#21 Phoenix Revival

from Purpose Maker · host Dr. MJ Wegmann

In this powerful episode of the Purpose Maker Podcast, host Dr. Wegmann sits down with LT Kegan "Smurf" Gill, USN (Ret.) — a former F/A-18E Super Hornet pilot who survived the fastest ejection in Naval Aviation history at a blistering 695 mph, nearly breaking the sound barrier. What should have ended his life (and career) instead became the beginning of an extraordinary comeback. After catastrophic injuries, over a dozen surgeries, battles with prescription drug addiction, undiagnosed brain trauma, and the depths of physical and mental despair, Keegan clawed his way back — not just to walk again, but to return to the cockpit and fly Super Hornets once more. This isn't just a survival story — it's a raw, unfiltered masterclass in rediscovering purpose after everything is stripped away. Keegan opens up about: The terrifying moment of ejection and waking up shattered in a hospital bed. The grueling road of recovery, including groundbreaking alternative therapies like psychedelic-assisted treatment. Breaking free from pain meds and rebuilding his mind, body, and spirit How he now inspires others as a keynote speaker, performance coach, and author of Phoenix Revival. If you've ever felt stuck, broken, or wondered whether it's truly possible to rise from your own wreckage stronger than before — this conversation will light a fire in you. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and deeply inspired by one man's relentless proof that the impossible is just a starting point. Tune in now — because sometimes the greatest purpose emerges from the ashes. Find his book here: https://a.co/d/1t1QiAC Connect with Lt. Kegan "Smurf" Gill here: https://kegangill.com/ SUBSCRIBE on Youtube: @purposemaker Join the FREE newsletter: www.purposemaker.com/newsletter Join an online Mid-Life Wisdom class: https://www.purposemaker.com/wisdomhub Check out our Lifestyle and Wellness store here: https://www.purposemaker.store/ Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeMaker Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F0XqPt... Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr.wegmann Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/purposemaker #purposemaker #drwegmann #kegangill #phoenixrevival

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 17, 2026

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#21 Phoenix Revival

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This episode is 1 hour and 36 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 17, 2026.

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