The effort to open up the discussion of mental health and addiction is picking up momentum like never before; the voice that most people are likely to connect with is the voice born out of lived experience. The stigma that used to be attached to addiction and recovery is slowly melting, giving room for honest stories of strength, recovery, and empowerment. The essence of this movement is the crude vulnerability and courage of people who take steps to expose their paths and pave the way for others to follow. Some of these trailblazers shine not only through their stories but also through the platforms they create, building literal ground to ignite community, learning, and radical change.
These pioneers know that recovery does not only mean overcoming addiction; it is an opportunity to reclaim life, nurture hope, and discover one’s true self. Their work defies conventional frameworks by embracing the nuances of trauma, mental wellness, and personal growth, offering tools and guidance in deeply human ways. This combination of genuineness, leadership, and commitment is what sets such leaders apart in today’s cultural era.
Among them is Marci Hopkins, the Founder of Wake Up with Marci, an innovative platform dedicated to empowering individuals on the journey to finding solutions amid the complex issues of recovery and overall health. Marci Hopkins is also a Mental Health Contributor on Connecting America, seen on USA Today, sharing insights and stories that normalize mental health conversations. With years of experience in media and a powerful personal story, she has created a space where healing is shared with care and meaning, challenging common ideas about addiction and showing that recovery can be freeing and life-changing.
In addition, Marci Hopkins will serve as the MC and the face of two iconic Addiction Awareness Walks presented by Shatterproof. These walks raise funds that transform the treatment system, end stigma, and empower communities. She will lead the New York City walk on October 25, 2025, at Pier 76, and the Los Angeles walk on November 8, 2025, at Griffith Park, bringing visibility, energy, and hope to participants across the nation.
Let’s explore how Marci Hopkins transforms recovery through authentic storytelling, empowering others to embrace healing, hope, and growth!
From Media Veteran to Recovery Advocate
Marci’s professional journey spans over 35 years in television and behind-the-scenes media production. Yet, despite outward success, an internal void persisted—a silence that only her own experience of hitting rock bottom could illuminate. Her turning point came in 2015 when the realization dawned that living a life “ruled by shame, alcohol, and pain” was no longer sustainable. “I was successful on the outside but broken on the inside,” she recalls. This moment of reckoning marked the beginning of a courageous recovery journey, leading Marci Hopkins to create Wake Up with Marci—a sanctuary for open, honest conversations around sobriety and healing.
Her platform was born out of necessity: a response to the profound need for safe spaces where individuals could find solace, support, and empowerment. Through this medium, Marci Hopkins provides not only hope but also practical tools for transformation. “That’s what inspired Wake Up with Marci—a safe space where stories of hope and tools for healing are shared to uplift others,” she shares, underscoring the personal motivation behind her work.
The Turning Point: Embracing Sobriety and Self-Love
The journey to recovery often begins with an intensely personal and painful awakening. For Marci Hopkins , 2015 was the year everything changed. Faced with the stark reality of her life’s trajectory, she chose sobriety as an act of radical self-love and bravery. “Choosing sobriety was the scariest and bravest thing I’ve ever done—but it also gave me the chance to rebuild my life on a foundation of self-love and truth.” This declaration embodies the essence of her message: recovery is not a punishment but a path to freedom.
Her story defies the common stereotype that addiction only affects the marginalized or visibly broken. Instead, it reveals the quiet suffering beneath polished surfaces and the profound strength required to confront it. Marci’s transparency about her struggles dismantles stigma and opens doors for others who might feel isolated in their experiences.
Shaping a Mission Rooted in Compassion
Every episode of Wake Up with Marci Hopkins is infused with the authenticity borne from lived experience. She knows intimately the pain of “hiding behind a smile while silently suffering,” and this understanding shapes her mission to break the silence around addiction, trauma, and mental health. The show is a source of compassion, designed to remind people that “they are not alone and never too far gone to heal.”
Her approach is both intimate and empowering. Rather than preaching or lecturing, Marci Hopkins facilitates conversations that honor vulnerability and truth. This genuine connection cultivates trust and fosters a sense of community among viewers and listeners, helping to normalize the complexities of healing.
Shifting the Cultural Dialogue on Mental Wellness and Recovery in 2025
In 2025, society’s discourse around mental wellness and recovery has evolved dramatically, yet challenges remain. Marci’s platform contributes meaningfully to this dialogue by championing the idea that healing is “not only possible—it’s powerful.” Through a blend of storytelling, expert insights, and candid conversations, Wake Up with Marci Hopkins normalizes emotional wellness and the often nonlinear journey of recovery.
Her work aligns with a broader cultural movement aimed at making vulnerability and healing mainstream, challenging outdated stigmas. By centering real human experiences, the platform encourages a more detailed understanding of what it means to be “human” in all its fragility and strength.
Vulnerability and Entrepreneurship Hand in Hand
Launching a public-facing brand centered on personal recovery was far from simple. She openly discusses the dual challenge of healing privately while stepping into the spotlight. This vulnerability was both a gift and a hurdle. On the business side, creating a brand from the ground up required multifaceted skills and relentless dedication. “Building a brand from scratch required wearing many hats—from producer to publicist to host,” she reflects, highlighting the complexity of her entrepreneurial journey.
Yet, it was her constant connection to her “why” — the purpose driving her work — that sustained her through uncertain moments. This alignment with personal values and mission became the compass guiding every step forward.
Healing Practices That Transform
Marci’s approach to healing is holistic and deeply reflective. Key practices such as forgiveness, gratitude, and inner child work have been instrumental in her transformation. She credits the 12 steps in AA as “life changing,” providing a structured framework to cultivate self-awareness, release shame, and embrace service.
In addition to these foundational steps, she emphasizes setting healthy boundaries, effective communication, journaling, and spiritual practices. “Most of all, I’ve learned to listen to my body, trust my intuition, and give myself the grace to evolve,” she explains, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and personal growth on the recovery path.
The Power of Guests’ Vulnerability
One of the most poignant aspects of Wake Up with Marci Hopkins is the authentic sharing of guests—experts, survivors, and those making their truths known for the first time. These moments resonate deeply with Marci, especially when guests express raw emotion on camera. “I’ve had guests cry on camera as they finally felt seen—and that vulnerability is what stays with me.”
These stories are more than content; they are transformative experiences for both guests and audiences. They embody the show’s commitment to creating a space where truth is honored and healing is ignited.
New Projects and Initiatives in 2025
Marci Hopkins vision continues to grow, expanding into new avenues that deepen her impact. She is currently writing a new book, Not Broken: A Companion for Your First 30 Days of Recovery, set for release in April 2026 to align with Alcohol Awareness Month.
In Not Broken, the award-winning author and TV host offers a raw, compassionate, and empowering guide for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or taking the first brave steps into sobriety. Blending personal stories, practical tools, and emotional support, this 30-day companion helps readers navigate early recovery with honesty, grace, and hope. From the pain of hitting bottom to the power of surrender—and from daily rituals to rebuilding trust—Not Broken is both a mirror and a roadmap, reminding readers that healing is possible and that they are never alone.
She is also expanding her podcast and launching new online programs, Chaos to Clarity: From Stuck to Thriving, designed to help women move beyond stress, guilt, and overwhelm to embrace self-love and empowerment.
Her speaking engagements throughout 2025 further amplify her voice and mission. Highlights include The Business of WE, emceeing the Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction Stigma, the High Tea Business Salon, the IDIAS 7th International Conference on Spirituality and Mental Health, and SheLeads NYC.
Grounding Practices for Sustained Wellness
Sustaining wellness while managing a public-facing brand demands intentional practices. Marci Hopkins credits daily gratitude, meditation, prayer, and movement as essential for staying grounded. She prioritizes protecting her energy through strong boundaries and relies on a supportive community of fellow recovery members.
This foundation allows her to maintain emotional balance and resilience amidst the demands of her work. “Having a support system and being in community with others in recovery is essential to staying balanced and emotionally well,” she notes, underscoring the importance of connection.
Dispelling Misconceptions
Marci Hopkins addresses a common misconception head-on: the belief that recovery is about sacrifice or loss. “In truth, recovery gives you your life back. It’s not about restriction—it’s about freedom, clarity, and living fully present.” This perspective reframes sobriety as an opportunity to reclaim one’s authentic self and live with intention.
Her message offers hope and encouragement to those hesitant or fearful about beginning their own recovery journeys, emphasizing empowerment over limitations.
Leadership Rooted in Compassion and Authenticity
As a founder and leader, Marci’s values shape the culture of her team and community. Compassion, integrity, and transparency guide her approach. “I lead with empathy and value authenticity above all else,” she affirms. Creating a safe space where individuals feel empowered to express themselves truthfully is central to her leadership philosophy.
This nurturing environment fosters trust, growth, and collective healing, reinforcing the mission behind Wake Up with Marci Hopkins.
Measuring Impact Through Personal Transformation
For Marci Hopkins, success is not quantified by numbers or metrics but by the personal transformations of those touched by her work. Every message from viewers or listeners who feel seen or inspired to seek help is a testament to the impact of her mission. “Every message I receive from someone who says, ‘Your story helped me feel seen,’ or ‘I decided to get help after watching your show,’ is my measure of success.”
This deeply personal metric reflects her commitment to meaningful, life-changing connection rather than superficial reach.
Global Reach and Community Expansion
Looking ahead, Marci envisions Wake Up with Marci reaching global audiences through streaming platforms, creating partnerships with nonprofits, and expanding educational content. She also aspires to develop retreats and in-person experiences centered on healing, empowerment, and community building.
These ambitions reflect a desire not only to broaden the platform’s influence but also to deepen its ability to foster authentic connections and transformation.
A Message of Hope for Those Struggling
Marci closes with a powerful message for anyone feeling trapped or overwhelmed by addiction or personal challenges: “You are not broken. You are not alone. And it’s never too late to start over.” Encouraging individuals to seek help and take incremental steps forward, she acknowledges the nonlinearity of healing while affirming that “every step forward matters.”
Her words serve as a hope, reminding listeners that their stories are still unfolding and that renewal is always possible.
A Catalyst for Lasting Healing
Marci shows the true power of vulnerability, compassionate leadership, and deep commitment to healing. Through Wake Up with Marci, she breaks down barriers and creates a space where recovery is seen as a brave, freeing journey toward living a fuller, more authentic life. Her story and work inspire many to wake up each day with fresh hope and the belief that healing is
possible and increasingly meaningful. By building a community rooted in empathy and honesty, Marci reminds us that no one has to face their struggles alone.
