Roll Call with Chappy

Leland "Uncle Beats" Jones is a well-known and successful Artist/Producer/Music Business Consultant and Entertainment entrepreneur who has worked with some of today's hottest artists from Jay-Z to Project Pat.Uncle Beats comes from the southside of Chicago and has undergone and overcome his own battles with the criminal justice system. Uncle Beats decided to go in a different direction in life than what he grew up in by finding success in the music industry. He recognized that prison and living a life of a crime, which is often talked about it in the rap community, is not a game. No one knows this more than Uncle Beats who lost his own son to addiction. This week's episode is all about choices and making sure you are making the right ones that align with where you want to be and go in life. Learn to take risks, and invest in yourself and what you believe in. Connect with Peter Meyerhoff: ·        Website ·        Instagram·        TikTok·        Facebook·        Email: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.comConnect with Leland "Uncle Beats" Jones:·        Instagram

David's underprivileged upbringing led him down a path of rebellion and hardship. Despite this, David found a way to tap into his true self through his self-actualization to overcome his past and find peace in his presence. David firmly believes that we as people are designed to react without thinking. This can lead people into a world of anxiety, chaos, and reactionary minds. Therefore, David believes if you can control how you react to people, places, and things then you can control your life. Presently David works in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with a focus on financial technology, natural language processing/language models, and Convolutional Neural Networks.In this episode, learn how David went from a life of destruction and pain to working in one of today's most prominent and controversial fields of AI. Find out how he released himself from a life that was no longer serving him, to using his incredible and intelligent brain to change his circumstances for the better.Connect with Peter Meyerhoff: ·        Website ·        Instagram·        TikTok·        Facebook·        Email: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.comConnect with David Eravaci:·        Instagram

This week's episode features my friend Alejandra. She is a licensed Chaplain/Ordained minister and a recovery coach. Most importantly, she's an incredible inspiration. Alejandra underwent extreme childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and hardship. As a result, Alejandra dove head first into alcoholism and addiction.Alejandra became well-connected in the world of rap and television in Los Angeles when she was younger. She also had a successful shoe line that further threw her into the world of money, celebrities, and partying. As the years went on, her drinking got worse and worse until she inevitably hit rock bottom.Alejandra discovered that she was feeling spiritually bankrupt despite growing up Christian and with a strong faith. She realized that being a believer is very different than having a relationship with God. Therefore, Alejandra decided to get sober and reconnect with her faith. Alejandra has now dedicated her life to helping and serving others who have found themselves in similar situations. Connect with Peter Meyerhoff: ·        Website ·        Instagram·        TikTok·        Facebook·        Email: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.com Connect with Alejandra G. Here:·        Instagram

Shaun T. is the creator of workouts INSANITY & T25, a mental health advocate, and the host of his podcast, "Trust and Believe with Shaun T." However, how he got to this level of success was no easy feat. Shaun is the survivor of the horrific sexual assault he endured during his younger years of life. Luckily, Shaun escaped from that nightmare and began his journey in life by changing his narrative, finding his path, and creating his own story.Shaun found purpose and a home within the fitness and dance communities during college and later in life. This would set the foundation for Shaun's biggest pivot in life. Later, he would create his fitness programs and begin to help others. His true calling in life. Shaun believes fitness is more than lifting weights and eating healthy, it's about transforming lives in EVERY aspect. Shaun's ultimate goal is to help others live their best lives by finding happiness, love, purpose, health, and abundance.  Connect with Peter Meyerhoff: ·        Website ·        Instagram·        TikTok·        Facebook·        Email: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.com Connect with Shaun T. Here:·        Website·        Instagram·        TikTok·        YouTube·        Twitter·        Facebook

