Chason Forehand is a mission-driven leader who turned a turbulent childhood, addiction, and homelessness into a blueprint for building a life of impact. After a pivotal moment of compassion from a chef who helped him get clean, Chason committed himself to paying it forward.
In this episode, he shares the practical steps and lessons he’s learned, from overcoming adversity and silencing your inner critic to creating sustainable change through his nonprofit, Transformation Kitchen. As host of the Time to Change podcast, Chason continues to spotlight strategies for making a difference in your own life and community.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
00:02: Michael Gardon introduces guest Chason Forehand, sharing his story of overcoming a turbulent childhood, addiction, and homelessness to build two mission-driven organizations.
02:04: Chason describes early life: physical abuse by biological mother until age 5, custody given to his father, later psychological abuse from stepmother while father traveled for work. Struggled with anger, control, and hypocrisy in his household.
06:36: Pressure to perform academically and in extracurriculars despite unstable home life. Began acting out, playing violent sports, and eventually turning to drugs as a teenager.
09:07: At 15, started first job; stepmother took his earnings. Senior year breakdown from drug use led to public humiliation and whispers among peers. Despite strong grades, continued substance abuse into college.
11:36: Attempted suicide in college, later incarcerated. Felt abandoned by his father (“tough love”) and spent a decade cycling through jobs, addiction, and shame. Turning point came when a person in recovery offered to help him get clean.
14:49: Restaurant job story: After missing key shifts due to drug use, Chason’s chef—10 years sober—offered resources, connections, and cash to help him recover. This “pay it forward” moment became a cornerstone of Chason’s mission to help others.
21:19: Speaking publicly for the first time at a fundraiser, Chason embraced the mantra “I am here to serve,” helping him overcome social anxiety and share his story to inspire others.
24:28: Post-recovery survival mode: struggled with food addiction, reaching 400 lbs. Gradually shifted toward purposeful work, learning nonprofit operations and HR for social good organizations.
33:53: Started HR consultancy in 2012 while working full-time, later focusing only on social good entities. Learned gaps in services for small businesses and nonprofits.
37:36: Founded Transformation Kitchen to address poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment by providing living-wage job training through culinary education and life skills development.
39:34: First Transformation Kitchen opened in Matagalpa, Nicaragua—teaching both kids and adults culinary and business skills to create sustainable income. U.S. locations are in development.
46:42: Chason also hosts Time to Change podcast, spotlighting people creating positive change. Now in Season 7 with a growing audience across YouTube and audio platforms.
55:36: Advice to listeners: It’s never too late to change your circumstances. Biggest barrier is often yourself.
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BOOKS AND RESOURCES
- What If Pigs Could Fly? by Van Lai-DuMone
- The Empathic Leader by Melissa Robinson-Weinmiller
- Time to Change podcast – Hosted by Chason Forehand
- Badass Business Summit - Founded by Donnie Bovine
- Outlier Network / Outlier Group – Entrepreneur community where Chason participates
- Connect with Chason on LinkedIn and Linktree
