What happens when your worst fear becomes your reality—and you decide to ask, “Why not?” instead of “Why me?”

In this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, host Brent Cassity sits down with Rusty (Rustin D.) Pangburn—author of Mindset Matters, founder of Why Not Mindset, motivational speaker, and CDL truck driver—to unpack a remarkable second-chance story. Rusty went from running the streets to serving a 60-month federal sentence, from 480+ lbs to 189 lbs, and from “inmate number” to mentor, author, and nonprofit leader helping justice-impacted people reenter with confidence.

We dig into:

• The “Why Not” question that rewired Rusty’s life and inspired his book & nonprofit

• How he used walking, running, and routine to lose 300+ lbs inside

• RDAP, mindset shifts, and preparing for life after the gate

• Finding a career path in trucking (CDL) and building a future with his wife as team drivers

• Writing Mindset Matters and the “Ripple Effect” chapter—why small actions change lives

• Creating an AI-produced song to capture his story and mission

If you’re looking for hope, practical reentry insight, and proof that mindset matters, this one’s for you.

📘 Rusty’s book: Mindset Matters
🌐 Nonprofit: WhyNotMindset.net
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