Brad Vega once thought faith was just a comforting story—something like Santa Claus, nice to believe in, but not real. Years later, after addiction, dozens of arrests, two prison sentences, and the collapse of his marriage, he found himself facing a choice: keep going down the road that was destroying his life, or reach for the faith his parents had taught him.
In this candid conversation on the Living Louder Podcast, host Portia Louder talks with Brad about growing up in a Latter-day Saint family, drifting away from the Church, and struggling for years with drugs and alcohol. Brad describes the power addiction had over his choices, the pain his actions caused his family, and the terrifying realities of incarceration in Florida. He also reflects on the support and prayers his parents never gave up offering—even when he couldn’t yet see their impact.
Brad shares two pivotal moments in his story: a frightening encounter in prison that unfolded while he was reading the Book of Mormon, and the devastating aftermath of a near-fatal accident that left him seriously injured and alone. In the middle of that brokenness, he says, he remembered what he had been taught about Jesus Christ and chose a different path.
This is a conversation about more than a dramatic turnaround. It’s about the difficult reality of addiction, the cost of denial, the people who keep loving us through our darkest seasons, and the possibility of change when hope feels out of reach. Brad speaks openly about recovery, repentance, scripture, and the role his faith in Jesus Christ now plays in his life.
Whether you’re personally navigating addiction, supporting someone who is, or simply wondering if people can truly change, Brad’s story offers a message of hope: you don’t have to hit rock bottom to seek help, and you don’t have to face the road ahead alone.
Content note: This episode includes discussion of substance use, incarceration, suicidal thoughts, and a serious accident.
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