Darren Phillips

My adventure has included growing up in Bury; a tough, working-class town in the UK, and succeeding in business–before drinking myself out of a fortune. Having tea in Sir Richard Branson’s living room, streaking at an international cricket match, flying to America for a two-week vacation-never to return, meeting far too many musicians, stints in psychiatric-units and jails, standing atop a bridge and ready to jump. Beating alcoholism, marrying the woman of my dreams–and then seeing her sentenced to 6 years in state prison. Hiring Michael Jackson’s lawyer, meeting the Manson girls in prison and ultimately turning my life around and buying a home down the street from Oprah. Having obtained a master's degree in psychology, and a post-masters graduate certificate in addiction studies, I have counseled hundreds of individuals, and travel the United States year-round to speak to thousands in recovery and I am in my early fifties. From Manchester to Montecito -- and everywhere in between -- I hope my memoir entertains and inspires you.