Relentless Redemption: A Military Vet’s Ultramarathon Comeback

From heroin addiction and a jail cell to ultramarathons and a microphone—Shawn Livingston’s life is nothing short of extraordinary. Kicked out of the military for drug abuse and staring down a 20-year prison sentence, a judge gave him one last chance. What he did with that chance is a lesson in redemption, mental toughness, and raw authenticity. His story will shake you, inspire you, and challenge everything you think you know about resilience.
 

Why would someone coming out of addiction and incarceration run 100 miles? Because for Shawn, running is medicine. It gave him what pills and therapy never could—a way to process pain, rebuild identity, and fight back against every demon that once tried to bury him. Today, he’s not just a combat veteran or a former addict—he’s a speaker, mentor, ultramarathoner, weight lifter and host of the powerful podcast I Am Redemption.
 

In this episode of the Crackin Backs Podcast, Shawn opens up about:
 

• The moment in court that changed his life

• How running helped him rewrite his story

• What addiction and war never taught him that the first mile of an ultramarathon did

• How to silence the mental walls that scream "quit"

• The meaning behind his mantra: Be Somebody’s Pacer

• Why he has zero regrets—and how you can find strength in your past, no matter how dark
   

This is more than a comeback story. It’s a wake-up call for anyone feeling stuck, defeated, or alone. Because everyone has a 100-mile mountain to climb—and Shawn Livingston proves it’s possible to reach the top.
 

 Watch his full documentary: 100 Miles to Redemption  Listen to his podcast: I Am Redemption Podcast  Learn more about Shawn: www.iamredemption.com
 

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
 

Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast