This feature proudly spotlights Marci Hopkins — an award-winning television host, media entrepreneur, and author who has transformed personal pain into a platform of healing and hope. From the challenges of her Texas childhood to the bright lights of national television, Marci’s story is a masterclass in authenticity and reinvention.
Hi, I’m Marci Hopkins. TV and podcast host, author, motivational speaker and someone who is proud to say I’ve been in recovery for nearly 10 years. On October 4, 2024, I’ll celebrate a decade of sobriety.
But getting here wasn’t easy.
For years, I lived in silence and shame, struggling with alcohol while trying to be everything to everyone. On the outside, my life looked polished. But inside, I was lost, overwhelmed by guilt, fear, and the feeling that I was failing at something I didn’t know how to fix.
https://fundraise.shatterproof.org/participants/Marci-Hopkins
Whether you’re working with me for your podcast goals, have pitched yourself, or are working through another podcast booking service, you want to prepare as much as possible for your upcoming episode.
When you think of sobriety, you probably picture someone who no longer abuses alcohol or other substances. But sobriety is actually much more than that. According to Bill Wilson, one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), recovery is also about becoming more emotionally resilient. That’s where emotional sobriety comes in.
https://www.oarhealth.com/alcohol-use-disorder/treatment/what-is-emotional-sobriety-in-aa
On behalf of the Ebobea Book Awards Committee, we are pleased to announce that your book Chaos to Clarity has been nominated for the 15th Edition of the Ebobea Book Awards! This prestigious international event honors outstanding authors worldwide, and your nomination reflects the exceptional quality and impact of your work.
The awards celebrate literary excellence and amplify diverse voices, placing you among 30 elite authors whose inspiring contributions resonate globally. Winners are determined through a combination of public voting and evaluations by an international panel of expert judges, ensuring a fair and distinguished selection process.
We invite you to share this exciting news with your readers and community to rally support. Public voting is now open — fans can vote for Chaos to Clarity at www.ebobea.com.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to celebrating your success in this year’s awards!
Warm regards,
Ebobea Book Awards Committee
Marci was just six years old when she had to choose between safety and her own mother. Raised in a home filled with alcoholism, abuse, and betrayal, her childhood was a nightmare. She was groomed, sexually abused, abandoned emotionally by both parents — and began drinking at age 12. By her 20s, she was spiraling through toxic relationships, addiction, and the pain of unhealed trauma.
Marci Hopkins inspires and educates through her 3x Telly Award-Winning weekly talk show, “Wake Up With Marci.” Her show reaches over 2.8 million viewers monthly on CBS-owned WLNY-TV New York. It focuses on helping viewers discover their happiest lives through meaningful and engaging conversations. Recently, Hopkins transitioned her show into the Wake Up With Marci podcast.
Marci Hopkins: Amplifying Inspiration Through Her Talk Show “Wake Up With Marci”
In this conversation, Hilary Phelps sits down with Marci Hopkins, who shares her journey of recovery from addiction, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. She discusses her personal experiences, the role of spirituality, and the impact of trauma on mental health. Marci encourages listeners to find purpose through pain, practice gratitude and forgiveness, and navigate life transitions with authenticity.
TV host and author Marci Hopkins joins Ashley to share her deeply personal journey from childhood trauma and decades of functional drinking to hitting rock bottom—and rising again. In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Marci reveals how perimenopause played a critical but overlooked role in her escalating alcohol use, the hidden struggles behind her success in television, and how she finally found peace through sobriety, healing, and spiritual connection.
In this engaging episode, Julie chats with Marci, an award-winning author and host of “Wake Up with Marci.” Marci opens up about her transformative journey through personal struggles, including childhood abuse and addiction, and her career in broadcasting. She emphasizes the power of gratitude, resilience, and self-discovery, sharing how these elements have shaped her life and career.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marci Hopkins, the host of the Telly Award-winning talk show Wake Up With Marci. In this heartfelt interview, Marci shares her journey of finding purpose and fulfillment through sobriety and the vital role family plays in the recovery process.
Women’s History Month continues on, and we’ve got an absolute powerhouse joining us—Marci Hopkins!
Marci is a TV Personality; and host of Wake Up with Marci, A Talk Show with A Heart. Marci courageously opens up about her battle with alcoholism, the childhood traumas that once held her down, and the moment she hit rock bottom—before deciding to rewrite her story.
