Ep. 174 - Scott Martin: How a Coach Lost His Identity -- and Found His Mission

Guest: Scott Martin — Author, Coach, Advocate

Episode Description

In this deeply moving episode of Stories from Real Life, we sit down with Scott Martin — former elite soccer coach, author of Play From Your Heart, and living example of resilience in its rawest form.

Scott shares the moment his life changed forever after being diagnosed with Group A Strep and Necrotizing Fasciitis — an illness that left him without his hands and feet and forced him into the most difficult season of his life. He opens up about depression, identity loss, and what it meant to transition from the privilege of athletic achievement to life labeled as “disabled.”

But this story doesn’t end in tragedy.

From adopting five children from Romania and Ethiopia to returning to coach his beloved “Soccer Rats,” Scott reveals what rebuilding really looks like — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. He explains the meaning behind his life philosophy, the role of music in healing, and why the final chapter of his book remains intentionally redacted.

This conversation is raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful — a reminder that even when life strips everything away, the heart still knows how to lead.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

* Scott’s battle with Necrotizing Fasciitis and the trauma that followed

* The emotional impact of suddenly becoming “disabled”

* His journey through depression and back to purpose

* The story behind Play From Your Heart

* Why he chose adoption, coaching, and rebuilding over retreat

* What real resilience looks like when no one is watching

Connect with Scott Martin:

* Book: Play From Your Heart

* Scott Martin

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