RRP Episode 84 – A Legacy of Hope: Pete Kerns and Serenity Lane

RRP Episode 84 – A Legacy of Hope: Pete Kerns and Serenity Lane

Presenters: Julie and PeterGuest: Pete Kerns, President & CEO of Serenity LaneLength: 1 hour 25 minutesRelease Date: October 17, 2025

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Summary:

In this heartfelt conversation, Julie and Peter welcome Pete Kerns, President and CEO of Serenity Lane — Oregon’s long-standing nonprofit treatment center founded by his father, Dr. Tom Kerns, in 1973.

After more than 30 years in law enforcement, including nine as Eugene’s Police Chief, Pete shares how his father’s legacy and his own public-service background guide his mission to bring hope and healing through recovery. Together, they discuss Serenity Lane’s integrated, science-based, and compassionate approach to treatment — weaving mental-health support, meditation, trauma-informed yoga, and spirituality into care.

Julie and Peter reflect on their own journeys, connecting deeply with Pete’s vision that recovery is a lifelong practice rooted in service, honesty, and community.

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Key Points (with Time Codes):

• [00:01:26] Julie and Peter introduce guest Pete Kerns, President and CEO of Serenity Lane, and reflect on their shared mission of hope and healing.
• [00:11:20] Pete shares his father Dr. Tom Kerns’s story — how the loss of his own father to alcoholism led to founding Serenity Lane in 1973 with counselor Sam Graves.
• [00:17:30] Discussion of Serenity Lane’s growth from a small fraternity house to a 15-acre campus in Coburg, Oregon, treating over 70,000 people since its start.
• [00:17:54] Pete explains the link between addiction and mental health and how Serenity Lane is integrating mental-health services across its clinics.
• [00:22:12] Pete discusses the science of how addiction rewires the brain and how spiritual practice and meditation help repair and strengthen the prefrontal cortex.
• [00:25:52] Conversation on why those in recovery often develop stronger character and integrity through daily practice and self-reflection.
• [00:33:32] Pete reflects on his law-enforcement career and how those experiences inform his empathy for those struggling with addiction.
• [00:48:13] Detailed look at Serenity Lane’s treatment path — from screening and detox to inpatient care with board-certified addiction specialists.
• [00:54:01] Explanation of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and how it supports healing while the brain recovers from addiction.
• [00:56:03] Overview of group therapy, trauma-informed yoga, fitness, and spiritual services available to clients.
• [01:04:34] Pete addresses relapse statistics — noting that 85% of relapses occur within the first year — and how structure and community help prevent it.
• [01:09:56] Discussion of sober living partnerships and why safe, supportive housing is key to maintaining sobriety.
• [01:12:01] Pete shares the importance of family education and healing as part of successful long-term recovery.
• [01:16:24] Closing thoughts — Pete encourages anyone struggling to reach out, emphasizing that “recovery is absolutely possible, and there is hope.”

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Quote:

“Recovery is absolutely possible. There is hope—and from the moment you walk through our doors, you’re met with compassion, not judgment.” – Pete Kerns

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Links:

• Listen: https://mdcr1.com/84
• Blog: https://mdcr1.com/84b
• Serenity Lane: https://serenitylane.org/
• Phone: [phone]
• Real Recovery Podcast: https://www.realrecoverypodcast.com/

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Hashtags & Mentions:

#RealRecoveryPodcast #RecoveryJourney #SerenityLane #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #HopeAndHealing #CommunitySupport #RecoveryIsPossible @SerenityLaneOR