Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Carmichael Lewis went from getting arrested to earning valor awards as a police officer and building a movement for urban youth. Discover how he turned pain into purpose.

In this episode, Dante and Carmichael discuss:

• Growing up on Chicago’s South Side and refusing to be defined by the past
• How adversity, arrests, and negative influences pushed Carmichael toward change
• The power of mentorship, accountability, and writing down goals
• Bridging the gap between law enforcement and urban youth through trust and relatability
• Carmichael’s mission for Youth and Blue United and his “inward, outward, forward” framework

Key Takeaways: 

• Your environment may shape your early experiences, but it does not have to determine your future. Carmichael’s story is a reminder that identity is built through choices, discipline, and the decision to grow beyond your circumstances.
• Pain can either trap you or transform you. By turning his struggles into purpose, Carmichael created a life centered on service, leadership, and helping young people rewrite their own stories.
• Mentorship is not optional for youth who need direction. Consistent encouragement, accountability, and exposure to better possibilities can help young people think differently and make stronger decisions.
• Goals bring clarity to every area of life. When you write down your vision, it becomes easier to know who to spend time with, what habits to build, and what direction to follow.
• Leadership starts from the inside out. Carmichael’s work shows that self-awareness, purpose, and personal development are essential before anyone can truly influence others. 

“We move forward, but we learn backwards.” - Carmichael Lewis

About Carmichael Lewis: Carmichael Lewis, a proud Chicago Southside native, has transformed early challenges, including arrests and academic setbacks, into a life of purpose and leadership. A police officer with over fourteen years of service, he holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Administration and is deeply committed to community safety. Beyond law enforcement, he is an entrepreneur, author, and mentor, launching a fitness apparel brand supporting at-risk youth and writing books that empower young people. Through his nonprofit, Youth & Blue United Inc., Carmichael works to bridge the gap between law enforcement and urban communities through mentorship, literacy, and engagement, driven by a mission to uplift youth and create lasting change. 

Connect with Carmichael Lewis:

Website: https://youthandblueunited.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmichael-lewis-50134a1a5/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@youthandblueunite 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Youthandblueunitedinc 

Connect with Dante Royster:

Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/

Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086

Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086

Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/

“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631 

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: [email protected]  

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Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.