211: From Underground Hacker to Healing: The Remarkable Journey of Ryan Merket
Release Date: 12/16/2025
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212: Finding Freedom After Addiction — The Inspiring Journey of Mary Beth O’Connor
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211: From Underground Hacker to Healing: The Remarkable Journey of Ryan Merket
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In this powerful episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Ryan Merket, a former underground hacker turned Silicon Valley tech leader, author, angel investor, and man of deep faith. Ryan’s journey is one of addiction, depression, betrayal, healing, and a spiritual awakening that transformed his entire life. From early bullying and hiding behind a computer screen, to running international piracy groups, to spiraling into addiction, to being pushed out of his own startup, Ryan’s redemption story is raw, inspiring, and filled with hope. Today he works at Microsoft helping founders build...
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210: Unbroken: Adrienne Caldwell on Surviving Trauma, Finding Peace, and Rewriting Her Story
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209: Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Navy Seal David Brown
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207: Basking in Grace: Marcia Earhart's Journey Through Grief, Healing, and Divine Strength
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info_outlineIn this powerful episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Ryan Merket, a former underground hacker turned Silicon Valley tech leader, author, angel investor, and man of deep faith. Ryan’s journey is one of addiction, depression, betrayal, healing, and a spiritual awakening that transformed his entire life.
From early bullying and hiding behind a computer screen, to running international piracy groups, to spiraling into addiction, to being pushed out of his own startup, Ryan’s redemption story is raw, inspiring, and filled with hope. Today he works at Microsoft helping founders build world-changing companies while openly sharing how faith and mental health practices saved his life.
If you’re seeking a story of resilience, honesty, and the courage to rebuild, this episode will move you deeply.
Guest Bio
Ryan Merket is a two-time founder with successful exits and a veteran of Facebook, Reddit, and Amazon. But behind the resume is a raw and honest story of addiction, anxiety, depression, betrayal, and a health crisis that forced him to confront the real cost of ambition. His memoir, Hacker’s Edge, chronicles his journey from the digital underground to rebuilding his life through faith, healing, and resilience. Today, Ryan shares openly about what it truly means to be a warrior, not just in business, but in the fight for your own life.
You’ll hear About
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How childhood bullying pushed Ryan into the digital underground
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The addiction spiral that nearly took his life
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The betrayal of being forced out of his own startup
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The health crisis that became a turning point
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How faith, healing, and mental health practices rebuilt his life
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:10 Ryan’s Early Life and the Mask He Wore
02:14 Bullying, Isolation, and Turning to Computers
04:39 Building Underground Piracy Networks
07:01 Addiction, Rock Bottom, and a Life-Changing Intervention
09:23 Moving Home and Starting the Healing Process
11:51 Faith, Church, and Mentorship Redirect His Life
13:50 College Years, Reinvention, and New Identity
16:41 Mental Health, Family History, and Ongoing Struggles
18:49 The Health Crisis That Changed Everything
20:53 Supplements, Lifestyle Changes, and Overcoming AFib
23:36 Meditation, Prayer, and Spiritual Grounding
26:07 Startup Journey, Betrayal, and Walking Away on Faith
28:30 Life Today at Microsoft and Investing in Founders
30:53 Writing Hacker’s Edge and Helping the Next Generation
33:20 A Message of Hope for Anyone in Darkness
35:42 Chuck’s Closing Reflections
Chuck’s Challenge
This week, take one step toward the version of you that God is calling forward. Put something down that is hurting you. Pick something up that is healing you. Lean into faith, even for a moment, and trust that you are not walking this journey alone.
Connect with Ryan Merket
Websites:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanmerket
Facebook:https://facebook.com/merket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merket
Connect with Chuck
Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/
Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked
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