From Blood Buckets to Boardrooms: Lucky Church’s Journey Through Trauma, Addiction & Triumph | Lucky C.
Listen or watch on your favorite platforms
Meet Lucky; a man who grew up surrounded by addiction, abandonment, and survival. Dropped off by his mother at age five and left to navigate a home filled with drugs, violence, and emotional neglect, Lucky witnessed overdoses, carried buckets of blood for his dying stepfather, and battled his own demons with alcohol and food. Though he avoided the substances that consumed his family, he couldn’t escape the emotional toll—until a near-fatal heart surgery forced him to face the truth and fight for a new life.
Some stories shake you. Others shift you. This one does both.
In this episode of Crosstalk Podcasts, we sit down with Lucky Church, a Bronx-born entrepreneur and consultant whose story begins with abandonment, chaos, and trauma, and ends with purpose, power, and peace. But the road between those two versions of Lucky is anything but smooth.
Whether you're in recovery, questioning your relationship with alcohol, or love someone who’s struggling, Lucky's story will move you deeply. Tune in for hope, wisdom, and the reminder that it’s never too late to change.
Growing Up in a Family of Addiction
Lucky’s earliest memories aren’t of cartoons or playgrounds—they’re of Harlem street corners, burning crack, and the sound of his mother vanishing with a promise to return. By the age of five, he was dropped off and forgotten. Raised by grandparents, separated from his brother, and surrounded by addiction, Lucky witnessed overdoses, violence, and dysfunction on a daily basis.
He grew up watching loved ones destroy themselves. And despite trying to rise above it, trauma clung to him.
His Addictions Didn’t Look Like Theirs
Lucky didn’t use heroin or crack. His addiction was quieter—but just as deadly. Alcohol numbed the pain. Food became comfort, escape, and control. Emotional eating spiraled into obesity, high blood pressure, and eventually, a series of life-threatening heart surgeries.
It wasn’t until a near-death experience at age 39—when doctors gave him a 10% chance of surviving—that Lucky truly woke up.
The Self-Healing Path
Unlike many guests, Lucky didn’t go through traditional 12-step recovery or treatment programs. Instead, he rebuilt his life using tools of accountability, gratitude, and radical self-honesty. He lost over 70 pounds, repaired relationships, and redefined success on his own terms.
Today, Lucky runs Lucky Church Consulting, helping creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals align their energy with their mission. He’s worked with fashion designers, chefs, athletes, and musicians—all while staying grounded in the values that saved his life.
FAQs
1. What is binge alcoholism?
Binge alcoholism refers to consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, often followed by periods of sobriety, and can be just as dangerous as daily drinking.
2. Can someone recover without going to rehab?
Yes—many people, like John, recover through support groups like AA and counseling without inpatient treatment.
3. What role does family support play in recovery?
Family support, especially from informed partners or loved ones in Al-Anon, can be crucial for sustained recovery.
4. How does Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) work?
AA offers a structured 12-step program with meetings, sponsors, and spiritual principles to support long-term sobriety.
5. What is the significance of a "spiritual awakening" in AA?
It often marks a shift in perspective, where the individual accepts help, seeks connection with a higher power, and commits to helping others.
Related episodes
ABOUT CROSSTALK
CROSSTALK reveals real stories of everyday people and notable figures, sharing their journeys from struggles to life-changing 'aha' moments with all kinds .