Addiction does not discriminate and it can affect anyone, at any time. No one knows this more than an opioid survivor himself, Kyle Stark. Kyle experienced the early days of the opioid epidemic when it was just beginning, and no one knew the storm that was on the horizon. Kyle was young, hard-working, and just starting his family when addiction struck him down. Despite being extremely successful in the car business, it didn't matter; addiction had taken hold of him and it fully consumed his life.After years of struggling with addiction, through the help of his family and his faith, Kyle eventually got sober and maintained his sobriety. His goal now is to help as many people as possible who might find themselves in a similar position as he once did. Kyles's philosophy is, “I will change the way we view addiction, one person at a time!” Learn from this week's episode what it took for Kyle to finally put the substances down and get his life back in order. Kyle has taken the experiences and life lessons he has acquired throughout his addiction and turned them into fuel for his fire to get back into the car business and find personal, financial, and physical freedom once more.   Connect with Peter Meyerhoff: ·        Website ·        Instagram·        TikTok·        Facebook·        Email: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.com Connect with Kyle Stark Here:·        TikTok·        Instagram·        Twitter·        Facebook

The struggles never stop. Life doesn't wait for you before it gets easier. It's important to believe in yourself and invest in your passion and dreams and go for it. Stay the course, and know that pain is temporary. Nobody knows this more than Mario Canon.Mario Canon is the epitome of someone who has worked tirelessly in investing in himself with a huge payoff. Mario is a musical artist, actor, business owner, and personal trainer. He is well-known for his critically acclaimed singing and acting skills and has starred on renowned television shows like Chicago PD and Empire as Charlie Dupree. However, this brilliant artist from Springfield, Illinois, is not your typical musical artist.Mario has never been afraid to take a chance on himself. His first job opportunity was to be a personal trainer at a gym. Through this experience, he was able to learn the value of hard work and build his credit, and after putting in work there - he ended up buying the gym himself! This was his first big break and taste of financial freedom. Since then, Mario has been extremely successful in life. All because he believed in himself and knew that the hard work he put in would pay off in the end.Giving back to the community that helped shape him and showing other individuals that there is a right path in life if they follow the course is Mario's passion. He has done just that, and he doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.  Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website InstagramTikTokFacebookEmail: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.comConnect with Mario Canon Here:YouTubeInstagramTwitterFacebook

Paul Kruger has an amazing story about how he was raised in the Mormon church, playing in the NFL, and what life is like after playing the game. Paul grew up in Utah and played college ball at the University of Utah. He was then drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the draft in 2009. Paul had a ton of success and was a valuable player in the NFL having won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, playing with the Cleveland Browns, and ending his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints. Before playing in the NFL, Paul went on a service mission through his church. Throughout this journey, he learned valuable life lessons and gained perspective on what he truly wanted out of life.Paul thrived, worked hard, and won big in the NFL. However, he knew in his core that he wanted more out of life. After getting brutally assaulted and injured in Utah, Paul's views on life and its fragility were forever altered.With strong ties to his faith, and knowing his calling in life has a greater purpose, Paul has taken his wins in both life and the NFL and created success in business and in his personal life as a strong family man.  Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website InstagramTikTokFacebookEmail: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.comConnect with Paul Kruger Here:InstagramTwitter

Justin Mercer a.k.a. "The Tattooed Realtor" joins Peter on this motivating episode. Justin decided to get into real estate after driving a semi-truck for 13 years. Before that, he worked in education as a teacher. Justin always dabbled with the idea of jumping into real estate but thought his unique and tattooed look would prevent him from succeeding. It wasn't until he hit the lowest point of his life that he fully immersed himself in this industry that changed his life and those around him. Justin and Peter discuss how that low point in Justin's life was the catalyst for changing his career and circumstances. Justin found himself in a job he hated, despite being the best employee they had, and miserable in his relationships. So he made a change. While still working, he found the time to go to real estate school and obtain his license. Justin is now one of the more well-known real estate agents in Arizona due to his success and genius marketing capabilities. This motivating episode with Justin will teach you that if you don't like something - change it. Have faith in yourself and your ability to achieve greatness, and don't listen to the haters. The world is always going to try and put you into a box based on how you act and look, but don't let them. Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website InstagramTikTokFacebookEmail: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.comConnect with Justin Mercer Here:WebsiteInstagramFacebookEmail:  justin@calltattoo.com

In today's episode, Peter sits down with Emily Hayden. Emily is a personal trainer, nutritionist, fitness model, podcaster, YouTuber, and IFBB bikini competitor/pro. Emily's fitness beginnings date back to when she was 7 years old, helping her father train his clients in their gym. Soon, she adopted the fitness lifestyle full-time – starting a training business of her own after she graduated from college. Today's episode and conversation lead Peter and Emily to discuss the mental and spiritual hardships Emily has had to overcome. Despite her incredible success as an entrepreneur and fitness athlete, it hasn't always been a straight path to happiness and success for Emily. Learn from Emily in this inspirational episode how to have strength in yourself and your faith while finding points of gratitude in everyday scenarios... even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website InstagramTikTokFacebookEmail: petermeyerhoff.info@gmail.comConnect with Emily Hayden Here:All LinksInstagramYouTube

Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff sits down with Megan Racer. As Megan tells her story, she paints a picture of a girl, barely an adult, who relied on others—particularly the men she dated—for validation and a sense of identity. She entered relationships for the type of lifestyle they could afford her, not for the love she could share with her partner.Finally unable to keep up appearances, Megan quit her job and, with no options left, jumped on an opportunity offered by her dope dealer, which involved her driving to and from Mexico to do odd jobs for the cartel—with her two kids in the backseat on each and every single trip.It was a short-lived gig. Megan was finally arrested at the border with 89 pounds of methamphetamine in the back of her truck, and she was separated from her children. She was able to sign a plea and took a lesser charge of distribution.Megan spent 14 months in prison—living out those months on the same grounds she toured when she was in college—and spent the next year in a drug program, where she was completely determined to change for the better.Today, Megan works in recovery, and she loves every second of it. Megan closes the conversation this way:Topics Discussed:[01:38] Megan's backstory and when she began experimenting with drugs[11:40] Living with addiction while pregnant[15:35] Becoming sober and having her second child with the same man[19:35] Quitting her job amid her renewed drug addiction[25:27] Working with the cartel[30:35] Getting arrested at the border[37:27] The days leading up to prison[51:29] Life in prison[1:00:48] Working in recovery after prison[1:06:35] Megan's words of hope for those in prison todayConnect with Megan Racer:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-racer-a82720224Instagram -Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Meyerhoff/100008245219126/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriginalchappy?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpa6ABvtPcSSwM2LJvuLv0wKey Quotes:My relationships were always about getting the lifestyle I want. It was never, “What kind of love can this person give me?” It was more about, “What empty feelings could I fulfill?”After they interrogated me, put me back in the cell and closed the door, I never felt more free in my life. Seriously. It was done. The madness—the chaos—was done.We have such an advantage. We know the depths of hell, and we know the peaks of what it could look like. There's nothing we have not seen. There's nothing we cannot go through. We've already experienced something we didn't think we could go through and made it out as better people.Can you go through the worst situation of your life and become a better person? If you can, you'll find the most success in the world, and it might not be monetary, but it will be internal, and you will spread it to other people. I 100% believe that.

Star Power The Elites, along with Mario's own music, has the newer generations squarely in mind. He believes that it is important for the youth to have role models, and so he makes it a point to avoid profanity in his music. Truly dedicated to paying it forward, he is involved with a number of local initiatives outside of his art, including fundraisers and toy drives.Mario grew up living a “double life” and, as a teenager, he had no aspirations besides accumulating money and earning respect on the street. It was only when his son was born later on when Mario realized that he needed to live for people other than himself.While working at AT&T one day, he was offered an opportunity to work for free at a local gym. Motivated by opportunity, he made the jump and eventually bought that same gym. He began networking and enjoying a new lease on life defined by service to others.All that time, Mario was still sleeping on an air mattress in an empty home, squeezing in whatever time he had left over to continue building his career as a rapper and actor.Mario goes on to share how he finally found that momentum that allowed him to share the stage with industry legends (Twista and Bow Wow among them), while building a number of successful businesses all the while. He preaches gratitude, honesty, and being unashamed about wanting more out of life while never forgetting to thank God for the gifts one is currently enjoying.Connect with Mario Canon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiscanon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficalMarioCanon/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0SmSbCbvt5z1zST9lfvNR2?autoplay=true YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1lMQuZ_unTndaVwXTgSd6g YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCCyR1qhmIye2Lb-S7GcCESA Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/thisiscanon Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Meyerhoff/100008245219126/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriginalchappy?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpa6ABvtPcSSwM2LJvuLv0wTopics Discussed: [02:13] Mario's backstory and early struggles[12:05] Building his music and acting career[14:39] How Mario got the opportunity to work with Twista and other big names[22:08] Why Mario doesn't regret the many challenges he had to face in his past[24:09] Rubbing shoulders with even more celebrity rappers as an independent artist[28:05] Waking up grateful, everyday[32:35] What music means to Mario[34:59] Mario's goals for 2022[36:19] Mario's advice to those struggling right now

