout Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com code RIDEOUT Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout  Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Wrongful Conviction (00:31) First Days in Prison (02:23) Protective Custody and General Population (05:06) Surviving Prison Life (27:07) Faith and Hope in Adversity (34:16) Family and Upbringing (37:58) Reflecting on Childhood and Family Influence (38:49) Puberty and Athletic Development (39:51) High School Romance and Focus on Football (40:46) Family Health Crises (42:13) Living with a Friend's Family (44:25) Jonathan's Troubling Behavior (49:39) Accusations and Legal Troubles Begin (01:03:15) Arrest and Initial Reactions (01:13:19) Facing the In-Laws: A Heartfelt Confession (01:15:11) The Shocking Accusation: A Life Turned Upside Down (01:16:54) Support and Optimism Amidst Chaos (01:18:20) The Alternative School Experience (01:20:05) The Second Arrest: More Charges Surface (01:35:58) The Plea Deal Dilemma (01:41:21) The Trial: Fighting for Innocence (01:52:39) Drifting Apart and Hidden Infatuations (01:53:00) Conviction and Betrayal (01:55:12) Writing Through Trauma (01:58:49) The Justice System's Failures (01:58:56) The Vindication Foundation (01:59:51) The Appeal Process Begins (02:09:57) The Role of Evidence in Proving Innocence (02:11:22) Reinvestigation and New Evidence (02:19:25) The Hearing and Hope for Freedom (02:25:41) A Glimmer of Hope (02:31:53) Breaking Free from Institutionalization (02:32:48) The Moment of Release (02:34:22) Emotional Reunion and Reflections (02:36:16) Life After Exoneration (02:38:45) Pursuing New Dreams (02:43:54) Legal Battles and Vindication (02:47:26) A New Beginning (02:57:39) Final Thoughts and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Blabac is one of the most influential photographers in skateboarding and action sports. His work includes Danny Way’s iconic Great Wall of China jump, the rise of DC Shoes, and global campaigns with athletes like LeBron James and Usher. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from a chaotic childhood in rural Ohio to becoming a defining photographer of modern skate culture. He opens up about years of living in chaos and drinking heavily, and how meeting neuroscientist Andrew Huberman became the turning point that pushed him to rebuild his health, career, and relationship with his kids. Follow the podcast on all platforms: https://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hardYT Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠https://ketone.com/rideout Athletic Brewing: https://athleticbrewing.com⁠ Code "Rideout" V14: ⁠http://v14.com/kenrideout ⁠code KENRIDEOUT Mike Blabac Website: https://www.blabacphoto.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blabacphoto X: https://x.com/blabacphoto Chapters (00:00) Introduction: Who is Mike Blabac?(00:23) Danny Way’s Great Wall of China jump(03:06) The crash, broken foot and Chinese officials(10:33) Growing up in rural Ohio(18:21) Discovering photography as a kid(24:04) Meeting skaters and working early jobs(24:56) Moving to San Francisco at 19(25:58) Skating Embarcadero and breaking into the scene(31:49) Writing to Grant Brittain & first published photos(45:36) Mad Circle, Girl, Chocolate & career foundations(54:13) Joining DC Shoes & shooting global trips(57:39) Ken Block, DC, and the birth of Gymkhana(01:06:28) Airplane chaos with Colin(01:16:03) Becoming comfortable in chaos(01:27:11) Transition to commercial photography(01:32:05) Drinking heavily while working nonstop(01:34:58) Meeting Andrew Huberman & the turning point(01:40:33) Sobriety, training and career momentum(01:45:12) How sobriety changed his parenting(01:53:11) Final reflections and lessons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zac Clark’s childhood was stable. Good parents. Sports. School. No obvious “reason” for what came next — which is exactly why his story matters. In his mid-20s, Zac had brain surgery. The surgery worked. But he left the hospital with a raging opioid addiction — and it escalated fast. Pills turned into powder. Powder turned into a needle. And eventually, a missing person report, an arrest, and one moment inside a bank that forced everything into the light. Zac got sober on August 30, 2011. He stayed in treatment for four and a half months, moved to New York City, and started over from the bottom of the behavioral health world — one day at a time. Years later, he built Release Recovery, a sober living and treatment operation that now spans multiple locations and helps people who feel out of options. We also talk about the unexpected curveball: The Bachelorette, sudden visibility, and why the real work starts after the camera turns off. And how running became a tool for discipline, community, and staying alive. Subscribe / listen on all platforms: https://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hard  Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠https://ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT” Rho Nutrition: https:/rhonutrition.com Code "RIDEOUT" Athletic Brewing: ⁠ https://athleticbrewing.com Code "RIDEOUT" Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:57) Childhood and Early Influences (02:43) High School and Early Drug Use (03:33) College Years and Escalation (11:43) Post-College Life and Brain Surgery (15:08) Descent into Addiction (18:55) First Rehab Experience (26:52) Rock Bottom and Turning Point (34:15) Starting Release Recovery (39:59) The Bachelorette Experience (41:07) No Time for Dating (41:36) Unexpected Call from a Producer (41:57) Journey to Palm Springs (42:56) The Bachelorette Experience (43:50) Sharing Vulnerabilities (44:34) Cast Dynamics (45:22) Post-Show Reflections (48:45) Building a Recovery Business (51:40) Challenges and Successes (57:42) Running and Sobriety (01:01:31) The Joy of Running (01:06:47) Sports and Personal Growth (01:09:44) Release Recovery Run Club (01:15:40) Final Thoughts and Contact Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices