Chris recently sat down with Devon Teeple of the GM’s Perspective to share his recovery journey and the path that led to founding three organizations Herren Talks, Herren Project and Herren Wellness to educate and empower people on their journey to recovery and wellness.
HERREN TALKS: PEOPLE LISTEN
Chris Herren has been to the top of the mountain but has also seen the worst that can happen when addiction takes hold. Since going public with his story, he uses his voice to help educate others about the dangers associated with drugs and alcohol. The message is clear; Make a positive difference in the lives of others.
The GM’s Perspective: It’s been a couple years since we talked and I can’t even count the amazing things you’ve been up to…First, knowing the importance of family, what’s it like knowing your son, Chris is following in your footsteps?
Chris Herren: It’s been great. I couldn’t be more proud as a parent. It’s way bigger than basketball. It was an opportunity to go to one of the best schools in the country. It was an opportunity that I didn’t take advantage of and to see him has been extremely gratifying. He’s his own man and is blazing his own trail.
GMs: It looks like you’ve officially rebranded as Herren Talks. Can you shed some light on how that came about?
CH: With Herren Project, Herren Talks, Herren Wellness, it was a lot of brand confusion. We have over 700 runners in Herren Project and we had our own community, but we wanted to bring everyone under one umbrella. Everybody has the same mission and we’re focused on the same target; substance abuse, prevention, education, assistance, treatment navigation, and recovery. To bring it all under one umbrella and one brand has been tonnes of work but in my opinion, necessary and very rewarding for us.
GMs: This is now our fourth interview, and to say I’m grateful is an understatement. I remember reading your book in 2011 and I won’t lie it changed my life. I know I’m not the only one you inspire. Did you ever think after all these years you’d be in the position you’re in?
CH: I often have to pinch myself. I had no idea what my life and what opportunity would be in front of me, especially the lives that we’ve been able to affect. I honestly, often times, I just can’t believe I’m living the life I live. If you asked me six years ago in our first interview, I would’ve never imagined I’d be this far along with it.
The beauty of it is, it wasn’t my intention. It wasn’t something where I sat down and said this is my goal. This all happened organically and happened because somebody helped me. Somebody took the time to give me a second chance. Because of that second chance, I watched my whole family change. I watched lives change of everyone who loved me and cared for me. I wanted to be part of that. Because of that, we’ve morphed into the Herren brand and three companies.
You’ve been on this journey with me. You’ve supported me and you’ve believed in me. I appreciate that.
