Interview #75: Derik Stevensen

In Interview #75, I sit down with Derik Stevensen, a dynamic former BYU football linebacker who earned national recognition and reached the level of professional football—only to face a terrifying setback and a life-threatening encounter that nearly cost him his life.

While in Southern Utah, Derik found himself in the middle of a violent confrontation when a group of men attacked two of his college friends. Attempting to stop the assault, Derik discharged his legally carried firearm into the air to try to break up the group and protect his friends.

Instead of backing down, the attackers turned their attention toward Derik, launching a brutal assault and attempting to take his life.

What happened next is an incredible story of survival, faith, courage, and grace. Derik shares how a night that could have ended in tragedy ultimately became a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change—and how, in the darkest moments, help can come in unexpected ways.

This is a must-listen episode. Hear Derik tell his story in his own words and learn how he survived, found his way forward, and recognized the many ways God—and even LaVell Edwards—played a role in the grace and blessings that followed.

Interview #75 with Derik Stevensen. Don't miss this one.

Bob Egelestaff, Amazing guy who has really taken on life in his adventures being as of late, a high adventure expedition guide on the ships that visit the Antarctic region of the world. Bob nearly died as he and two other brave sailors sailed across the Southern Ocean through the Drake Straight navigatiing 50 foot waves in his path. Bob has gone more places and explored more areas than most humans on earth. Listen to this super interesting Brit tell his story. Thanks Bob for being on the show!

Wes Bruns is alive and here to tell the story of his heroing experience of losing 4 members of his family to a Carbon Monoxide poisoning! On Christmas night of all nights, the family gathered for the holidays and went to sleep after a wonderful Christmas day but in the middle of the night, Carbon Monoxide crept in to take away four of his family members and almost himself! Tune in to listen to his story it will be a wake up call for all of us to not only cherish the life we have but be careful to be vigilant in making your homes safe from Carbon Monoxide leaks! Wes has published a book on his story and warnings called "When Life Changes The Game" Streamline Books publisher.

Dave Chatterton was serving a mission in Haiti when he and his companion were taken by a terrorist group and held a gun point for a ramson that was substantial and survived. Daves life changed at that moment and in that circumstance to never be the same. Tune in and see and hear how Dave survived and how he sees life now.

Rachel Biggs lives up to her name of being a BIG road biker and this session tells of her horrific wreck on her bike while descending down a large mountain pass called "Big Mountain". At top speeds of around 50+ miles an hour, Rachel met a bad spot in the road in the shadows that threw her and her bike down the road leaving her unresponsive! Tune in to this story and see what happened and how she lived and lives life to this day! Thank you Rachel so much for being on the show!

Epic interview experience with Adam Nugent on his podcast called " Burn Up" where we talked about my podcase "A Close Call With Death" and how our themes parallel. How we as human beings can find life again when we might have nearly lost our lives. Thank you Adam for the amazing conversation!z

Brody Young! Lieutenant with the Utah Park Service in beautiful Moab Utah. Brody was shot 9 times and lived!!! An assailant that attacked Brody in a blindsided incident left him fighting for his life to survive! His story of courage and resilience is astounding and one that no one should miss. Tune into his story here again as told on national stages and media. We are blessed to have you on the show Brody!

Curtis Marsh..... Larger than life and impactful in our community with messages of resilience and stamina after going through some very tough times in his life. Curtis talks about how weighed down we can get in life like a backpack full of rocks and horse manure and how we can persevere through those times to fine joy and happiness in the life we have ahead. Never give in and give up. You have such a beautiful opportunity for family and connection if you hang in there. Thanks big man for coming on the show! Bless you brother!

Helaman was led down a dark path by people who didn’t have his best interests at heart—a path that ended in a devastating car accident that nearly took his life.

Tune in to hear the story of this powerful Samoan warrior: what he went through, how he survived, and how he’s now turning his life into something meaningful and strong.

Helaman, thank you for being on the show!

This episode shares the remarkable story of Mark Judge, who, just a few years ago, had a profound near-death experience. Mark became gravely ill after developing a severe infection that led to sepsis, and medical teams fought tirelessly to keep him alive.

In this conversation, Mark recounts what happened, how the experience unfolded, and the deep impact it has had on his life—and on those he has since shared this sacred journey with. His reflections offer a powerful message that may change the way you see the world, the people around you, and the gift of simply being alive.

Thank you, Mark, for sharing your extraordinary story of survival, insight, and gratitude.