Leave the Pile Higher
"My job is to leave the pile higher for you and your sister."
That was my father's philosophy long before I understood it—and decades before I ever thought about launching a podcast. He never used the word legacy.
He simply lived it.
In 1983, faced with financial sacrifices and difficult choices, my father made a decision that changed the trajectory of my life. Rather than take the easier path, he chose to invest in my future. At the time, I didn't fully appreciate what that sacrifice meant. It wasn't until after his passing in 2018 that I truly understood the depth of his commitment and the legacy he was building.
On what would have been my father's 75th birthday, I launched Leave the Pile Higher as a way to honor his legacy and explore a question we all face:
What are we leaving behind for those who come after us?
Through honest conversations with guests from all walks of life, we explore leadership, faith, family, resilience, service, personal growth, and purpose.
While this podcast often speaks directly to Black men navigating fatherhood, leadership, purpose, and life's responsibilities with intention, the lessons shared here are universal. Legacy belongs to all of us.
Whether through guest interviews, Legacy Notes, or Legacy Blueprint panel discussions, every episode is designed to challenge, encourage, and inspire you to think differently about the impact you're making right now.
Because legacy isn't something you leave someday.
It's something you build every day.
One decision.
One sacrifice.
One conversation.
One rep at a time.
Let's Build.
Leave the Pile Higher
Washed Ashore: Small Acts, Big Impact on the Journey of Healing
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Episode Description:
We often think about legacy as the things we leave behind—our titles, accomplishments, and possessions. But what if part of building a legacy includes knowing when to pause, heal, and restore ourselves? In this episode, I share a personal story from my family vacation that opened my eyes to the importance of healing as part of legacy-building.
It all started with some horseshoe crabs washed ashore on the beach in Ocean City. What I thought was just a quiet morning of reflection turned into a powerful lesson about life, legacy, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Along the way, we’ll explore how healing, support, and stepping out in faith all play a role in shaping the legacies we leave behind.
Tune in as we reflect on these key takeaways and consider how even small actions can have lasting impacts.
Show Notes:
- Introduction: Exploring the other side of legacy—healing and renewal.
- Family Vacation Story: A special beach trip during the final week of Pray 21 and the encounter with washed-up horseshoe crabs.
- Key Takeaways:
- Healing is Active: Legacy-building isn’t just about the grind; it requires making space for healing.
- Surround Yourself with Support: We need the right people around us to guide, uplift, and help us get back on track.
- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Growth happens when we step out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable.
- Reflection on "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers: How the song hit me differently in this season, reminding me that we all need someone to lean on, especially as Black men.
- Closing: Legacy is shaped by our daily choices, the healing we allow, the support we embrace, and the courage to step beyond what’s familiar.
Credits:
- This episode references "The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley from The Unexpected Universe (1969).
- Mentioned song: Lean on Me by Bill Withers ©1972 Sussex Records. No lyrics were quoted in this episode.
Looking to protect what you've built, strengthen your foundation, or create a plan for the future?
Whether you're a family focused on protecting what matters most or a business owner building something bigger than yourself, Savage Family Office can help you think through the risks, opportunities, and strategies that support your long-term goals.
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute Legacy Snapshot and let's explore ways to help you protect, build, and preserve the legacy you're creating for yourself, your family, your business, and future generations.
Book your Legacy Snapshot today and take another step toward leaving the pile higher.
Interested in being a guest on Leave the Pile Higher?
I'm always looking for individuals who are building, serving, leading, overcoming challenges, and making a difference in the lives of others.
If you have a story of faith, resilience, leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, or legacy-building, I'd welcome the opportunity to learn more about your journey and consider the possibility of featuring you on the podcast. Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
To be considered as a guest—or to ask a question about an episode—email: leavethepilehigher@gmail.com
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