It was an evening built on authenticity, connection, and powerful testimony. At New Origins, men gathered for a night of stories that spoke directly to the heart of addiction recovery. The focus was clear from the start: a screening of Loud Krazy Love, followed by talks from two men who know what it means to lose everything and fight to get it back, Brian “Head” Welch and Pastor Doug Bennet.
The event also welcomed familiar faces from the broader recovery community, whose presence added depth and encouragement to a night defined by honesty and hope.
Brian “Head” Welch Opens Up About Addiction, Faith, and Fatherhood
Known for his iconic role as the guitarist for Korn, Brian Welch‘s life was once driven by chaos. Addiction, fame, and personal emptiness pushed him to the edge. But what brought him back was something deeper: a spiritual awakening that transformed his priorities.
The documentary Loud Krazy Love traces that path from addiction to faith and ultimately to repairing the broken relationship with his daughter. Through raw footage and intimate interviews, the film explores Welch’s decision to leave the band at the height of its fame and commit to a new life rooted in fatherhood and faith. It highlights the emotional cost of addiction and the difficult road to rebuilding trust by healing trauma with loved ones.
After the screening, Welch spoke to the audience about what it meant to walk away from everything to pursue a better life, not just for himself, but for his daughter. He reflected on the cost of chasing success at the expense of his soul and how it took hitting rock bottom to understand what really mattered. His words were a reminder that healing often begins with humility, and that faith, connection, and forgiveness can rebuild what addiction tried to destroy.
He stayed afterward to connect with attendees on a personal level, taking time to speak one-on-one with those moved by his story.
Pastor Doug Bennet’s Mission to Rescue and Restore
Pastor Doug Bennet is the founder of Magdalene Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women escape the horrors of human trafficking. But long before he was a pastor or advocate, Doug battled addiction himself. His journey from darkness to a life of service and leadership gave his presence at New Origins extra weight.
Doug spoke candidly about the depths of his addiction. As he described the mission of Magdalene Hope, he also touched on the painful reality that many women caught in trafficking are battling their own substance use, including methamphetamine addiction, and how recovery must often address both. It nearly took his life. Only by surrendering to faith and committing to recovery was he able to rebuild. That commitment didn’t just save him. Rather, it shaped his purpose, too.
The story of Magdalene Hope began when Doug started reaching out to women being exploited on the streets of Bakersfield, offering prayer, support, and a pathway out. What started as street ministry has grown into a full-fledged organization providing shelter, case management, and a future for those often overlooked and forgotten. Doug’s message wasn’t just about personal transformation but about using your own recovery as a foundation for helping others.
After speaking, he stayed and engaged with the men in attendance throughout the night, exchanging encouragement and sharing stories well after his talk ended.
Russ on Wheelz and Pastor Anthony Torres on Resilience and Faith
Two other voices contributed to the evening’s depth: Russ on Wheelz and Pastor Anthony Torres.
Russ, a returning guest at New Origins, is a symbol of unshakable perseverance. After a diving accident left him paralyzed, he faced a life-altering challenge that could have broken his spirit. Instead, Russ chose to rise. His presence is powerful not because of what he cannot do, but because of how much strength and light he brings to the room. By showing up, sharing time, and connecting with others, Russ reminds everyone that setbacks don’t define worth. How we respond does.
Pastor Anthony Torres shared a powerful testimony rooted in his past struggles with cocaine addiction and his transformation through faith. Now a pastor, author, and speaker, he uses his platform to help others find their way out of despair. Torres is living proof that a life once consumed by pain can become a source of hope for others.
Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, Andy Roy, and Colin “Scummy” Morrison on Redemption After Chaos
Public figures with raw personal histories, Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, Andy Roy, and Colin “Scummy” Morrison added another layer of honesty to the night.
Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, known for his role in Jackass, brought a strong presence of solidarity and encouragement. By showing up to support his friends and the recovery community, he added to the night’s sense of connection and care.
Andy Roy, a former pro skateboarder and returning guest at New Origins, spoke openly about his battles with addiction and incarceration. Today, he uses his story to encourage others to make different choices. His journey also reflects the importance of continued support for addiction for those staying the course and continuing to better themselves.
Colin ‘Scummy’ Morrison, a professional FMX rider, has long been open about his journey in recovery. He’s collaborated with New Origins in the past, including featuring our Program Administrator, Ron Honn, on his Talking Sobriety podcast to connect with men who feel like they’ve hit rock bottom.
Together, these three brought energy, honesty, and a clear message: no matter how far you’ve fallen, it’s never too late to stand for something better.
The Power of Brotherhood and Real Conversations
The event reflected what makes New Origins different. It wasn’t about performances or perfectly rehearsed speeches. It was about real men showing up with real stories. The kind of honesty that breaks down walls and builds up connection. The kind of brotherhood that holds space for both pain and healing.
Throughout the night, there were powerful moments of open communication, shared vulnerability, and spontaneous connection. Men swapped stories about fatherhood, faith, relapse, and rebuilding. These conversations didn’t stop at the stage. They happened in the hallways, over cups of coffee, and during quiet moments outside.
Guests and speakers moved through the space not as performers but as brothers in recovery. Brian Welch, Pastor Doug Bennet, Russ on Wheelz, and others spent time listening, laughing, and encouraging those on similar paths. Attendees were not just witnessing recovery. They were participating in it.
This wasn’t just an event. It was a gathering of men willing to listen, support, and walk the path together. The strength of the evening came not only from the stories told but from the moments shared afterward: handshakes, prayers, heartfelt words, and new connections formed.
These are the values that guide New Origins every day. And they were on full display that night.
Whether you’re looking for structure through an Intensive Outpatient Program or the flexibility of standard outpatient care, New Origins offers real support with real results.
If you found a deep connection with these speakers’ stories, reach out to New Origins to get started today.