In 1999, Dan got his start in business in his late teens by investing $43,000 in savings, which he was “supposed” to use for college, to start his own clothing brand Who's Your Daddy. At 18 years old, the business cracked $1 million, and at 19, it reached $9.5 million. At 23, he took Who's Your Daddy public relaunched as an energy drink brand under the same name—making Dan the youngest owner of a publicly-traded company in history.In 2008, a decade after founding his first business, Dan tried his hand at creating an online poker site. It was short-lived; yet, Dan points to that first true failure in his career as being key to all of the wins he continued to experience moving forward.Now with multiple massive business successes under his belt, Dan has a powerful desire to pay it forward. His philanthropic initiatives include a venture to backpacks for the homeless, as well as Thanksgiving food drives. He says that his ultimate dream is to save the world, not for any sort of recognition, but so that other people become inspired by his example and replicate what he was able to accomplish.Dan closes the conversation talking about the mental and tactical secrets to connecting and collaborating with high-profile individuals, and how anybody regardless of their age or background can get unstuck and pursue their true calling in life today.Topics Discussed:[01:37] Dan's backstory and early business success[05:22] Starting an online poker site at 27 (and losing it overnight)[10:54] Dealing with his first major business failure[12:58] How Dan uses social media for business[17:18] Working with the Kardashians and the power of collabs[22:53] Dan's philanthropic initiatives[30:28] Dan's goal to save the world and other projects[35:05] Finding work-life balance[38:30] How to connect and collaborate with high-profile individuals[40:58] How to get unstuckConnect with Dan Fleyshman:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoryceo/Instagram - (@danfleyshman) - https://www.instagram.com/danfleyshman/Instagram - (@modelcitizenfund) - https://www.instagram.com/modelcitizenfund/Elevator Studio - https://elevator.studio/Book: How to Set-Up Your Personal Brand for Under $1,000 - https://buythisbook.com/Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Meyerhoff/100008245219126/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriginalchappy?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpa6ABvtPcSSwM2LJvuLv0wKey Quotes:The bad things that happened literally forged who I am as a person.I want to save the world. It's a very lofty goal, but it's real. I have clear visions of ways I want to save the world, and none of it is for me. I don't want a pat on the back to do it. I want to do the things so that people can replicate what I do.Is your future worth more than your uncomfortability?

Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff sits down with ex-con filmmaker Seth Ferranti.A military brat, Seth was into drugs at the ripe young age of 13. At age 19 in high school, he had built an empire, supplying around 15 colleges across five states. In 1991, he became one of the first targets in the expanded war on drugs. He was initially arrested on the state level for “conspiracy to distribute LSD”. But upon discovering his extensive, nationwide network, he was reindicted at the federal level with a Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) charge.Seth decided to fake his suicide in order to avoid jail time and moved to L.A. to lay low until all was forgotten. However, y then, he was one of the U.S. Marshals' 15 Most Wanted Fugitives and it was quickly discovered that his “suicide” was a hoax. He was incidentally arrested when a shop owner called the cops after finding Seth and a friend smoking a joint behind his property, and in three days, the police matched Seth's prints.At 23 years old, Seth was sentenced to 25 years.Determined to move past this period in his life as fast as he could, Seth found refuge in education. His love for writing and studying brought him a surprising amount of success while in prison: Seth earned three college degrees, including a Master's, wrote 22 books on gangsters, drug lords, and prison gangs, and, alongside his wife, founded a publishing house and website, Gorilla Convict, and started a career as a journalist writing for VICE, Penthouse, and others.After being released he started making films. In 2017, Seth wrote and produced White Boy, which is currently on Netflix. He currently has numerous projects in production and development.Topics Discussed: [00:18] Seth's story[07:12] Losing his empire and going to prison[12:15] Faking his own death[21:25] Getting sentenced to 25 years at 23 years old[25:28] Graduating with a Master's and starting a writing career behind bars[40:37] Writing for VICE in prison and working with his wife to found Gorilla Convict[49:08] Making films after his release from prison[56:41] Seth's current projectsConnect with Seth Ferranti: Website: https://www.gorillaconvict.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethferranti/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SethFerrantiOfficial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sethferranti?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_PX5yFrMT-hm_xGQMyMU0w LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-ferranti-90a59440/ Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Meyerhoff/100008245219126/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriginalchappy?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chann

Tommy Vext wouldn't be alive today were it not for grace — and a phone call. The heavy metal singer and songwriter was poised to throw himself in front of a train when a young kid in the throes of addiction reached out for help. That one decision — to answer his phone and step up as a sober brother — saved Tommy's life and kept the former lead vocalist for Bad Wolves on a path that today serves as an inspiration to everyone who comes into contact with him and his message. This episode of the Roll-Call with Chappy podcast unspools a career and life trajectory like none other — from unimaginably low lows to a life full of personal and professional highs; from multiple near-death experiences to transcendent peace and inspiration within his recovery.Host Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff takes Tommy through an amazing set of life milestones. You'll hear about the traumatic childhood roots that shaped the life of Thomas Cummings, who grew up a biracial New York kid in a home dominated by addiction and mental illness. Their conversation touches on the emotional toll that violence took on Tommy's family — and the powerful ways in which 12-step recovery ultimately transformed his life, as well as his loved ones'. He has gone from being a young boy powerless to protect his mom, to buying her the safe, comfortable home in which she lives her life today, supporting others through her work with AlAnon.It's all about breaking the cycle, showing up and doing the work. “We're not in the results business. We're in the work business. We try to show up and do what's right and wonderful things happen,” says Tommy, who has 37 songs ready for release, a forthcoming biography and plans to tour internationally. You'll appreciate Tommy's brutal honesty about the fear, pain and loss he suffered repeatedly coming up — even as he somehow resisted relapse. Whether confronting his brother's homicidal mania or working with musicians who don't share his ethos, Tommy explains why nothing shakes his bedrock of 13 years' sobriety: “There are no mistakes in God's world.”Connect with Tommy Vext:Website - https://www.tommyvextofficial.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freetommyvext/Facebook -Twitter - https://twitter.com/TVext?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^authorYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoneWolfMusicSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eaZxHkhdNugJwlaKQWewj?si=70CnalImQ_a0u0NH82NASw&nd=1Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tommy-vext/968802571Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Meyerhoff/100008245219126/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriginalchappy?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpa6ABvtPcSSwM2LJvuLv0w

Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff sits down with Carlos Vasquez. The two met not long after Carlos was released from prison six months prior to this conversation.As a child, Carlos dreamed of becoming a baseball player, and he had a seemingly picture-perfect Catholic upbringing. Everything changed around the time he turned 13 when he discovered that his father had a secret family. Almost without warning, his dad abandoned his real family to be with them, forcing Carlos's mom to take on three jobs to support her children. Not long after that, his 16-year-old sister became pregnant, and Carlos himself hit the streets.He was quickly initiated into the gang life and committed his first crime—armed robbery—at the age of 15 and, at 18, he was faced with a 20-year sentence with two strikes. Now suicidal and thinking he would never leave that place, Carlos went to prison with the intention of “being the craziest person that anybody has ever seen.”13 years into his sentence, however, his life took a dramatic turn. He recalls being in the hole, totally alone with his own thoughts, and asking himself the question, “I've made it this far and I'm still alive. Why am I not dead? Maybe I need to do it.”He mulled over that thought for the next few days until he and a chaplain crossed paths. He offered Carlos a Bible, which he proceeded to read cover-to-cover. Around the same time, he received a letter from a friend who had just received a 110-year sentence. That friend was 15 years old, and it was partly due to Carlos's influence that he went down a similarly dark path.That was the final straw for Carlos. He committed—to God and to himself—that he was going to change. He decided to take back control of his life. At the same time, he believes that God led him to become a role model for men and boys who are currently going through the same dark phase he did.In Carlos's own words: “Something told me: ‘You're not supposed to just walk away. You're supposed to put yourself back in that place and help change the culture. Use your influence. Use your leadership and communication skills to help these guys find the inspiration to change.'”Topics Discussed[01:41] Carlos's story[05:29] How Carlos ended up in prison for the first time[07:32] Carlos's mindset going into prison[11:22] Surviving prison life for 20 years[13:04] What led Carlos to give up the gang life[17:17] Carlos's challenging path forward as a new man[26:17] How Carlos was feeling as he was released and his first days out of prison[31:29] About Carlos's work with the Prep Foundation[36:31] Carlos's message to his younger self[42:22] What's next for Carlos?[46:26] Speaking to former fellow inmates 100 days after Carlos's release[48:51] Carlos's final message of hopeConnect with Carlos Vasquez:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlos_s_vasquez/?hl=enInstagram partnershipforreentryprogram - https://www.instagram.com/partnershipforreentryprogram/?hl=enConnect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Meyerhoff/100008245219126/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriginalchappy?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpa6ABvtPcSSwM2LJvuLv0w

Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff sits down with DJ Cruse, who works for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry as a Program Project Specialist II.Since he was a boy, DJ had an unquenchable fascination with the military and envisioned a career for himself in the Armed Forces, where he would become a Green Beret and, once he had accomplished all he could with the Army, join the police force and lead SWAT in a major city.When he was a kid, DJ's love for adventure first led him to join the Boy Scouts. To anyone from the outside looking in, the young DJ seemed to be on a bright and promising path. And he was—until his insatiable curiosity and openness to new experiences nudged him down a dark detour towards the dangerous world of drugs, alcohol, and gangs. He was only 12 years old when that downward spiral began.DJ landed in prison for the first time as a ninth grader, where he spent the next six months getting into fights with his fellow inmates and essentially doing everything that didn't involve learning from his mistakes. He picked up right where he left off once he was out, and would later find himself behind bars once again. That next sentence would last 170 months, or just over 14 years.It was on December 14, 2017 when DJ regained his freedom. He was still a lost, scared, and unstable mess of a man, but he was determined to make a change. Sometime following his release, he was invited by a friend to a local church where he was quite literally floored by the presence of God. He also underwent rehab, which finally allowed him to come to terms with who he had become over the past three decades, and from there he would chart a new course.Today, DJ's life is defined by giving back, 24/7. Not only does he now work for the Department of Corrections, but he has also partnered with the ministry IdentiFreed, whose purpose is to “spread the gospel to the church, recovery, homeless and incarcerated community and to the nations on a global scale.”Topics Discussed:[02:03] DJ's story[06:18] Getting introduced to drugs in the sixth grade and his first time in prison[13:25] DJ's odd jobs following his release from prison[17:51] DJ's transformation[22:25] What DJ does for a living today[27:35] A life of giving back, 24/7[36:46] How Chappy and DJ's stories have impacted their community[43:26] DJ's parting message to moms and dads who need a piece of hopeConnect with DJ Cruse:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/davidcruse139/?hl=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/david.cruse.39904Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Meyerhoff/100008245219126/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriginalchappy?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpa6ABvtPcSSwM2LJvuLv0wKey Quotes:[My transformation] was nothing short of a miracle and I give it all up to God. I say Jesus knocked me out and woke me up. ~DJIf you go to the Department of Corrections in any state, you have basically faced the worst thing that America has to throw at you. We were ostracized and kicked out of the community—for good reason—and bagged and tagged and cuffed and stuffed, and sent out to live in cages like some dogs. ~DJConnect

