"Working with Ballast Books has been an exceptional experience from start to finish. As someone with a powerful but deeply personal story, I needed a publishing team that could handle both the technical demands of book production and the emotional weight of my journey. They are a publisher that doesn't shy away from controversial subjects but rather leans into them. Ballast delivered on all fronts.
Their team treated Phoenix Revival with the care, respect, and professionalism it deserved, guiding me through the editing process, helping refine my message, and creating a final product that I’m proud to share with the world. They understood my mission and worked alongside me to amplify it, not just publish it.
If you're an author with a meaningful story and a drive to make an impact, Ballast Books is the team you want behind you."
LT Kegan “SMURF” Gill, USN (Ret.), is a former US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet pilot, best known for enduring the fastest survived ejection in naval aviation history. In 2014, at a staggering 695 miles per hour, he ejected into the sound barrier, suffering devastating injuries. The violent forces left him with multiple traumas, leading to over a dozen surgeries and an extensive rehabilitation process.
Despite these extraordinary challenges, Kegan’s indomitable spirit brought him back to flying. But the road to recovery went far beyond the physical—he faced PTSD, cognitive impairments from a traumatic brain injury, and the frustrating complexities of navigating a broken healthcare system. It was through holistic therapies, including groundbreaking psychedelic-assisted treatments, that Kegan experienced profound healing and renewal.
Now, Kegan is dedicated to sharing his hard-earned lessons on resilience and transformation. As a motivational speaker, author, athlete, husband, and father, he draws on his journey to inspire others facing their own battles. His story serves as living proof that no matter how insurmountable the obstacle may seem, it is possible to rise, overcome, and thrive.
