Inspire change.

From Pro Boxer to Wheelchair Bound - ‘How Yoga Saved My Life’ | Eric Esch Butterbean

Inspire change.

Show Notes

In today's interview, Jordan sits down with the legendary heavy-hitter Eric "Butterbean" Esch to discuss a life story that spans from the height of global fame to the brink of physical collapse. Known for his "King of the Four-Rounders" status and his iconic appearance in Jackass, Butterbean candidly reveals the grit developed during his early years in rural Alabama, where he transitioned from a 100-degree factory floor to the world of professional fighting to provide for his family.

The conversation takes a somber turn as Eric reflects on the "dark years"—a seven-year spiral into severe disability following a hip injury. He describes the crushing depression of being confined to a mobility scooter and the moment he began giving away his possessions, believing he had less than a year to live. This episode highlights his improbable redemption through DDP Yoga, a journey that saw him lose over 200 lbs and reclaim his life when doctors said it was impossible.

Now 58 and feeling more capable than ever, Butterbean discusses his desire for one final fight against names like Jake Paul or Mike Tyson to prove that self-belief can overcome any obstacle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from Inspire change.

Oct 23, 2026

In today's episode, Jordan sits down with former Navy SEAL, military working dog trainer, and founder of the Warrior Dog Foundation, Mike Ritland, to discuss life after the military, finding purpose beyond service, and the extraordinary capabilities of elite military working dogs.

Oct 14, 2026

In today's episode, Jordan sits down to answer one of life's most difficult questions: how do you rebuild your life when everything falls apart?

Sep 30, 2026

In today's episode, Jordan sits down with Laird Hamilton, the big wave surfer and tow-in surfing innovator, for a wide-ranging conversation on facing fear, finding flow state and building a life around constant pursuit. Laird explains how he learned to read the ocean, why he sees surfers as wave readers first and riders second, and how a lifetime in giant surf has shaped his relationship with risk and mortality.

Sep 23, 2026

In today's episode, Jordan sits down with Garrain Asé for a raw conversation about marriage, collapse and rebuilding from the ground up. Garrain opens up about the recent separation from his wife Blair, the four months he spent living alone in the family home, and the ego and old patterns he had to surrender to bring his marriage back. He traces his path from a twelve year prison sentence and a record deal through homelessness, near total despair and the public reckoning that first gave his story purpose. The conversation moves into the work Garrain now teaches around the world, from healing the wounded inner child to his belief that adults are simply deteriorated children still running programs installed in their first seven years. He breaks down his concept of death portals, the major collapses that precede real growth, and shares the exact words from Blair that pulled him back into the marriage. He also unpacks forgiveness as a matter of frequency rather than action, the emptiness that so often sits behind financial success, and why vulnerability rather than strength was the thing that ultimately saved his life. This is a conversation about humility, honesty and what it actually takes to become the man your family needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 16, 2026

In today's episode, Jordan sits down with Mike Ritland, a former US Navy SEAL, working dog expert and founder of the Warrior Dog Foundation, for a conversation that runs from a childhood in Iowa to twelve years in the SEAL teams and a life now dedicated to saving retired military dogs from euthanasia.

See all episodes →