From the Sidelines to the Soul: Montana Murphy on the Journey of True Grit
The final moments of the conversation with Montana Murphy on Choices podcast solidify his commitment to a new path. After sharing the harrowing details of his near-fatal 42-foot fall—a stark reminder of the reckless abandon of his former life—Murphy and the hosts discuss the deliberate effort required to build a meaningful, sober life. It’s a compelling message about choosing the “hard way” when you know it’s the right way.
Murphy, over 755 days sober, embodies the principle of taking life one step at a time, or as the hosts put it, going “first, second, third, and then home.” His newfound passion is clear: becoming a “very good spokesperson” for young people grappling with sobriety. The shared wisdom in these closing minutes offers a powerful prescription for anyone facing down their demons.
Enduring Lessons and Core Quotes
The segment is rich with philosophy, drawing from the host’s principles and the wisdom of Murphy’s former coach, Nick Saban.
Here are the final, powerful takeaways:
- “I think you gotta find your passion… and I hear you when you’re talking that your passion is helping kid.” (A clear call to action from the host).
- “The work is worth it.” (Murphy’s simple, profound statement on the effort required for sobriety).
- “There’s always something that you know you should do that you don’t wanna do, and the difference is, are you gonna make yourself do it or not?” (A quote from Coach Saban, emphasizing discipline over desire).
- “Don’t be afraid for the change that’s ahead. It’s all for the better.” (Murphy’s core advice for those struggling with addiction).
- “The feeling of love and and peace is unlike anything… anything you can you can take, you can consume, down here. His name’s Jesus Christ.” (Highlighting the superior medicine of faith).
The discussion makes it clear that sobriety isn’t a miraculous gift; it’s a gift that must be accepted and worked for. As host Carcass notes, “Obedience and discipline give you more freedom than when you’re undisciplined and not doing the right things.”
The Lasting Impact: Life, Pay It Forward, and Stewardship
Montana Murphy’s story offers an undeniable blueprint for how a life can be completely redeemed and redirected toward impact:
Life Redefined: Murphy discovered that true freedom is found not in avoiding consequence, but in accepting responsibility. His deliberate choices—to embrace a simpler life, to prioritize his relationship with God, and to build a strong foundation for his marriage—demonstrate that a life of discipline is not restrictive, but liberating.
Pay It Forward: The commitment to public speaking about his journey is the ultimate act of paying it forward. Having been the recipient of help and grace, Murphy is now prepared to walk alongside others who are “living on the street” or simply “struggling with their sobriety.” He turns his personal pain into purpose, using his experience as a source of hope and relatable counsel.
Stewardship: Murphy understands that his second chance is a profound trust. Stewardship for him means diligently guarding his sobriety—his most valuable asset—and using his voice and story to impact the lives of others. His message to the listener is an urgent call to embrace the hard work of choosing the right path, reminding us that sometimes, all it takes is the courage to “just reach out and take it.” His commitment to talking to the “people down here” is a testament to the fact that true leadership means serving those who need it most.
