Second chances change lives. In this deeply moving episode of Call Me Friend, host Daryn Kagan pulls back the curtain on a moment few people ever see: a surprise grant award that changes everything.

What begins as a routine follow-up interview turns into a life-altering moment for Jimmy Erickson, a father, student, and recovering addict doing everything he can to build a better future for his family. From past struggles with addiction and DUIs to earning a 4.0 GPA while working 60-hour weeks and raising a nonverbal autistic son, Jimmy’s story is a raw example of resilience, responsibility, and real growth.

This episode is a reminder that redemption is not about perfection. It is about showing up, doing the work, and choosing love over quitting. If you believe in second chances, meaningful friendships, and stories that restore faith in humanity, this one hits different.

In This Episode You Will Learn

✅Why second chances matter more after the hard work is already done

✅How fatherhood can become the ultimate motivation for change

✅What real resilience looks like behind the scenes

✅How nonprofit grants can create generational impact

✅Why imperfect stories are often the most powerful ones

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Timestamps

1. 00:00 Second Chances, Fatherhood, and the Power of Showing Up with Jimmy Erickson
2. 02:58 Why this grant moment matters so much to the foundation
3. 03:38 Sponsor spotlight: Ms Lou’s Cabin on the Georgia Coast
4. 04:46 Meet Jimmy Erickson
5. 05:18 Why Jimmy was selected from over 250 applications
6. 06:14 Jimmy opens up about addiction and hitting rock bottom
7. 07:49 Balancing school, work, and caring for an autistic child
8. 14:49 The moment Jimmy learns he is receiving the grant
9. 16:13 Why this story defines the mission of Just One More Foundation
10. 18:35 Post-interview reflection with Richard Rogers
11. 19:07 Parenting through challenges and shared experiences
12. 20:11 Why love and work ethic stand out
13. 21:07 Climbing out of the well and not going back
14. 22:10 Why Just One More focuses on people who’ve done the work
15. 22:59 Following recipients beyond the grant
16. 24:28 Why gratitude goes both ways

Key Takeaways

🔹 Second chances are earned through action, not words

🔹 Fatherhood can redefine purpose and priorities

🔹 Progress beats perfection every time

🔹 One person choosing growth can change an entire family

🔹 Compassion creates ripple effects far beyond one moment

Guest Spotlight

Jimmy Erickson is a working father, full-time student, and devoted parent to a nonverbal autistic son. After overcoming addiction and rebuilding his life from the ground up, Jimmy is completing his engineering degree while working long hours to support his family. His story is proof that accountability, love, and grit can rewrite any narrative.

Richard Rogers is a lightning strike survivor who turned his miraculous second chance into a lifelong mission of service. As founder of the Just One More Foundation, Richard helps others overcome adversity and strike launch careers. His lightning strike survivor story has inspired thousands, demonstrating how giving back transforms lives.

About the Foundation

Just One More Foundation provides grants to individuals who have already taken meaningful steps toward rebuilding their lives and want to create positive impact for others. Their mission focuses on responsibility, resilience, and real change.

Resources & Links

1. JustOneMoreFoundation.org
2. Richard's episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-lightning-strike-survivor-to-changing-lives-richard/id1807388886?i=1000720886845
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