Digest

This podcast features two compelling narratives of addiction, recovery, and the power of human connection. Ben Owen, a successful entrepreneur with a military background, shares his spiritual awakening, struggles with addiction and homelessness, and his subsequent work with We Fight Monsters, an organization dedicated to combating addiction and sex trafficking. His story includes details of his challenging childhood, experiences in rehab, and the impact of his marital breakdown. The podcast also features Eric, whose story details his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse from his teenage years through his time in the military and beyond. His journey includes periods of sobriety punctuated by relapses, legal troubles, and homelessness, ultimately culminating in sustained recovery. The podcast also includes the perspective of Jess, Ben's partner, who shares her experiences navigating a relationship with a recovering addict, including the challenges of trust and the impact of relapse. Their combined stories emphasize the importance of faith, family support, and community in overcoming addiction and building a fulfilling life. The podcast concludes with their work with Flanders Fields, a non-profit organization focused on helping others escape the cycle of addiction and violence, particularly in Memphis, Tennessee. Their work involves a unique approach that emphasizes human connection and collaboration with unexpected allies.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction: From Military Service to Addiction Recovery and Fighting Sex Trafficking

The podcast introduces Ben Owen and Eric, highlighting their military backgrounds, entrepreneurial successes, and struggles with addiction and homelessness. It sets the stage for their individual journeys toward recovery and their collaborative work combating addiction and sex trafficking.

00:02:07

Ben's Spiritual Awakening and the Significance of 444

Ben discusses his profound spiritual experiences in Sedona, the recurring number 444, and its connection to his newfound faith.

00:02:20

Ben and Eric's Early Life Struggles and Addiction

Ben and Eric recount their challenging childhoods and early descents into addiction, detailing their experiences with various substances and time spent in rehab facilities. Ben highlights his early academic success and research, while Eric details his difficult family relationships and academic struggles.

00:04:42

Turning Points and Early Recovery Attempts

Ben and Eric share harrowing details of their rehab experiences and the turning points that led them to commit to helping others. Eric discusses his difficult pregnancy and the decision for an abortion, his enlistment in the Army, and his post-discharge struggles.

01:31:54

Arrest, Homelessness, and the Road to Sobriety

Eric's alcohol abuse leads to arrest and charges, followed by further struggles with addiction, homelessness, and his eventual path to sobriety. He details his move to Charlotte, his relationship with Aaron, and his reconciliation with his parents.

01:44:52

Finding Purpose and Moving Forward: Eric's Recovery and New Beginnings

Eric discusses his new job, entrepreneurial endeavors, return to college, and reflection on his past struggles and the importance of finding purpose.

01:58:19

The Speaker's Early Life, Career, and Initial Drinking Problem

The speaker recounts their college years, career aspirations, and the beginning of their struggles with alcohol, triggered by the death of their grandfather.

01:59:57

Relapse, Family Discovery, and Health Complications

The speaker details their relapse, their parents' discovery, subsequent health complications (pancreatitis and gallbladder issues), and opioid addiction due to prescribed pain medication.

02:04:09

Career Challenges, Psychosis, and a Life-Altering Accident

The speaker's struggles with alcohol continue at Pfizer, leading to short-term disability, termination, alcoholic psychosis, a failed intervention, and a serious car accident that serves as a turning point.

02:09:36

Career Change, Entrepreneurial Ventures, and Further Relapse

The speaker describes their career change into medical device sales, subsequent entrepreneurial ventures, and relapses into alcohol and heroin addiction.

02:36:42

Heroin Addiction, Family Breakdown, and Legal Trouble

The speaker's heroin addiction intensifies, leading to legal trouble, family separation, and further health complications.

02:57:45

Recovery, Reconciliation, and the Importance of Support

The speaker's arrest and encounter with a supportive individual lead to sustained sobriety and attempts at reconciliation with their family.

03:07:53

Ben's Marital Breakdown and Subsequent Struggles

Ben discusses his separation from his wife, his struggles with sobriety amidst the turmoil of his divorce and business loss, and his manipulative behavior.

03:12:25

Rebuilding Bonds with Children and Meeting Jess

Ben focuses on rebuilding his relationship with his children and recounts meeting Jess in a recovery group.

