
From Thug to Scholar
An Odyssey to Unmask My True Potential
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed

Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Dr. James Arthur Williams
About this listen
This is an odyssey about failure, rejection, redemption, and triumph where I had to rise above religion and embrace God's true gift, a relationship. My path might be different than yours, but our barriers are all the same. I chased successes that were based off of manmade ideals, so I sought money, fame, acceptance, love, and respect from others, instead of probing inward and seeing my hidden self.
This is a book about our odyssey to unmask our true potentials, so we can express godly love and die in our categorical (i.e., race, income level, sexual preferences, age, and etc.) beliefs. My categorical death aroused me to unmask from a confused thug to an enlightened scholar.
"Dr. Williams is most certainly a teacher. I think his story and the messages throughout this book have something to teach everyone. Specifically, Williams writes his life story with an instructional, yet emotional tone that compels the reader to empathize with struggling youth. I can feel his passion to liberate young people who are on the good boy vs. bad boy fence from subcultural bondage. I found myself fascinated with William's childhood antics, which probably seemed simple to adults but were intensely complicated and profound for Williams and his peers. Young Williams lived a parallel existence that was sad, inspiring, hopeful, and humorous at times. I'm so thankful he survived and thrived and has articulated his discoveries and evolution toward peace in this thoughful book. Every teacher, every parent, every pastor, and every youth counselor should read this true life account of one man's contemporary 'odyssey' toward fulfillment!" (Jody Cantrell Dyer, author of The Eye of Adoption)
©2020 Dr. James Arthur Williams (P)2021 Dr. James Arthur WilliamsListeners also enjoyed...
-
Mind Shift
- It Doesn't Take a Genius to Think Like One
- By: Erwin Raphael McManus
- Narrated by: Erwin Raphael McManus
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Throughout his thirty years of work as a mindset expert and leadership coach, Erwin Raphael McManus has been obsessed with these questions: Why do some people succeed despite having all the odds stacked against them? How do others achieve the unthinkable, only to watch their lives slip away? Are there mental structures for failure and success?
-
-
Great book
- By Amber Bates on 12-04-23
-
Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice
- By: Dennis Kimbro, Napoleon Hill
- Narrated by: J.D. Jackson
- Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Author and entrepreneur Dennis Kimbro combines bestselling author Napoleon Hill's law of success with his own vast knowledge of business, contemporary affairs, and the vibrant culture of Black America to teach you the secrets to success used by scores of Black Americans, including: Spike Lee, Jesse Jackson, Dr. Selma Burke, Oprah Winfrey, and many others. The result is inspiring, practical, clearly written, and totally workable.
-
-
Not Feeling the Connection
- By ayeezan on 10-08-15
By: Dennis Kimbro, and others
-
You Owe You
- Ignite Your Power, Your Purpose, and Your Why
- By: Eric Thomas PhD, Chris Paul - foreword
- Narrated by: Eric Thomas PhD, Cary Hite
- Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you feel like success is for others, that only certain people get to have their dreams fulfilled, Eric Thomas’s You Owe You is your wake-up call. His urgent message to stop waiting for inspiration to strike and take control of your life is one he wishes someone had given him when he was a teenager—lost, homeless, failing in school, and dealing with the challenges of being a young Black man in America.
-
-
Not a motivational book
- By George on 09-26-22
By: Eric Thomas PhD, and others
-
The Warrior Poet Way
- A Guide to Living Free and Dying Well
- By: John Lovell
- Narrated by: John Lovell, Rebekah Lovell
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There is a war on masculinity, and everywhere we look—on every front we hold sacred—we can see the painful reminders of this collapsing order. The chaos and crisis we are experiencing today should be a signal for men everywhere to rise up; to fight to preserve our way of life by once again walking the ancient paths. But this isn’t a journey that need be taken alone.
-
-
It’s so good that I bought both Audible and ebook versions
- By NotACat on 07-17-23
By: John Lovell
-
Destiny
- Step into Your Purpose
- By: T. D. Jakes
- Narrated by: T. D. Jakes
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We each have a destiny. Finding the courage to drive past the challenges, the pains, and even the shortcuts of life to the deeper purpose of living is to thrive in one's divine destiny. Most people have sensed destiny pulling them to just the right place or person. Whether it is the spouse you meet, the children you bear, or the promotion you receive, everyone has a purpose to pursue. Sometimes it is understanding our destiny that helps us accept what on the surface appears to be failure.
-
-
This was like talking with The Lord!
- By Tammarra Kirkland on 08-06-15
By: T. D. Jakes
-
Activate Your Greatness
- By: Alex Toussaint
- Narrated by: Alex Toussaint
- Length: 6 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alex Toussaint is known for his grueling workouts where he promises “to kick your ass”–yet thousands keep coming back for more. Why? Because he might be the most motivational teacher out there right now. His mantra is “Feel good, Look Good, Do Better.” He expects more from you, and from himself. Yet so much of what he talks about is NOT about the bike.
-
-
Great motivational book
- By Juan on 11-16-23
By: Alex Toussaint
-
Mind Shift
- It Doesn't Take a Genius to Think Like One
- By: Erwin Raphael McManus
- Narrated by: Erwin Raphael McManus
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Throughout his thirty years of work as a mindset expert and leadership coach, Erwin Raphael McManus has been obsessed with these questions: Why do some people succeed despite having all the odds stacked against them? How do others achieve the unthinkable, only to watch their lives slip away? Are there mental structures for failure and success?
-
-
Great book
- By Amber Bates on 12-04-23
-
Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice
- By: Dennis Kimbro, Napoleon Hill
- Narrated by: J.D. Jackson
- Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Author and entrepreneur Dennis Kimbro combines bestselling author Napoleon Hill's law of success with his own vast knowledge of business, contemporary affairs, and the vibrant culture of Black America to teach you the secrets to success used by scores of Black Americans, including: Spike Lee, Jesse Jackson, Dr. Selma Burke, Oprah Winfrey, and many others. The result is inspiring, practical, clearly written, and totally workable.
-
-
Not Feeling the Connection
- By ayeezan on 10-08-15
By: Dennis Kimbro, and others
-
You Owe You
- Ignite Your Power, Your Purpose, and Your Why
- By: Eric Thomas PhD, Chris Paul - foreword
- Narrated by: Eric Thomas PhD, Cary Hite
- Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you feel like success is for others, that only certain people get to have their dreams fulfilled, Eric Thomas’s You Owe You is your wake-up call. His urgent message to stop waiting for inspiration to strike and take control of your life is one he wishes someone had given him when he was a teenager—lost, homeless, failing in school, and dealing with the challenges of being a young Black man in America.
-
-
Not a motivational book
- By George on 09-26-22
By: Eric Thomas PhD, and others
-
The Warrior Poet Way
- A Guide to Living Free and Dying Well
- By: John Lovell
- Narrated by: John Lovell, Rebekah Lovell
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There is a war on masculinity, and everywhere we look—on every front we hold sacred—we can see the painful reminders of this collapsing order. The chaos and crisis we are experiencing today should be a signal for men everywhere to rise up; to fight to preserve our way of life by once again walking the ancient paths. But this isn’t a journey that need be taken alone.
-
-
It’s so good that I bought both Audible and ebook versions
- By NotACat on 07-17-23
By: John Lovell
-
Destiny
- Step into Your Purpose
- By: T. D. Jakes
- Narrated by: T. D. Jakes
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We each have a destiny. Finding the courage to drive past the challenges, the pains, and even the shortcuts of life to the deeper purpose of living is to thrive in one's divine destiny. Most people have sensed destiny pulling them to just the right place or person. Whether it is the spouse you meet, the children you bear, or the promotion you receive, everyone has a purpose to pursue. Sometimes it is understanding our destiny that helps us accept what on the surface appears to be failure.
-
-
This was like talking with The Lord!
- By Tammarra Kirkland on 08-06-15
By: T. D. Jakes
-
Activate Your Greatness
- By: Alex Toussaint
- Narrated by: Alex Toussaint
- Length: 6 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alex Toussaint is known for his grueling workouts where he promises “to kick your ass”–yet thousands keep coming back for more. Why? Because he might be the most motivational teacher out there right now. His mantra is “Feel good, Look Good, Do Better.” He expects more from you, and from himself. Yet so much of what he talks about is NOT about the bike.
-
-
Great motivational book
- By Juan on 11-16-23
By: Alex Toussaint
-
Disruptive Thinking
- A Daring Strategy to Change How We Live, Lead, and Love
- By: T. D. Jakes
- Narrated by: T. D. Jakes, Kyle Chapel, Inger Tudor
- Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this book for leaders, thinkers, doers, and creators, Bishop T.D. Jakes illuminates the pathway to encouraging and unleashing disruptive thinking and provides the wisdom and practical skills we need to evolve our most original and potentially transformational ideas from vision to reality. Through his insight into how our minds and emotions work and through his experiences as a pastor, entrepreneur, and creator, Bishop Jakes leads us into a new way of relating to and transforming the world around us for good.
-
-
What an inspiration!!!!
- By Dana F. on 05-14-23
By: T. D. Jakes
-
Prison of Your Own
- Break Free of Limitations and Unlock Your True Potential
- By: Sean Crane
- Narrated by: Sean Michael Crane
- Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At 23, Sean Crane was sentenced to seven years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. With nothing positive to show for his life up to that point and a massive challenge ahead, he had a decision to make. Would he give up and let the rest of his life pass him by like the first 23 did, or could he face his fears, fight through the pain, and pursue the life he always wanted? Sean Michael Crane is a life coach with an incredible story of perseverance and determination. He has used his hardships and life experience to reach others and inspire them to conquer their fears.
-
-
Inspiring Story
- By Anonymous User on 02-27-25
By: Sean Crane
-
Going Right: A Logical Justification for Pursuing Your Dreams
- By: Logan Gelbrich
- Narrated by: Logan Gelbrich
- Length: 5 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Going Right: A Logical Justification for Pursuing Your Dreams is a world-view shattering model of decision-making. In this audiobook, we are offered liberation from our socialized, detached, and unsustainable methods of making life’s most meaningful choices. This is a fresh invitation to integrate our emotional passions, using our rational brain, while remaining grounded in real-world experiences. Gelbrich builds on leading academic theories and exceptional practical illustrations to support his proposed decision-making model.
-
-
Game changer
- By Amazon Customer on 01-06-23
By: Logan Gelbrich
-
Book of Jewels: For Personal Development
- By: Craig Stewart
- Narrated by: Craig Stewart
- Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Book of Jewels: For Personal Development contains 11 of the biggest life lessons that I've learned, and those lessons are captured within each chapter. The chapters open with an original quote that frames it to help bring each life lesson into focus. I've shared my most important life lessons in this collection of personal stories and experiences with Envy, Love and Fear, Faith vs. Religion, Dating, Difficult Conversations, and more. This work is intended to help you grow exponentially.
-
-
The Voice
- By joyce brandon dugger on 09-17-24
By: Craig Stewart
-
Life Is What You Make It
- Find Your Own Path to Fulfillment
- By: Peter Buffett
- Narrated by: Peter Buffett
- Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Which will you choose: the path of least resistance or the path of potentially greatest satisfaction? You may think that with a last name like his, Buffett has enjoyed a life of endless privilege. But the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett says that the only real inheritance handed down from his parents was a philosophy: Forge your own path in life. It is a creed that has allowed him to follow his own passions, establish his own identity, and reap his own successes.
-
-
My new all-time favorite book
- By K.Indira nagaveni on 06-06-17
By: Peter Buffett
-
Be Where Your Feet Are
- Seven Principles to Keep You Present, Grounded, and Thriving
- By: Scott O'Neil
- Narrated by: Scott O'Neil
- Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When we’re moving at 115 MPH, we rarely see the wall coming. But it comes for all of us and when it does, we grasp for lessons, for meaning, for purpose. Each moment (good or bad) and each win or loss, provides us an opportunity to learn, and if we choose to take it, that opportunity can change our lives - and the world - for the better. The human spirit craves connection. Authenticity. Belonging. Touch. Gratitude. Purpose. We need to make our interactions count.
-
-
Full disclosure in PR blurb?
- By Deborah Laxague on 12-20-21
By: Scott O'Neil
-
Giving Up Giving Up
- By: Abigail Gazda
- Narrated by: Abigail Gazda
- Length: 3 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this audiobook, Gazda gives the listener an opportunity to "look in the mirror", evaluate who they are, what they are, and what they hope to accomplish in life. This gives listeners the awareness and guidance to break through personal barriers in order to achieve ultimate life goals.
-
-
A self help Book that can really help you.
- By cosmitron on 05-30-18
By: Abigail Gazda
-
Unbroken
- The Triumphant Story of a Woman's Journey
- By: Trisha Bailey, C. Mulfort
- Narrated by: Trisha Bailey
- Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the age of 13, Trisha Bailey migrated to the United States from Jamaica, leaving behind her family, who were filled with hope and prayers for her future success. While some may perceive her past as dark and traumatic, Trisha Bailey has transformed those experiences into stepping stones towards her own empowerment, fearlessly confronting the obstacles that came her way. In her book, Unbroken, she vividly depicts her life in a manner that deeply resonates with listeners, immersing them in her captivating story.
-
-
The vulnerable triumph of a woman who’s loves
- By Simona Prescott on 10-06-23
By: Trisha Bailey, and others
-
Black Magic
- What Black Leaders Learned from Trauma and Triumph
- By: Chad Sanders
- Narrated by: Chad Sanders, Janina Edwards, Sydney Morton, and others
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A “daring, urgent, and transformative” (Brené Brown, New York Times best-selling author of Dare to Lead) exploration of Black achievement in a white world based on honest, provocative, and moving interviews with Black leaders, scientists, artists, activists, and champions.
-
-
Moving!
- By Ben on 02-09-21
By: Chad Sanders
-
Success from the Inside Out
- Power to Rise from the Past to a Fulfilling Future
- By: Nona Jones, Christine Caine - foreword
- Narrated by: Nona Jones
- Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Success from the Inside Out, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and preacher Nona Jones takes us on a personal journey to discovering the difference between success and good success so that we can experience God's power to deliver us from even the deepest pain.
-
-
EXCELLENT!!
- By Anonymous User on 10-12-20
By: Nona Jones, and others
-
Uncommon
- Finding Your Path to Significance
- By: Tony Dungy, Nathan Whitaker
- Narrated by: Tony Dungy
- Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Super Bowl-winning coach and number-one New York Times best-selling author Tony Dungy has had an unusual opportunity to reflect on what it takes to achieve significance. He is looked to by many as the epitome of the success and significance that is highly valued in our culture. He also works every day with young men who are trying to achieve significance through football and all that goes with a professional athletic career, such as money, power, and celebrity.
-
-
Great Men's Bible study product
- By DG on 12-14-19
By: Tony Dungy, and others
-
Downeast
- Five Maine Girls and the Unseen Story of Rural America
- By: Gigi Georges
- Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan
- Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this captivating and empathetic book, Gigi Georges follows five girls as they come of age in one of the most challenging and geographically isolated regions on the Eastern seaboard. Their stories transform our understanding of life in small towns and offer hope for the future of rural America.
-
-
Well Written, Mispronunciations
- By K. McIntosh on 06-08-21
By: Gigi Georges