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
Voices in the Storm: DaRon Wood, from Despair to Purpose
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What’s it like to sit down with your best friend of 40 years for a podcast interview? It’s an incredible experience filled with laughs, life lessons, and heartfelt reflections. But the real challenge? Editing over two hours of raw, inspiring conversation into one unforgettable episode—LOL.
DaRon Wood’s story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. From earning the rare distinction of U.S. Army Basic Training Honor Grad to receiving the Hyattsville Civilian Merit Award after heroically stopping a carjacking attempt, DaRon has faced life’s challenges with courage and conviction. That carjacking moment was a turning point—he quit smoking, started making healthier choices, and began aligning his life with a deeper purpose.
But DaRon’s journey hasn’t been without struggles. He shares a deeply vulnerable moment during a bitter divorce and custody battle—a rainy night when he hit rock bottom. Consumed by pain and despair, he just wanted it all to end. Driving at a high speed, he heard two voices—one said, “You’re defeated, let it go,” and the other immediately interjecting whispered, “My son, that’s not my voice. Collect yourself and go home.” Choosing to listen to God’s voice in that pivotal moment changed everything, setting him on a path of healing, redemption, and hope.
As a single father, DaRon raised his nonverbal son with autism, becoming his son’s biggest advocate and celebrating milestones like learning to type to communicate. Now remarried and blessed with a blended family of five children, DaRon shares how faith, family, and friendship have anchored him through life’s storms. He reflects on the joy of realizing lifelong dreams, the power of strong friendships, and his calling as a minister of the gospel.
This conversation is raw, real, and filled with wisdom about fatherhood, friendship, faith, and living with intention. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or seeking inspiration to leave a lasting impact, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in to hear the powerful and deeply personal story of my best friend and brother, DaRon Wood. It’s a conversation that will move you and remind you of the strength we all have to overcome.
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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