03:23:20

Jess's Perspective and Navigating a Relationship with a Recovering Addict

Jess shares her perspective on her relationship with Ben, discussing the challenges of dating a recovering addict and the impact of Ben's infidelity.

03:45:04

Moving to Atlanta, Continued Struggles, and Crack Addiction

The couple discusses their move to Atlanta, continued challenges of addiction and relapse, including Ben's relapse to crack cocaine.

04:12:36

A Violent Past and Ben's Rock Bottom

The episode recounts a violent incident between Ben and Jessica, Ben's blackout drinking, and the events leading to his rock bottom.

04:21:52

Recovery, a New Purpose, and Flanders Fields

Ben details his journey back to sobriety, finding a sponsor, and establishing Flanders Fields, a non-profit organization.

04:34:30

Afghanistan Evacuations and the Power of Data Intelligence

Ben and Jessica unexpectedly become involved in evacuating families from Afghanistan, utilizing Ben's data analysis skills.

04:55:00

Grassroots Movements, Human Connection, and Unconventional Allies

The Owens discuss their unique approach to combating crime and addiction in Memphis, emphasizing human connection and collaboration with unexpected allies.

05:13:30

Memphis Mission, Future Plans, and the Owens' Vision

Ben and Jessica detail their work in Memphis, including operating safe houses, providing skills training, and collaborating with law enforcement. They discuss their plans to establish a large treatment center and replicate their model in other cities.

Keywords

Q&A

• What inspired you to start We Fight Monsters?

  The death of my best friend, coupled with my own recovery journey and a shared prayer with my wife to help others, led us to use our social media platform to raise funds for a funeral and then to establish sober living homes.

• Can you describe your most significant spiritual experience?

  My experiences in Sedona, involving psychedelics and encounters with individuals who seemed to know my thoughts, along with the recurring appearance of the number 444, solidified my belief in a higher power.

• What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction?

  Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are resources available, and recovery is possible. Lean into your gut instinct and find your purpose.

• What were the most significant turning points in Eric's journey towards recovery?

  The birth of his son, his relationship with Aaron, and the unwavering support of his parents.

• How did Eric's relationship with his father influence his decisions?

  Eric's desire to impress his father significantly shaped his choices, particularly his decision to enlist in the Army.

• What advice would Eric give to others struggling with addiction?

  Seek help, find purpose, and accept that recovery is a process. Shed the victim mentality and take responsibility.

• How did Eric's experiences with the military impact his life?

  His attempt to enlist, despite his health issues, ultimately led to his discharge, becoming a catalyst for self-reflection.

• What role did Eric's family play in his recovery?

  While initially strained, Eric's relationship with his parents eventually became a source of support.

• What were the major turning points in the speaker's journey with addiction?

  The death of his grandfather, a serious car accident, and an encounter with a supportive individual in court.

• How did the speaker's addiction affect their family relationships?

  It caused significant strain on their marriage, leading to separation and a restraining order. It also created challenges in their relationships with their children and parents.

• What ultimately led to the speaker's sustained sobriety?

  A combination of factors, including a serious car accident, a supportive individual's intervention, and a commitment to attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

• What were the biggest challenges Ben and Jess faced in their recovery journeys?

  Ben struggled with sobriety amidst divorce and business loss, while Jess grappled with trust issues and the fear of relapse.

• How did their shared experiences with addiction impact their relationship?

  Their shared history fostered a deep understanding and empathy, but also presented challenges, including navigating relapse and trust issues.

• How did Ben and Jess manage to overcome their challenges and build a successful relationship?

  Open communication, mutual support, and a commitment to their individual and shared recovery were crucial.

• What advice would Ben and Jess give to others struggling with addiction or relationship issues?

  Seek professional help and support groups. Be honest with yourself and your partner. Forgiveness is essential.

• How did Ben and Jessica's past experiences shape their current work?

  Their shared trauma and recovery journey fueled their empathy and determination to help others.

• What is the unique approach Ben and Jessica use to combat crime and addiction in Memphis?

  They employ a multi-pronged strategy involving direct engagement with addicts and dealers, building trust through community outreach, and collaborating with law enforcement and unexpected allies.

• What are the long-term goals of Flanders Fields and the Owens' work in Memphis?

  They aim to establish a large treatment center, replicate their successful model in other cities, and ultimately reduce violent crime and addiction rates.

Show Notes