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
Legacy Blueprint | The Work We Do (Part II)
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On January 1, 2026, I introduced Legacy Blueprint on Leave the Pile Higher with Part One: The Weight We Carry—a conversation about the pressures, expectations, responsibilities, and silent battles many of us face as Black men.
The discussion was so honest, so powerful, and so necessary that there was no way we could fit it all into a single episode.
In Part Two: The Work We Do, James Worthy, Khalid Scott, Ferris De, and I continue our conversation as we shift our focus from the weight we carry to the work that we do everyday.
Together, we explore what legacy means in this season of life, how fatherhood shapes our decisions, the role faith plays in our journey, and how to keep showing up when life lands a few body blows and uppercuts we never saw coming.
More than anything, this conversation is a reminder that none of us were meant to do this alone. We need brothers who will encourage us, challenge us, pray for us, and walk alongside us. Brothers who remind us to stay the course, keep building, and remain faithful—even when progress feels slow.
This episode isn't about having all the answers.
It's about four brothers choosing honesty over image, vulnerability over silence, and purpose over pride. It's about leadership, healing, responsibility, and the daily work required to build something that lasts.
If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough, carrying too much, or making a difference, this conversation is for you.
Because legacy isn't built in a day.
It's built one decision.
One sacrifice.
One conversation.
One act of faith.
One rep at a time.
The weight is real.
The work is necessary.
And none of us were meant to do it alone.
Let's Build.
Panel Participants
James Worthy — Fatherhood advocate, coach, speaker, and business consultant
Khalid Scott — Psychotherapist, author, life coach, and speaker
Ferris Dean — Financial planner and insurance professional
🎵 Music Credit
The Savage Family Office promotional segment includes narration by my daughter, Harmony, and features "Reflection of My Dad" by jazzimatroniX featuring Fabian Lance Dickerson, courtesy of my cousin, Robbie Cunningham.
Appreciate you, fam.
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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