In this gripping, raw, and unexpectedly uplifting episode, we’re joined by David and Annie Roush, a powerhouse couple who’ve lived many lives—Marine, creative, illusionist, strategist, business builder, and survivor.
Together, they open up about their lowest lows and the unconventional love story and career path that followed. From juvenile detention and homelessness to magic and UAV mastery, this episode is a ride.
👉 Subscribe on YouTube for more inspiring stories
⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Spotify
📝 Rate + review on Apple Podcasts
📲 Share this episode with someone who needs a dose of truth + hope
🎙 What You’ll Hear:
(0:00) – Why you should stick around: a powerful opening + how juvenile detention changed David’s life and led him to the Marines
(29:30) – The David who entered the Marines vs. the David who came out: real estate, reinvention, and discipline
(42:00) – David’s critique of American Christianity and how he explained Jesus to someone who’d never heard of the Bible
(54:00) – Annie’s story begins: the moment that shaped her, fighting recurring demons, and redefining identity
(1:12:00) – Red flags in hindsight: Annie’s reflections on her first marriage, music, intuition, and accountability
(1:43:00) – Annie shares how she met David, their early days of love and functional homelessness, and the world’s most dangerous first date
(1:57:00) – David’s side of the love story: working on the road, living in vehicles, and battling suicidal anxiety
(2:30:00) – Their business partnership is born—plus, the wild story of almost blowing up a city (yep, seriously)
(2:43:00) – When magic and illusion became part of David’s personal and professional story
(2:57:00) – Live magic tricks on air! 🎩✨
🎤 About the Guests
David Roush is an illusionist, keynote speaker, author, and former U.S. Marine turned UAV tech strategist. He’s helped shape the drone industry and regularly speaks on topics like deal-closing psychology, dream-life design, and ethical business-building.
🔗 Instagram: @thedavidroush
Annie Roush is a multidisciplinary creative director and strategist who blends storytelling, operations, and art. With 200+ drone flight hours, a Holocaust memoir-in-progress, and an eye for systems thinking, she’s the structure behind David’s magic.
🔗 Instagram: @theannieroush
🔑
David Roush illusionist
Entrepreneur podcast 2025
Drone industry stories
Mental health survival story
Marine to motivational speaker
Annie Roush creative strategist
Inspirational podcast for young adults
📌
#VeteranEntrepreneur
#MentalHealthJourney
#StartupStory
#MagicAndMindset
#PodcastForCreators
#ResilienceAndRedemption
#HomelessToHero
#CreativeDirectorLife
#DroneBusiness
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!