John David Graham, on the Lean to the Left podcast, offers sound advice to those who need to start over.Fired? Don’t Quit – Start a New Chapter
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s often easy to lose sight of our true purposes, but sometimes, we encounter stories that resonate deeply and remind us of the resilience and power of the human spirit. One such story is that of John David Graham, a man who transformed his personal struggles into a beacon of hope for others.
In fact, in this interview for the Lean to the Left podcast, Graham offers advice to those who have lost their jobs due to Donald Trump, urging them to fight back, not quit, and write a new chapter in their lives. That discussion begins at about the 8 minute mark of the podcast.
Discovering Purpose Through Second Chances
Graham exemplifies the idea that life is filled with second chances. From experiencing homelessness to becoming a business owner and published author, Graham’s journey of redemption is nothing short of remarkable. At 53, he founded the Good Samaritan Home, a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping individuals restart their lives post-incarceration.
But Graham’s achievements didn’t stop there. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and impact, he earned his doctorate in Applied Theology at 61, and at 75, he published his debut novel, “Running as Fast as I Can.” This fictionalized account tells the story of one man’s quest to overcome an abusive past, finding forgiveness and love.
Finding Success in the Face of Rejection
In a heartfelt conversation with Bob Gatty on the Lean to the Left podcast, Graham shared the struggles he faced in getting his book published. After enduring more than 200 rejections, he founded his own publishing company, Don Coyote Press. The venture blossomed, and he sold an impressive 12,000 copies in the first year.
Graham’s story underscores the importance of resilience and self-belief. He recounted how learning to promote his book without being overtly self-promoting transformed his approach. “Most books sell less than 250 copies,” he noted, emphasizing the need for authors to actively engage with their audience.
Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
Graham’s journey with Don Coyote Press isn’t solely about his personal achievements. He’s committed to amplifying the voices of those often unheard. Currently, he’s working on an anthology of short stories from inmates, titled “A Broken Winged Bird Can’t Fly.” This project aims to offer a rehabilitative outlet for prisoners, allowing them to share transformative fictional stories.
His reasons are profound: “The writing itself will become a rehabilitative tool,” he believes, stressing the therapeutic power of storytelling.
Empowering Change and Supporting Communities
Throughout the podcast, Graham touched on various topics, from the current political climate to advice for those looking to start over later in life. His primary message is clear: find your passion and make a difference. Whether it’s through forming deep, meaningful connections or helping those in dire circumstances, one’s life gains value when it’s aligned with purpose.
At the heart of Graham’s work is the Good Samaritan Home, which evolved from a simple homeless shelter to a comprehensive reentry program for former inmates. With the backing of the Ohio Department of Corrections, the initiative helps individuals integrate back into society, becoming productive taxpayers rather than burdens. Since its inception, it has positively impacted about 2,500 lives.
A Legacy of Compassion
One of the most poignant success stories Graham shared was that of Jimmy, a schizophrenic veteran who found solace and stability at Good Samaritan Home for 14 years, describing it as the only home he ever had. This story highlights the profound impact of compassion and the importance of offering a safe space for those society may overlook.
Graham’s philosophy isn’t just about providing shelter; it’s about creating opportunities for healing and growth. “We do it because if we don’t do it, there’s an eternal consequence to our non-compliance,” he asserts, driven by a faith that motivates him to act selflessly.
The Call to Action
As Graham continues his mission, he invites others to engage in critical conversations about social issues. He emphasizes that change begins with dialogue, suggesting readers engage with his Substack articles and follow him on social media.
Bob Gatty made it clear: John’s work, though rooted in personal struggle and redemption, serves as a powerful testament to the impact of unwavering determination and compassion. His story is a reminder that life’s most significant achievements often arise from overcoming the greatest challenges. His unwavering commitment to helping others highlights the transformative power of second chances and the endless potential within each of us to make a difference.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to John David Graham’s Journey
01:41 The Challenges of Publishing a Book
03:29 Starting a Publishing Company
04:54 Empowering Voices from Prison
07:14 Advice for Career Changes
08:16 Political and Social Commentary
13:54 The State of American Politics
16:13 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Homelessness
18:43 Founding Good Samaritan Home
20:57 Success Stories and Impact
24:35 Future Plans and Funding
27:51 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
About Bob Gatty
Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast. He’s co-author of “Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump’s attack on America’s greatness”. Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank. If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!
One Response
Excellent advice for those who need to start over, no matter their age or circumstances, from a 75-year-old author who’s worked for years to help others, including inmates just released from prison. Check it out.