Episode 260: From the Inner City to Inner Peace | Josh Pepin

By Arizona Metabolic Health

At Arizona Metabolic Health, we believe transformation isn’t just about physical health. It’s about whole-person change—mind, body, and spirit. Few stories embody that better than Josh Pepin’s, featured in Episode 260 of the Life’s Best Medicine podcast with Dr. Brian Lenzkes.

Josh’s journey covers the full spectrum—from a youth spent navigating the dangers of gang-heavy East Los Angeles, to finding faith, building a solid family foundation, and becoming a business owner who uses his platform to inspire others.

Growing Up in the Crossfire

Josh spent his early years in Whittier, California, an area surrounded by the cultural pull—and real dangers—of gang activity. While not a gang member himself, he was immersed in that environment daily, learning to survive in a place where appearance, affiliations, and quick reflexes could be a matter of safety.

Without a daily father figure in the home, Josh leaned on his grandparents for support but also got caught up in risky behaviors—late nights, graffiti crews, fights, and marijuana use from a young age. “God’s hand was always on me,” Josh reflects, “even when I was close to going too far.”

Turning Points and Mentorship

The first real shift came during high school when a youth pastor and coach, Joey Mendez, intentionally invested in Josh’s life—teaching him about faith, responsibility, and leadership. Under Joey’s guidance, Josh discovered that his worth wasn’t tied to street respect, but to living with purpose.

Though he admits to years of “hot and cold” faith, these seeds were planted deep. Even after Joey’s passing, they would bear fruit later.

Love, Family, and Renewed Faith

Josh met his wife, Carrie, in his late twenties. Unlike past relationships, their connection was built on mutual respect, shared values, and genuine friendship. From their first real conversations, Josh knew she was different.

The two married, started a family, and eventually made the leap to Prescott, Arizona—a move Josh calls a decisive moment of following God’s lead. “God knew I needed to get away from all the distractions to become the man He created me to be,” Josh says.

Trials That Strengthened Trust

Life didn’t instantly get easier. Shortly after moving, Josh’s main work contract ended, and the couple faced uncertainty. Rather than panic, Josh leaned into his faith, declaring, “My life is Yours, God. Lead us.” That trust carried them through—even when their second son, Elijah, was born three months premature and spent 87 days in the NICU.

Today, Josh runs RBS Fabrication, a metal outfitting business that builds everything from gates to landscape features, while also building relationships. Many conversations with customers and employees turn naturally to faith and life purpose.

Key Lessons from Josh’s Story

1. Community Shapes You — Choose Wisely: The influence of gangs showed Josh the power of community—for good or bad. Now, he chooses to surround himself with people who build him up spiritually and personally.
2. Mentorship Saves Lives: Without mentors like Joey Mendez, Josh says his story could have ended very differently. Today, he pays that forward by mentoring younger men.
3. Faith Thrives in Surrender: Josh’s pivotal breakthroughs came when he stopped trying to control everything and let God guide his steps.
4. Your Story Can Be Someone Else’s Breakthrough: Even some old friends from his neighborhood have turned toward faith after seeing Josh’s example.

Watch, Listen, and Be Inspired

You can dive deeper into Josh’s incredible testimony on Life’s Best Medicine – Episode 260: From the Inner City to Inner Peace.