At age 16, David Heppard was sentenced to life in prison.

He served 24 years.

Today, he’s the co-founder of The Black Rose Collective, helping others heal and reenter society with dignity.

In this powerful episode of UnLost Cause, David shares how a single act of empathy shattered a lifetime of shame, how he rebuilt himself from the inside out, and how he’s using that journey to uplift others.

🔹 Learn how healing—not punishment—creates real change

If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to start over, or that you don’t deserve a second chance — this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

🔗 Black Rose Collective: https://theblackrosecollective.org

At 16, Brooke St. Sauver ignored her mom’s warning and baked herb bread anyway. The loaves rose perfectly—so did her confidence.

Decades later, after climbing the corporate ladder in fashion retail, Brooke hit peak success and peak burnout. Instead of going on vacation, she and her husband sat down and wrote a business plan. That act sparked a second act: two restaurants in Seattle, The Coupe & Flute and The Dandy.

In this inspiring episode of UnLost Cause, Brooke opens up about:

The childhood spark that never left her

How burnout pushed her into purpose

The emotional (and financial) toll of entrepreneurship after 40

Writing a business plan as a turning point

How COVID, budget overruns, and self-doubt didn’t stop her

What it’s like to finally live a dream—and have no regrets

If you’ve ever wondered, “What if I’m too late?”—this episode is proof that you’re not.

🔔 Subscribe to UnLost Cause and hear real stories from people 40+ who turned their “lost causes” into lives they love.

At 45, Andrew Motiwalla could’ve played it safe. Instead, he bet on his dream—and built a travel company generating $7M+ a year.

In this episode of UnLost Cause, we explore Andrew’s unconventional path from Peace Corps volunteer to tech executive to founder of The Good Life Abroad, a community-driven experience helping people 55+ live abroad for a month or more with purpose, joy, and connection.

You’ll hear how Andrew:

Turned a career crossroads into a calling

Tested demand with just $7,000 and no product

Built a loyal customer base with 30% repeat rate and an NPS of 82

Raised capital the right way—by choosing a strategic investor over a syndicate of angels

Whether you’re 40 or 60, Andrew’s story will remind you: the dream you shelved might just become your most meaningful legacy.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Ever feel like your real dream has been simmering on the back burner?

Brian Staub did.

At 45, he left a successful career in finance, enrolled in culinary school, and fought through setbacks — including the pandemic — to open Haven, a neighborhood restaurant inspired by his childhood kitchen and love of community.

His story is a masterclass in grit, reinvention, and making bold dreams real, no matter your age.

This is the *UnLost Cause* journey of reinvention, resilience, and starting fresh when most people settle in.

💬 If you've ever wondered, “Is it too late to chase a dream?” — this episode is for you.

📍 Learn more about Brian Staub and Haven:

-https://havenuws.com Instagram:

-https://instagram.com/havenuws

👥 Join the UnLost Cause Community:

→ Subscribe on Substack: https://unlostcause.substack.com/

🔔 Like this episode? Hit subscribe, share with a friend, and drop a comment about your own UnLost Cause.

#CareerPivot #Over40Entrepreneur #UnLostCause #RestaurantOwner #BrianStaub #LifeReinvention

Veronica Zolotoochin spent over two decades in the high-stakes world of finance, working as a bond and stock broker. 

In a bold move, she walked away from corporate life to pursue something that had been a lifelong passion: dogs. 

She bought a small dog-walking business in Salt Lake City called Dog N Butterfly that provides bespoke personal dog care in SLC and Staunton, VA. 

Dogs have been Veronica’s passion throughout her life, and they hold a very special place in her heart.

Her story is about courage, intuition, and embracing a life where passion meets purpose. 

What if starting a business wasn’t just an opportunity—but a right? Victor Huang, founder of Right to Start, is on a mission to remove barriers that hold aspiring entrepreneurs back. In this episode, we explore how policy, community, and advocacy can create a level playing field for all. If you've ever dreamed of building something of your own, this is the conversation for you.

At 22, Craig Orlopp walked away from golf after finishing 2nd in a golf tournament. He pledged to himself that if he didn't finish 1st, he would leave behind a dream that burnt brightly since childhood.

But more than two decades later, at 43, he took a leap of faith—reigniting his passion, proving to himself (and the world) that it’s never too late to chase what you love.

This inspiring conversation dives deep into Craig’s journey—how he rediscovered joy, overcame doubt, and ultimately jumped back into the golf world after years in the corporate world. If you've ever felt like your time has passed, this story will change your mind.

Think your best days are behind you? Think again. This episode explores what happens when you stop making excuses and start making moves.

Adam Guy quit his job as a successful non-profit executive and eventually started IKnowaGuyNYCtours.com. He's never been happier and certainly is proud of his bold move.

Listen to Adam's inspiring journey and know whether you're 40, 50, or 60+, this is proof that your dream isn’t dead—it’s just waiting for you to act.

What happens when two college friends reconnect decades later to tackle one of today’s biggest challenges?

Meet Seth Kessler and Lee Sosin, co-founders of Gapwell, who are redefining the transition from high school to career.

In this episode, they share their entrepreneurial journey, how COVID reshaped their career paths, and why young adults today need more support than ever. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business later in life with a trusted friend, this one’s for you!