William Moyers is a father, spouse, author, recovery advocate and employee of Hazelden Betty Ford since 1996. Moyers uses his own story to carry the message of hope and healing to people who need help overcoming addiction

https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?

A. My drugs of “no choice” were cocaine, alcohol, and weed from time-to-time. Decades after I gained sustainable recovery, in 1994, I had a “run in” with narcotic pain meds. Today I count my recovery journey as starting on Aug. 6, 1989.

Q. What do you like most about 12-step meetings?

A. The community of “We” continues to attract and sustain me.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?

A.  Addiction is an illness, in some ways much like other chronic conditions and very different in others.

Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?

A. Rosanne Cash. (family recovery)

Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?

A. Lake — specifically my cabin on Dubois Lake in western Wisconsin.

Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety Toolkit that helps keep you sober?

A. I maintain an IRA — an Individual Recovery Account — that is stocked with a lot of recovery capital tools to help me along my way.

Q. How do you measure success?

A. I count success by my ability to help others who reach out in their struggle with substances. Nothing matters more to my recovery than helping others.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?

A. People who ignore the issues of nicotine use/smoking while claiming that other fellow travelers should avoid medications in recovery.

Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to?

A. Hazelden Betty Ford.

Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?

A. My parents, Judith and Bill Moyers.

Q. From what school of thought or teacher did you learn the most from?

A. Ham Smith, my J-school professor in college. Everything I learned about journalism/reporting I got from his influence.

Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?

A. I was born in Ft. Worth, Texas but have lived in St. Paul for the past 30 years.

Q. If you were giving a dinner party for your 3 favorite authors, living or dead, who would they be? (You can choose a 4th if you think one might be too drunk or stoned to attend)

A. Joachim Fest, John Lennon and Robert Caro.

Q. What’s your concept of a Higher Power?

A. It isn’t a concept: I believe in a God who is present in my life every day I connect with this HP.

Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?

A. The Spirit of St. Louis by Charles Lindbergh, The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan.

Q. Which film have you watched the most?

A. Saving Private Ryan.

Q. Who is your favorite film director?

A. George Lucas.

Q. What surprised you most about living sober?

A. That there is so much more involved than not drinking or drugging.

Q. If you could give advice to your younger self what would it be?

A. Don’t waste time trying to change other people.

Q. What books are you reading now?

A. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.

Q. What is your favorite App?

A. YouTube Music Premium.

Q. Are you binge watching any TV series?

A. No. I don’t have time.

Q. What is your favorite play or musical?

A. Hadestown.

Q. Who is your favorite performer, living or dead?

A. Jimmy Stewart.

Q. What is your favorite musician and or band?

A. The Beatles.

Q. What is your favorite city?

A. New York City.

Q. What sport(s) do you like to play or watch?

A. Football.

Q. What is your favorite restaurant?

A. Hyacinth in St. Paul.

Q. What is your favorite cuisine?

A. Italian.

Q. What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?

A. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve given someone else?

A. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Q. Have you ever been arrested and, if so, what for?

A. Yes, in 1980, while under the influence.

Q. What is one thing that always makes you smile?

A. Being greeted at home by my beloved dog Paco and cat Rosa.

Q. What was the proudest moment in your life?

A. Too many to pick one.

Q. What is a style trend you wish would come back?

A. Ties.

Q. What do you love most about yourself?

A. I live my days with a steadfast sense of wonderment.

Q. What are five things you always carry with you? (not including cell phone, keys, wallet, or lipstick)

A. Recovery medallion, big dose of gratitude, cash, business card.

Q. What is your biggest fear?

A. Dying somewhere other than at home in my own bed.

Q. What is your biggest regret?

A. My impulsiveness.

Q. What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?

A. Opting to leave CNN and Atlanta to move to the Twin Cities without a job.

Q. What is something you are currently curious about?

A. What happens to the U.S. after the presidential election.