Leave the Pile Higher

Hosted by Bryan T. Savage

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Sep 2026

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About the show

"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.

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49 recent

September 22, 202620 min

Starting Where I Finished

Send us Fan Mail Sometimes you don’t recognize legacy while you’re building it. You see it when it starts showing up in the next generation. In this episode, I reflect on a journey that began when my nine-year-old son ended his indoor track season in a walking boot, with questions about what that injury might mean for the outdoor spring season ahead. A late start? Missing part of the season? Maybe more? Months later, we found ourselves in California at the USATF Junior Olympics—and somewhere between those two moments, this became a story about much more than track. It became a story about fatherhood, faith, perseverance, and what it means to build a foundation for the generation coming behind us. And just when I thought the story was over, one final moment at his team’s end-of-season celebration gave me another perspective on the entire journey. His Coaches Choice Award wasn’t about being the fastest kid or winning the most medals. Hearing why his coaches chose him revealed something my wife and I hadn’t seen—the way he was showing up, responding to coaching, and putting in work when we weren’t around. And as a father, that hit differently. Because the real measure of what we’re building in our children isn’t simply what they accomplish. It’s what begins to show up in them when we’re not around. And whether you’re a parent or not, that question reaches beyond youth sports: What are you leaving in the people who come behind you? Because legacy isn’t only about what we leave to people. It’s about what we leave in people. Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

September 8, 202610 min

The Record Book: What Will Outlive You?

Send us Fan Mail Not everything that matters makes it into a record book. And just because something wasn’t written down doesn’t mean it didn’t happen—or that it doesn’t deserve to be remembered. In this episode, I’m looking back at a few football stories from my family—my father’s accomplishments preserved in old newspaper clippings, a high school record I didn’t even know I had set, and an unforgettable 72-yard interception return by my uncle at Harvard that somehow never made it into the record books—until recently, when I reached out to Harvard to help get it recognized. I also revisit a moment from my freshman year when I was cut from the football team—and only learned years later that my father had stepped in and helped change what came next. Looking back at all of it now, I realize there were moments when my legacy was being protected before I even knew I had one. But this episode isn’t really about football. It’s about what gets remembered. What gets overlooked. Who we choose to honor. And what we’re responsible for carrying forward. Because there’s a difference between a record and a legacy. A record tells you what happened. Legacy tells you what continued. Eventually, every one of us runs out of pages. The question is: When your page is finished, what will still be written in the lives of the people who came after you? The Record Book: What Will Outlive You? marks a new chapter for Leave the Pile Higher —a new look, a new sound, but the same purpose: being intentional about how we live, who we impact, and what we leave behind. Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

June 23, 202642 min

Legacy Blueprint | The Work We Do (Part II)

Send us Fan Mail 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. Sm9wDXRcNef6KGqQF3zy Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

February 17, 202636 min

Built to Handle It: A Conversation with Saif Madar

Send us Fan Mail When was the last time you had a conversation that made you think deeper than you planned to? In this episode, I sit down with my frat brother, Saif Madar — a man I’ve known for over two decades. Same yard. Different eras. Real brotherhood. Saif was born in Guyana and raised in the Bronx. Engineer by training. MBA in finance. A numbers guy. Analytical. Measured. Strategic. And if you ask him, he’ll tell you he’s not the type to sit around opening up or getting lost in deep reflection. But here’s the thing — many of us raised in households where strength was non-negotiable weren’t taught to process out loud. We were taught to handle it. To perform. To push through. To keep emotion tight and responsibility high. In many of our communities, vulnerability wasn’t modeled, so it wasn’t the first language we learned. Carrying it without complaint was the expectation. Reflection wasn’t always encouraged. Providing was. Producing was. Protecting was. So slowing down to reflect? To unpack? To say what’s really going on inside? That’s something most of us learn later — if we learn it at all. What makes this conversation different is the space. The trust. The shared fraternal bond that allows two men — raised in different homes but shaped by parallel expectations, similar pressures expressed through slightly different cultural tones — to slow down and speak more openly than we were taught to growing up. And he did. This episode moves through identity, responsibility, growth, brotherhood, leadership, and fatherhood — with humor, honesty, and moments that even caught him off guard. There’s laughter. There’s reflection. There’s proof that when trust is present, depth isn’t forced — it shows up on its own. And for men who’ve spent much of their lives carrying responsibility quietly, that kind of space is rare. If you’ve ever been taught to “just handle it”… If you’ve ever carried quiet pressure without calling it pressure… If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when strong men talk differently… Tap in. This one’s layered. Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

February 10, 202637 min

Brotherhood, Time, and the Work That Lasts — Cedric Nelson

Send us Fan Mail Some relationships don’t fade with time—they just pause. And when they resume, they remind you who you were and who you’re becoming. In this episode, I sit down with Cedric Nelson, a brother I’ve known for over four decades. We became friends and teammates in high school, went on to play college ball in different places, and somehow stayed connected through the noise of life—a friendship that always picked up right where it left off, even after years without talking. This isn’t a story about dramatic moments or viral highlights. It’s about something rarer: consistency. Character. This is a conversation about growth, integrity, fatherhood, and the quiet work of building something that lasts. We talk about choosing character over convenience, building systems instead of chasing quick wins, and what it means to still be standing, still growing, and still accountable after time has done its work—especially when you’re thinking beyond yourself and the legacy you’re building. It’s a conversation about time—how it shapes us, tests our relationships, and clarifies what actually matters. It’s for anyone who’s lived long enough to know the real test isn’t how you start, but how you sustain. No hype. No shortcuts. Just perspective, brotherhood, and the long game. Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

January 1, 202659 min

Legacy Blueprint | The Weight We Carry (Part I)

Send us Fan Mail What happens when four Black men—strangers to one another, yet united by shared experiences—come together for an honest conversation about the emotional weight they've carried for years? This episode launches Legacy Blueprint , a new panel series within Leave the Pile Higher . Each Blueprint brings together brothers for authentic conversations about leadership, healing, fatherhood, purpose, and the legacy we're building. Some conversations unfold in a single episode; others continue across multiple parts to fully explore the topic. In Part One: The Weight We Carry , I sit down with three remarkable men for an unfiltered dialogue about manhood, mental health, fatherhood, leadership, and the emotional burdens we've often learned to carry in silence. Although the panelists are meeting one another for the first time, I know each of them personally. That familiarity creates space for a conversation that quickly becomes honest, emotional, and uplifting. Together, we laugh, reflect, challenge one another, and speak openly about the lessons we've learned, the growth we've experienced, and the road we're still walking as we strive to become better husbands, fathers, leaders, and brothers. This conversation isn't about having all the answers. It's about naming the weight, breaking the silence, and reminding one another that we don't have to carry everything alone. Part Two — The Work We Do continues the conversation, shifting the focus from naming the weight to the work of leading, healing, serving, and showing up for the people who depend on us. Panel Participants James Worthy — Fatherhood advocate, coach, speaker, and business consultant. Khalid B. Scott — Psychotherapist, author, life coach, and speaker. Ferris Dean — Financial planner and insurance professional. Topics Covered Generational legacy and emotional inheritance The pressure to "keep it together" as Black men Mental health, therapy, and overcoming resistance to vulnerability Identity, code-switching, and leadership under pressure Fatherhood, marriage, and showing up while carrying weight Depression, burnout, and suicide awareness Brotherhood, healing, and learning how to refill your cup Music Credit Music featured in this episode by — Robbie Cunningham . Support & Resources If this conversation brings something up for you, please know you don’t have to navigate it alone. Immediate Support (U.S.): • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (24/7) • Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 Finding a Therapist or Counselor: • Psychology Today • Black Men's Health • Black Men Heal If you’re outside the U.S., visit https://findahelpline.com to locate resources in your country. Listener Note This episode is for conversation, reflection, and awareness. Nothing shared here is medical, legal, or financial advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or one of the resources listed above. mGhnKGR4E9Sl5zlfnrtf Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

December 4, 202515 min

A Father Honored, A Son Becoming: Three Years Behind the Mic

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to grow as a man when the blueprint wasn’t handed to you? Today is December 4th — the day my father was born, my fraternity’s Founders Day, and the day this podcast turns three years old. In this special reflection I speak about the weight men carry, the healing I’m walking through as a father, and the stretching that marriage continues to bring. I open up about a moment that shaped me, the lessons I’m still learning, and the lifelong work of becoming the man God is calling me to be. This podcast has always been about honoring my father and building legacy — but it’s also a space for us to grow out loud, especially for men of color who didn’t grow up with the language, the room, or the safety to feel, talk, or process. So part of my work here is opening the door for all men — but especially my brothers — to listen, lean in, and know you’re not walking this journey alone. This episode also sets the stage for the upcoming Legacy Blueprint series — real, candid conversations with men who are navigating the same tension of becoming. Today is the reflection. Blueprint is the continuation. Stay locked in. This isn’t a typical episode — it’s personal. It’s honest. It’s a moment to honor my father's life, acknowledge my growth, and remind every man listening: wherever you are on the journey, don’t stop. Someone’s counting on the man you’re becoming. If this speaks to you, share it with your circle — you never know who might need a moment like this to get the strength or boost to keep going. Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

