Interview with Steve Dorsey

When Oprah took her life class to St. Louis, Steve Dorsey inspired a worldwide movement when he stood and gave his testimony about overcoming addiction and conquering his life's demons. His session with Iyanla Van Zant touched millions of people across the globe who subsequently answered Iyanla's call to everyone to "Stand with Steve" demonstrating that suffering is universal. I recently became acquainted with Mr. Dorsey and asked him if he wouldn't mind sharing a few words with Julius Speaks. Here is what transpired.

1. What is your background? Where are you from?

I was born in Compton Ca and my mom moved us to Riverside in 74 were I really grew up at. Came from a some what poor back ground I guess, my mom was a house cleaner and she collected welfare because she worked under the table. She did what she had to do in order to try and give us a better life and tha better life took money and her back ground was basically a maid and that would not pay the bills. I say some what poor because all of my friends had brand new stuff we got used stuff, but at least we had stuff. My Mom was white and my dad was black, he was killed when I was 10 but they were divorced and my step dad who the only dad I knew was disabled. They were both alcoholics and my family back ground was this. My father died drunk. I was influenced very young in life.


2. What inspired you to become a photographer?

My daughter needed head shots because she wanted to be a model. She needed them right a way, so I said I could do it and did it! (LOL) I purchased a nice camera took her head shots and the company she was working for allowed me to follow them around and take photos so I helped out and the next thing you know I am doing it all the time and every book I could get my hands on I read. I spent hours researching other photographers and volunteering my time!


3. In Oprah's Life Class, your story inspired millions around the globe. In a few words, tell us your story.


I spent years learning how to reprogram my brain once I heard it can be done and nothing worked, every thing I did in life and business kept failing and I kept getting more and more discouraged and the final straw was when IRS cleaned out my bank account for the second time within a 6 month period and no one could help me even all the people I helped out never answered their phones.
I had people who owed me a lot of money just shunned me, so I was in a lot of pain and that was the topic so I wrote in about it and they contacted me and the rest has been on tv.

4. What have been some of the most important lessons you've learned in your life?

Everything we do in life has a story and watch what story you are telling yourself and what others are telling you!

5. Do you have any heroes? people you admire?

Everyone Oprah works with including Oprah especially, always God almighty, authors who write empowering messages.

6. What were those moments like with Iyanla Vanzant affirming you and calling on others to affirm you while you were on the show?

It was an amazing breakthrough and I was so grateful to have finally got it. I had this feeling inside of me for so long that I was so close to getting it and that day I got it!

7. What are your plans for the future?

Build Stand with Steve into a nonprofit and help others in all areas of life it can be of service with. Employ as many people as we can and do the work God has in store for me.

8. Are there any words you'd like to leave us with?

There is a reason why your brain does what it does. Make sure you understand the WHY and then your life will make sense. Keep an open mind and a closed mouth during the process and most important the only one you are lying to when you lie is yourself!

Thanks Steve!

Happy Birthday Muhammad Ali!!!