Kyle Overmyer’s story is equal parts power, downfall, and rebirth — the kind of journey that proves rock bottom can be a launching pad. At just 34 years old, he became the youngest elected sheriff in Ohio, leading Sandusky County Sheriff's Office at the peak of his career.
But behind the badge, pain from old injuries led to a prescription for Vicodin — and eventually a secret addiction. When the strain of the job, the silence, and the denial caught up with him, it all unraveled. What followed was a dramatic fall: a 43-count felony indictment (later pled down), prison time — and the shattering of public trust.
Yet it was inside prison that Kyle confronted the full weight of his shame, addiction, and failures — and began the hardest work of all: reclaiming himself.
Today he’s sober, he’s working as a recovery advocate and counselor, and he uses his story — from sheriff to inmate to redemption — to try to save others from the darkness he lived through.
He’s not just a cautionary tale. He’s living proof that you can lose everything and still come back stronger.
Ladies and gentlemen — brace yourselves: welcome to Ferocious Ambition, with Kyle Overmyer.
📝 “Ferocious Five” — Kyle Overmyer’s Answers
1) The “Ryan Leaf” story (big name-to-almost-nothing arc)He likened his fall from being the youngest sheriff — a position of power, trust, and respect — to the rise-and-fall of a high-profile athlete (Ryan Leaf). The abrupt shift from authority to shame was dramatic and humbling, and taught him how fragile success really is.
2) Podcasts that shaped him: “Ian Bick / Locked In” & “Matt Cox / Inside True Crime”: He said these podcasts — especially Locked In with Ian Bick and Inside True Crime with Matt Cox — helped him see stories of failure, pain, and redemption outside his own. Listening reminded him he wasn’t alone, and inspired him to start sharing his own story publicly to help others.
3) When self-doubt or uncertainty hits — how does he regain motivation & focus? He said he simply looks back — remembers where he was at rock bottom, and measures it against where he is now. That contrast fuels him, grounds him, and jolts him back into focus.
4) What does he want to be remembered for? “A legacy, not a liability.” (direct quote)
5) What does retirement look like to him? He challenged the very notion of “retirement.” As he put it: “What is retirement? What does that even mean? Can’t stop, won’t stop. If I’m retiring, you better get me a headstone.”
🔗 Public Links & Contact Info (as provided)