At New Origins in Redlands, a packed house of men in addiction recovery gathered for an evening built on connection, honesty, and inspiration. The latest guest speaker event featured Sonny Sandoval of the rock band P.O.D., who opened up about his journey through grief, growth, and purpose.
He was joined by guest speaker Pastor Doug Bennett and returning voices Andy Roy and Russ on Wheelz. Each brought their own story and presence, creating an atmosphere that encouraged real talk and reflection. These were not polished speeches. They were lived experiences offered to a room full of men doing the hard work of change.
Sonny Sandoval on Staying Grounded Through Fame, Faith, and Struggle
Sonny Sandoval has spent decades in the public eye. As the lead vocalist of P.O.D., he helped define a generation of rock music with songs like “Alive” and “Youth of the Nation.” But what Sonny shared at New Origins wasn’t about celebrity. It was about how pain, faith, and music have shaped who he is today.
When he was 18, Sonny lost his mother to leukemia. That loss set him on a path of introspection and searching. Music became an outlet for grief, anger, and hope and ultimately a platform to reach others. As the band’s popularity exploded, Sonny found clarity not in the spotlight but in his faith.
He spoke about what it means to live with purpose and how his spiritual foundation has kept him grounded through every stage of life. His message was personal. Through vulnerability and conviction, Sonny showed that strength comes from facing pain honestly.
After sharing, he stayed to sign copies of his new book, Son of Southtown, which tells the story of his upbringing in San Diego, his journey through music, and the values that continue to guide him. He also talked about The Whosoevers, the nonprofit he cofounded to support young people dealing with addiction, depression, and identity struggles. For the men in the audience, Sonny’s story resonated deeply, even if the paths were different.
Pastor Doug Bennett Speaks on Service and Redemption
Pastor Doug Bennett brought a message rooted in transformation and service. Years ago, Doug’s life was marked by pain, addiction, and incarceration. But through faith and recovery, he found a calling that reached far beyond his own healing.
He is now the founder of Magdalene Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides outreach, resources, and safe housing for survivors of sex trafficking. Doug shared what it means to dedicate your life to serving others and how the darkest chapters in your life don’t have to define you.
His talk reminded the men at New Origins that redemption is real, and that turning outward to help others can be a powerful part of lasting recovery.
Andy Roy and Russ on Wheelz Inspire with Unfiltered Honesty
Andy and Russ are well-known to the New Origins community. Every time they return, they bring intensity, humor, and truth that cuts through distractions.
Andy Roy, a former pro skater, talked about his heroin addiction and how it nearly cost him everything. His delivery was raw, focusing on the reality of self-destruction and the daily work required to turn life around. He speaks without filters or facades, and that honesty reaches the men in the room.
Russ on Wheelz, who became paralyzed after a diving accident, spoke about mindset, discipline, and showing up for yourself. His presence challenges men to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start taking responsibility for their future.
Together, they reminded everyone that transformation doesn’t come from wishing. It comes from choosing to do the work, again and again.
Brotherhood and Real Talk at the Core of Recovery
Events like this offer more than inspiration. They create connection. The room wasn’t just filled with stories. It was filled with nods of understanding, quiet reflection, and conversations that continued after the talks ended.
When men hear from others who have walked hard roads and found meaning on the other side, it reminds them they aren’t alone. That kind of honesty builds trust and reinforces the culture of brotherhood at New Origins. Whether through peer connection, 12-step support, or building community, men here are encouraged to build lasting bonds rooted in accountability and growth.
A Place for Men Ready to Rebuild
New Origins is not just a treatment center. It is a place where men come to rebuild with support that reaches every part of life. The program offers outpatient and intensive outpatient, along with treatment for alcoholism and addictions to opioids, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and more.
With dual diagnosis, trauma therapy, legal advocacy, and job readiness services, men receive the tools they need to move forward with structure and purpose. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, New Origins offers a path forward with real-world support.Looking for real change? Reach out to New Origins today and find a brotherhood that walks beside you every step of the way.
