From Addiction and Armed Robbery to Faith and Leadership: Corey Warren’s Story of Transformation

What happens when addiction, armed robbery, and relapse meet faith, redemption, and a viral TikTok mission? In this powerful episode of The Recovery Vow Podcast, host Eric Kennedy — author of Marriage After Addiction — sits down with Corey Warren to unpack one of the most jaw-dropping sobriety journeys yet. Eric and Corey keep it real — from gut-wrenching lows to laugh-out-loud moments, offering raw insight and encouragement for anyone who’s ever felt lost.

Key Takeaways:

• Addiction often stems from seeking external validation and acceptance.

• The shocking story behind Corey’s armed robbery — and why the press called him the “Polite Bandit.”

• How relapse became the catalyst for Corey’s powerful spiritual awakening and renewed purpose.

• The founding of Rise Recovery Community, Michigan’s largest Medicaid-funded recovery housing program.

• Why alcohol and heroin were just different faces of the same battle — and why social acceptance can be dangerous.

• Corey's plan to transition his growing TikTok platform into a faith-based mission.

Timestamps:

• 02:00 – Addiction beginnings: chasing acceptance

• 07:00 – Armed robbery and the “Polite Bandit” headline

• 20:00 – Building Rise Recovery Community

• 28:00 – Relapse: losing it all, again

• 35:00 – A miraculous encounter with faith

• 45:00 – What’s next: social media and spiritual leadership

Guest Bio & Links: Corey Warren is the founder of Rise Recovery Community, Michigan’s largest Medicaid-funded recovery housing program, and a viral creator on TikTok where he inspires thousands with raw, relatable content on addiction recovery, family, and faith.

• Follow Corey on TikTok: @icoreywarren

• Learn more at: https://www.rrclansing.org/team-4

Resources:

• Marriage After Addiction by Eric Kennedy (Amazon)

• Rise Recovery Community: rclansing.org