Vertical Podcast

My Story Matters | Brad & Emily Grohovsky

Episode Summary

In this powerful story and interview, Brad and Emily share their journey through addiction, marriage struggles, and discovering God’s purpose for their lives. They open up about the challenges of early marriage, Brad’s battle with alcoholism, and the turning point that led to healing and recovery. Through faith, community, and an unexpected passion for gardening, they found renewal and launched a business that now serves as a ministry. Meghan Petyak and Daniel Hicks join the conversation to discuss communication, spiritual leadership, and the importance of accountability. Their story is a testament to God’s grace, the power of vulnerability, and how true transformation happens when we live as rivers, not reservoirs.

Episode Notes

Summary of Brad & Emily’s Story

Brad and Emily shared their journey of marriage, struggles, faith, and transformation. Brad grew up with a semi-Catholic background, while Emily was raised in a Baptist church. They met in Nashville, married within a year, and moved to Maryland, where they faced significant challenges.

Early in their marriage, Brad struggled with alcoholism, which caused tension. Emily began noticing patterns of unhealthy drinking, leading to conflict and eventual intervention. A turning point came when Brad’s parents became involved, and they sought counseling and community support. Brad entered recovery and has been sober for eight years. Emily also attended Al-Anon, which provided her with valuable coping tools.

As their family grew, they faced postpartum depression, job dissatisfaction, and uncertainty. Emily found healing and joy in gardening, which later became a business—Cedar Hill Gardens. Brad eventually left his physical therapy job to join full-time. The business became not just work but a ministry, employing men in recovery and blessing others. Their faith deepened, and they adopted the motto, “Rivers, not reservoirs,” symbolizing generosity and allowing God’s blessings to flow through them.

Conversation with Meghan and Daniel

Meghan and Daniel facilitated a discussion about communication, leadership, faith, and accountability.

• Communication in Marriage: Brad and Emily acknowledged that learning to communicate effectively is a continual process. They emphasized stepping outside of their own perspectives and seeking outside counsel when needed.
• Brad’s Spiritual Leadership: Brad reflected on how his faith and leadership evolved, especially through recognizing that his presence and spiritual state set the tone for their home. Emily affirmed seeing tangible changes in his responses and actions.
• Key Scriptures: Brad finds wisdom in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, especially loving one’s enemies. Emily related to parables about self-awareness and avoiding judgment.
• Accountability & Community: Brad spoke about the power of vulnerability and sharing struggles, emphasizing how community has been transformative in his recovery. Emily noted that true connection happens when people realize they’re not alone.
• Faith in Business & Ministry: Cedar Hill Gardens became a means to bless others, offering clients joy, healing, and even employment for men in recovery.
• Encouragement to Others: Brad urged those struggling to “find the helpers,” while Emily emphasized allowing people to face consequences while still offering love.

Meghan and Daniel concluded by highlighting church community groups, encouraging everyone to find connection, and reminding them that Jesus meets them where they are.