Addicted, Homeless, Arrested… Redeemed

What does it look like to fall all the way down—and come all the way back?

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot sits down with Ken Miller, author of Becoming Ken, to explore a 21-year journey through addiction, incarceration, homelessness, violence, and despair—and the radical grace of God that changed everything.

Ken doesn’t hold back. From sleeping in broom closets and surviving street-level addiction, to finding faith in a jail cell and rebuilding his life into one of purpose, generosity, and impact—this is a story of transformation that will stay with you.

We talk about:

• Addiction and the “death of a thousand cuts”
• The pivotal jail-cell moment that changed Ken’s life
• The power of humility and surrender
• A mother’s unconditional love
• What it means to be truly “well”
• Living in gratitude in spite of

Ken is now a successful entrepreneur, mentor, and speaker who helps others find freedom and purpose beyond their past. His life is proof that no story is too broken for redemption.

Ken Miller is the author of Becoming Ken and a speaker, mentor, and entrepreneur based in Washington State. Born to a teenage runaway mother and adopted at age six, Ken’s early life was marked by instability, violence, and fear. Though accepted to an Ivy League university, addiction overtook his life, leading to 21 years of homelessness, incarceration, and repeated treatment attempts. In 2004, after a final arrest and what he describes as a life-altering encounter with God in jail, Ken began the journey that would transform his life. Today, he has over two decades of sobriety and leads multiple successful businesses. He mentors men in recovery across the country and speaks openly about humility, faith, and resilience.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.