Recovery Vow

In this inspiring episode of The Recovery Vow, Eric Kennedy sits down with Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge, to explore how a six-month assignment turned into a 28-year mission of radical compassion.

What began as an accidental ministry in a struggling Atlanta neighborhood quickly transformed into one of the nation’s most impactful recovery communities. Bruce shares how he and his wife answered an unexpected call, welcoming in drug addicts, homeless families, sex workers, and returning citizens and how their faith led to the birth of a “city within a city,” offering housing, vocational training, trauma care, and long-term recovery for thousands.

With stories of restoration, like Rufus: a man once addicted, angry, and homeless who now serves others during the holidays—this episode reveals what’s possible when people are given safety, structure, and second chances.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or dreaming of starting your own mission, this conversation will leave you inspired to step into the mess and be the refuge.

Subscribe to The Recovery Vow for more real stories of transformation, faith, and the power of community.

Learn more about Bruce and City of Refuge: cityofrefugeatl.org

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In this unforgettable episode of The Recovery Vow, Eric Kennedy sits down with Andrew and Natasha to unpack a jaw-dropping story of addiction, infidelity, near-death illness, and relentless grace.

What started as a whirlwind romance soon unraveled into years of secrecy, stolen medications, and betrayal. As a nurse, Andrew found himself caught in a full-blown opioid addiction, one that cost him his job, nearly his license, and the trust of his wife. Just when Natasha thought they’d hit rock bottom, she uncovered an affair and knew this was the end.

But that wasn't the end. Years later, after healing, counseling, and sharing their story at XO Marriage, tragedy struck again. Andrew became critically ill, placed on a ventilator, and came within hours of death. Once again, Natasha stayed, this time living out her vow "in sickness and in health."

Through grief, trauma, recovery, and redemption, their story is a testimony to what God can do when you refuse to give up. If your marriage feels beyond repair, or your past feels too heavy to outrun, this episode will remind you: there is still hope.

Subscribe to The Recovery Vow for more real, redemptive stories of faith, marriage restoration, and the daily fight for healing.

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In this powerful episode of The Recovery Vow, Eric Kennedy sits down with David and Jahnna cravens of Relentless Hope to share their raw and redemptive story of addiction, trauma, and relentless restoration.

Their journey winds through jail time, relapse, blended family chaos, and years of dysfunction, but at the heart of it all is a marriage that refused to give up. From cocaine, custody battles, and closet relapses to counseling breakthroughs and radical faith, David and Joanna lay it all on the table.

They open up about sexual trauma, spiritual warfare, Teen Challenge, and the moment they finally said, “No more Plan B.”

Whether you’re married, divorced, or still fighting for freedom, this episode will hit home.

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In this raw and revealing episode of The Recovery Vow, host Eric Kennedy sits down with Zach and Troyer, two men navigating life, dating, and discipline on the other side of addiction.

Today's episode is unique in that neither of these guys are married, both are rebuilding and in a world where partying was once the norm, they open up about what it means to stay sober, stay focused. Maybe you are listening to this and you are getting back into the dating scene, or you have a child or friend who is walking through this season right now, share this episode with them!

Zach, just a few months into his sobriety, shares how a toxic relationship, a Cowboys game, and a gut decision changed his life. Troyer, nine years sober and once the star of an MTV reality show, reveals how fame, fighting, and fatherhood led him to the brink — and how divine appointments (and one very persistent gym bro) helped him build a new identity.

Together, they unpack what dating looks like in recovery, the lies of the party lifestyle, and how small wins at the gym can lead to big victories in life. If you’ve ever wondered how to build something real after everything’s fallen apart — this episode is for you.

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Subscribe to The Recovery Vow for more real stories of transformation, faith, and the daily work of becoming who you were meant to be.

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In this unique episode of The Recovery Vow, Eric Kennedy takes the conversation to the course teeing up an honest round of golf and life with three friends who aren’t in recovery, but deeply understand what it means to show up, lead well, and live intentionally.

Joining Eric on the course at The River Club are Zach from Augusta Golf, Scott Fitzgerald of Strategic Finance, and amateur golfer Sam Jackson. Together, they share stories about fatherhood, mentorship, business, pressure, and the deep community that forms over 18 holes.

The episode weaves through laughter, honest reflections about growing up around addiction, the mental game of golf, the struggle of missed dreams, and the surprising ways healing and connection show up when you're not even looking.

Whether you’re in recovery or just navigating the ups and downs of life, this episode reminds us that shared passions — like golf — can become sacred ground for brotherhood, support, and grace.

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Subscribe to Recovery Vow for more stories of grace, marriage restoration, and faith-based recovery.

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Let me know if you'd like a shorter version too (for YouTube or podcast platforms).

In this unforgettable episode of The Recovery Vow, Eric Kennedy sits down with Eric and Tamara Simms to unpack a raw and powerful story of addiction, redemption, and relentless love. From partying in Fort Worth to working with the cartel, Eric Simms’ journey spiraled into addiction, arrests, and the brink of prison. But a jail cell became holy ground — the place he finally surrendered to God.

Tamara shares how, after just one date, she picked Eric up from jail — and chose to stay through the chaos. Together, they reveal how faith, accountability, and restoration transformed their lives and marriage.

Also joining is country artist Cory Cross, who brings musical perspective and brotherhood to the conversation. Whether you’re in recovery, loving someone who is, or just need hope — this episode is for you.

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In this deeply moving episode of The Recovery Vow, Eric sits down with his close friend Kenneth, who opens up about his powerful first year of sobriety after a long battle with meth addiction. Kenneth shares the raw truth behind his addiction—how it started, what it cost him, and the life-altering moment that led him to choose recovery.

Now one year clean, Kenneth reflects on the highs and lows of the healing journey, from entering rehab and facing early triggers to rebuilding trust, especially in his role as a father. He credits faith, accountability, and his support network as key pillars in maintaining his sobriety—and opens up about how co-parenting and personal growth are still part of the daily work.

This is more than a story about addiction—it’s about hope, redemption, and becoming the parent, friend, and man he was always meant to be.

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In this powerful episode of the Recovery Vow podcast, host Eric Kennedy sits down with Mike Cinelli—a man whose journey through addiction began with heartbreak and ended in hope. After losing his mother and feeling abandoned by his father and stepmother, Mike spiraled into rebellion and rage, numbing the pain with everything from cocaine to heroin.

What follows is a raw and honest conversation about the grip of addiction, the many failed attempts at recovery, and the slow, grueling climb toward healing. Mike opens up about the darkness he lived in, the toll it took on his relationships, and the life-changing moment he surrendered to something greater than himself.

Subscribe to Recovery Vow for more stories of grace, marriage restoration, and faith-based recovery.

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In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The Recovery Vow podcast, host Eric Kennedy is joined by his wife, Kristen, and their son, Cameron, for a powerful family conversation that marks two major milestones—their 11th wedding anniversary and the one-year anniversary of Recovery Vow becoming a nonprofit.

Together, they open up about their journey through addiction, healing, and the redemption story that continues to unfold. With high school graduation on the horizon, Cameron shares what it’s been like growing up with a father in recovery and how it’s shaped his values and direction in life.

From raw reflections on parenting through hard seasons to honest talk about grace, communication, and breaking generational cycles, this episode is a moving tribute to what’s possible when a family chooses restoration over ruin.

Subscribe to Recovery Vow for more stories of grace, marriage restoration, and faith-based recovery.

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What do you do when the place meant to heal you ends up hurting you?

In this powerful episode of Recovery Vow, Eric Kennedy talks with Pastor Joe Dobbins about the often-unspoken pain of church hurt. From judgment and betrayal to spiritual disconnection, they explore what real healing looks like—and how God can redeem even the deepest wounds.

You’ll hear stories of walking away from church, finding faith again, and discovering that while people may fail you, God never will.

Subscribe to Recovery Vow for more stories of grace, marriage restoration, and faith-based recovery.

Follow us on IG: @recoveryvow