At New Origins, stories are more than entertainment. They’re lifelines. They’re real, raw, and often mirror the struggles of the men sitting in the audience. That’s why New Origins regularly welcomes speakers who have faced trauma, addiction, incarceration, or personal darkness, and chosen to fight their way forward.
At a recent event, three powerful voices stepped forward: actor and comedian Jay Mohr, former skateboarder and author Josh Swindell, and returning guest Andy Roy. Each came with a different background, but all shared something in common: a hard-earned message of resilience and redemption.
Jay Mohr’s Story: Honesty, Humor, and Hard Truths
Jay Mohr is a name many recognize from television, film, and stand-up. From Saturday Night Live to Jerry Maguire to Air, his career has spanned decades. But behind the scenes, Jay was battling something far more personal. Years of pressure and internal struggle eventually led to addiction, fueled by alcohol and Adderall.
In 2021, Jay entered treatment for his amphetamine addiction. He has since been candid about his experience, speaking honestly about addiction, anxiety, and panic. At New Origins, he spoke with openness. He didn’t glamorize recovery or make it sound easy. He talked about failure, relapse, and courage.
His story reminded the men at New Origins that no level of success can shield someone from pain, and no one is too far gone to ask for help. Whether it was the pressure onstage or silent battles offstage, Jay’s experience reflected struggles many men face.
Today, Jay is not only sober, but committed to helping others find their way. Through speaking, comedy, and mentorship, he shows that recovery isn’t about perfection but rather the willingness to change and try again.
Josh Swindell’s Experience: Life After Incarceration
Josh Swindell, a former skateboarder, spent 19 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder. His case drew attention over the years due to claims of mishandled evidence, questionable testimony, and a judge later convicted of corruption in another matter. Although he has shared feelings of betrayal on the situation, he doesn’t fixate on those who let him down. Instead, he speaks about how incarceration shaped his outlook, mental health, and reflection.
Josh talks openly about the toll incarceration takes on mental health, identity, and hope. He saw how the prison system traumatizes those inside, how racial disparities affect those around him, and how men of all backgrounds are left without the support they need.
Today, Josh is turning his reflections into something more. His memoir, featuring a foreword by Jay Mohr, is being adapted into a feature film by MindRiot Entertainment. At New Origins, he spoke not as someone asking for sympathy, but rather offering perspective. His message was clear: there’s always time to change and move forward.
Andy Roy: A Returning Voice with Unfiltered Truth
Andy Roy is no stranger to New Origins. The former professional skateboarder has been open for years about his history with heroin addiction and incarceration. His style is raw, his delivery intense, and his story familiar to many who have walked through the doors at New Origins.
This time, Andy focused on what it means to keep course. He reminded the men that recovery is about showing up and choosing the hard thing again and again. His continued involvement with New Origins speaks volumes about the power of community and the need for long-term support.
Why These Stories Matter
Each speaker brought a different energy to the room, but their stories all hit home in the same way. They were honest, didn’t hold back, and reminded the men in attendance that they were not alone.
At New Origins, men are given the tools to rebuild. The program combines evidence-based support with real-life preparation. Services include trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, psychiatry, and medication management, alongside case management, job readiness training, and legal advocacy. The men here aren’t just recovering. They’re preparing to live again.
Hearing from people who have lived through the chaos and come out the other side helps reinforce that recovery is real and possible.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, trauma, or mental health challenges, New Origins is ready to help. With outpatient and intensive outpatient programs tailored to real-world needs, we meet men where they are and help them move forward. You don’t have to do it alone. Real change starts with a real community. Reach out today.
