In 2013, I hit the floor—hard. I dragged myself into a homeless shelter, my life a wreck of empty bottles and broken promises. Alcohol had stolen my job, my people, my pulse. The shelter’s stale air and flickering lights held me like a trap, and I was nobody. If you’d told me I’d stand tall as an inspirational speaker, sharing my recovery journey to wake up crowds, I’d have shrugged, too lost to care. But I’m here now—sober, co-founder of a mission that heals, and burning to show you that your darkest night can lead to dawn.
Getting sober was no fairy tale. I spent a year in 12-step recovery, hunched in musty meeting halls where strangers traded truths over bad coffee. I’d grip my knees, half-hearing stories of folks clawing back from nothing. An old-timer, Tom, all scars and squinting eyes, kept muttering, “Just don’t drink today.” That stuck like glue. The steps forced me to face my chaos—every excuse, every lie I’d leaned into. Unraveling my alcoholic ways wasn’t pretty, but it was my personal transformation. Now, as a motivational speaker, I tell audiences: you don’t need to be whole to start—you just need to move.
I didn’t rebuild alone. In 2014, I was hustling—working in kitchens, anything to stay afloat—when I linked up with two friends who’d wrestled their own demons. We shared a fire to help others, so we co-founded Impact Wellness Network, an addiction recovery resource with full medical detox services for people fighting substance use disorder. It’s a business I run with partners, built from our own hard-won hope, helping people save their own lives one call at a time.
That recovery journey reshaped me. It’s why I’m an inspirational speaker today, talking to companies, campuses, anybody who’ll listen. I don’t preach—I share the real stuff: the stumbles, the shame, the spark that kept me going. Overcoming addiction taught me you can rise from ashes, and I bring that truth to every stage.
I’m still in the fight—running a business, learning every day—but speaking’s my heart. When I see someone in the crowd nod, eyes bright, I know they’re seeing what’s possible. If you’re planning an event and need a motivational speaker who’s walked through hell and come out stronger, I’m ready. Visit Jamessweasy.com to book me—let’s light up your audience together.
For addiction recovery resources please visit www.ImpactWellnessNetwork.com
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