The views expressed on this podcast belong to its content creators and guests and do not reflect the views of The Alaska Current, its affiliates or contributors.
This week’s guest on “What’s Up Alaska?!” is Derrick Moore, motivational speaker and author of “7 Steps from Addiction to Sobriety.”
Moore has been putting in the work to make a big impact in Alaska. His volunteer work and willingness to share his story are inspiring.
Moore was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He says he had all the tools for success in high school: good grades and an athletic background that helped him secure scholarships.
“So everything looked fine on the exterior,” he said. “But, you know, as I progressed and started to develop negative mental habits and stuff, my life kind of fell apart around age 18.”
At that age, Moore was kicked off of his basketball team, expelled from school, lost all of his scholarships, went to prison and became an alcoholic. His book chronicles his 14-year journey, sharing tools and methods he used to help in his recovery.
Moore also shares his story on social media through his moniker, Hardaway Learning, with nearly 200,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok combined. His social media handle is a spin on his nickname “Skinny Hardaway,” which comes from the name of basketball player Penny Hardaway.
“As I grew older … I came to realize that I really embodied the second half of the nickname … Hardaway,” he said. “Everything I learned in life I learned the hard way. And the thing that gravitates me to the name is that, in a sense, we all learn the hard way.”
Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about Derrick Moore’s life, book and how he stays disciplined. Let us know your favorite takeaways from the episode on our Facebook and Instagram.
Blaze Bell & Justin Williams bring you "What's Up, Alaska?!" Podcast! This show features interviews with incredible Alaskans who are making a big impact on our great state. Learn more at whatsupalaskapod.com.
