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What happens when life knocks you down repeatedly, only to find yourself standing taller after each fall? Richard Rogers, a 71-year-old entrepreneur from South Pittsburg, Tennessee, shares his remarkable journey of resilience that defies belief.

At 15, Richard moved out of a toxic home environment, sometimes sleeping in the woods with just a sleeping bag. Through sheer determination, he maintained his education at a military school despite the instability. His professional journey began sweeping floors at US Stove Company for $37.11 per week before transitioning to dangerous foundry work, drawn to the independence of being paid for productivity rather than time.

The darkest chapter came in 1979 when Richard's father died by suicide amid the company's financial collapse. Faced with $10 million in debt at crushing 21% interest rates, financial advisors insisted bankruptcy was inevitable. Instead, Richard and his brother worked relentlessly—sleeping just three hours nightly for six years—to pay back every creditor and preserve their father's legacy.

Just when life seemed manageable, Richard was struck by lightning in 1995. The strike killed him temporarily before a 14-year-old boy performed life-saving CPR. Doctors predicted he would never walk again, but Richard rejected their prognosis and pain medication, forcing himself through excruciating therapy. Not only did he walk again, he eventually completed multiple marathons and Ironman triathlons.

Today, Richard channels his extraordinary experiences into the Just One More Foundation, helping those in seemingly hopeless situations who demonstrate the determination to overcome their circumstances and pay it forward. His philosophy remains unwavering: "The more I got told I couldn't, the more I got inspired to prove them wrong."

Richard's story isn't just about personal triumph—it's about transforming adversity into purpose and creating second chances for others. Visit justonemorefoundation.org to learn how you can become part of this movement of resilience and hope.

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It all started with an Adderall prescription for ADHD that turned Ian Ale from a C student to an A student. Then came the break-in where his medication was stolen. A neighbor offered something "similar" to help him stay focused in college. That seemingly small decision launched a journey through methamphetamine addiction, federal prison, and ultimately, redemption.

What follows is a raw, unflinching account of how quickly life can spiral out of control. Within months, Ian went from a promising college senior to facing DEA agents at his door. His vivid descriptions of county jail and federal prison pull no punches - from his first fight within minutes of arrival to the hellscape of segregated housing where he spent his first two weeks in custody. All while his girlfriend was pregnant with their daughter.

But this isn't just a cautionary tale. It's a powerful testimony about transformation. While incarcerated, Ian participated in rehabilitation programs, reconnected with his faith, and had the profound realization that he had given his power to substances rather than recognizing his own inner strength.

The turning point came when a church member offered Ian employment as a carpenter upon his release - a profession that has since become his passion. Now married with two daughters, Ian reflects on how his darkest moments led to his greatest blessings, including a deeper appreciation for life's simple freedoms most take for granted.

Whether you're battling addiction, know someone who is, or simply need a reminder of the human capacity for change, this conversation will move you. As Ian says to those still struggling: "You're powerful. You have everything you need already." His journey proves that no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible.

🔥 Your beard deserves the best. Chattanooga Beard Co. crafts premium beard oils, balms, and washes with top-quality ingredients—no fillers, no gimmicks, just real results.

As a listener of Ash & Iron, get 20% off your first order with code ASHANDIRON at checkout. Level up your beard and support the show!

🔗 Shop now: www.chattanoogabeard.co

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Enjoying Ash & Iron? Support the show and stay connected:

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🔥This Episode is sponsored by Chattanooga Beard Co.

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Michael Brandt pulls no punches as he shares his extraordinary journey from federal prison inmate to successful business owner, revealing how welding skills and a commitment to integrity transformed his life.

Growing up in a broken home with minimal supervision, Michael found himself experimenting with drugs and alcohol by age ten. Despite an innate entrepreneurial spirit that had him mowing lawns and selling homemade goods as a child, his path led to increasingly serious criminal activity. By his early twenties, he was at the center of a massive federal drug trafficking investigation, moving pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine weekly.

The moment federal agents burst into his hotel room with weapons drawn became his turning point. "This is my way out," he thought, making a decision that would alter the trajectory of his life. During his five years in prison, Michael focused relentlessly on self-improvement, utilizing his GED to teach other inmates while navigating the complex racial dynamics of maximum-security facilities.

One prison instructor's wisdom became Michael's guiding philosophy: "Your true test to freedom will be if you can do the right thing when no one's looking." This simple definition of integrity formed the foundation upon which he built a new life after release, beginning with sweeping floors at a forklift dealership and gradually developing welding skills that would become his passion and livelihood.

Today, as owner of Garage Bound LLC in Chattanooga, Michael has become a Miller Welder partner and devotes significant time to mentoring at-risk youth. "Giving back unselfishly is the closest thing I've felt internally to doing drugs," he reflects, discovering that purpose and service create the fulfillment he once sought through substances.

What's your passion? Could teaching your skills to someone else transform not just their life but yours as well? Michael's story proves that your past doesn't define your future when you commit to integrity and find meaningful work that ignites your spirit.

🔥 Your beard deserves the best. Chattanooga Beard Co. crafts premium beard oils, balms, and washes with top-quality ingredients—no fillers, no gimmicks, just real results.

As a listener of Ash & Iron, get 20% off your first order with code ASHANDIRON at checkout. Level up your beard and support the show!

🔗 Shop now: www.chattanoogabeard.co

Support the show

Enjoying Ash & Iron? Support the show and stay connected:

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🔥This Episode is sponsored by Chattanooga Beard Co.

Level Up Your Beard Game: Get 20% off your first order with code ASHANDIRON – www.chattanoogabeard.co

👉 If this episode hit home, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it. See you next time.