In this episode of Seek Your Summit, Jenn Drummond chats with Marci Hopkins, a mother, advocate, and show host, about her incredible journey of transformation. Marci opens up about her battles with trauma and alcohol use disorder, detailing the pivotal moment that led to seeking help, embracing change, and the profound process of healing. She shares the invaluable lessons she learned from the 12-step program, highlighting the importance of self-love, spirituality, and the daily practice of gratitude.
Join me for an inspiring episode with Marci Hopkins, that reveals the transformative journeys of women in recovery, showcasing their battles with addiction and the strength they’ve found to reclaim their lives. We dive deep into the fascinating realm of neurofeedback therapy—a cutting-edge tool that allows individuals to train their brains from the comfort of their homes.
In this episode, Marci Hopkins shares her transformative journey from a life of addiction and victimhood to empowerment and self-discovery. She discusses her pivotal moment of awakening, the tools she used to change her mindset, and the importance of gratitude and acceptance. Marci also reflects on her experiences in television and the creation of her platform, ‘Wake Up with Marci,’ aimed at inspiring others through stories of triumph.
https://youtu.be/4c5q3m_vAqM?si=GhIywqvXf816XRTZ
Ever wondered how some people transform their lives from chaos to clarity? In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Emmy award-winning host Marci Hopkins, who shares her powerful story of overcoming addiction and trauma to find clarity and fulfilment. Through candid insights and reflections, Marci reveals the transformative steps she’s taken to reclaim her life and thrive.
Every woman knows that mirror moment—the one where her reflection is a stranger, and the weight of her wounds steals her breath.
Marci Hopkins knows that moment all too well.
Marci Hopkins never set out to be a leader. She didn’t climb her way up through titles, power, or prestige. Instead, she rose—from the ashes of addiction, trauma, and the fight of her life to reclaim her worth. She rose through the heartbreak, the falls, and the moments that brought her to her knees.
Many people who participate in Dry January may not take the time to reflect on their month of sobriety before falling back into old habits. Recovery expert and author of “Chaos to Clarity“, Marci Hopkins, shared advice for how to assess the experience and what to look for moving forward.
https://katu.com/afternoon-live/lifestyle-health/reflecting-on-the-effects-of-dry-january
In this powerful episode of the Shine Within Podcast, we welcome the extraordinary Marci Hopkins—award-winning TV host, creator, and executive producer of the nationally syndicated talk show Wake Up with Marci. Marci is also the bestselling author of Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles, where she courageously shares her journey from addiction and trauma to a life filled with clarity, purpose, and joy.
Marci Hopkins is a renowned TV Personality and the brilliant mastermind behind the captivating talk show, Wake Up with Marci, A Talk Show with A Heart, which has won the prestigious Telly Award three times. Marci is not only a talk show host, but also an accomplished author of the inspiring book “Chaos to Clarity,” a public speaker, and a recovery expert.
https://valiantceo.com/marci-hopkins/
Marci Hopkins is an influential TV personality, public speaker, accomplished author, and recovery expert known for her widely acclaimed talk show, “Wake Up with Marci.” She has received the prestigious Telly Award three times for her engaging and transformative content. Besides her successful career in television, Marci has made significant contributions as the author of “Chaos to Clarity,” a book that captures her personal journey from trauma and addiction to sobriety and self-love. Marci is a celebrated figure in media with multiple appearances on major networks such as Fox, CBS, NBC, and ABC, sharing her recovery expertise and inspiring countless viewers nationwide.
Hello Courageous friends!
On this week’s episode of the Frequency of Courage podcast, host Megan Imbert speaks with Marci Hopkins, an award-winning TV show host of Wake Up with Marci and author of “Chaos to Clarity Seeing the Signs & Breaking the Cycles” about her journey from trauma and alcoholism to recovery and self-discovery.
https://www.frequencyofcourage.com/podcast-1/episode/202999b8/chaos-to-clarity-with-marci-hopkins
Marci Hopkins joins Mindful Chats to share her inspiring story of overcoming addiction, and stepping into her most empowered self. Marci opens up about her childhood and family, and how drinking eventually became her escape, a response to intense emotional states like anxiety and depression.
On episode #128 of MOmetize Your Passion, I speak with Marci Hopkins, a renowned TV personality and the mastermind behind the Telly Award-winning talk show Wake Up with Marci. Marci is also a public speaker, a recovery expert, and the author of the book Chaos to Clarity.
Welcome to “The Mocktail Made Me Podcast”! Today, we’re thrilled to have Marci Hopkins, the dynamic host of “Wake Up with Marci,” join us. Marci is a passionate sober advocate and the author of “Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles.” We’ll discuss her journey with alcohol, the pivotal moments that led to her sobriety, insights from her book, and her experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Take a look at my favorite way to refresh your look for the spring!

