Recently Los Angeles Weekly Times had the pleasure of interviewing Marci Hopkins, Best Selling Author of Chaos To Clarity: Seeing The Signs and Breaking The Cycles and Award Winning TV Host of Wake Up With Marci.
LAWT: Can you share with us your background and your career?
MH: I have worked in the entertainment industry my entire life. I rose through the ranks to become the Director of On-Air Promotions for FX Network in Los Angeles, I then retired and started my family, not long after my first child was born we moved to New Jersey. A few years after my second child was born I wanted to return to what I loved, the entertainment world, so at the age of 40 I got in front of the camera and achieved success in commercial and indie film acting. I took a step back seven years ago to begin my recovery journey. Wake Up With Marci and my book, Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles are the product of my recovery. My genuine desire to give back and empower others to live their happiest lives, as that is my story today.
Wake Up with Marci is a talk show that shares inspiration through stories of hope, interviews with celebrities, self-help, and thought leaders.
Wake Up is nationally syndicated on CBS-owned WLNY-TV 10/55 in New York and New Jersey, CBS LA, CBS Santa Barbara, CBS Palm Springs and ABC in Idaho, check local listings. Streaming on Hulu Live, Fubo TV and YouTube Live and on most podcast platforms.
LAWT: Can you tell us about your new book and what inspired you to write it?
MH: Chaos to Clarity paves a new road to recovery using personal stories and an educational approach taking the reader through the process of waking up and breaking harmful patterns. By healing past trauma, getting sober, making amends in relationships, walking in faith, and creating a joy-filled life. I want the reader to know it is possible to live your best life by following the signs and doing the work.
I share my intimate stories of addiction—to alcohol, attention, and the promise of a fresh start—I reveal how I got to the root of my problems. I shine a light on the dark places of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, and share how I moved from victim to survivor, then ultimately to living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I weave my story of recovery throughout the pages, inviting engagement, reflection, and introspection, for creating a pathway to healing for readers seeking more joy, with or without substances.
I share my story of trauma, addiction and recovery to help the reader to open their eyes to signs and guidance from the other side, heal from their past and break generational cycles so they can move into a life of happiness just as I have.
LAWT: If you could go back and talk to your younger self what would you tell her and why?
MH: I would tell her that she is braver, stronger and smarter than she could have ever imagined. I would tell her she will go through many hardships but these difficult times are lessons that will build on a magical life filled with love, and that the journey will be necessary for her future mission of helping others to have hope and build a better life.
LAWT: Are you working on any exciting new projects now?
MH: I am excited to now be sharing my story, strength and hope on stage as a public speaker. I have two amazing upcoming speaking engagements. The first is the Hearts of Oneness Wellness Convention in Edison, NJ on Saturday March 4th and The Hills Valley Coalition Event, helping teens and parents with underage drinking, recovery and hope on April 6 in Pascack Hills, NJ. It has been my dream to be able to speak on addiction, recovery and hope to help others with my message.
LAWT: Dry January has become a real trend, what are your thoughts?
MH: I believe Dry January is great because it offers others to reflect on their relationship with alcohol. You save money, improve your physical and mental health, you sleep better, it allows you to explore different interests and opens up your eyes to the benefits of not drinking. Most after participating in Dry January drink less because they see how much better life is when their lives do not revolve around alcohol. A few tips for keeping Dry during Dry January…get a buddy to do it with, say no to events that may tempt you, remove alcohol from your home, plan sober fun activities and get to the gym!
LAWT: Where do you see yourself and your career going in this new year ahead?
MH: I will continue to pursue my mission of helping others and spreading hope. I see myself on bigger stages outside of New Jersey with my message. I will expand my show in more markets and be in talks with a streaming outlet that would like to make my story a movie or series. I am also launching my new invention Carssentials, a sleek car organizer for your car. I’m dreaming big and putting it out in the Universe! I am a big believer that if you believe you will receive.
How can our readers connect with you on social media? www.wakeupwithmarci.com
Instagram @wake_up_with_marci and @hostmarcihopkins
LinkedIn and YouTube – Wake Up with Marci