November 25, 202532 min

Grounded, Growing, and Generational: Ferris Dean on Healing, Mindset, and Legacy

Send us Fan Mail Growth doesn’t happen when life is easy — it happens when you face fears and step out of your comfort zone. Legacy doesn’t start with money — it starts with mindset. So what does it really take to unlearn what’s been passed down, heal what’s been ignored, and build something that actually lasts? That’s where Financial Advisor Ferris Dean comes in. In this episode, we talk about what real growth looks like — not the picture-perfect kind, but the kind that stretches you. The kind that forces you to slow down, look in the mirror, and deal with what’s real. We dig into therapy, self-care, and the things many of us never heard growing up — like how to talk about money, how to teach our kids to manage it, and why building wealth isn’t about the bag… it’s about building freedom. Ferris also opens up about life after loss, fatherhood, and how those moments shaped the man he’s becoming. And somewhere in this conversation, you’ll hear the story that made him look at money differently — and for both the gem of wisdom and the laugh it brings, trust me, it’s one you’ll want to lean in for. This is real talk about growth, mindset, and legacy — the kind that reminds you that purpose starts on the inside. Listen now — and when it hits, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with a brother or sister who’s doing the work. Subscribe so you never miss what’s next. Follow the movement at @leavethepilehigher. Rate and review the show to help more people find these conversations. BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional. Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

November 11, 202513 min

Let Your Yes Be Yes: The Cost of Misplaced Commitments

Send us Fan Mail Am I the only one? Have you ever said “yes” when you really meant “maybe” — or agreed to something you knew wasn’t yours to carry? Oh, so it’s not just me. Yeah, saying yes out of habit, out of guilt, or just wanting to be the one people can count on — until those yeses started costing me peace, purpose, and alignment. I found myself overextended, overcommitted, and wondering how I got there. What I’m sharing today isn’t about time management — it’s about truth management. Because every time we say yes to the wrong thing, we say no to the thing that actually matters. I talk about a pattern that kept showing up in my life and the moment I had to stop pretending it was harmless. Saying yes to things God never co-signed or called me to do wasn’t service — it was self-made stress. In fact, it was also a quiet form of dishonesty. There was a moment that made me stop and really look in the mirror — a moment that reminded me that integrity starts when your no stays no , your yes stays yes , and both come from the right place. This one’s for the people-pleasers, the over-doers, the “I got it” folks carrying more than they were ever meant to. Because legacy isn’t built on convenience — it’s built on consistency, obedience, and integrity. Listen now — and when it hits, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who’s learning to honor their yes and protect their peace. Subscribe so you never miss what’s next. Follow the movement at @leavethepilehigher. Rate and review the show to help more people find these conversations. BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional. Coming soon: grab the free “Let Your Yes Be Yes: Legacy Check Worksheet” to help you get clear on your own alignment. Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

October 28, 202513 min

Legacies Don’t Disappear in Silence

Send us Fan Mail Ever been in a season where everything went quiet—your confidence, your creativity, even your peace? It’s been six months since I dropped a new episode, and this one isn’t just about being back—it’s about what happens when the vision goes quiet but doesn’t die. In this episode, I talk about the silence between seasons—how life, responsibility, and doubt can cloud your confidence—and how God used that stillness to reset my focus. I share the truths that brought me back, what I’ve learned through the pause, and why legacy is still mine (and yours) to build. If you’ve ever stepped away from your purpose, questioned your voice, or wondered if it’s too late to start again, this one’s for you. Key themes: Legacy • Faith • Comeback • Obedience • Purpose “Because legacy? It ain’t always loud. Sometimes it gets interrupted. Sometimes it gets paused. But it never gets canceled.” Stay Connected If an episode encourages you, challenges you, or makes you think a little differently about legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it, follow the show, and take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your support helps others discover these conversations and helps grow the community. Rate and review on Podchaser Have a Story Worth Sharing? I’m always interested in connecting with people whose experiences can add something meaningful to the conversation—stories of faith, family, resilience, leadership, service, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and legacy. If you’re interested in being a guest—or simply want to share your thoughts about an episode—email leavethepilehigher@gmail.com BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT. Because legacy isn’t optional.

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