Chappy kicks things off by offering a perspective shift by bringing up his wholehearted belief that “your worst day out on the street is a hundred times better than your best day in prison.”“To get a different perspective,” he continues, “you've got to look at somebody who has a worse situation than you.”Chappy goes on to share how he had to rewire his brain the second he was released from prison. He talks about all the people around him who had to remind him that, in the real world, threatening others, asserting your dominance, and everything else that was acceptable—expected, even—in the prison yard is completely off-limits outside those walls.Taylor and Chappy close out the show with a discussion on making an impact. With a little faith, a focus on keeping things in perspective, and constantly reminding yourself that everyone has a purpose, seemingly insignificant decisions will result in a life full of blessings not only for you, but for everyone that you touch.Topics Discussed: Taylor's backgroundLessons about bouncing back that Taylor learned from the podcastWhat Chappy told himself when he was sent to prison at the age of 18What Chappy would tell someone on their first and last day in prisonWhy Chappy was so calm when he was convictedChappy's ultimate goal in his life's “third act”Getting through solitary confinementChappy's last year in prisonAdjusting to life fresh out of prisonHow Chappy manages his angerHow to raise your self-confidenceChappy's prison workoutsMaking an impact after prisonConnect with Guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.brutefit/Connect with Peter:Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Meyerhoff/100008245219126/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoriginalchappy?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpa6ABvtPcSSwM2LJvuLv0wKey Quotes:Fitness can not only build your self-confidence, but also relieve stress and make you not do stupid things or say mean things because, by the time I'm done doing cardio, I'm ready for a nap. ~ChappyYour worst day out on the street is a hundred times better than your best day in prison. ~ChappyWhatever [your] situation is, that problem is miniscule compared to what you can accomplish if you literally just wake up and you're thankful. ~TaylorTo get a different perspective, you've got to look at somebody who has a worse situation than you. ~ChappyEverybody's got a purpose in this world and everybody's good at something. ~Chappy

Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff sits down with the love of his life, Hannah Keller.The two first crossed paths in the gym and it wasn't long before both knew that there was something more at play. Chappy was completely taken aback upon learning that Hannah was, at the time, a stripper. But then he witnessed the deep love and affection she had for her two little girls and knew right away that there was more than meets the eye.“Money can't buy happiness, but it can relieve a lot of stress as a single mom,” says Hannah, reflecting on the tough circumstances that led to her becoming a stripper.Like Chappy, Hannah's early life was filled with tragedy, from divorced parents to a brother dying in a car crash when she was ten, to a grandfather who committed suicide right in front of his wife, to another two siblings dying from drug overdoses.Hannah points to her little girls as her catalyst for turning her life around. “I know that God did that for a reason. Those little girls saved my life. They did. The only reason I'm here right now is because of them.”Chappy and Hannah go on to talk about how they progressed through their relationship, especially during those challenging early days when Hannah had to deal with a drug relapse. They also discuss the exciting possibilities for the future as opportunities continue to come their way.Topics Discussed: [02:51] How Chappy and Hannah met[05:24] Hannah's background as a stripper[11:35] Hannah's tragic upbringing[22:10] The destructive power of drugs[31:46] The poem that Hannah's sister for her late brother wrote just before her death[34:22] The latest chapter in Chappy and Hannah's lives[42:01] Going through therapy together[49:57] Chappy's biggest fearConnect with Hannah Keller:Instagram @hannahmkeller TikTok Hannah.M.KellerConnect with Peter Meyerhoff:Website InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTubeKey Quotes:[My] little girls saved my life. They did. The only reason I'm here right now is because of them. If you have children, you know exactly how I feel. ~HannahI had to find someone I respected enough to want to make changes and whose feelings I could consider other than my own, because this isn't a prison yard. ~ChappyNobody is going to think the way you think. They are not you. You are you. [...] They will never understand, because they are not you. ~Hannah

Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff sits down with country music superstar Josh Scott.After losing his dad due to medical malpractice, Josh turned to meth, which “made everything in life that was important unimportant, and all the dumb shit that's unimportant really important.” He proceeded to go “off the deep end” and ended up in prison in 2005 at the age of 27.Josh went straight back to drugs after he was released and, soon after, he came across a string of opportunities that eventually led him to a breakthrough gig in Las Vegas. At that point, the majority of Josh's life was a terrible combination of showbiz, and drug and gambling addiction. He lived a double life: performing three days, committing felonies and rubbing shoulders with the mob the other four days.As fate would have it, Josh found himself in jail for another nine years and ended up missing out on countless milestones in the lives of his family, including his son's graduation. His lengthy time behind bars was a transformative period in his life and taught him lessons he would never forget.Today, not only is Josh a successful country music artist, but he also dedicates his time to doing good in the lives of others, from his various philanthropic initiatives to coaching her daughter's high school basketball team.“God gave me a second chance,” says Josh. “He gave me an angle to do some good, and that's all I want to do.”Topics Discussed: [02:11] Josh's upbringing and why he ended up in prison[12:05] Going back to drugs after a year-and-a-half in prison[14:52] Another nine years in prison[22:22] Why gratitude is the key to thriving in life[27:00] The profound meaning behind Josh's song, This Time[31:24] Finding success after prison[44:48] How prison changed Chappy and Josh's approach to life and career[58:25] Josh's thoughts on money[1:03:16] Josh's parting advice to listenersConnect with Guest:Instagram @joshscottmusic  Spotify iHeart Radio Connect with Peter Meyerhoff:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTikTokYouTubeKey Quotes:I'm not proud of my past, but I'm also not ashamed of it because it molded me into the individual I am today. ~JoshThe higher my gratitude level is, the better off I'm going to be and the more success I want to have and the more people I want to be able to help. ~ChappyGod's not going to get you out of it, but He'll get you through it. ~JoshAnything is possible. There are no limitations to what you can do because you've been to prison. The people who have limitations are those who put the limitations on themselves. ~Josh

Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff sits down with Sheriff Mark Lamb of Pinal County.Listen in as Sheriff Lamb touches on his days as an entrepreneur years before his foray into law enforcement at the age of 34. He speaks in particular of his involvement in bringing the number of drive-by shootings in Arizona's Navajo Reservation from 76 in 2009 down to 0 in 2011.He was elected Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona in 2017, initially inspired by a decision to make a big impact on his community due to his dissatisfaction with the Obama administration.Asked about the keys to success and looking past money as the end-goal, Sheriff Lamb talks about the importance of deciding on a cause to fight for beyond one's own personal gain.He crucially defines the difference between believing that you're “special” versus believing that you're “unique”, and that the latter is fundamental to helping you discover your strengths and purpose while keeping your ego at bay.Sheriff Lamb explains how he used the marketing concepts he learned as a business owner and applied them to his benefit while running for Sheriff, and then to improve upon the current Department after he was elected.He goes on to share how he used his platform as Sheriff to promote God, family, and freedom, including establishing the subscription-based streaming service American Sheriff Network.Topics Discussed: [02:10] Mark's life before becoming Sheriff[05:22] Dealing with gangs in Arizona's Navajo Reservation[07:59] Moving to Pinal County and becoming Sheriff[10:20] Taking advantage of your strengths to achieve success and create a legacy[15:42] Innovating the Sheriff's Department[18:54] Programs that Sheriff Lamb is most proud of[26:04] How American Sheriff Network came to be[31:22] Sheriff Mark's plans for the futureConnect with Sheriff Lamb: American Sheriff Network InstagramFacebookYouTubeConnect with Peter Meyerhoff:WebsiteInstagram FacebookTikTokYouTube