Take a look at this article featuring me on the red carpet of of Cirque du Soleil’s OVO at the Prudential Center!
Here’s a link to my interview with Kornelia Stephanie on her show!

Check out photos below!
A VIP red carpet event welcomed celebrity guests prior to the show, including Peloton’s Christine D’Ercole and Camila Ramón; internet DIY sensation The Crafty Lumberjacks, Dennis Setteducati and Andrew Boza; award-winning TV host Marci Hopkins; lifestyle expert Tracy Mercedes; director Jen Donohoe; and more.
Marci Hopkins, author of “Chaos With Clarity,” shares her journey of sobriety and personal growth, highlighting that “hope is possible” with community support. Her amazing morning TV show, “Wake Up With Marci,” airs Saturdays at 10 am EST on WLNY-TV and Hulu Live, and she has appeared on major networks like Fox and CBS. Marci is dedicated to the Kumali Organization, an orphanage in Uganda, and works with the YMCA to empower women affected by sexual assault through the Healing Space program.
Stories That Inspire Hope with Kornelia Stephanie and Friends
We were lucky to catch up with Marci Hopkins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards.
Click the link to watch my interview with KATU ABC Portland!
Listen to my episode of the Sobriety Diaries where I speak on how to learn to move from Chaos to Clarity and live your happiest & healthiest life.
I recently appeared on the Non Drinking Buddies Podcast to discuss the power of gratitude, the program and paying it forward by helping others.
Listen to the link above for my interview with Voices in Courage Podcast where I discuss growing up with alcoholism!
Here is my interview with The Way Out Podcast, discussing breaking harmful cycles through healing and recovery.
https://wayoutcast.com/podcasts

Listen in to my interview with Sh!t That Goes On in Our Heads Podcast!

Listen to my interview with The Sobriety Checkpoint!
https://sobrietycheckpoint.podbean.com

Check out my interview on the Women Road Warriors Podcast!
https://women-road-warriors.captivate.fm/episode/getting-sober-fulfilled-with-tv-host-marci-hopkins
I am so excited to be on this amazing episode of Cheddar TV to discuss my book!
https://cheddar.com/media/author-marci-hopkins-on-stopping-the-cycle-of-addiction
I share my story on this episode of the Sobertown Podcast!
Tune in to my episode of the Addicted Mind Podcast where I discuss my recovery journey!
https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/identity-after-addiction/
I discuss how to find your identity after sobriety on the Through the Glass Recovery Podcast!
Check out my interview with the Glow Big Sober Podcast!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2039022/14023839




Click the link above to read my article on Forbes! I speak to the amazing Dr. Cheryl Robinson, and speak on overcoming self-doubt.
Click the link above to watch my interview with ABC Portland to discuss navigating big life changes!
Click the photo to watch my interview about creating the life you want to live on ABC Portland!


Watch my interview with Good Things Utah where I discuss how to detach from toxic friendships!
Head to the link above to see my interview with Virginia This Morning on CBS!
Watch my interview with ABC Portland where I discuss getting back on track in the New Year!
Listen to my interview with the One Day at a Time Podcast where I discuss recovery and tools that can help with healing.
Listen to my interview on the Beyond Recovery Podcast!
Listen at the link to hear my story on the Chasing Heroine Podcast!
Click the link to read my article in Authority Magazine where I discuss the importance of Dry January!
Celebrating Dry January! I was recently featured on PHL17 to discuss my book signing on 1/26, at Gem Life + Bar!
Click the link above to watch my interview on Great Day Houston!
Click the link to read my interview in the LA Weekly Times!
Learn to build an authentic brand in 2023 in the New Year with Wake Up!
Listen in as I speak on Dry January with NBC Milwaukee!
Watch the clip to see ChristmasFlix Cookie-Thon’s segment with Tara Bench!
Watch my interview with CBS6, where I discuss the ways that you can deal with holiday stress!
Watch my interview with ABC Portland, where I discuss the causes of stress during the holidays!
Watch my interview with ABC Portland where I discuss the things I learned from recovery!

Click the link to read my interview with New York Style Guide where I discuss my journey and book, “Chaos to Clarity”!
Listen to my interview on Passage to Profit! I speak about transforming your challenges into triumphs!
Watch my interview with ABC Portland where I discuss Emotional Intelligence!
Click the link to watch my interview with KATU ABC Portland! I share why the grass isn’t always greener on the other side!
Click the link to listen my appearance on the Knockin’ Doorz Down Podcast where I discuss my recovery journey.
Click the link to watch my interview with Fox Cincinnati where I discuss developing higher self esteem!
Listen to my interview on the FemCity Podcast where I discuss my journey!
Listen to my interview on the Toxic Person Proof Podcast!
Listen to my interview with Rooted Recovery Stories Podcast!
What motivates you in your life? It may be a motivational speech. But is that enough to uncover your goals in life? Before this, it is vital to learn how inspiration differs from motivation. Both are opposite to each other. Motivation is considered a push factor, which aims at some external reward. On the other hand, inspiration means more of a pull or driving force from within. So, if you need to discover your goals, then Marci Hopkins Top Influencer is a one-stop guide to entertain you with guests sharing stories and experiences.
Inspiration is unlike a medication you take, and you get motivated! It is a way to offer hope, empowerment, and focus on changing your mindset. An idea that you can put your life into action. One will get inspired when they come across different situations of people, and this shows how they faced their hard times with the help of true inspiration and empowerment.
Feel Free To Participate In Diverse Topic
Marci Hopkin’s top influencer show can be a life-saving option for people who have encountered a bad time during their lifespan. It is a perfect gateway to leading a healthy and cheerful life, changing your mindset, and discovering a decisive goal. The same comprises a comprehensive list of diverse topics on which one can openly talk or have a healthy part of the discussion.
Inspiration is essential for people who want success in their respective fields. The same is a complete blend of determination and creativity. A person without judgment and creativity, you’ll find yourself doing things just for their sake. Maybe there is someone around who is constantly inspiring you.
How do they manage to stay upbeat?”, You might ask yourself! But they are just flesh and bones like you and are probably not more robust or intelligent than you.
Why Choose Talk Show Presenter Marci Hopkins?
Talk show presenter Marci Hopkins is a complete blend of inspiration and empowerment. The same comprises stories of victory and transformation, giving you hope and encouragement to cope on your path to success. The show consists of an untold celebrity inspiration set to help educate the audience, with resources full of motivation that put the viewer’s life into action.
Order A Book of Inspiration
Marci Hopkins is a top influencer and is very much concerned about making her viewer’s entity a better one. As a social media influencer and talk show presenter Marci Hopkins provides a book of inspiration – “Chaos to Clarity.” The same comes with an educational approach that helps people recover from their bad times, learn the read signs, and break the cycle in their own life.
Take A Look At Our Media Kit
A media kit shows the path to success of talk show presenter Marci Hopkins. It will give you a reason why you should choose a talk show. Moreover, it will provide you with a bird’s-eye view of our service. We will live every Saturday at 10 am EST. So, don’t forget to attend the show.
Inspiration awakens us to new opportunities by permitting us to transcend our ordinary experiences and limitations. It propels a person from apathy to possibility and alters how we perceive our capabilities. Moreover, we have spread our service of inspiring people to other social media channels. Here you can refer to our channel, “Wakeup with Marci.”
Click the photo to listen to my interview discussing “Chaos to Clarity”, on the Toxic Person Proof Podcast!
Click the photo to watch my interview with ABC Portland about how to develop higher self esteem!
Click the picture to read my write-up about “Chaos to Clarity” on Books That Make You!
Watch my interview with the War Bond Show to discuss my book, “Chaos to Clarity”.
Click the link to view my interview with ABC7 Washington!
Watch and listen to my interview with WSAZ Channel 3 West Virginia on how to talk to your kids about addiction.

Do you often feel harassed and intimidated? Get ready to change your mindset with the TV Show Wake Up with Marci, whose mission is to give hope and empowerment to those who have faced exploitation and sexual abuse in their lives. Marci Hopkins is an award-winning TV personality, show creator, host, and executive producer of “Wake Up with Marci” which airs on CBS-owned WLNY-TV, channel 10/55 at 10 am on Saturdays.
What is the TV Show Wake Up with Marci All About?
The TV show wake up with Marci is all about spreading hope and empowerment among the victims of exploitation. Each week Marci, along with her guests, shares stories and experiences through educational, engaging, meaningful candid stories and experiences through educational, engaging, meaningful, and candid conversations.
Marci has been stone-cold sober for over five years. She is a sexual abuse survivor, influencer, entrepreneur, and mother dedicated to inspiring her viewers to find hope, strength, and their purposes. Through her TV show, she will inspire you to “Wake Up” and find your passion so that you can live your life to the fullest.
What Does Marci Do When She Does Not Host Her Show?
When Marci does not host her show, she devotes much of her time to her community. She supports the Kumali Organization for orphans in Africa, Uganda, and Ambassador of Survivor Corps, helping to match Covid-19 survivors with those that are sick and helping in finding an immunization. She is also on the board of the YWCA and is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, helping women of sexual assault, and promoting justice, peace, freedom, and dignity for all.
Marci Hopkins has always worked in television. She is known to have attended The Art Institute of Houston, from where she graduated with a bachelor’s in Music and Video Business. She started her career with Fox Cable Group and moved up the ranks. She worked on-air programming and operations and was untimely named Director of On-Air Promotions for FX Network in Los Angeles. She moved to New Jersey 15 years ago with her family and started a new career a few years later. She worked as a commercial and Indie film actor. Once she was healing and finding happiness, she harnessed all of her experience and launched Wake Up with Marci.
Marci has also been voted Media Mompreneur of the Year by New Jersey Family Magazine. She also recently received the Women’s Achievement Award from the New Jersey State Federation Women’s Club and was also honored at their Whiskers and Tails Dinner and Casino Night by the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge.
Background and Career of Marci Hopkins
Marci Hopkins is a Texas girl who started her career in Houston. She went to the Art Institute of Houston to study Music and Video Business. After graduation, she started her career in television. She worked for Fox Cable Group and worked her way up to Director of On-Air Promotions for FX Network in LA. She started a family and retired, moved to New Jersey, and got in front of the camera at the age of forty. She also worked in indie and commercial films.
Briefly Put!
The TV show with Marci Hopkins is a great platform to change your mindset. With Marci’s stories and experiences, you will broaden your horizon and won’t face any exploitation and sexual abuse. Your life will be full of excitement and pleasure.
Click the link to watch my cooking video on Mark Alyn Cooks!
Watch my interview with WTMJ NBC Milwaukee to hear about how you can speak to your children about addiction!
Click the link to watch my interview with KATU2 ABC!

I am so excited to announce that I am the winner of a Telly Award! Thank you so much to everyone who helped Wake Up on this journey!

My book, “Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles” is available now on Amazon. You can order a copy by clicking the link!
Click the link to listen to my interview on “Tomorrow Will Be Televised” where I talk all about my book, “Chaos to Clarity”.
Read my article on Success Pitchers Magazine where I share my story as well as inspiration & hope!
Watch my interview with KATU2-ABC Portland about talking to a loved one about a drinking problem.
Watch my interview with FOX19 in honor of Alcohol Awareness Month!

I am so honored and thankful for this opportunity and cannot express how appreciative I am to be featured as the cover model for Jenleeion’s March Edition!
Listen to my interview with Ali Levine where I talk all things, Chaos to Clarity!
Marci Hopkins is featured on page. 77 of Metropolitan Magazine for the February/March issue! Click the link and head to page. 77 to read all about it!
Read my article in Park Magazine on page 208! Read about my story, as well as my upcoming book, “Chaos to Clarity“.
Watch my interview with KATU ABC Portland about the Fear of Failure.
Watch my interview with KATU 2 ABC about victim mentalities!
Re
Read my interview with “Where it Begins” Magazine where I discuss my career, and upcoming book!
Read my piece on Modern Mom and learn more about my story away from the camera!
Here’s my interview with KATU 2 ABC Portland about my upcoming book!

Read my interview with “The Hollywood Times” about Wake Up, and my story!
Read my interview with Authority Magazine about making a social impact!
I am so honored to be included in this by NJBiz!
Marci Hopkins is the winner in the Media category of the Mompreneur of the Year contest.
Read my interview with NJ Family about I am making a difference with my platform.
Hear my story of starting Wake Up with Marci on northjersey.com!
Read my interview with New York Style Mag about my story of spreading hope & positivity!
Read my interview with Anna De La Rosa where I talk about my story, and journey to starting Wake Up!
Read up on my favorite wellness routines with East End Taste!
This is my interview with BEYOUROWN, about my journey and what Wake Up means to me.

I stop by ABC 9 to talk about how you can deal with toxic relatives!
Check out my interview on The Morning Blend where I discuss dealing with difficult family during the holidays!
Join me on “The Adversity Advantage” where I discuss my story of addiction.
Marci Hopkins joins FOX 19 Cincinnati to discuss dealing with triggering situations during the holidays!

Join me to hear messages of hope and positivity on “Passage to Profit” airing Sunday, 12/19/21 at 11 PM. Est.
Now as you get ready to entertain your guests this holiday season you may not be too excited to see some of them. Some you adore and others, well, not so much. Here to help us deal with those pesky relatives is Recovery Expert Marci Hopkins.

In 2022, my book “Chaos to Clarity” will be released! Stay tuned for more info!
Marci Hopkins shares tips on staying sober during the holiday season.

Marci Hopkins tells us how to deal with addictions. Hopkins says their are many programs to choose from and doing research in your area to find the right fit is key.
Hopkins dealt with her own addiction and has now been sober for years. She is also a sexual abuse survivor and her parents were alcoholics.
Her new book that is coming out soon called Chaos to Clarity not only explains her story but will help you see the signs of addiction soon to react on it.
Click the photo for the interview!
Click the photo for the interview!
Author and TV Host Marci Hopkins has advice on how to detox from certain friendships.
Click the photo for the interview!
Marci explains that a habit of drinking can escalate to an addiction when it starts to negatively impact your day to day life, and you feel like you can’t stop. You take the drink thinking it may be different this time but it rarely ever is. When it comes to addiction you need professional help where as you do not with a habit. There are many ways of getting sober. Speak with your doctor because detoxing can be dangerous, and consider a detox rehab facility. There are also online AA meetings now if you are sober curious.
Click the photo for the interview!
LeeAnn is talking with Marci Hopkins and learns about the importance of a positive morning routine when on the road to recovery. WKYC Cleveland Channel 3 NBC.

Marci Hopkins, a Recovery Expert, and the Author & Host of Wake Up with Marci joins Gayle Guyardo the host of the nationally syndicated health and wellness show Bloom with tips to overcome an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. WFLA NBC Tampa.


TV host of “Wake Up With Marci” show on WLNY/CBS, was nominated as one of the Top 25 Female Entrepreneurs in New Jersey by Leading Women Entrepreneurs.





Marci Hopkins on ChanceTV. Marci shares her story candidly and helps others to share theirs, with suggestions on how to change your mindset just as she has.

Marci featured in 201 Magazine

Wake Up is in the BC MAG!

Marci was recently awarded with the Women’s Achievement Award from the NJSFWC (N.J. State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC) at their 38th annual convention.



The first time I remember being tipsy was when I was 12 years old. It was an escape I finally found a way not to feel pain.
Drinking was always a way for me to cope, a lesson I learned growing up. My childhood was very difficult: I had two absent parents both of whom were alcoholics; I was also sexually abused. I was fortunate that my grandparents were able to raise me. Even though they provided a more stable home for me, my grandfather also drank heavily and had a very bad temper.