In Episode 12 of the Owen Army Podcast, Ben Owen returns to the mic with a powerful solo episode detailing his personal journey from combat veteran to homeless addict—and now, to founder of one of the most disruptive recovery nonprofits in the U.S.
Titled "Army Vet Beats Addiction and Now Is Saving Memphis," this episode pulls no punches. Ben dives into the dark, gritty reality of his former life—one filled with crack houses, jail cells, and moments where death felt closer than redemption. But through recovery, faith, and raw persistence, he found purpose. And that purpose has now become a mission.
“I figured if I could run 70 safe houses in Afghanistan, I could run a few here in America too.”
Ben shares how his experience in the military gave him the skills to lead—but it was his fall from grace that gave him the heart to serve. After losing everything to addiction, he and his wife Jess began the hard work of rebuilding their lives—and their community.
Now, through their nonprofit We Fight Monsters, they’ve flipped former trap houses into what they call “Hope Houses”—safe, sober-living spaces for recovering addicts, trafficking survivors, veterans, and single mothers.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
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The moment Ben hit rock bottom
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Why recovery must be built around service, not just sobriety
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How Owen Army is partnering with law enforcement and former dealers to shut down dope houses
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The role faith plays in his leadership
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Why Memphis is the front line in a national battle against addiction and despair
“Memphis tried to kill me. Now I’m trying to save it.”
Ben also speaks directly to those still struggling in addiction and those who love them, offering insight into what works, what doesn’t, and why community-based recovery is the future.
The episode closes with a challenge: Get involved. Whether you’re in the trenches or watching from the sidelines, there’s room in the mission for everyone.
🎧 Listen to Episode 12:
Army Vet Beats Addiction and Now Is Saving Memphis
➡️ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube